Archive for September, 2007

Machining refers to the industrial process of cutting and fabricating metals and other materials into predetermined shapes and sizes. Machining process is controlled with the help of computer numeric control (CNC) software that guides the cutting equipment along the lines and arcs of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing.

A machining process may involve the use of different techniques depending on the number of parts being manufactured and the type of material. Machining techniques may include manual machining, which is used for cutting metal sheets in simple shapes such as circular, square, and rectangular. This process is however being replaced by automatic machining systems and processes that can cut any type of shape out of metal sheets needed for different purposes.

Chemical etching machining technique is mainly used for producing typical precision parts. The machining system offers a great flexibility for producing precision parts with unusual configuration as well as metals with tight tolerance within .0005′. Besides this, chemical etching machining is capable of producing small holes and bars that are not possible with other machining techniques. Another common process is Wire Electrical-Discharge Machining (EDM) in which the metal is separated from a conductive work piece by means of electrical erosion. During this process, the wire never touches the conductive work piece and leaves a path on the work piece, which is slightly larger than the wire.

Another technique known as the metal stamping machining phenomenon, which is also referred to as progressive die stamping or long run metal stamping, is extensively used in production of precision parts with thickness from .002′ to .135′. The technique is mainly used for processing typical low price parts that are formed into three dimensions.

Apart from these, some modern techniques are also in use such as abrasive water jet and laser machining that are more accurate and environment friendly as compared to conventional machining techniques.

Some technology allowed humans to use machines and program codes to do things that had been done manually. CNC is one of these technologies.

CNC routers have been of great help in many fields (signage- making, 3D moldings and furniture, just to name a few). In that regard, it would be very helpful for its users to know how to get the best deal and quality on their next purchase of CNC routers.

Here are some tips on how you can get the best CNC routers.

1. Buying CNC routers from a manufacturer would be more advisable than buying from distributors.

Buying from a manufacturer will give consumers the following advantages -

- The guarantee that the sales representative knows a lot about the product. Who would know the product better than the manufacturers themselves?

- Consumers can buy the items at a cheaper price too, since there are no third parties or go- betweens involved in the transaction.

Just make sure that you know the nearest service center of the company so that you know where to go to in case you need follow- up services from them.

2. Visit multiple stores to try the different CNC machines.

- It would be advisable that you have materials that you can work on when you try the machines. Bring these materials home to see that of the products can give the quality of workmanship that you are looking for.

- Also, it would be advantageous if you can also check the machines ease of usage and your comfort while you are using the product. These things will help a lot in deciding that router you will use.

3. It is advisable to buy a new CNC router.

New CNC routers are more efficient, and the quality of work can be assured. Of course, not all circumstances would allow businesses the endeavors of having a new CNC router.

In case you would buy used CNC routers, here are the things that you need to look for -

- At least one year warranty from the seller just as an assurance that you would not have to shoulder repair expenses within that period.

- Make sure that all of the upgrades necessary for the machine have been done.

- Ask if it would be possible for repairs to be done after a year and ask how much it would cost.

4. Consult your vendor regarding your CNC router needs so that you will not buy something less than what you are expecting or something more that can add up to your expenses.

5. Test the durability and the reliability of the CNC routers.

These are the two qualities that a CNC router must be able to meet. All the parts of the router should be sturdy enough to carry on the heavy work. Minimal vibrations must be felt during operations, and the cuts must be precise, accurate and smooth. You must know these things before buying the product, and not after you purchase it.

6. Get the software that is easy to learn, manipulate, program and fix during errors.

When using CNC routers, operators will be dealing with programs and codes that tell the machine what to do. That is why it is a basic requirement for the operators to be accustomed to the software that he is using. Most of these things he will learn during trainings and product testing.

7. Consider workspace and the jobs to be done in buying CNC routers.

Materials that CNC routers are working on vary in characteristics such as hardness. Your CNC routers may do the job easily on this product, will have a hard time working on another. These things must be taken into consideration when buying CNC routers.

Also, workspace is another issue. Make sure that your workspace can accommodate the machine that you will be buying.

8. Price is relevant to the CNC router and the future profit that it can bring you.

Do not get a CNC router just because it is cheap. Think long term.

Your CNC router is the key in making the most out of your business. So give it your best shot to follow these tips to get the best CNC router to cater to your needs!

About the Author:

For more great cnc router related articles and resources check out http://cncportal.info

Precision machining is a process that is used to produce a large number of both large as well as small objects that we make use of in our daily lives. Each intricate and detailed piece that makes up an object needs the touch of a machinist’s skills. Similarly, a machine or tool that is worn down will require the action of machine tool calibration quite frequently. There are also other facilities provided by precision machining apart from calibration. These would be detailed welding or grooving carried out by a precision machinist. Ranging from aircraft aluminum alloy production right till devices for surgically drilling of bones precision machining caters to almost every industry and technology. Put simply, if an object is made of parts, it would have needed precision machining.

While the majority of precision machining companies usually work with one form of CAD/CAM programs or another, they still do often work with sketches that are hand drawn. Although the hand sketches are usually made use of only in the initial phases of a design. Precision machining can be used on a variety of materials that include graphite, bronze, steel, plastics and glass to name just a few. Based on the project size and the materials that are to be used, different kinds of precision machining tools are put to use. Precision machining is indispensable to numerous industries and various kinds of technologies. Without precision machining we would be unable to manufacture a number of detailed and intricate parts of various objects. The detail and accuracy it brings into the manufacturing procedure is what renders precision machining as so indispensable. There is a long list of machining companies that specialize in precision machining and you can use the Internet to locate them and avail their services. Precision machining is an integral part of mechanical and manufacturing industries.

CNC refers to the computer controls of a machine. With the help of a program code, it will be easier to replicate same parts. It is a great innovation in the field of manufacturing that makes mass production more efficient and practical. That is why companies, large or small, must exert effort to find a CNC machine that will best suit their needs.

Here are some tips on how you can get the best CNC machines.

- Buy and choose with the help of buyers representative. A buyers representative has been made to cater to the following needs and give advantages to CNC machine users -

1. To allow users to save time in negotiating

Most people who would buy CNC machines will have to settle with getting quotations from two to three manufacturers to save time and to avoid the hassle of talking to a lot of sales representative.

By asking professional help from someone who knows a lot about CNC machines and manufacturers, you will just coordinate with only one party- the buyers representative. They will be the one who will shoulder all the talking and negotiations for you.

And since they regularly collect updated quotations from the CNC machine manufacturers, it will take lesser time for you to get information regarding the CNC machine of your choice.

2. To check the quality of the products that they are referring to buyers

Buyers representatives exert effort to check that the machines that they will be referring to buyers are of good quality.

3. To offer a large variety of machines from different machine manufacturers

Most people do the common mistake of asking for quotations from the well- known (and expensive) brands in the market when they have the options of buying other brands that are as efficient yet cheaper than the ?mainstream? brands.

Buyers representative offer quotations from less prominent CNC machine manufacturers that has cheaper price as well. In this way, the buyers representative also gives equal playing fields for all CNC machine manufacturers, both in the large- scale and medium scale.

4. To allow buyers opportunities to get the best deal for their money and save some too.

All buyers would like to get the best thing that their money can buy. Also, all buyers would also prefer to save their hard- earned money without sacrificing efficiency and quality. Here are some ways buyers representative can help you save money -

- The buyers representative only charge 5 percent of the cheapest CNC machine that meets the buyers requirements. That is a small price to pay for the assurance that you will get a wonderful CNC machine that will cater to your needs.

- The buyers do not have to settle in buying prominent brands and pay for the brand name. With lesser money to spend, one can get a machine as efficient as the prominent brands.

- By forming buying groups, buyers representative can also negotiate with manufacturing companies to give discounts to prospective buyers.

- With greater competition among the manufacturers, there will be better quality of products and more affordable prices.

- If getting help from buyers representative is not your choice, you can always do it yourself. The general rule in buying CNC machines is to be familiar with all the parts first then everything else will follow.

1. Make sure that the following parts are intact and correctly attached to the CNC machine to ensure the perfect working condition of the machine -

- the safety shield (a plastic that cover that protects the working space),

- the tool or drill bit (the part that does the cutting),

- spindle shaft (the part that holds the tooldrill bit),

- the spindle motor (the part that drives and controls the cutter),

- the vertical or upright column ( holds the pieces together) and

- the control box.

2. Always look for the emergency stop button in your CNC machine. This is to ensure that when an error is made, the machine can be stopped manually to prevent further damages from happening.

3. Big control guides are preferred so it will be easier for user to refer to it. It will also be helpful for operators who have poor eyesight too.

4. The plastic that comprises the shield must be made from sturdy polycarbonate.

About the Author:

For more great cnc related articles and resources check out http://cncinsider.info.

A CNC Rotary table is a piece of CNC milling equipment used for precision metalworking. It is similar than a dividing head or indexing head except that it is fixed to be used in only two planes, the horizontal plane and the vertical plane. A CNC Rotary table is used for CNC milling and is made up of a solid base that has proper provisions for clamping metal material on tables and other kinds of equipment. The table of this CNC milling equipment is a precision machined disc that also has provision to clamp materials in it, that is aided with a T slot. This CNC milling equipment can rotate by itself or be controlled by a worm or a handheld operational control.

1. Extreme Accuracy

A graduated dial and a vernier scale allow this rotary table to be positioned to a high degree of accuracy. The center of CNC milling equipment has hole that allows a morse taper center or fixture to be inserted. A tailstock is usually provided if the rotary table can be mounted from its end, so that the axis will be horizontal. The most common use of this CNC milling equipment is on it vertical axis that in this mode is on the same plane as the cutter when it is used on a milling machine.

2. Coaxial Design

If the CNC rotary table is mounted on a secondary table the work piece is adjusted in the center around the rotary tables axis, in this position the work piece is centered around the cutting tools axis; this make all three axis coaxial. Making a way for the secondary table to be offset in either the x or y plane so that the cutter is pitched at a distance from the work piece?s center allowing a simultaneous operations on the work piece.

3. Specialized Or General?

There are literally hundreds of CNC milling equipments available on the market today with different specifications and different additional features. They come in all types of shapes and sizes. Some are designed for specific applications, while others are more of general purposes in nature. When looking for the right CNC rotary tables, try to talk to people who already using this kind of equipments from them you can learn how this things work. The good thing about talking to this people is that you will gain information not based on industrial propagandas but on experience and uses of there CNC milling equipments. You can also visit a shop in your area so that you will ly see on how CNC rotary tables work. You can eve try to use one CNC milling equipment to know how it feels. You can also attend CNC seminars to be able to gain professional views about his matters and also do not forget to check online information sites.

4. Setting Up Shop

When setting up your CNC rotary tables make sure that the platform is stable and your CNC milling machine secure. Setting up your CNC milling machines is a critical issue to early success, the less movement that occur the better. The right material to be used should also be thought about when using this kind of CNC milling machines. Determine the right thickness and sizes of your materials. Also look for proper fixtures for your CNC milling machines, for this will save time, money and frustration when using your CNC rotary tables.

Before going into production, make a plan to test the different variables you need to work with for a period of time. Getting familiar with your machine is also a critical issue for success. Try to make familiar with the different types of cut, type of materials to be cut, the table type, the depths of cut, the feed rates and the type and sizes of bits that you will be utilizing. Feel around the machine but not literally though for it may I injure you.

5. Satefy

Make sure to read your manuals and have a thorough understanding about the safety measures and the different features of your CNC milling machines. Have a good idea on how this things works. On what it can do to make your business prosper and also on how it can harm your employees.

About the Author:

For more great cnc rotary table related articles and resources check out http://www.onlyrotary.com

Wood machining refers to the process of converting wooden logs into planks, fabricating them into desired shapes and sizes, and polishing them for use in the final product. Wood machining has acquired great importance in recent years due to the short supply of wood and increasing environmental awareness among users and manufacturers. Wood machining techniques that are in use, stress on the maximum utilization of wooden logs and help in reducing wastage.

Wood can be technically defined as a hygroscopic, orthotropic, biological, and permeable composite material having extreme chemical diversity and physical complexity with structures, that vary extensively in their shape, size, properties and function. All this makes it very difficult to develop a standard machining technique applicable to all types of wood as their response may differ when subjected to a machining process.

Commonly used wood machining processes involve the use of electric powered vertical chain saws or rotary saws that cut wood in the required shape and size. Water is used on a regular basis to cool down the chain saw as well as the wood for allowing smooth and uninterrupted cutting operations. Wooden planks produced during this process are still very rough and cannot be used in manufacturing the final product.

The next step involves the use of sand paper strips mounted on circular rotating disks. Wooden planks are passed under these to give them the required finishing needed for manufacturing the final product. Automatic presses can also be used for bending wooden planks in the required shape or drilling holes in pre-designated places according to product design.

The woodwork industry follows different strategies for achieving optimized wood machining process keeping in mind the mechanism and principles of deformation, crack initiation, and propagation of different types of wood. Other factors are also taken into consideration such as humidity, temperature, static preloads, and vibrations that can affect the wood during machining process.

Water jet machining technology involves the use of high-pressure water jets for cutting parts out of different types of material such as soft rubber, foam, extremely thin stuff such as foil, carpet, paper, cardboard, soft gasket material, candy bars, diapers, and soft wood. Its use is limited, as it cannot cut harder materials such as metals, glass, and hard wood.

The water used in water jet machining systems is pressurized between twenty and sixty thousand pounds per square inch (PSI) depending on the type of material being cut. The highly pressurized water is released through a tiny hole called "jewel" which is typically 0.007" to 0.015" in diameter, creating a very high velocity beam of water capable of cutting soft materials.

Water jet machining process is controlled with the help of computer numeric control (CNC) software that guides the water jet nozzle according to the lines and arcs of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing. The CAD drawing is a three dimensional (3D) graphic representation of parts that are to be fabricated. The technology has many advantages such as easy to use components, quick assembly process, reduced turn around time on the machine, complementariness to other machining techniques, and cutting without heating the material.

One major drawback of water jet machining is that the nozzle often gets blocked due to dust particles that might be present in the water. The other problem with water jet assemblies is that they are prone to constant wear and tear caused due to high-pressure water flowing out of tiny nozzles.

These drawbacks are however ignored, as water jets are the most environment friendly and safe machining technology used in the present era. It does not produce fine particles that might get into the human body and cause fatal diseases such as cancer. Particles if any are swept away with the strong force of the water jet and do not pollute the surrounding environment.

CNC machines are used in a variety of industrial settings and in woodworking shops. Most are out of the price range for the individual user, but can be purchased used for about half the price. These machines increase speed and accuracy when doing large jobs or repetitive tasks.

How CNC Machines Work
CNC machines are used in a variety of industry, manufacturing processes and woodworking shops. CNC routers are used for drilling holes. Some machines have the capability of holding several tools. This allows them to perform more than one operation at a time. They save time and improve accuracy.

CNC stands for Computer Numerated Control. This technology was first seen in the 1970s. The machines need to be programmed and set up properly before operation. Once the initial set up is completed, they are fairly easy to operate and keep running.

In CNC routers, they can be programmed to drill holes in an automatic fashion. This is faster and more accurate over several pieces than in manual drilling. The results are more uniform. This method is very beneficial for larger jobs that require a lot of drilling. Manual drilling can become tiring and when the operator becomes tired, the results can become inconsistent.

Types of CNC Machines 
A CNC lathe is a good piece of equipment for cutting wood. These come in models ranging from fifteen to forty horsepower. The amount of power you need depends on the amount of wood you will use with the lathe. The best models operate in several different modes, from completely manual to all CNC. This allows you to tailor the machine?s operation for each project.

A Bridgeport mill is the best in milling technology. Mills are used in many industries, both large and small shops. They are efficient and reliable. Bridgeport mills are built to last a lifetime. However, they are very expensive. The price is out of the range that most people can afford.

The CNC mill is a specialty piece of equipment. It uses computer programming and robotics for accurate operation. The results are more accurate than any person could ever achieve. For this reason, Bridgeport mills are often used in the airline industry. Once the specs are entered, the CNC decides which tools need to be used and automatically changes the tools as needed.

Engraving equipment is made to engrave a variety of materials including glass, stone, metal, wood, composites and many others. The machines mark and engrave with more accuracy than could ever be achieved by hand. Everything from large signs to small lettering can be done, depending on your needs.

Buying Used units
CNC equipment is very expensive and out of the price range of most people. Buying used CNC electronics is an affordable option for some people. You can save nearly 50% or more on some equipment. Be careful when buying used, you want to be sure the equipment is in good condition.

A better option is to look for refurbished equipment. These machines have been inspected at the factory. Any broken or damaged components are replaced. In many cases, the machine is painted and new decals are applied. It?s like getting a new machine for a significantly reduced price. Often, you will get a one year warranty with reconditioned equipment. This gives you time to be sure it is working properly and if not, you can get it fixed for free.

About the Author: Charles Mahoney publishes many articles for the website http://www.inside-woodworking.com . He writes on topics from CNC technologies and other areas in this field.

Ceriotec Corporation has announced that it will invest another US$1 million in new CNC Swiss screw machines in 2006 to increase its Swiss screw machining capacity and productivity.

Suwa, Nagano, Japan 27/Jan/2006 – To expand its production capacity and machining productivity, Ceriotec Corporation has announced that it will invest another US$1 million in new CNC swiss screw machines in 2006. The company has invested a total of US$5 million in CNC Swiss screw machines over the 5 previous years.

"We have gradually replaced our cam operated Swiss type screw machines with the latest CNC Swiss style screw machines. Besides allowing us to eliminate the need for cams and their added costs, these latest CNC Swiss screw machines make us more competitive as they increase efficiency by about 30% and allow us to respond rapidly to short production runs and rush order jobs," says Hiroaki Oguchi, President of Ceriotec Corporation.

Established in 1951, Ceriotec Corporation has been using swiss screw machines or swiss automatics to supply Japanese watch-making, IT electronics, consumer electronics, telecommunications and automotive industries with miniature complex profile turned parts from diameter 0.1mm for over 50 years.

Swiss screw machining is used to make small, slender, complex and precision components. In the swiss screw machine, the bar stock material is gripped tightly and advanced by the sliding headstock through a guide bushing to the machining section. The machining section consists of stationary tools which are applied to the emerging bar stock. As only the part of the bar to be machined is exposed from the guide bushing, there is minimum deflection which allows the turning of small accurate precision parts. If the part is longer and needs more grip support at the front end, a sub spindle can be applied to grip it to reduce deflection during cutting. Accurate and close toleranced parts are possible with tight toleranced guide bushings and finely ground bar stocks.

Says Mr Oguchi, "Originally designed by the Swiss to make miniature watch parts, Swiss style screw machines have become the machining solutions for many turned parts manufactured from difficult to machine alloys and exotic metals. Swiss screw machines excel in manufacturing a complex profile part in one turning operation, thus eliminating secondary processes and costs. We look forward to business enquiries through Suwa Precision Engineering, our marketing office in Singapore."

About Suwa Precision Engineering Pte Ltd: Suwa Precision Engineering Pte Ltd is the marketing office for a group of Japanese precision engineering parts manufacturers from Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, which is the home base of major corporations such as Seiko Epson and Nidec Sankyo. These manufacturers have more than 40 years each in manufacturing precision products and components such as stamping dies, precision metal stamping (deep draw and high speed), precision swiss turned components and miniature balls from diameter 0.1mm, precision gears and pcb in small footprint (1mm by 2.5mm).

More information on Ceriotec Corporation is located at http://www.suwaprecision.com.

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Contact Ken Yap for more helpful information on the company: Tel: 65-67492045 Email: sales@suwaprecision.com

About the Author

Author Ken Yap is a director of Suwa Precision Engineering which represents Japanese companies specializing in precision metal stamping, swiss screw turning and manufacture of stepper motor housings, miniature gear pumps, and hinge components for cell phones.

Water jet machining technology involves the use of high-pressure water jets for cutting parts out of different types of material such as soft rubber, foam, extremely thin stuff such as foil, carpet, paper, cardboard, soft gasket material, candy bars, diapers, and soft wood. Its use is limited, as it cannot cut harder materials such as metals, glass, and hard wood.

The water used in water jet machining systems is pressurized between twenty and sixty thousand pounds per square inch (PSI) depending on the type of material being cut. The highly pressurized water is released through a tiny hole called "jewel" which is typically 0.007" to 0.015" in diameter, creating a very high velocity beam of water capable of cutting soft materials.

Water jet machining process is controlled with the help of computer numeric control (CNC) software that guides the water jet nozzle according to the lines and arcs of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing. The CAD drawing is a three dimensional (3D) graphic representation of parts that are to be fabricated. The technology has many advantages such as easy to use components, quick assembly process, reduced turn around time on the machine, complementariness to other machining techniques, and cutting without heating the material.

One major drawback of water jet machining is that the nozzle often gets blocked due to dust particles that might be present in the water. The other problem with water jet assemblies is that they are prone to constant wear and tear caused due to high-pressure water flowing out of tiny nozzles.

These drawbacks are however ignored, as water jets are the most environment friendly and safe machining technology used in the present era. It does not produce fine particles that might get into the human body and cause fatal diseases such as cancer. Particles if any are swept away with the strong force of the water jet and do not pollute the surrounding environment.