The age of technology we live in increases the interest in computer-aided automation systems in production processes. No matter what line of business it is in, machines prevent loss of time and productivity. Minimizes operator errors and significantly increases production capacities. Today, it is possible to see machines in many areas from the smallest contract workshop to the most advanced industrial production facilities such as airframes. Operator has also become one of the interesting professions today. As interest in CNC machine needs increases, more and more attention is paid to the training of operators. So what is CNC? What are CNC machines used for and how to use them? What is a G-code? In this article, you can find short answers to such questions.
What is CNC?
One of the most curious questions about is “What is the CNC expansion?” First of all, if we need to start here, CNC is an abbreviation of an English expression. This expression is Computer Numerical Control. Meaning, it comes to say computer counting management. It can also be expressed as a computerized numerical control. Systems are basically automatic systems that work by programming with computers mounted on the machine. In fact, it is also possible to use CNC systems manually. But this way of use is very difficult and requires intensive labor. Today, the use of CNC machines is in the form of automatic programming. Industrial production areas are home to the most advanced machines.
These systems, which can be used in many business lines, provide a great advantage especially in the construction of sensitive and heavy work. The risk of error is high in sensitive work. In heavy work, the risks of accidents and injuries are high. Those who wonder what is are especially curious about this aspect of the subject. Because CNC systems perform almost all processes automatically. Thus, it minimizes the risk of errors and losses. It also raises the quality standards in the works done. For this reason, many factories today train their own CNC operators. In this way, more successful results are obtained in terms of resource use and efficiency. Moreover, the operators they train are not only a gain for themselves. When we look at it as a whole, it means an important gain for the whole sector.
What Do CNC Machines Do?
Those who wonder what CNC is also wondering what CNC machines do. To put it briefly, CNC machines reduce the need for human labor on the production line. The automatic progress of business processes under computer control minimizes human errors. Thus, the risks of errors in sensitive works and accidents in heavy work are reduced. Jobs that used to take hours to do on traditional machines and machines become multi-minute jobs on machines. Machine systems, which increase the production potentials of the enterprise, significantly increase the level of success in terms of efficiency and profitability.
How Do CNC Machines Work?
CNC machines have a minicomputer or a microcomputer that works as the control unit of the machine. The connection of these machines with the computer is a subject of interest to those who wonder what is CNC. To put it briefly, instruction programs in machines are provided with a small card that looks just like a traditional keyboard. Programs reside in the computer’s memory. Writing, modifying, or editing program codes requires special expertise. As a matter of fact, this expertise requires knowing g-code and CAM software. In systems, there is no need to write the same program for different parts. To add a new system to the controller, it is necessary to reprogram the unit.
CNC machine types have components that shape metal or other materials such as lathes, drilling machines, milling machines. In traditional methods, machines are used by expert operators. Therefore, the risk of errors in business processes is high. There are also high risks of accidents and injuries. Using work machines manually requires intense attention. However, it is not always possible to keep the level of attention high in all processes. Even the slightest mistake in cutting works casts a shadow on the success of the whole work. Machines, however, minimize the role of operators. Thus, the risk of errors and losses is minimized.
Those who wonder what is also curious about the function of the operator in these machines. Briefly, the main function of the operator is to feed the instruction program on the computer. It also loads the necessary tools on the machine. The control of all other processes related to work is carried out by the computer system. Thus, high advantages are created in terms of time management and efficiency in enterprises. After the necessary raw material supply is provided to the system, all business processes progress automatically. As long as the work of the appropriate program continues, so does the work of the CNC systems. In this respect, these systems have the feature of gaining competitive advantage to enterprises. In sectors where competition is intense, machines have the opportunity to change market balances.
How to Use CNC Machines?
One of the issues related to the question “What is CNC?” is how machines are used. As a matter of fact, there are different types of these machines. And the use of each of them differs according to its type. However, the way these machines are used is very similar. As a matter of fact, their use proceeds mainly through simulation or manufacturing programs. How the system will work is predetermined in these programs and installed in the system. The use of machines is based on the operation of these programs. When the program is activated, the tools on the machine are activated. These movements carry out the manufacture of the relevant part. It also allows the system to progress automatically.
If the part processed in the CNC program successfully passes the accuracy check, it is recorded as an NC file. Those who wonder what CNC is also curious about the way these files are transmitted. It is possible to transfer NC files with flash memory. For manufacturing, the machine tool must be pulled to the reference point. The final controls required for manufacturing take place via the computer screen. After final approval, all processes are carried out automatically by the system. The duration of the manufacturing process, the method of processing and other issues vary according to the machine types. But the number of parts that an operator produces in 1 hour on a lathe, robots can produce in a few minutes. For this reason, automation systems offer the most successful solutions for mass production.
One of the important issues in this context is CNC machining. As a matter of fact, those who wonder what CNC is wonder what CNC machining is. To put it briefly, CNC machining is the production process in which the computer runs programs that control how the relevant parts are produced. Software is used in CNC machining processes in production activities and industrial areas. Each program gives you control over the movements that the machines make. For example, spindle speed is one of them. A suitable program must be installed in the system for all jobs such as when the cooler will be turned on and off, and so on. If the necessary loading takes place, CNC robots significantly increase the mass production capacity.
What is a G-Code?
One of the issues that those who wonder what CNC is researching is g-code. Because this code language is at the center of all the process. To put it briefly, the computer language used to program machines is called g-code. Thanks to this special language, on the one hand, a special communication takes place between humans and machines. The operations to be performed by the machines are placed in the computer memory thanks to this language. On the one hand, a certain communication takes place between the different parts of the machines. Thus, business processes result in the planned way and with zero errors.
However, writing the g-code by hand is a very laborious task. For this reason, CAM software developed specifically to facilitate code writing is preferred. Those who wonder what is are especially curious about CAM software. To put it briefly, the most important feature of this software is that it has visual programming tools. Thus, the error risks that will occur during g-code writing are minimized. At the same time, it is possible to benefit from CNC machines more effectively.
Which Programs Need to Know to Use CNC Machines?
In order to use these machines, it is necessary to know the programs used to transmit NC (Numerical Control) (numerical control codes) to the CNC machining machine. Those who wonder what CNC is want to know what these programs are. Autocad is at the beginning of these programs. This vector-based program provides numerous conveniences in all kinds of technical drawings. In addition, programs such as CNC3D Commander and SolidWorks are programs that operators should know. Thanks to these programs, the parts to be produced on the CNC machine are tested. Then it will be saved as an NC file. After the transfer of the file to the CNC machine, the manufacturing process begins.
What are the CNC Machine Types?
It is possible to say that there is a wide variety in this regard. Those who wonder what CNC is may be a little surprised by this diversity. The areas of use of these machines lead to the differentiation of each type of machine. For example, it is possible to see different types of machines in the fields of machining, welding, advanced pressing, assembly and transportation. Among them, lathe machines, milling machines, drilling machines and cutting machines are the most common. When it comes to cutting machines, 3, 4 and 5 axis CNC cutting machines are of more interest. The machines used in laser cutting are called laser cutting machines. In plasma cutting, plasma cutting CNC machines are used. In addition, 3D printers, router machines and electrical discharge machines are among the most common types of CNC machines.
What are the Advantages of CNC Machines?
- Reduces the need for human labor.
- Increases mass production potentials and offers the most perfect solutions.
- It is possible for CNC systems to work 24/7 without interruption.
- Machine operations proceed with high precision.
- Minimizes the risk of errors and losses.
- Prevents loss of time and effort.
- The pace of work is always high and at the same level.
- Reduces production costs because it does not use molds or templates.
- Shortens the adjustment time because it does not use gauges and similar components.
- Reduces storage needs.
- Since its calculation capabilities are very high, it offers more practical solutions than traditional machines.
- Makes it easy to make changes to the part. It is possible to carry out such changes with a small update through the program.
- Eliminates calculation errors.
- There is no need to doubt the correctness of a finished work. Since the system works automatically, it outputs according to the highest accuracy values.
CNC Profile Machining Centers
An important issue in this context is CNC profile machining centers. As a matter of fact, those who wonder what is, also want to learn machining centers. To put it briefly, special systems that perform CNC profile machining using different types of metals are called CNC machining centers. The most important feature of these systems is that they contain different kinds of CNC machines together. Thus, it frees the enterprise from the need for different machinery supply. Special systems developed to process PVC profiles with light metals such as aluminum form the basis of the CNC profile machining center. Machining centers with a dual-station operating principle offer a level of manufacturing capacity equal to the operation of two machines of the same characteristics. In addition to aluminum profiles, steel profiles and brass profiles are also profiles that we frequently encounter in these centers.
In CNC panel machining centers, the vacuum table usually has a segmented structure. Thus, it gains the ability to process small parts more precisely. There is an opportunity to control each of the vacuum chambers separately. Thanks to the g-code used to program CNC machines, it is possible to develop solutions suitable for such needs. The automatic vacuum opening and closing system on the machine helps the machine to work without losing speed. The smart table system also has the effect of increasing the working speed. The speed varies according to the size and thickness of the panel. Adjustments to the CNC control panel are important in such cases. Otherwise, the business processes are left to the operator’s initiative. Those who wonder what CNC is should also pay attention to the importance of such issues. Because wrong decisions and business processes create the risk of loss of speed and efficiency.
What Kind of Operations Can Be Performed in CNC Profile Machining Centers?
- Taking the heads of the dimensioned profiles,
- Creating window handle space,
- Creating a screw place,
- Opening a lock socket,
- Other operations such as clapping, drilling and scraping.
CNC Panel Machining Centers
The most important feature of these machines is that they easily perform cutting, dimensioning and other operations of all types of metal sheets. In the process of dealing with metalboards as well as composite, wood or plastic panels, these machines provide practical solutions. CNC panel machining centers, which are specially designed for panel machining purposes, have different machine length. These machines can also be equipped with a vacuum table or milling head. Those who wonder what CNC is should be prepared for such differences. One of the most popular among these machines is the CNC aluminum composite panel sizing machine. One of the most effective ways to speed up panel production is to take advantage of the dual station feature. This feature, also known as a double bridge, is now found in many CNC panel machining centers.
In CNC panel machining centers, the vacuum table usually has a segmented structure. Thus, it gains the ability to process small parts more precisely. There is an opportunity to control each of the vacuum chambers separately. Thanks to the g-code used to program machines, it is possible to develop solutions suitable for such needs. The automatic vacuum opening and closing system on the machine helps the machine to work without losing speed. The smart table system also has the effect of increasing the working speed. The speed varies according to the size and thickness of the panel. Adjustments to the CNC control panel are important in such cases. Otherwise, the business processes are left to the operator’s initiative. Those who wonder what is should also pay attention to the importance of such issues. Because wrong decisions and business processes create the risk of loss of speed and efficiency.
Which Panels Can Be Processed in CNC Panel Machining Centers?
- Aluminum composite panels,
- Pure aluminum panels,
- Steel composite panels,
- HPL compact laminate panels,
- Acrylic panels.
CNC Laser and Wood Processing Centers
Another important category within machining centers is laser and wood processing centers. It is possible to cut and process all kinds of surfaces, such as chipboard, MDF, plexi, plywood and the like. After the procedures, a flat and smooth appearance is formed on the surface. Parts come out ready for assembly. In these products, it is also possible to perform aluminum composite cutting works. The precise cutting and machining features in CNC laser and woodworking centers are not available in conventional machines. With a good quality system, wood cutting and machining processes result in zero errors. At the same time, there is a cost advantage. Because these systems reset the risk of errors, they do not lead to material loss. Successful results thus also provide an affordable cost advantage.
What kind of operations can be performed in CNC Laser and Wood Processing Centers?
- Wood modeling and formwork
- Carving and engraving works,
- All kinds of embroidered cuts,
- 3D drawings,
- Relief embroideries,
- Cabinet doors,
- MDF membrane cover cutting and processing,
- Door cutting and embroidery,
- Plexiglass cuts.
Ino Machinery Privilege in CNC Machines You Need
We would like to complete this article, where we share useful information for those who wonder what is, with a small reminder. Established in 2010, Ino Machinery is one of the few companies in our country in the field of CNC machines. Together with the brands we represent, we meet the needs such as CNC profile machining machine, panel processing center, metal processing center in many sectors. Our factory, which serves in Bursa Kestel, ensures that the standards in the sector increase by taking advantage of advanced technology. If you have not yet benefited from the privilege of Ino Machinery in CNC machines and centers, we recommend that you take advantage of it. You can visit our All Products page to reach the machine solutions you want.