The introduction of CNC has completely revolutionized the industry, bringing renewed efficiency, accuracy, and consistency to the production process. It has driven the global manufacturing industry to progress rapidly and keep up with the technological advancements of the 21st century.
The modern manufacturing industry has transitioned from traditional manual machining techniques to cutting–edge computer numerical control machining. CNC machines are now an indispensable part of this industry. They promise rapidity, precision, and adaptability, essentially introducing an element of sophistication to several industries worldwide.
We can safely admit that the days of grimy factory floors are long gone. The current picture includes skilled CNC machinists leveraging mechanical design, technical drawings, and computer programming in a sleek, proficient backdrop.
More and more manufacturers worldwide are now moving to top-rated CNC machines. Apart from computer control and multi-axis capabilities, it will be difficult for any first-timer to identify the differences between CNC machines and traditional ones.
CNC machines have gained fame due to their impeccable consistency in meeting requirements and accomplishing tight tolerances in large quantities. Moreover, they come in varied types to cater to distinctive operations throughout numerous industries worldwide.
Essential Elements of CNC Machine System
We’ve compiled a detailed list of the essential elements or parts that you can find in a CNC machine system.
- Information input/output devices: They contain disk drives, special information devices, keyboards, and computers.
- Internet connection: It contains Ethernet, HSSB (High-speed data transmission port), RS 232C port, Processing LAN, and other networks.
- External mechanical shaft control units, such as exchange bench, unloading, and loading robot, as well as the drive shaft of the tool magazine.
- Feed servo drive and motor unit.
- Spindle motor and drive unit.
- CNC control unit (numerical control part)
- PMC controller
- Feedback and position measurement unit of the machine
- Input and output unit of the control signal of the machine’s power cabinet
What Are The Different Types Of CNC Machines?
CNC machines have penetrated almost every industry in 2024. They have earned their reputation for simplifying machining, thereby sidelining the traditional manual machining techniques. Moreover, they have effectively dialed down the possibility of human errors when processing materials.
CNC machines are designed to work on multiple operations simultaneously. You can classify them according to their design and function. In this blog, we’ve attempted to break down the many types of CNC machining.
- Pick and Place Machine
Evident by the name, the Pick-and-Place machine features a handful of nozzles that can help you lift and position necessary components for electronic equipment as per requirement. They are typically involved with developing cell phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices.
- 3D Printer
3D printers are also CNC machines that print elements layer-wise. You will use CAD and CAM processes to develop the design and draw the product. You must then use the 3D printer to reflect that design. 3D printers are most commonly used for prototyping.
- Router CNC Machine
There’s little difference between a router CNC machine and a CNC mill. However, the former is used for machining softer materials. It also ranks lower than CNC milling machine operation for precision.
They contain stepper motors and drivers, a mechanical base, a spindle, controllers, and a power supply. They can reduce waste, boost productivity and accuracy, and produce products faster.
- Drilling CNC Machine
Drilling CNC machines use rotating drill bits to create cylindrical holes in the product. The drill bits help keep away the waste metal from the workpiece. Several drill bits are available, each promising a specific application.
- Lathe CNC Machine
Single-point cutting tools are used to turn and take out from the rotating workpiece. You will find various turning toll designs to suit diverse applications. You can use them for finishing, roughing, facing, forming, threading, parting, undercutting, and grooving applications. Turret lathes, engine lathes, and special-purpose lathes are available for CNC lathe machines.
- 5-Axis CNC Machine
A 5-axis CNC machine improves the 3-axis linear motions (X, Y, and Z) of two rotational axes in a traditional machine tool. It can deliver machine tool access to five out of six parts sides in a single operation. 5-acre CNC machines can be used to build sculptures.
- Milling CNC Machine
Milling CNC Machine uses rotating multi-point cutting tools to achieve the desired workpiece shape. Their tools come with either horizontal or vertical orientation. The machine features three-axis movements, with extra axes supported by more cutting-edge models.
Hand, plain, universal, and omni-versal milling machines are distinctive CNC machines with diverse functionalities.
- Plasma Cutting CNC Machine
Plasma-cutting CNC machines are perfect for any material-cutting task since they employ plasma torches to penetrate the materials. You must only use these machines if the workpiece or material promises to be electrically conductive.
It is suited for typical materials like brass, copper, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. A plasma-cutting CNC machine’s high-powered torch is built by passing high-velocity gas through a nozzle.
- Laser Cutting CNC Machine
Laser-cutting CNC machines are available in multiple types branded as gas, liquid, or solid-state lasers. You can identify the types after witnessing the state of the active laser medium. CO2 and solid-state lasers are ideally two types of laser-cutting CNC machines.
- Electric Discharge CNC Machine
Electric discharge CNC machines, also identified as spark CNC machines, are advanced CNC machines that achieve the desired workpiece shape by managing the material with electric sparks. You position the workpieces over and beneath the electrode. The computer then determines the necessary amount of electrical discharge for the electrodes to produce.
- Grinding CNC Machine
A grinding CNC machine features a rotating wheel that slices metal away from the metal. As a precision-performance tool, CNC grinding machines provide an accurate finish to ball bearings, camshafts, transmission shafts, and other working pieces.
- CNC Machine with Automatic Tool Changes
The automatic tool changer CNC machine improves the tool carrying capacity and production rate. Additionally, it contributes to bettering the machine’s capacity to work with many tools. It can switch between tools rapidly and manage worn-out or broken tools efficiently.
We recommend a CNC machine with automatic tool changes if you aim for total automation in your facility.
Types of CNC Machines by Number of Coordinate Axes
CNC machining is benefitting manufacturing operations across countless industries at present. It ensures boosted product quality control, regularization, and accuracy. The number of axes controls CNC machine movement.
We’ve discussed the different types of CNC machines by the number of coordinate axes.
- 2-Axis CNC Machines
Starting with the basic one here – 2-axis CNC machines move on the X-axis (horizontal) and Y-axis (Vertical). You can use them to create accurate straight cuts, drill cylindrical holes in boards, or process one workpiece surface at a time without moving it.
- 3-Axis CNC Machines
3-axis CNC machines are the most popular CNC machine type across all options. Much like the 2-axis machines, the equipment in this category only fit motionless workpieces. Although you can move these machines in both the X and Y axes, there’s also an added Z axis for depth.
- 4-Axis CNC Machines
You will find an A-axis alongside the X, Y, and Z axes in this CNC machine. Also popular as the axis of rotation, it works by rotating the cutting tool along the X-axis. It produces excellent cutouts and arc cutting.
- 5-Axis CNC Machines
The cutting tool gets a pivoting motion with 5-axis CNC machines along the C-axis. You will see the turning and pivoting happen on the C-axis. Five material surfaces can be processed simultaneously while the work surface remains stationary.
It allows the machines to plan and design intricate parts. They provide excellent accuracy and support the production of equipment used in the medical industry.
- 7-Axis CNC Machines
The CNC machines in this category have seven axes. They include three traditional axes for rotating the workpiece, three for moving the cutting tool, and one for rotating the arm, called the E-axis. Due to the complex parts they produce, these machines are predominantly used in the aeronautical, medical, or military industry.
- 9-Axis CNC Machines
Combining the forces of 4-axis lathe machines with 5-axis milling machines makes 9-axis CNC machines. The lathe machines work on the internal functions of the gameplay. Alternatively, the milling machine works on the surface to achieve the necessary surface finish.
For this reason, a 9-axis machine is easier to use for producing interior and external parts features. These devices can also produce dental implants, medical instruments, and sophisticated aircraft equipment.
- 12-Axis CNC Machines
Lastly, the 12-axis CNC machine has two cutting heads that can move in the X, Y, Z, A, B, and C axes. They are highly adept at promoting and contributing to improving precision by orders of magnitude.
Types of CNC Machines According To Moving Trail
There’s no denying that CNC machining is more than just a method or process; it is the definition of modern manufacturing. You can count on it to accurately turn digital plans into physical parts. Traditional or manual methods fail to match the standards consistently used by CNC machines. According to the moving trail, here’s a detailed breakdown of CNC machine system types.
- Point Control
The point control system allows the user to control the moving components of CNC machines from one point to another without machining them. If you don’t need simultaneous positioning, this positioning will benefit you for tapping, reverting, drilling, and spot welding.
- Linear Control
Linear control systems regulate the movement behavior between two connected sites. They also assemble the moving mechanisms of CNC machining. You will have a linear control environment with a parallel coordinate axis. Hence, they are commonly involved in simple CNC milling and grinding machines.
- Contouring Control
The contouring control system dictates the movement of the workpiece relative to the cutter, following the programmed course and pace. Moreover, it manages the motion of several feed shafts at once, helping you achieve uninterrupted cutting while the movement is in progress.
You can now efficiently process spatial surface contours or plane curves with contour control. It is a standard fixture in CNC milling, grinders, and turning machines.
Types of CNC Machines Based on Servo System
We can break down CNC machine tools into open-loop control CNC machine tools, closed-loop control CNC machine tools, and semi-closed loops, as per the different types of servo systems. We’ve explained them in great detail down below.
- Open Loop Control System
Open-loop control systems don’t come with a detection and feedback device. The driving circuit increases the power before the instruction signal of CNC devices. It conveys in a single direction, fueling the stepping motor to move the machine table.
The open-loop control system’s one true benefit is its meager pricing. On the other hand, it offers poor accuracy and stability, compromising the work quality.
- Semi-Closed Loop Control System
The natural movement of the workpiece is computed using an angular movement detection device in a semi-closed loop control system. You can find it installed directly at the end of the servo motor shaft or ball screw.
You can compare the computed value with the original instruction displacement value of the workpiece in this device. Using the difference, it assumes control later on. This system’s pricing is moderate, but accuracy and consistency are high.
- Closed-Loop Control System
Thirdly, a closed-loop control system depends on a linear movement-sensing tool available on the moving parts or tabletop of the machine tool. The comparator in the CNC device receives the naturally detected movement. It compares it to the value of the program instruction.
There’s no denying that managing the stability of a closed-loop control CNC machine is challenging. However, this machine ensures peak accuracy.
How to Select the Best CNC Machine Type?
You must explore several factors before investing in CNC machining for your business. Your business type, the commodities you produce, and the production volume will determine the perfect CNC machine for your company.
We have evaluated the most common factors that you must consider when selecting a CNC machine.
- Business Type
Your business type will shrink the pool of available alternatives for CNC machine types. For example, if you run a small CNC machine shop, you will require a small batch. Alternatively, if you have a substantial manufacturing company, you will need a larger batch with high-functioning machines.
- Availability of Spare Parts
It’s necessary to mention that CNC machines are just as prone to wear-outs as any other machine. Therefore, ensure you can avail of a quick repair service if your model breaks down after purchase. Moreover, the availability of spare parts is also crucial in this scenario. In simple terms, instantly available parts will accelerate the repair process so you can resume production.
- Products Requirements
Your production requirements will also influence the CNC machine that best suits your purpose. Ideally, a CNC lathe or 3-axis milling machine will produce simple products. However, machinery that can manufacture most pieces in a single setup will be best for dialing down expenses.
Consider bringing in five-axis CNC machines. Additionally, you could need specialist CNC equipment to handle specific product categories better.
- Know the Power Requirements
Most CNC machines run on extensive power. Hence, they use three-phase power to function at the top of their capacity. Thus, we recommend ensuring the building has adequate power to run the new equipment.
Additionally, consider the current power consumption. You will get ample power to run the current machines. However, integrating another CNC will push the usage above the amount of supply.
- The Materials to Be Machined
Lastly, you must also focus on the kind of material you are processing before choosing CNC machines. Your best choice for a CNC machine must ensure excellent robustness to mill accurate pieces from hard alloys.
Outsource Your CNC Services to Electrafly for a Seamless Experience
In conclusion, there are endless types of CNC machines available. If this is your first time, you will find it challenging to pick the ideal machine for your purpose.
The job is ongoing, even if you have found the perfect CNC machine option. Most people stumble upon the high initial investment for CNC equipment. Consider leveraging the most advanced CNC machine capabilities without investing in it. All you have to do is outsource the CNC services to industry-leading experts like ElectraFly.
At ElectraFly, we work with every type of CNC machine, from simple 3-axis machines for economical manufacturing to multi-axis high-tech machines for the most intricate parts. Our dedicated team of engineers is adept at handling any requirement you throw at them.
Do you want to learn about the types of CNC machining used at ElectraFly? Reach out to our team of expert consultants through the communication channels available on the website.