In the 1970s, when you wanted to fabricate a piece of metal, you would go to a machine shop to produce that specific part. The machine operator would take the required details such as dimension and then begin production, a process which could involve several machines. A tedious process that could take several days, or even weeks, for the part to be ready.
Image; Laser metal cut cnc machine. Fly fire sparks background. Industrial processing concept
What Are CNC Machines?
Luckily, times have changed, and in this modern computer age, scientists have invented very sophisticated machinery known as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) to do the job of a machine operator, and to a higher standard. CNC machines are designed to produce parts with precise accuracy and with no human intervention. In other words, the entire process is automated. The machines can produce things out of wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. CNC machines are advanced enough that they can be programmed to complete any number of totally automated tasks.
Any fabrication requirements that you can think of, for any use in any industry, are now made possible by using a CNC machine. These machines can be programmed for milling, boring, cutting, punching, drilling, engraving, welding, and many more tasks. Each process is completed by using laser technology in automated routines, creating parts of all shapes and sizes. The capabilities of CNC machines are limited only by your imagination, as the accuracy of measurements is down to the microns.
What Is The Impact of CNC Machines?
Science and technology keep advancing at an ever-increasing pace. Utilising fully-automated CNC machines means parts can be mass-produced with precision and accuracy. In this context, it is fair to say that CNC machinery has changed the fabrication and manufacturing world as we know it.
Here are a few industries thriving thanks to their usage of CNC machines;
The Aerospace Industries
Picture rocket engines that are used to bring satellites or spacecraft into space. Did you know that the cylindrical rocket body is made up of seamless metal sheets, covering the rocket with fuel tanks on the inside? In rocket design, the metal sheets must be light and robust. Each metal sheet must be as thin as possible and yet strong enough to withstand the pressures of both rocket speed and outer space.
If you were to unwrap those metal sheets, you would discover that the inner surface of each layer has minute patterns with a triangular lattice or rectangular lattice design. These impressions indicate that a CNC machine has been used, carrying out the fabrication on a plain sheet of metal.
The Dental Industries
The most common piece of dental material, CNC technology is used to fabricate, is the dental implant. A small screw-like piece that will be drilled into the jawbone of a patient to hold an artificial tooth.
It is highly unlikely that the dental implants we are familiar with today would be possible without the invention of CNC machinery.
The Electronics Industries
A recent advertisement from Apple introducing the iPhone included an explanation of how the phone was made. The ad shows that it all starts with a block of aluminium. We then see a CNC machine beginning to drill, bore perfect holes, shape, polish, and make other modifications to the piece of aluminium until an iPhone case is formed. The Apple MacBook case is another fantastic product created using a CNC process.
Mass production of printed circuit boards is another use of CNC technology in the electronics industries. Inside each piece of electronic product, you will find at least one circuit board. If you were to look closely, you would see that the board’s surface has lines and curves that look like interconnected highways, this is a printed circuit board (PCB).
Those ‘highways’ are formed by printing copper on the circuit board. The usual method of making the printed circuit is called “chemical edging.” CNC machines are used to edge the board to form the lines and curves. Since using chemicals can be harmful to humans, CNC technology means high-precision chemical printing and mass production of PCBs can be done with very low levels of risk to your employees.
Conclusion
There are many tasks that humans could simply not do without the use of CNC machines. The same can be said for businesses, as they grow and expand. Working with a third-party machine shop can be costly, especially as your requirements scale-up. The time will come when you need to invest in your own equipment. Of course, this process can be daunting, so you must find a reliable supplier that will take the time to understand your exacting requirements. Reaching out to an expert, such as CNC Masters who specialise in CNC milling machines and lathes, as well as a wide range of other products, can help you to select the right kind of equipment for your business.
Outside of the manufacturing and production industry, few people know about CNC machinery and even less understand the capabilities and possible applications of CNC machines. Almost any industry could benefit from the advantages of this technology, from prototype design and crafting, engineering-standard testing series, to adjustments and refinements before mass production.
Remember, before investing in any expensive equipment for your production requirements, speak with an expert to ensure you choose the most beneficial option for your business.