What are the steps involved in CNC machining?
Release date:
2022-06-02
Machining refers to the fabrication of mechanical parts using various machining equipment, primarily involving processes that do not involve chemical reactions. Machining broadly encompasses manual machining and CNC machining: manual machining involves skilled machinists operating machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, drilling machines, and saws to process materials. It is well suited for small‑batch production of simple parts. CNC machining, on the other hand, employs numerically controlled machine tools to perform continuous, automated operations, making it ideal for high‑volume production of complex‑shaped components; examples include turning‑milling centers, machining centers, and threading machines.
Machining refers to the fabrication of mechanical components using various machining equipment, primarily employing processes that do not involve chemical reactions. Machining broadly encompasses manual machining and CNC machining: manual machining involves skilled machinists using hand tools and machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, drilling machines, and saws to process a variety of materials. It is well suited for small‑batch production of simple parts. CNC machining, on the other hand, utilizes numerically controlled machine tools to perform operations continuously, making it ideal for high‑volume production of complex‑shaped components; this includes turning‑milling centers, machining centers, and threading machines, among others.
CNC machining is currently the mainstream manufacturing method. To enhance machining efficiency, it is essential not only to understand the characteristics of CNC machining but also to be familiar with its procedural steps. What are the key steps involved in CNC machining?
1. Analyze the machining drawings to determine the machining process. Based on the customer‑provided drawings, the technical staff assesses the part’s geometry, surface roughness, dimensional accuracy, blank type, workpiece material, and heat‑treatment requirements. They then select the appropriate machine tool and cutting tools, and define the positioning and clamping scheme, machining methods, machining sequence, and cutting parameters. Throughout this process, full utilization of the machine tool’s capabilities is essential, with careful consideration of the CNC machine’s command functions, ensuring a rational toolpath, minimizing the number of tool passes, and reducing overall machining time.
2. Calculate the coordinate values of the tool path appropriately. Based on the geometric dimensions of the workpiece and the defined programming coordinate system, compute the motion trajectory of the tool‑path center to obtain all tool position data. Typically, CNC systems provide linear and circular interpolation functions. For contour machining of simple planar parts, it is sufficient to calculate the coordinates of the start and end points of geometric elements, the center of arcs, and the intersection or tangent points between two geometric elements. If the CNC system lacks tool compensation, the coordinate values of the tool‑center motion trajectory must be computed. For complex‑shaped parts, approximate the actual curves or surfaces with straight line segments and, according to the required machining accuracy, determine the coordinates of their control points.
3. Develop the CNC machining program for the part. Based on the toolpath, calculate the tool‑path data, determine the process parameters and auxiliary operations, and then, using the function codes and block formats specified by the CNC system in use, write the machining program segment by segment. When writing the program, keep the following points in mind: 1) Ensure that the program is structured in a standardized manner to facilitate clear expression and communication; 2) Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the performance and command set of the CNC machine tool, and master the proper techniques for applying each command and for composing program blocks.
The three steps outlined above are essential procedures in CNC machining and should be followed to ensure more efficient machining operations.
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