CNC machining is used in many ways, ranging from aerospace, oil and gas industries, and medical applications. Using a machine in these different industries involves different types of machining, from horizontal milling and turning to vertical milling and deburring. These machines are also beneficial in creating precise cuts and finishes.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Milling and Turning Machines
A vertical milling and turning machine is a machine with a vertically oriented spindle. This makes it easier to raise and lower and maintain. It also allows operators to eyeball work as it is being completed.
However, the horizontal milling and turning machine have its own merits. Besides being less expensive, it has a more remarkable ability to make multiple cuts. Also, it uses gravity to help evacuate chips.
Vertical mills are generally better for smaller objects. However, they are only suitable for simple or heavy pieces.
A horizontal milling and turning machine are ideal for large and complex projects. These machines can perform multiple cuts at the same time. They also produce smoother surfaces. The cutting process is faster and requires fewer operatives.
Aerospace Industry
Aerospace CNC machining is used to manufacture aerospace components, including space shuttles and rockets. It is a cost-effective and efficient method of manufacturing mechanical parts. In addition, it allows aerospace manufacturers to meet their strict requirements for precision.
The aerospace industry uses a variety of materials to make aircraft and spaceships. Some of the most commonly used materials include aluminum, copper, bronze, ceramic, titanium, and stainless steel.
CNC machining is essential to the aerospace industry because it helps to produce parts with extremely tight tolerances. These parts are often highly complex. This is important for safety and precision. Also, it allows aerospace companies to iterate on new component designs and test them rapidly.
While finding the perfect material for a specific aerospace application can be challenging, some materials have been developed specifically for this application. For example, aluminum is light but strong. Stainless steel is also a great material because it resists corrosion.
Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry requires equipment that can withstand the harsh conditions of the environment. These machines also need to stand up to potentially dangerous compounds. To ensure the reliability of their parts, manufacturers often use corrosion-resistant metals. Luckily, cnc machining is one way to meet the unique needs of the oil and gas sector.
Precision machining is a process in which a part is designed and cut to fit perfectly and meet the manufacturer’s requirements. This process can be tedious and can take several repetitions. However, it can save time and money.
With the help of CNC machining, engineers can quickly create prototypes and test their designs. They can even make specialty products for job sites.
Medical Field
CNC machining is one of the most critical manufacturing tools in modern medicine. Whether making an individual prosthetic limb or a whole collection of surgical equipment, it is essential to produce the parts with precision and in a short time. The medical industry uses various metals, plastics, and other materials, each of which needs to be a precise fit for the device’s intended purpose.
In addition, the medical field is an industry that is highly regulated. For this reason, you must ensure that the parts you make meet the required safety and quality standards.
Medical devices are created from various materials, including steel, plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, titanium, and composites. They range from simple machines to complex, custom-made ones.
Deburring
Deburring is a process that removes burrs from metal parts. This can affect the surface finish and the final dimensions of the product. Burrs can also interfere with assembly processes.
There are many deburring methods available. However, the selection should be based on the type of material and the part’s geometry. In some cases, abrasive blasting can remove scale and other foreign materials.
There are two main types of manual deburring: grinding and rolling and sandblasting. Each of these methods consists of a combination of abrasives and water. Sandblasting is an effective technique for light deburring and painting.
Traditionally, manual deburring is performed by hand, using sandpaper or a file. It’s time-consuming and often stressful, but it’s cheaper than a machine.