What is a CNC machine tool?
In the late 1940s, the United States started exploring the potential of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools. By 1952, MIT's servo laboratory achieved a milestone by developing the first CNC milling machine, which was put into practical use in 1957. This marked a significant turning point in manufacturing technology and signaled the start of the CNC machining era. As the foundation of modern manufacturing, this innovation had a profound impact on the industry worldwide. Major industrialized nations quickly recognized its importance and invested heavily in research and development. China began its own journey in CNC technology in 1958, producing early CNC machines with tube-based numerical control systems. By 1965, it had begun mass production of three-axis CNC milling machines using transistor-based systems. Over the decades, CNC machines have evolved to be fully computer-controlled and are now widely used across various industries, especially in mold manufacturing.
To meet the diverse needs of metal cutting and special machining processes—such as turning, milling, grinding, drilling, planing, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and laser cutting—numerous types of CNC machines have been developed. These machines are generally categorized into 16 main groups:
1. CNC Lathe (with milling capabilities)
2. CNC Milling Machine (including milling centers)
3. CNC Boring Machine
4. Milling-Based Processing Center
5. CNC Grinding Machine (including grinding centers)
6. CNC Drilling Machine (including drilling centers)
7. CNC Broaching Machine
8. CNC Planer
9. CNC Cutting Tools
10. CNC Gear Machining Tools
11. CNC Laser Processing Machines
12. CNC Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM)
13. CNC EDM Machine (Electric Processing Center)
14. CNC Sheet Metal Forming Machines
15. CNC Tube Forming Machine
16. Other CNC Machine Tools
In the die manufacturing industry, commonly used CNC machines include CNC milling machines, EDM machines, WEDM machines, grinding machines, and lathes. A typical CNC machine consists of several key components: the control system, servo system, measurement system, mechanical transmission system, and various auxiliary systems. The control system handles data input, interpretation, and machine tool control. The servo system translates control signals into precise movements of the machine’s components. The measurement system monitors the position and speed of moving parts, providing feedback for adjustments. The mechanical transmission system ensures accurate movement between drive components, while auxiliary systems like fixed cycles, automatic tool changers, and backlash compensation enhance efficiency and precision.
CNC milling is considered one of the most complex processes in CNC machining, often presenting the greatest challenges. While other CNC operations like wire cutting, EDM, turning, and grinding also have their unique aspects, this book will focus on NC milling, which plays a crucial role in programming and manufacturing. The servo system’s primary function is to convert pulse signals from the numerical control unit into actual movement of the machine’s components, ensuring accurate and efficient operation.
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