CNC Machining Services
Our comprehensive CNC machining service can help you with a wide range of different projects. Whether you are experienced in working with this technique in prior projects or whether this is brand new to you, we are here to help.
By working with JH May Model Makers, we will bring your ideas to life using our 12, 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis milling machines. The turning department includes 7 CNC turning centres with sub-spindle and live tooling capability. All materials can be accommodated from plastics and foams through to exotic steels and ceramics.
We have been utilising CNC machining technology since its advent and today our milling and turning processes are second to none. From minute medical and micro-machined mechanical components through to large scale parts measuring up to 2.5M x 1.5M we have the CNC machining capacity to cope.
7-Axis Robot Machining
Using our 7-axis robot CNC machine, we can mill large models and sculptures from a range of materials for artists, shop displays, and designers around the world. We’ve worked with global advertising companies, artists and designers, using our CNC skills to create their complex designs. Using our CNC robot we can quickly turn your design into a large-scale replica, made from foam or polystyrene as well as many other materials. The 7-axis robot can mill larger, more complex designs thanks to the reach of its CNC arm, the dexterity of the CNC attachment, and a rotating table. This newest addition to JH May’s machining department has already been used to mill product-design prototypes, large-scale artwork, sculpture replicas, large fibreglass moulds and much more. Combined with our metalwork and finishing facilities, we can create stunning sculptures and bespoke metal frameworks to support them, as well as finishing the sculpture to our highest standards, all under the same roof.
Proven Reliability
We have a long history as Model Makers throughout the UK and as a supplier of high quality components and assemblies to some of the world’s best known companies. If you are looking for a company to provide a high quality service, using all of their experience and technical capability to work with you, then contact us today by calling 01277 365500 or filling out our online form
More About CNC Engineering and How it Works
CNC Machining is the process of fabricating metal components from a computer 3D model or program. 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.
The beauty of CNC engineering is the ability to produce a large quantity of components, quickly, and with superior quality. The computer “controllers” behind 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.
And now for the really technical bit…
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 data directly to a 2 or 3 D representation and is much more widely used than DXF.
How CNC Engineering has changed
Some of the hardware changes over the years have improved the process of CNC machining. 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 mathematics.
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 in CNC machining and engineering today.