CNC machining is a manufacturing process used in making products of different dimensions. For many people, using CNC production machining is based on many factors such as cost and capabilities. Therefore, there is a distinction in the volume of products when using the process.
To make it easy, this article will introduce you to CNC production machining uniquely. The unique way of introduction is due to CNC manufacturing generally being a delicate process. Therefore, this article will elaborate more on the different terms and operation surrounding the process. It will also show you the things you need to know before you outsource your products. Read on!
Why CNC Production Machining?
We already made an elaborate article on CNC machining. However, understanding CNC production machining is another thing entirely. Understanding it means getting to know the different steps to use a CNC machine. This is no difference in between those with the machine and those outsourcing. For both, you get to stay relevant in the field by knowing the steps.
CNC production machining is in two ways. There is a Low volume CNC machining and high-volume CNC production machining. From the names, you must have guessed what the two means. However, there is more to it than what the names let on. In this section, we will treat both types of CNC production machining and their benefits.
Low volume CNC machining
Low volume CNC machining is a CNC machining service directed towards making small fully-produced parts in a small limit. Normally the limit is about 50-1000 pieces.
Low volume CNC machining also called small batch CNC machining is now popular because of the following:
- It bridges the production scale of prototypes and original predicts.
- There is a cost reduction.
- There is an increase in access to markets that are just emerging.
- It is ideal for products with short life cycles.
- There is an ease in changing design.
High volume CNC machining
High volume CNC machining is used to mass production of large amounts of materials (more than1000 parts) while keeping the quality in check. It is many industries’ ideal process because they get to spend less to get many parts.
High volume CNC machining also called large scale CNC machining is popular because of reduced labor and lesser price.
Benefits for Production Machining
- Better Production and Minimum Wastage
Since both CNC production machining depends on more on a machine and less than humans, there is more production efficiency. For example, an automated operation and all-around work ensure more efficiency. Also, due to the improvement in the software used, there is minimum wastage of materials.
- Less Labor
High and low volume CNC machining does not require much in terms of labor. This reduces the amount of money spent on labor. However, while this does not mean the total eradication of labor, skilled employees must oversee each operation in every production process.
- Increased Profitability
CNC machining is a production process that requires little monitoring. This is one attribute that both processes utilize. They both harness the advantages of CNC machining to increase profits. There is a reduction in manual labor and pricing due to the parts’ competitive pricing. However, High volume CNC machining has a higher increase due to the larger production size.
Must Know Things to Outsource Production CNC Machining
Before you outsource your project to a company like ours, there are many things you have to know. Elbow are three things that will prepare you for the required operations in CNC manufacturing.
1. Standard Production Process
Understanding the standard production processes used in CNC machining is easy. For better understanding, we divided the process used CNC production machining into four steps explained below.
– Design A CAD Model
The first thing to do is a create a CAD file. CAD file (Computer-Aided Design) comes in either 2D or 3D format and achievable using CAD software. The CAD software will allow you to render each part of the to-be product with the most accurate technical specification. While you do this, you must keep in mind that your workpiece has a major role to play in how achievable the design is. This will be further explained under the materials needed for CNC production machining.
– Convert the CAD File to A CNC Program
After designing the CAD file, the next thing is to input the CAD file into a CNC software. The software function to analyze the CAD file for the necessary programming codes needs to run the operation.
In CNC machining, there are two types of code. There are the G-cod (Geometric code) that functions geometrically. That means controlling the machine’s action in terms of how it moves, when it does, the path it takes, etc. On the other hand, the M-code is in charge of factors that controls the CNC machine.
– Setting Up the CNC Machine
Setting up the CNC machine involves preparing the CNC machine for the process. The setting depends on whether you are using a high or low-volume process. This includes the different machines such as the turning machine, milling machine, grinding machine, etc., used in the process. Also, every good company that deals with any CNC production machining must have a competent and skilled engineer in charge of the process.
– Execute the Operation
After making sure everything is alright, and according to plan, you can start the operation. On running the program, it will control all the CNC machine’s actions while it guides it to get the right result.
2. Design & Material Optimization
Getting the best design generally comes from understanding how best you can optimize the design in relation to the material available. Below are tips on how to optimize your parts design with respect to material properties.
- Simplify the Design
Simply optimizing the part’s CAD file in the design stage can help you avoid unnecessary machining processes. Optimization can also reduce the operation time while removing other disadvantages. Unnecessary parts will lead to extra machining, and it is better to cut them away.
- Use the Right Wall Thickness
The parts you are making will be under pressure from the CNC machining tools. Therefore, choosing the right part’s wall thickness is very important. It must not be thin since that can easily break. It must also not be thick because it can lead to tool hanging, deflection and fracture.
- Avoid Small and Complex Text and Features
If your project requires you to have markings and text, it is better to avoid using small ones. This is because of the increase in cost and the complexity of the machine going about the operation. Instead, use larger text or markings.
- Use Standard Hole Size
When drilling is required, it is better to use a standard hole size for easy operations. This will save you time while ensuring high precision and accuracy.
3. Quantity and Lead Time
Another thing of utmost concern in CNC manufacturing is the quantity and lead time. Most modern CNC machining company can work with both low and high volume CNC machining. However, the lead time depends on the software’s sophistication level, how up to date their machine is and their operational capability.
Getting the best in terms of quantity and quality at a reasonable lead time involves understanding the process and knowing the company that can provide it.
Rapid Direct Production CNC Machining
Are you irritated by the long time it took for your design validation? Or you are uncomfortable with the time it took to produce your product and need the best services? With us at Rapid Direct, you are assured of only the best in terms of production and customer services.
In terms of production, with us you have access to both low and high volume CNC production machining process with a return of about 100 parts pieces in ten days. It becomes better with our instant quotation and DfM analysis. In simpler words, it means once you upload your files, your network is the only barrier to you having your design validation.
Our customer service is one to reckon with. This is evident in our (ISO 9001:2015) certification. With our team of experienced engineers, you have access to minds grilled in CNC manufacturing and open to answering questions and giving suggestions. All these you get to enjoy at a low price, even 30% lower on average.
Conclusion
You should know many things about CNC production machining before outsourcing to services in the market today. Therefore, this article introduced CNC production machining. It talked about the processes and what you need to know before outsourcing. We hope you learned a new thing that will help you in the CNC manufacturing process.
FAQ
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a computer directs a tool to chip away at a workpiece via programmed codes.
CNC machining is an automated process. However, CNC operators are needed to control the machines at the right time and situation.
