How CNC Machining works? CNC Ordering Process

Hello, readers welcome to the new post. Today we will discuss How CNC Machining works. CNC stands for Computer numerical control and type of manufacturing process that gives instructions for the working of instruments and equipment through a programmed computer. This process can regulate numerous complex machines like CNC milling machines, CNC lasers, CNC lathes, Waterjet machines electric discharge machines to perform the 3D operations

CNC provides enhanced productivity than non-computerized techniques for repetitive production, which operates machines manually or mechanically through pre-fabricated pattern instruction. In this post, we will have a detailed overview of CNC machining and also learn how can get CNC services from the best PCB supplier PCBWAY. So let’s get started

Table of Contents

How CNC Machining Works

When the CNC system is activated product file will be programmed in the software and assigned to the resultant tools and machines. The instruments and machines will do certain cutting operations. The CNC machine process is performed through some stages that are listed

Designing of CAD Modle
Convert CAD file into CNC program
Make CNC machines and tools
CNC Machining operations

Main Processes Of CNC Machining

CNC milling:

There is the use of multiple-point rotating instruments to eliminate material through the workpiece. Basic mills have a three-axis system that is still one of the most commonly and widely used machine processes. In three-dimensional machining, the working piece is constant, and rotating tools cut along X, Y, and Z axes. Mostly new mills can handle two extra axes four-axis CNC machining and five-axis CNC machining provide versatile operation and can use in the manufacturing of high-accuracy parts.

CNC Turning:

There are single-point cutting instruments used to remove material from the rotating working piece. In CNC turning CNC machine normally a lathe or turning machine, feeds cutting instruments in linear motion across the surface of the rotating workpiece Eliminate material across the circumference until the required diameter is obtained. Most CNC lathe consists of 2 axis X and Z

Advantages of CNC Machining

Fast and Repeatable Process

A rapid removal of large amounts of metal material, parts ready in as little as 1 day

Accuracy

Highly accurate tolerances ranging from +/-0.005″ – 0.01″, depending on customer specifications.

Wide Range of Materials

There is more than fifty plastic and metallic materials can be used

Scalable Volume

CNC Machining has scalable volumes for the manufacturing of 1 to 100,000 parts.

Custom Surface Finishes

Suitable for many different kinds of substrates to make your parts the same as the real products

Cost Saving

Low investment in tooling and preparation costs, economical for parts with simple construction.

CNC Machining Drawbacks

Structure Limits

The interlocking and hollow structure is difficult to the CNC machine

Scale Effect

Unit cost and lead time will not be reduced as much as injection molded parts.

PCBWAY CNC Machining Processes

PCBWAY provides the Machined metal and plastic prototypes and production parts in as little as 2 days

CNC Milling Service

From prototyping to full production. Our 3-axis, 3+2-axis, and full 5-axis milling centers allow you to produce highly accurate and high-quality parts that meet even your most stringent requirements.

5-Axis CNC Machine

Five-axis CNC machine makes parts having complicated geometry and enhances production by decreasing the machine’s setups.

CNC Turning

CNC lathes can provide inexpensive parts for simple cylindrical geometries. Live tools are available for more complex geometries and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

PCBWAY CNC materials

Commonly used materials for CNC at PCBWAY are listed here

Metal

Aluminum (4 types)
Stainless steel (5 types)
Brass (1 types)
Copper (1 types)
Titanium (1 types)
Mild steel (3 types)
Alloy steel (3 types)
Tool steel (6 types)
Spring steel (1 types)

Plastic

ABS (3 types)
Polycarbonate (PC) (1 types)
Nylon (2 types)
Polypropylene (PP) (1 types)
POM (1 types)
PTFE (Teflon) (1 types)
PMMA (Acrylic) (1 types)
Polyethylene (PE) (1 types)
PEEK (1 types)
Bakelite (1 types)
FR4 (1 types)
Rubber (1 types)

Custom Sourced Materials

Different types of CNC machined metals and plastic parts configurations are used at PCBWAY instant online quote. If you can not see the material stock you are seeing please choose a custom option in the material drop-down on your quote page and submit for an expert engineering review when specified features, tolerance, inspection required and quantity need

CNC Finishes

Standard (As-Milled) (Ra 125μin)
Bead blast + Anodized color
Anodized
Electrically conductive oxidation
Gold plating
Tin plating
Vacuum plating – High gloss paint
Vacuum plating – Matt paint
#1000 sanding
Silkscreen
Black oxide
Brushed
Bead Blast
Spray painting – Matt paint
Spray painting – High gloss paint
Powder Coat
Chrome plating
Galvanization
Nickel plating
Silver plating
Laser engraving
Smooth machining (Ra1.6µm, 63 µin)
Chemical conversion coat (Chem film)
Electrophoresis
Passivation
Etching
Electropolished (Ra0.8µm, 32µin)
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
Pickling
Others
Dyeing

CNC orientation and form general tolerances

Unless they have agreed to other tolerances in your quotation, they will work to achieve and maintain the tolerances below, which will vary according to the primary manufacturing method you choose. (eg: Round hole 10mm, tolerance +0.01-0.03mm)

Part Length	Orientation and Form Tolerance	Angularity Tolerance
0 to 12″(300 mm)	+/- 0.005″ (0.125 mm)	Angularity +/- ½ degree
12″ to 24″(600 mm)	+/- 0.010″ (0.250 mm)	Angularity +/- ½ degree
24″ – 36″(900 mm)	+/- 1/64″ (0.016″)(0.400 mm)	Angularity +/- 1 degree
36″ – 60″(1500 mm)	+/- 1/32″ (0.031″)	Angularity +/- 1 degree
Over 60″	+/- 1/16″ (0.063″)	Angularity +/- 1 degree