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Archive for September, 2007

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

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.

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.

The number of firms offering machining services has increased over the years, which can confuse a client wanting to avail of machining services. Machining firms often take care of this problem by quoting their machining rates on the Internet or via toll free phone lines.

Machining quotes are available for different types of machining techniques such as laser machining, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), Chemical etching machining, metal stamping machining, water jet machining, and abrasive water jet machining. Quotes are also available for machining different types of materials such as metal, wood, ceramics, carbon fiber, marble, cardboard, soft rubber, plastic, composites, and others.

Machining quotes available on Internet websites are generated with the help of database software that contains detailed information about various machining techniques and their prices according to the type of material being machined. Users just need to select the type of machining and the number of parts required. The software processes this input according to predetermined parameters for generating machining quotes. This allows users to gather information about machining rates offered by different firms and helps them in selecting the firm that offers the most cost effective rates. After getting the customer’s approval, quotes are converted into sale orders and the machining process starts after receiving the requisite amount from the customer.

A user can also get quotes via toll free phone lines operated by machining firms. In this case, a customer care representative handles the calls and provides all the information needed by a customer, which includes machining quotes.

Some websites are completely dedicated for providing machining quotes offered by different machining firms. These sites are very popular as users get all the information they need from a single website and can compare quotes offered by different firms. However, it is advised that purchase decisions should not be based solely on price quotes. Past records and reputation of the firm should also be taken into consideration.

The operators of the present-day CNC cutting machine demonstrate many of the same skills as those possessed by various traditional craftsmen. The operators of the CNC cutting machine include the men and women who design and make cabinets, woodwork, signs, and a whole range of metal, solid surface and plastic objects. The manufacturers who employ these operators know how important it is to have a good quality CNC cutting machine.

A good quality CNC cutting machine has a cutting table that covers the area bounded by a length of four feet and a width of eight feet. A quality table can handle satisfactorily a standard 4 x 8 plate of metal, wood, plastic, glass, or stone. A table that lacks a sufficient length or width will make it necessary for the operator to repeatedly reposition the plate. Operators of the CNC cutting machine refer to such repositioning as indexing.

A good basic CNC cutting machine does both plasma and oxyfuel cutting. Refinements on a basic cutting machine might provide it with the ability to perform other functions, functions such as:

-spotting holes for drilling
-drilling aluminum
-cutting a shape in the sides or end of tubing
-routing wooden shapes.

Other modifications on a CNC cutting machine might be directed at installation of the equipment for laser or water jet cutting.

The selection of a CNC cutting machine will be primarily determined by the nature of cutting that will be performed by the machine operator. For some operations, it will be necessary to do only straight cutting. For other operations, the cutting machine must perform bevel cutting. Bevel cutting allows the operator to trim, reduce, shave, and pare the material in the plate.

Both types of cutting will subject the CNC cutting machine to a fair amount of wear and tear. The manufacturer therefore needs to purchase a machine with adequate customer support. Such support should include the availability of spare parts. An absence of spare parts could require that the electronics of the CNC cutting machine undergo a retrofitting.

A need for retrofitting would deprive the operator of important production time. The need for retrofitting would diminish the quantity of goods that could be sold to the consumer. The need for retrofitting leads to a decrease in the amount of time that the operator will be spending at the CNC cutting machine. That is why the availability of spare parts for a malfunctioning CNC cutting machine remains one of the two chief concerns of the manufacturer. A second prime concern is the size of the cutting table.

The operator of a CNC cutting machine that needs to spend a large percent of time indexing will not have much time to spend on the actual cutting. Hence, the manufacturer will have much less product. Fewer products from the manufacturing facility translate into fewer products on the shelf. Consequently, the need for operators to spend time indexing can prove a detriment to the company?s bottom line. A good sales volume reflects the well-planned purchase of a CNC cutting machine.

About the Author: Peter Vermeeren is the owner and webmaster of: Machines and Tools and Airsoft GOT | Tactical Gear | Military Supplies

The mini CNC machine gives the manufacturer a way to reduce cycle time. The mini CNC machine helps the manufacturer to avoid a long void between the end of one operation and the start of the next operation. The manufacturer who decides to purchase a mini CNC machine has chosen to apply the principles of cycle time to the area of production machinery.

The nature of the mini CNC machine creates three ways by which miniaturization can pave the way for cycle time reduction. This article will list three ways by which a manufacturer can reduce cycle time. It will also provide details concerning how the mini CNC machine permits the manufacturer to apply the principles of cycle time reduction to the operation of the mini CNC machine, and ultimately to the process of machine production.

The effort to reduce the manufacturers cycle time begins with an attempt to minimize the amount of time that operators spend loading and unloading various materials. The operator of a CNC machine will work more efficiently if he or she is able to minimize the workplace loading and unloading. This minimization is achieved through use of the mini CNC machine.

The operator of the mini CNC machine can save time by using large bed sizes and a small footprint. The operator of a mini CNC machine will save money by loading into the machine a wide piece of material and then limiting each process (cutting, engraving, routing, and drilling) to a small footprint.

The operator of a CNC-based piece of equipment can reduce cycle time by reducing the tool maintenance time. Such a reduction is made possible by the mini CNC machine. The small size of the miniaturized machines facilitates the creation of multiple design options. The large number of options leads to creation of a generous number of spare parts. Meanwhile the surplus of spare parts guarantees the ready replacement of any malfunctioning parts.

The operator of a mini CNC machine also reduces cycle time by decreasing the program execution time. The clamping of small elements to the mini CNC machine and the automation of the tiny machine parts leads to a lowering of operator intervention. Whenever operators can afford to devote less time to matching the quality of a previous result, then the manufacturer saves money.

It thus becomes obvious that the characteristics of the mini CNC machine guarantee the application by the operator of the principles of cycle time. Three aspects of any CNC program fall under the control of the product manufacturer.

1) The time required for workplace equipment to accomplish the loading and unloading of the material that requires a transformation (a cutting, drilling, routing or engraving),
2) The length of the program execution time,
3) The length of the tool maintenance time.

The ability of a mini CNC machine to substantially alter any of the above three aspects could lead to a reduction in cycle time. A reduction in cycle time could improve performance of the process machinery.

About the Author: Peter Vermeeren is the owner and webmaster of: Machines and Tools – Airsoft GOT | Tactical Gear and Kamikaze Martial Arts