Cnc

1. INTRODUCTION OF CNC MACHINES
In 1949, the first CNC machine was invented. Since then, CNCs have evolved rapidly,
changing industries and manufacturing forever.
Depending on your budget, time, work material, shape, and size of the product, you can
choose from several types of CNC machines to make almost anything you want.
Types of CNC Machines
1. CNC Milling Machine
2. CNC Router
3. CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
4. CNC Lathe Machine
5. CNC Laser Cutting Machine
6. CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine

2. Types of CNC Machines
7. CNC Electrical Discharge Machine
8. CNC Grinder
9. CNC Bending Machine
10. CNC Drilling Machines
11. CNC Pick and Place Robot
12. 3D Printer
Different types of CNC machines
CNC machines can be differentiated based on the function they perform, the materials they
work on, and the underlying technology of the machine.
But how many types of CNC machines are there?
In the next sections, I give a broad overview of each type of CNC machine.
1. CNC Milling Machine
HaaS
CNC Mill
CNC mills are one of the most popular CNC machines, used mainly for milling, drilling, and
cutting operations.
Mills derive and convert specific programs made up of letters and numbers (G-code) in order
to route and path the spindle in different ways.
After placing the workpiece inside the milling machine, the computer takes control.
The computer code guides and instructs every movement and action of the spindle and tools
to cut and convert the workpiece to a designed custom part with high accuracy.

3. Tapping, Drilling, Turning, Face milling, and Shoulder milling are some of the common
functions that a CNC milling machine can perform.
CNC Milling machines have configurations starting from 3 axes, up to 6-axis.
In the most basic 3-axis CNC, the three axes represent the X-axis (left-right), Y-axis (front-
back), and Z-axis (up-down) movements.
CNC milling machines are quite large and expensive when compared to other CNC
machines like CNC routers.
In general CNC Mills are used to machine hard metals and CNC routers are used to machine
softer materials like wood, plastics, and some soft metals.
Okuma, Haas, and DMG Mori are some of the popular professional-level CNC milling
machine manufacturers.
2. CNC Router
A CNC router is a machine similar to a CNC mill but is generally used for machining softer
materials and is typically less precise compared to CNC Mills.
CNC Routers are significantly cheaper than CNC Mills.
A professional-level CNC Router can cost less than $2,000 whereas even entry-level CNC
Mills cost upwards of $10,000.
CNC routers are characterized by their ability to use computer numerical control to route
spindle and machine tool paths to design and shape materials like wood, steel, composites,
aluminum, foam, and plastic, into the desired design and shape.
CNC Routers generally consist of a Mechanical Base, Spindle, Stepper motors, Stepper
Drivers, Controllers, and Power Supply.
Generally, entry-level CNC routers consist of a 3-axis system to carve the workpiece
into the desired shape, with a rotary tool attachment (4th-axis), which can be purchased
separately to machine curved workpieces.
Some of the most popular CNC router brands on the market today are Carbide 3D,
Inventables, Avid CNC, BobsCNC, and Onefinity.

4. 3. CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
CNC plasma cutter is a CNC cutting machine, similar to CNC milling machines in the fact
that they share the same function, that is to remove material to produce the desired cut.
However, CNC plasma cutting machines use a plasma torch to cut through the workpiece
while a milling machine uses an end mill or router bit attached to a spindle.
CNC plasma cutters work on the electric discharge mechanism, and therefore, can
only be used for machining electrically conductive materials. This could also be considered a
disadvantage of plasma cutting.
Typical materials used as workpieces for plasma cutting are brass, copper, aluminum, steel,
and stainless steel.
In a CNC plasma cutting machine, the torch is produced by passing high-velocity gas
through a nozzle.
While this process is carried out, an electric arc is produced.
The arc forms through the high-velocity gas and jumps onto the material being cut,
converting an amount of the high-velocity gas into plasma (electronically ionized gas).
CNC plasma cutting machine exhibits a close resemblance to the function and property of a
handheld gas-powered torch.
While the gas-powered torch produces temperatures up to 10,000 ℉ for welding, plasma
torches achieve temperatures ranging from 10,000 ℉ to 50,000 ℉.
4. CNC Lathe Machines

5. CNC lathes work by spinning the workpiece at a high speed while a cutting tool is applied
to the surface to produce the desired product.
Lathes, typically work best for products with cylindrical, conical, or flat shapes. This is a
distinct difference between CNC Mills and Lathes because CNC Mills can work on any
shape.
Although considered to be less precise and versatile compared to a CNC Mill, CNC Lathes
cost lesser and are excellent for quick, simple jobs.
CNC lathes gain an advantage in the fact that the machine is smaller and more compact,
thereby increasing its portability.
The machine is also characterized by its ability to rotate the workpiece while in operation.
CNC lathe machines consist of a computer-controlled lathe spindle that rotates and turns the
raw materials into position as programmed and commanded by the computer.
Typically, CNC Lathes have two axes. The Z-axis is the movement of the cutting tool along
the length of the workpiece, and the X-axis controls the movement of the cutting tool
perpendicular to the chuck.
The movement along the X-axis determines the depth of the cut and controls the
diameter of the workpiece.
Shafts, bolts, and screws are some of the components made on CNC lathes and turning
machines. Some of the popular manufacturers of CNC Lathes are HaaS, Okuma, DMG Mori.
5. CNC Laser Cutting Machine

6. CNC laser cutters resemble CNC plasma cutters in their ability to cut through tough
materials.
However, a CNC laser cutting machine uses a powerful beam of highly focused laser to
perform the task, unlike a plasma cutter which uses plasma (ionized gas).
Since lasers have a smaller point of contact and spread when compared to torches, CNC laser
cutting machines typically provide a higher level of accuracy and a better surface finish
when compared to CNC plasma cutters.
Also, CNC laser cutters are comparatively more expensive than CNC Plasma cutters of
similar capability (accuracy and cutting depth).
Laser cutters offer greater material flexibility than plasma cutters and are predominantly used
for cutting plastic, paper, fabric, metals, and hardwood.
Depending on the density and strength of materials, the laser intensity can be tweaked to cut
through the material easily.
In CNC laser cutters, the workpiece (generally a flat surface) is placed on the work table.
The laser beam then moves to and fro on the material, producing the heating effect to
vaporize or melt the workpiece and create the required cut.
6. CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine
CNC Waterjet

7. Typically CNC Water-jet Cutting is opted for when the material to be worked upon is
sensitive to temperature and could melt at high temperatures, such as plastic and aluminum.
Although these machines can cut with just water, usually additional abrasive materials like
garnet (a mineral) or aluminum oxide are added to the water for more efficient cutting.
A CNC Water-jet cutting machine costs more than a plasma cutter with similar specifications.
But it costs less compared to a CNC Laser cutter with similar specifications.
One disadvantage of a CNC water-jet cutter is that it is typically slower than CNC plasma
cutters and CNC laser cutters.
Some popular CNC waterjet cutter brands are KMT, WARDjet, OMAX, and Flow.
7. CNC Electrical Discharge Machine
CNC Electrical discharge machines (EDM) are also termed spark CNC machines.
The process in an EDM can also be called wire burning, die sinking, sparks machining, or
spark eroding.
CNC electric discharge machines use electrical sparks which produce high temperatures to
manipulate and shape materials into the desired form.
Electrical discharge CNC machines produce a series of controlled sparks or recurring
electrical discharges producing temperatures up to 21,000 ℉ to vaporize the material and
produce the desired shape.
The materials or workpieces are placed in between two electrodes, the top, and bottom
electrodes.
Based on the G code, the computer instructs the amount of electrical discharge that must be
produced by the electrodes.
This process creates sparks that consume the material on the workpiece as per the design.
The materials consumed by the sparks are flushed/washed by a dielectric fluid which
completes the process.
Electrical Discharge Machine is distinguished by its ability to create precise slots, micro
holes, angled or tapered features, which are usually difficult to machine using traditional
CNC methods.
CNC Electric discharge machining is used for machining complex designs with very high
precision, such as sprocket gears.
Kent USA is a popular brand in the USA that makes Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM).

8. 8. CNC Grinder
A CNC Grinder uses abrasive tools to smooth and finish a machined product.
Grinders are typically used in applications requiring extremely high precision such as engine
parts.
Generally, the product is first created with a rough surface using a CNC Mill or Lathe and
then moved to the CNC Grinder for grinding operation to attain the final finishing.
CNC Grinders come in various types such as surface grinders, roll grinders, and cylindrical
grinders among others.
There is a lot of variety in the type of abrasive used for grinding as well, such as plated or
vitrified CBN, Diamond grinding wheels, Aluminum Oxide, and Ceramic Blend Grinding
Wheels, among many others.
9. CNC Bending Machine
A CNC bending machine consists of a computer-controlled press and die that applies the
required pressure to bend the workpiece in the desired shape.

9. It is generally used in the sheet metal industry to bend or crease metal sheets at pre-
programmed angles.
Unlike traditional bending machines, these machines are capable of producing bends of
extremely high accuracy.
Apart from sheet metal, CNC bending machines are also available to bend metal rods
and pipes.
Their ability to produce highly accurate parts with excellent repeatability makes CNC
bending machines ideal for large-scale industries, including automotive, aerospace,
construction, and metal fabrication.
10. CNC Drilling Machine
CNC drilling machines are computer-controlled drilling machines that can be used to make precise and int
These machines consist of a mechanical rotating tool that plunges into the workpiece
radially to make holes.
A CNC drilling machine automatically controls various parameters, such as the plunge rate,
depth of cut, feed rate, spindle speed, etc., based on the input provided by the CNC
programmer.
By utilizing CNC drilling machines, materials can be processed at significantly higher
speeds compared to manual drilling techniques.
Additionally, modern CNC drills incorporate intelligent tool swapping and positioning
technologies, further boosting their productivity.

10. 11. CNC Pick and Place Robot
Boosting India’s manufacturing capabilities
We are investing in a lubricant manufacturing plant in Maharashtra to help meet India’s
growing lubricant demand.
Pick-and-place robots are one of the most popular CNC machines in the manufacturing
industry that are specifically used for repetitive tasks.
These machines eliminate the need for manual handling of the workpieces, thereby reducing
the risk involved in the process.
A typical pick-and-place robot consists of actuators or motors (to control the movement of
the robotic arm) and a handler that grips the workpiece.
Depending on the type of workpiece, the handler can be a clenching clamp or a vacuum
suction cup.
While clamps are used to handle rigid and heavy workpieces like automobile chassis,
suction cups are preferable for handling delicate workpieces like glass panels.
When looking for a pick-and-place robot for your application, it is important to analyze your
application and select the best-suited robot based on its lifting capacity, handler type, and
work envelope.

11. 12. 3D Printer
A 3D printer is a type of CNC machine that creates three-dimensional workpieces by adding
the material layer by layer, based on a digital model or design.
The operator uses CAD software to prepare the 3D design, which is then sliced into 2D
layers by CAM software to generate the commands required for controlling the printing
process.
It is also known as additive manufacturing because it builds objects by adding material rather
than removing it, as in traditional subtractive manufacturing processes.
Typically, the material is heated and then extruded through a nozzle in the print head which
makes precise movements to deposit the extruded material on the work area and produce the
required part.

12. Introduction ofVMC Machines And
Its Types, Uses and Processes
Machine-based manufacturing is the process of removing layers of material from a
workpiece with the use of machine tools to produce the desired product or part. It is divided
into several categories: manual vs. CNC, three-axis vs. five-axis, and vertical vs. horizontal.
Each process version has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, making it suited for various
manufacturing applications. In this article, we are going to talk about Vertical Machining
Centers.
What is a VMC Machine?
Vertical Machining Centers, also known as Vertical Milling Machines, create
holes in flat parts. The VMC technology is favored when three-axis work is done
on a single face, such as in-mold and die works.
Multiple adjustments are available on VMCs. For example, on the worktable,
there are numerous angles of approach and rotating and other positioning devices.
The incorporated computerized controls enable automation, repeatability, tool
selection/change, and contour control. These new CNC machines raised the
productivity of the “milling” machine to unprecedented heights, giving rise to the
term VMC (Vertical Machining Center).

13. How many axis are in vmc machines?
Mainly VMC Machines have only three axis that move on x, y and z axises. On Standard
VMCs the cutter stays in vertical directions. To increase the benefits of VMC additional axis
can be added.
Types of VMC Machine
VMC machines are classified based on mainly four categories:
● Classification based on the Guide Rail: Hard Rail & Linear Rail
The VMC machine can be separated into the hard rail and linear rail based on the shape of
each axis’ guide rail. The stiffness of the strong rail makes it appropriate for heavy cutting.
The linear rail is a ball-bearing guide rail that moves rapidly and with greater sensitivity.
● Classification based on the Spindle Speed: Low Speed & High Speed
The low-speed type VMC machines’ spindle speed is 6000-15000rpm, whereas the high-
speed type’s spindle speed is above 18000rpm. Surface polish and processing precision will
improve high-speed and high-precision VMC machines.
● Classification based on the Bed Structure: C Type & Gantry Type
The VMC can be classified into two types based on its bed structure: C type and gantry type.
● Classification based on the Column Structure: Fixed column & fixed worktable
❖Fixed-column VMC stands for vertical machining center with table movement. This type
of vertical machining center accounts for over 75% of the market in terms of production and
sales.
❖A fixed worktable VMC is also known as a moving-column type VMC. This type of
vertical machining center accounts for around 15% of the vertical machining center market
in production and sales.

14. Vertical vs Horizontal Lathe Machines
Vertical Lathe Machines are huge ram type machines that are used for boring, cutting
drilling, facing, turning of heavy duty and high power cutting of medium and large parts.
Horizontal Lathe Machines
Horizontal Lathe Machine: A horizontal lathe is mainly used for turning a rotating workpiece
with a turning tool. Horizontal Lathes are just as similar as vertical lathes but the difference
is it has a horizontal lathe in it. When using a vertical lathe, the machinist must work in an
up-and-down motion. Both of the lathes are used for creation of similar products.
Applications of VMC Machining
Vertical machining centers may produce parts and products for various industries and uses.
These are typically used for high-precision, high-accuracy, and mass-production applications,
such as those that contain the following machined components:
Parts with a lot of curves. Complex curves are found in parts such as cams, impellers, and
propellers. While traditional machining processes make it challenging to produce these parts
with precision and accuracy, a multi-axis VMC equipped with CNC machine technology can
do so fast and efficiently.
Parts that have an unusual shape. A bracket or a base is an example of a piece with an
irregular form. VMCs with automatic machining capabilities enable the manufacture of these
highly complicated components that are difficult to manufacture by traditional methods.
Parts from the military. Various standards govern how an item can be developed and
manufactured in the military industry. VMCs’ accuracy and precision ensure that the
machined components meet all application and industry requirements.
What are the uses of VMC machines?
VMC Machines are chiefly used to turn raw blocks of metal like aluminum, steel and other
metal components. The most common industrial applications of these are cutting, drilling,
shaping and molding of any kind. Industries using these processes are the automotive,
shipbuilding, machine shops, machine manufacturing and other manufacturing industries.