The Basics of CNC Machinery for Sale You Need to Know
As the famous saying goes, “modern problems require modern solutions.” With the increase in the global population, the demand for necessities and luxuries also went up. That positive relation between the two variables gave rise to the need for modern machinery that can manufacture products with absolute efficiency and be productive by all means. The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery for sale in the market today is a result of all that. These machines look simple, but their functioning is more complex than their appearance. Before you understand the working, there are some basics that you need to know about them. This blog will discuss those to provide you with brief knowledge about this equipment. Please, read till the end.
Basic Terms Related to CNC Machinery for Sale
CNC
As already mentioned, CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. The name suggests that computers and numbers control these machines. There are specialized codes that control them and are generated by computer programs in numbers and letters, called the G-code. Computer languages process the G-code inside CNC equipment to produce an output.
Desktop CNC
The term desktop CNC is used for Computer Numerical Control equipment that is compact but works the same as the bigger ones. Due to their smaller size, they’re more suitable to work on less rigid workpieces like plastic, foam, and wood. They don’t work well on hard and heavy metals because they aren’t designed for them. They also work through G-codes to create different shapes and sizes. There are several CNC tool distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama and the Southeast, like Flint Machine Tools selling them. Visit them to buy anything of your choice.
CAM
CAM refers to Computer-Aided Machining. It is the process of creating the G-code, also known as Numerical Control (NC) codes, using software and programs. You need to be a programming expert to create them. These codes guide the machinery to work on a workpiece to create different shapes and sizes.
The Axis points of CNC Machines
Working along the axis points is one of the fundamental principles of CNC equipment being used everywhere around the globe. Most of them use the three primary axes to work, while the advanced and complex ones may use four or five at once to create the desired shape. The axis points determine the type of machining, and they’re discussed below.
3 Axis Machining
3 axis machining means that the CNC machine uses the three primary axis points X, Y, and Z to handle the workpiece and give you the desired product. The workpiece remains static while the cutters move along these axes to alter the shape and size of the material.
4 Axis Machining
In addition to the three primary axes, the 4-axis machining uses an additional one, the A-axis, to function. It is created when the workpiece rotates along the X-axis and allows the cutter to drill holes or cuts to its side during its rotation. The blades work along the opposite axis, the B-axis, of the rotation of the workpiece.
5 Axis Machining
As it is clear from the name, 5 axis machining is the most advanced in CNC machinery. It refers to machining in which both the workpiece and the cutter move along five of the six axes at once. The workpiece moves along the XYZ axes, while the cutters move along any two of the A, B, and C axes at the same time to create a complex shape.
These are some basic concepts and terms you need to know to understand the process of these machines. If you’re looking for this equipment to optimize the productivity of your industrial process, we suggest you get in touch with trustworthy tool distributors like Flint Machine Tools to get what you need.
We have created a list of some of the frequently asked questions and have answered them as well. Please, read them to get some additional information.
FAQs
What is the basic concept of CNC machining?
The basic concept for working CNC machinery is that these machines work through computerized programs and codes generated by specialist programmers. These codes and numbers control the equipment.
What are the 5 axes?
The five axes in CNC machinery are the three primary ones as X, Y, and Z, and two of the A, B, and C-axis. All these are to create any shape by removing excess material from a workpiece inside the machine.