What is CNC Engineering
CNC Engineering is the process of fabricating metal components from a computer-modeled mold. It stands for computer numerical control, and uses a computer "controller" that directs the cutting and shaping process by a G-code, the numeric code that precisely specifies how a component should be made. CNC engineering machines can be used in groupings, called cells, to fabricate a series of components toward a complex finished product. JH May is an industrial leader that assists all stages of product development with high tech production and solutions.
CNC machines, or numerically controlled machines, were developed in the 1940's to cut parts based on a set design, and the machine was dedicated to that purpose. The machining process made it possible to precisely, reliably cut curves and complex designs as easily as a straight line. CNC machines, due to the computer "controller," can change its purpose based on the need.
How CNC Engineering works
- CNC engineering consists of turning and milling machines.
- These machines are operated by highly skilled engineers who follow the designs of CAD (computer-aided drafting) engineering experts.
- CNC machining can produce the metal components and some facilities, including those of JH May, can also produce components of plastic, foam, exotic steels, and ceramics.
- Their expertise includes both minute medical and micro-machined components to parts as large as 2M by 1M.
The beauty of CNC engineering is the ability to produce a large quantity of components, quickly, and with superior quality. The computer "controllers" behind CNC machining continues to make technological progress. Once programs are loaded and the process is begun, machines have no need to be supervised at all times by the operating engineer. When these machines are doing complex jobs, the operator can even set the process in motion and leave, even for the weekend. Specialized sensors can detect if any anomalies or issues arise, and some of the latest models can even contact the operator's cell phone to notify of issues.
CNC Machining 2D and 3D
CNC engineering can produce both 2D and 3D CNC milling and CNC turning directly form 3D CAD data, DXF or 2D drawings. DXF is Drawing Exchange Format, a CAD data format that for many years has provided precision conversion from file to coding on the CNC machine. DXF has been mostly replaced by DWG, a native AutoCAD format that converts date directly to a 2 or 3 D representation and is much more widely used that DXF.
How CNC Engineering has changed
Some of the hardware changes over the years has improved the process of CNC engineering. The workstation that served as the X- and Y- axis had a spindle that moved the component to manipulate the Z- axis, for 3D control. They are now manufactured in a box for safety. Modern CNC machines change tools from a magazine within the enclosure. Drilling is a specialized sub-process that makes all drilled holes or screw threads with pre-programmed depth and position instructions. Parametric programming, similar to BASIC, complements the G-code to produce a wide range of components with logic and simple math.
CNC engineering has made many strides within the past 50 years, and JH May has been there every step of the way. Keeping up-to-date with the latest technology and producing quality components has helped to make JH May part of the gold standard inCNC machining and engineering today.