NO NO NO NO NO!!!! GET THE FUCK OUT OF THERE!!!! THAT鈥橲 NOT SAFE AND YOU KNOW IT!!!!! EVEN IF YOU DON鈥橳 GET HURT YOUR FUR IS GOING TO BE FULL OF SO MANY METAL SHAVINGS!!!
(Side note, this is the machine I鈥檓 currently running at work. Also, while I鈥檇 love to be a big fluffy creature like them, I鈥檓 glad I don鈥檛 have fur that would be constantly filling up with grease and metal shavings. Still do wish I could be a big fluffy bug thing. Also also, there are more warnings on the actual machine than I was able to draw.)
In a subtractive manufacturing technique known as CNC machining, materials are precisely shaped and cut into the necessary shapes.聽CNC machining聽automates the production process in contrast to conventional machining, which mainly depends on manual intervention, leading to improved precision, repeatability, and efficiency.
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, a digital design is produced at the start of the process. The design acts as a guide for how the CNC machine should operate. The design is then transformed into a machine-readable format, often a G-code program, which gives instructions for the CNC machine after it is complete.
The ultimate product's needs are taken into consideration while selecting the material, which may be made of metals, polymers, or composites. By sawing the material into the required sizes, either manually or automatically, the material is prepared.
The prepared material is firmly secured to the work table of the CNC machine. The CNC program is entered into the machine's controller once the cutting tools, such as drills, mills, or lathes, are mounted during聽the CNC machining process.
After the machine is configured, the CNC controller reads the G-code program and gives precise instructions to the machine's motors to move the cutting tools. The cutting tools execute operations including drilling, milling, turning, and more to remove material in line with the design parameters.
Throughout the machining process, quality control procedures are used to make sure that the part's dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes adhere to the necessary standards. To check accuracy, you could use measurement equipment like calipers, micrometers, or coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
The advantages of CNC machining
The excellent precision and accuracy of CNC machining is well known. The process is computer-controlled, which guarantees consistent and dependable outcomes, making it perfect for applications that call for precise tolerances and complex geometries.
CNC machines can deal with a variety of materials, such as composites, metals, plastics, and wood. This adaptability makes it possible to produce a variety of components for different businesses.
Complex items may be produced fast and effectively using CNC machining. Once set up, the device can run alone with little assistance from a person. This shortens the production process and increases output in general.
It is possible to produce identical components with great repeatability using聽CNC prototype machining. Manufacturers can reliably make huge numbers of components because of the CNC program's ability to be stored and used again.
While making one of these parts, I had the fun experience of a smoking hot steel chip flying right between my lips. That thing hurt pretty bad. First time I鈥檝e ever had that happen to me.
I also got some slow motion video while making these tabs, but the LED light illuminating it looks super flickery in the video, making it unwatchable :(
[video description: A time-lapse video of a steel tab being made on a milling machine. Coolant is regularly being added with a brush.]