Whether you’re new to a CNC machine shop Toronto or have been in the industry for years, some things can help make your business successful. Here are the top five tips for CNC machine shops Toronto to keep in mind:
CNC machining is a process that can produce custom parts with tight tolerances and high levels of precision. However, these parts usually need post-processing to erase tool marks and improve their surface finishes for cosmetic and functional purposes.
CNC Machines
CNC machines are automated machine tools that execute pre-programmed sequences of commands. Before CNC, manual machine tools were controlled by machinists using hand wheels and levers or mechanically automated by cams alone.
CNC technology reshapes modern manufacturing by connecting machines to computers and programming their motions and processes with computer-based software. Invented initially to create helicopter blades, this innovative system allows manufacturers to produce various parts with greater accuracy.
Today, many industries use machining to produce the exact parts they need to make their products work correctly. For example, the aviation industry uses CNC machines to make aircraft engines and other vital components for aero planes, helicopters and submarines.
The transportation industry also relies on machining for its vehicles and trains because the components need to fit together correctly. These precision-made parts allow designers to test their designs and prototypes with physical components before making them in mass production. Having the correct specifications for every part helps ensure safety and efficiency.
CNC Lathes
A CNC lathe is a machine that combines computer numerical control and turning capabilities to produce a variety of parts. This technology allows a machinist to create complex pieces with a high precision rate.
A typical lathe has two axes, the X and Z axes. Bar stock is fed into the chuck, held in place, and a tool cuts as the stock rotates.
These machines, also known as CNC lathes, can make a wide range of items, including baseball bats, camshafts, bowls, cue sticks, sign boards, crankshafts, and table legs.
They can also be used for several other applications, including tapers and external diameters, face surfaces, drilling, reaming, tapping holes, boring internal diameters, and turning threads.
A 4-axis CNC lathe has a turret, which houses a rotary C-axis that orients a work piece accurately for live tooling (like a drill). Tiny motors in the servomotors holding position allow a contouring motion.
CNC Turning
CNC turning is a subtractive machining process that involves spinning a work piece at high speed and removing material with a cutting tool. It is often used to create cylindrical or oblong-shaped components and create shapes with axial symmetry.
The main difference between a traditional lathe and a CNC lathe is that modern machines are numerically controlled, meaning they are constantly monitored and adjusted by a computer program. These programs help produce accurate and precise results.
Some of the most common applications for this machining include manufacturing parts, tools, and equipment. These items can be made from metals, wood, plastics, and other polymers.
A CNC machine shop in Toronto typically uses a chuck to hold the work piece and a turret for changing tools. This turret can usually hold multiple tools at once, allowing operators to switch between operations quickly and efficiently.
CNC Milling
CNC milling is one of the most advanced manufacturing processes available. It allows tight tolerances, ensuring that the finished part meets the required specifications.
The process starts with creating a 2D or 3D CAD part design. It is then exported to a CNC file format and converted by CAM software into a CNC machine program that informs the actions of the milling machine.
Before the operator can run the program, they must prepare the machine by setting up the worktable and work holding device and attaching the milling tools and machine spindle.
CNC milling is a highly efficient and versatile process, capable of cutting a wide variety of materials. The process can also produce parts with complex geometries, making it ideal for creating custom-designed components.
