What is a CNC machine?
CNC stands for "computer digital control", which means that the machine is controlled by a group of commands issued by the controller. The command code issued by the controller is usually in the form of coordinate list, which is called G code. Any machine controlled by such code can be called CNC machine, including milling machine, lathe and even plasma cutting machine. In this paper, we will focus on different types of CNC milling machines and lathes and their combinations. The movement of CNC machines can be defined by their axes, including X axis, Y axis and Z axis. More advanced machines also include A axis, B axis and C axis. The X axis, Y axis and Z axis represent the main Cartesian vector, and the A axis, B axis and C axis represent the rotation of the axis. CNC machines typically use up to 5 axes. Typical CNC machines are listed below.
CNC Lathe – This type of lathe works by rotating material in the chuck of the lathe. Then the tool moves on 2 axes to cut the cylindrical part. CNC lathes can form curved surfaces, while manual lathes are difficult or even impossible to form curved surfaces. Tools are usually non rotating, but can also be moved if they are power tools.
CNC milling machine – CNC milling machine is usually used to make flat parts, but more complex machines have more degrees of freedom and can produce complex shapes. The material is stationary, the spindle rotates with the tool, and the tool moves along 3 axis directions to cut the material. In some cases, the spindle is stationary while the material moves.
CNC drilling – This machine is similar to the CNC milling machine, but it is specially designed to cut only along one axis, that is, drill down into the material only along the Z axis, and never cut along the X and Y axis.
CNC Grinder – This machine allows the grinding wheel to come into contact with the material, producing a high-quality surface. It is designed to remove a small amount of material from the hard metal; Therefore, it is used as a surface treatment operation.
