Introduction to CNC Technology
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Introduction to CNC Technology
Every day, manufacturers are turning to automation in order to meet their
profitability goals, and their success rate is amazing. Manufacturing shops all
over the world are considering the purchase of a CNC Router, and most start out
thinking, “I’d love to automate, but I can’t afford it.” Looking at what Computer
Numerically Controlled (CNC) Routers have already done for so many existing
and emerging industries, you simply cannot afford not to consider the inherent
advantages of automation.
Most CNC router systems consist of a motorized XYZ router table, a control unit,
computer, and programming software. The advantages gained from using a CNC
Router are the same for most applications that were previously completed by
hand: greater accuracy and faster cycle times. This type of automation has a
high repeatability, and thus greatly increases a manufacturer’s yield and
consistency.
CNC automation enables you to design a part on your PC, and then reproduce
that design quickly and easily using the router. There are three basic steps to this
process. First, a computer image is generated, typically through a CAD program.
Second, a CAM program translates the geometry of the CAD drawing and cutter
compensations to output a tool path. And lastly, the tool path is converted to a
manufacturing programming language (i.e., G-Code) used to communicate with
the CNC Router to produce the part.
The addition of a CNC Router allows a shop to take on projects that might not
have been considered either feasible or economical using manual techniques.
The fact is, the initial investment is usually relatively small seeing how a CNC
router completely revolutionizes manufacturing. It is not uncommon for a
Techno customer to obtain a return on investment in less then six months or even
in one job.
Craftsmen of any industry know that their work will only be as good as the tools
used in the design and manufacturing process. Likewise, any professional knows
that the quality of the product is what makes or breaks a reputation. A shop that
utilizes better tools gives themselves the best chance of increasing production
and profits. In fact, the history of the industrial revolution has been the same
history of the development of better, more affordable tools. Currently, the CNC
“tools” of automation are well within the budgets of small to mid-sized shops and
realistically are becoming necessary to stay competitive in today’s markets.
When the decision to automate has been made, and the search begins for what
CNC Router to invest in, there are several important aspects to consider. The end
result of CNC Router design and construction should be greater than the sum of
its parts. The quality of a CNC Router's components, in addition to the history and
reputation of the company, should be weighed heavily during the buying
process. This introductory technical section will cover vital aspects to the buying
process, such as: CNC components, spindle options, vacuum hold-down. Dust
collection, coolant systems, reverse engineering, 4th axis rotary and cad/cam
software; items which, when looking to purchase a CNC Router, should be
considered without exception. However, the first topic to be considered is the
router itself.
Every day, manufacturers are turning to automation in order to meet their
profitability goals, and their success rate is amazing. Manufacturing shops all
over the world are considering the purchase of a CNC Router, and most start out
thinking, “I’d love to automate, but I can’t afford it.” Looking at what Computer
Numerically Controlled (CNC) Routers have already done for so many existing
and emerging industries, you simply cannot afford not to consider the inherent
advantages of automation.
Most CNC router systems consist of a motorized XYZ router table, a control unit,
computer, and programming software. The advantages gained from using a CNC
Router are the same for most applications that were previously completed by
hand: greater accuracy and faster cycle times. This type of automation has a
high repeatability, and thus greatly increases a manufacturer’s yield and
consistency.
CNC automation enables you to design a part on your PC, and then reproduce
that design quickly and easily using the router. There are three basic steps to this
process. First, a computer image is generated, typically through a CAD program.
Second, a CAM program translates the geometry of the CAD drawing and cutter
compensations to output a tool path. And lastly, the tool path is converted to a
manufacturing programming language (i.e., G-Code) used to communicate with
the CNC Router to produce the part.
The addition of a CNC Router allows a shop to take on projects that might not
have been considered either feasible or economical using manual techniques.
The fact is, the initial investment is usually relatively small seeing how a CNC
router completely revolutionizes manufacturing. It is not uncommon for a
Techno customer to obtain a return on investment in less then six months or even
in one job.
Craftsmen of any industry know that their work will only be as good as the tools
used in the design and manufacturing process. Likewise, any professional knows
that the quality of the product is what makes or breaks a reputation. A shop that
utilizes better tools gives themselves the best chance of increasing production
and profits. In fact, the history of the industrial revolution has been the same
history of the development of better, more affordable tools. Currently, the CNC
“tools” of automation are well within the budgets of small to mid-sized shops and
realistically are becoming necessary to stay competitive in today’s markets.
When the decision to automate has been made, and the search begins for what
CNC Router to invest in, there are several important aspects to consider. The end
result of CNC Router design and construction should be greater than the sum of
its parts. The quality of a CNC Router's components, in addition to the history and
reputation of the company, should be weighed heavily during the buying
process. This introductory technical section will cover vital aspects to the buying
process, such as: CNC components, spindle options, vacuum hold-down. Dust
collection, coolant systems, reverse engineering, 4th axis rotary and cad/cam
software; items which, when looking to purchase a CNC Router, should be
considered without exception. However, the first topic to be considered is the
router itself.
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