Basic types of CNC machines

CNC machines are most commonly found in the metal and wood industries, but more recently they are increasingly used as 3D printers for prototyping, which is becoming more and more common in more and more industries. Their development is on the rise, as is their increasing versatility for both large users and private use. Their use saves time in the development of a given product and thus significantly reduces development costs.

Milling machines


Milling is the most common machining of metallic materials and is much more complex than other CNC machining. As a consequence, this category is most often encountered with a higher number of axes. The basic principle of milling machines is to accurately remove material from the workpiece.

Laser and plasma cutters


Unlike milling cutters, only three axes are relevant here. The tool chosen is a laser or plasma arc. The laser offers better cutting accuracy and a wider range of materials suitable for such cutting. In addition to metal, wood, glass, rubber and a wide variety of plastics can be cut. Plasma cutters are limited to metal cutting and are also less precise and consequently more affordable. A typical example of the use of a plasma cutter is the cutting of sheet metal. In addition to the appropriate setting of the operating voltage and the electric current, the so-called THC system is also relevant. THC stands for Torch Height Control or in Slovenian Torch Height Control. This is particularly useful when the work surface is not flat. The control is carried out by measuring the plasma arc voltage, which depends on the distance of the torch from the workpiece. The system adjusts the height of the torch by means of feedback on the tension.

Laser and plasma cutters


Unlike milling cutters, only three axes are relevant here. The tool chosen is a laser or plasma arc. The laser offers better cutting accuracy and a wider range of materials suitable for such cutting. In addition to metal, wood, glass, rubber and a wide variety of plastics can be cut. Plasma cutters are limited to metal cutting and are also less precise and consequently more affordable. A typical example of the use of a plasma cutter is the cutting of sheet metal. In addition to the appropriate setting of the operating voltage and the electric current, the so-called THC system is also relevant. THC stands for Torch Height Control or in Slovenian Torch Height Control. This is particularly useful when the work surface is not flat. The control is carried out by measuring the plasma arc voltage, which depends on the distance of the torch from the workpiece. The system adjusts the height of the torch by means of feedback on the tension.

3D printers


Again, a three-axle feed is usually sufficient, and an extruder is the most commonly used tool to apply the material in thin layers. In the case of plastic material, the extruder melts the plastic material with heat, allowing the material to be applied and then re-solidified as it cools. The development of 3D printers has also increased the number of materials specifically designed for 3D printing. There are several different types of material on the market, made of plastic, metal, ceramic and other types. The shape of the material is usually similar to rope and is sold in reels. The cross-sections of the materials are standardised and are 1.75 mm and 3 mm. Modern 3D printing techniques use light polymerisation, whereby a liquid material solidifies under the influence of UV light.

Source : http://www.woodfloorsinseattle.com/kaj-je-cnc-stroj-osnovne-informacije/