Aristotle says, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. While he proposed the thought as a general philosophy, you can find its practical applications in numerous day-to-day processes. For instance, machining – reduces the number of parts to make the whole greater.
CNC precision machining or Computer Numerical Control Machining is one such machining type that uses equipment guided by computers to get the end result. The tools used are computerized and designed in a way that the CNC precision machine uses different commands to achieve the desired outcome.
It is extensively used in creating customized parts for machines, its raw materials, and fabricating metals into smaller components.
Here’s a short history of the CNC precision machine and how it has evolved:
- John T. Parsons developed the NC machine
- The invention of the Mathematical coordinate program at MIT
- The shift from punch tape to software programs in 1952 with the three-axis machine
- The first CNC precision machine is made at MIT in 1959
CNC precision engineering has come a long way since then, and the CNC precision machines we use are a lot more sophisticated now.
Is CNC Precision Machining the Same as Precision Machining?
The simple answer is no, it isn’t. Precision machining is a form of manufacturing that is also called subtractive manufacturing. It removes material from the workpiece or the parent material to birth the customized part.
CNC Precision Machining is, like the name suggests, a type of precision machining, wherein the precision machines are automated with computers (Computer Numerical Control), which accords it superior accuracy and hair-like precision.
Tolerance of CNC Precision Machining
To dive deep into the concept, the automation during machining requires the command to be fed with the design via Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
Even though the machines achieve a great amount of precision, one has to leave room for deviation from the designed dimensions. The tolerance of a CNC precision machine indicates this deviation and the level of accuracy.
Furthermore, there are types of tolerance measurement systems: unilateral tolerance measurement systems, limit tolerances, and bilateral tolerance. Tolerance plays a huge role in CNC precision engineering, it optimizes the turnaround time as well as the price. 0.02 mm is the average tolerance.
Advantages of CNC Precision Machining
Over and above achieving excellency in terms of complexity CNC precision machining also offers the following benefits:
- Cost-efficiency
- State-of-the-art technology
- Wide variety of applications
- Scalable for large manufacturing projects
- High reliability and consistency
- Superior quality, since human error is minimized
Types of CNC Precision Equipment
CNC precision engineering involves many many processes and thus, requires a lot of sophisticated equipment. Some of this equipment is:
- CNC milling machines
- Wire Electronic Discharge Machining Tools
- CNC Turning Machine
- CNC Lathe
- CNC Router
- CNC Plasma Cutter
- CNC Laser Cutter
- CNC Grinding Machines
Applications of CNC Precision Machines
CNC Precision Machines are used extensively in the following industries:
- Electronics
- Medical
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Military and Defence
CNC precision equipment needs to be top-class to ensure the quality of the end product. In the industry, Phillips Grinding machines are making a name. At Phillips, we have a variety of CNC precision machines available – Phillips CNC Milling and CNC Grinding machines, along with Hermle grinding machines and Haas CNC Service. You can explore those here, on our official website.
Also Read: Difference between CNC Lathe and CNC Milling