THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CNC MACHINE TOOLS.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CNC MACHINE TOOLS

Machine tools, referred to as machines that facilitate the processing of parts by removing chips from the workpiece using a cutting tool attached to them. In such machines, if the cutting tool rotates, the workpiece moves linearly. Conversely, if the workpiece rotates, then the cutting tool moves linearly. In short, for the cutting process to occur and the part to be processed, either the cutting tool or the workpiece must rotate. Machine tools are generally named according to the operations performed. For example, CNC Lathe Machine, CNC Grinding Machine, Drilling Machine, etc.

The program written in alphanumeric codes following a specific logical sequence for the operation of machine tools is called NC (Numerical Control) program. The integration of these NC codes into the machine tool and their operation through a computer integrated with the machine is called CNC (Computer Numerical Control), and such machines are referred to as CNC machine tools. (Figure – 5) Applications of CNC Machines in Industry
Today, CNC machine tools are used in almost all sectors of industry and in the processing of parts for various types of work. These machines are named according to the tasks they perform, similar to conventional machine tools. For example, CNC Lathe, CNC Machining Center, CNC Laser Machine, CNC Wire Erosion Machine, CNC Milling Machine, etc.

Why is CNC Machine Selection Important?
Today, there are numerous companies producing CNC machine tools used in all branches and stages of manufacturing. In parallel, versions of the same model machine with very different features are taking their place in the CNC machine tool market every day. Therefore, companies or individuals considering investing in such advanced technologies must conduct detailed and meticulous feasibility studies. Only in this way can they select the most suitable CNC machine tool for their operations.

Many businesses have entered into such investments without sufficient preliminary research and unfortunately have taken wrong steps. Perhaps initially, they didn't seem to incur significant losses. However, the most serious losses have been in their inability to use these machines profitably. Of course, this aspect was often overlooked because the money spent on CNC machines during the initial investment was not perceived as coming directly out of the operators' pockets.

Considerations in CNC Machine Selection
The factors to be considered in the selection of CNC machine tools and systems can be summarized under the following headings:

– Firstly, if there is an existing manufacturing operation, a machine suitable for this operation should be selected, or if there is no existing operation, a machine suitable for the intended manufacturing should be chosen. Some business owners prefer general-purpose machines because they do not have specific manufacturing operations.
– Variety, quantity, and dimensional precision of the parts to be manufactured.
– It should be chosen especially for parts with a large number of areas or complex geometries.;
– The quality of the CNC machine, including the latest technology and innovations.
– The machine vendor company should have a sufficient staff for training, after-sales technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
– The suitability of the costs for spare parts supply, service, and such supports when needed.
– The number of axes should be determined correctly. CNC machining center should be selected as 3, 4, or 5 axes, CNC lathe machine should be selected as 3-axis (with C-axis), etc. because incorrectly selecting an axis increases the cost of the CNC machine by a minimum of 15-20%.
– 3D simulation of the workpiece before manufacturing.
– Ability to intervene in the program at every stage, informing the programmer of the manufacturing time, using cycles and special commands in manual programming.
– The machine should have safety measures in case of collision, overload, etc. The entire system of the machine should automatically stop in case of any collision or overload.
– The operator should be warned in case of tool wear, dullness, breakage, etc.
– The operator should be able to easily access the critical buttons and switches of the machine.
– The control unit of the machine should be a known and widely used unit in the market.