What Machines You Can Expect to See in a CNC Machine Shop?
A CNC machine shop is a place where parts are manufactured using various computer controlled machines. These shops provide a variety of services, including, CNC milling, CNC turning, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, CAD/CAM services, part production, prototyping, engineering and design consultation, manufacturing process development, production process flow analysis, and assembly and testing. To offer such services, CNC machining shops must be equipped with several machines. This post lists a few of the commonly used machines at a CNC machine shop.
Things and Equipment You Will see in a CNC Machine Shop
There are several types of machines in a CNC machine shop, and each has its own specific function. The machines are usually organized into workstations, and each workstation is equipped with the necessary tools to complete a specific task.
The following are a few popular CNC machines that you are likely to see during your visit to the CNC machine shop.
Milling Machines
A milling machine is a machine tool used to machining solid materials. Milling machines can be classified according to their primary use as vertical milling machines and horizontal milling machines. Vertical milling machines are used primarily for machining flat surfaces. Horizontal milling machines are used primarily for machining cylindrical surfaces.Multi-axis CNC Machines
Multi-axis CNC machines can move in more than one axis, typically three axes (X, Y and Z). This gives the machine considerably more flexibility to create different shapes and objects than traditional 2-axis machines. The three axes are the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis. The x-axis runs left to right, the y-axis runs front to back, and the z-axis runs up and down. Multi-axis machines are popular because they allow for greater precision and faster production times than single axis or dual axis machines.Lathe Machines
These are one of the most versatile and important machines in any CNC machine shop. They are used for a wide range of tasks, from turning metal and plastic to shaping wood. There are many different types of lathe machines, each with its own set of capabilities. Lathe machines can be divided into two main categories: manual and CNC. Manual lathes are operated by hand, while CNC lathes are controlled by a computer. CNC lathes offer more precision and can be used to create more complex shapes.Grinding Machines
A CNC grinding machine is a computer-controlled machine that uses abrasive wheels to grind or cut metal, ceramic, or other materials. The three axes of motion (X, Y, and Z) are controlled by a computer, which allows for very precise movements and shapes. The CNC grinding machines are the ones that have revolutionized the surface grinding process. Earlier, the surface grinding process was very slow and it required a lot of manpower. However, with the advent of these machines, the process has become much faster and efficient.Drill Presses
A drill press is a power tool that allows you to drill precise, accurate holes in a variety of materials. The drill bit is held in a chuck and rotated by a motor. The drill press table can be raised or lowered, allowing you to control the depth of the hole.Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
EDM is a type of machining process that uses electrical discharges (sparks) to remove material from the workpiece. The sparks are created by passing high-voltage current through a metal tool electrode and the workpiece. The metal electrode is gradually eroded by the sparks, so it must be replaced periodically. This technique can be used to create very complex shapes with high precision and accuracy.Micro Machining Tools
These are used to create very small parts. There are a number of different micro machining tools available on the market. Some of the most common ones are micro mills and micro lathes. Micro mills are used to machine small parts that are too difficult to machine with a standard milling machine.By partnering with a CNC machine shop that has its own in-house capabilities like Brogan & Patrick, you can save yourself time and money. You won’t have to wait for quotes or go through the process of sending your parts to a third party. You can also receive your parts quickly and easily. Additionally, when you partner with a CNC machine shop that has several in-house machines and tools, you can increase your production capacity without having to invest in more equipment. This gives you the ability to produce more parts in a shorter time frame, which can help you meet deadlines and keep your production schedule on track.