Here are a few of the most common industrial applications for CNC machinery:
1. Cutting
CNC machines are excellent tools for projects that require a precise and efficient cutting speed and they can accommodate two of the most advanced cutting techniques: sinker EDM (electric discharge machine) and wire EDM.
A sinker EDM uses a thermal erosion from interaction between two electrodes - one attached to the tool in the form of copper or graphite. The other is the dielectric fluid that the material is bathed in. Amazingly enough, the tool and workpiece never come into direct contact during production. Wire EDM works in the same fashion, except it utilizes wire electrodes as accurate cutting tools.
2. Drilling
This precise hole-punching process uses a rotating cutting tool, typically drill bits or high-velocity water jets, to produce round holes in a stationary workpiece. These holes often accommodate assembly screws and bolts.
3. Grinding
CNC machines are often equipped with abrasive wheels that produce nearly flawless surface finishes. This subtractive grinding technique greatly surpasses the accuracy of any additive manufacturing process and can reduce imperfections to tolerances as small as 1/10th the width of a human hair.
4. Milling
A CNC mill, similar to basic mills and other hand-milling machines, uses lathes, water jets, or turning tools to remove material from a stationary stock piece. CNC mills can move along multiple axes, allowing operators to perform horizontal, vertical, angled and face milling tasks with absolute precision. These multi-angled capabilities increase efficiency in the manufacturing process of intricate wood, metal and plastic parts since the machinist can adjust and resecure the stock material fewer times.
5. Turning
This CNC machine process works similarly to milling; however, instead of securing the stock to a workstation, it is attached to turning mechanism that rotates at high speeds. A worker using a lathe, or a CNC with a similar attachment, will then remove small amounts of material until they form the stock to the desired shape.