A CNC machine is not a specific machine, as it is a set of different types of CNC machines used for various machining processes. Some of the most popular CNC machining operations include:

CNC milling

CNC milling is one of the most popular types of CNC machining processes. In fact, many professional mechanical workshops often alternate between CNC machining and CNC milling processes. Surface milling and peripheral milling are the two most commonly used applications of CNC milling machines.

In a CNC milling machine, the rotating cutting tool moves relative to the workpiece to remove material.

Cutting tools (also known as milling tools) are fixed on a rotatable spindle. The rotation and motion of the spindle enable CNC milling machines to perform milling operations on three or more axes.

CNC drilling

The CNC drilling process is much simpler than using milling tools or turning processes. In CNC drilling, the workpiece remains stationary while the drill moves on the workpiece and forms a hole.

The purpose of drilling may be to add screws, bolts, aesthetic requirements, or any other purpose.

CNC grinding

CNC grinders use a rotating flat grinding wheel to remove material from rough workpiece surfaces. This machine process is typically used to manufacture smooth finished parts. The grinding wheel rotates at a very high speed.

CNC milling

CNC routers are very similar to CNC milling machines. The main difference is that in CNC routers, the workpiece is always stationary, while the cutting tool moves in the X, Y, and Z dimensions. CNC engraving machines cut faster than milling machines without affecting accuracy and design complexity.

Other types of CNC machines and CNC operations

In addition to the various types mentioned above, there are other CNC processes. Some independent manufacturing machines are integrated with CNC to achieve automatic movement. Some of the additional CNC machines are:

PULL

Lapping uses a toothed cutting head to create a niche shape on the workpiece. The cutting is very consistent and highly accurate. These machines can be linear or rotary (with rotating toothed cutting tools).

saw

Sawing uses toothed blades for straight linear cutting. Due to friction with the saw blade, material is removed, resulting in cutting. When using CNC operation, this process is usually used for automatic cutting of materials.

Honing

Honing is similar to grinding as it is typically used for secondary finishing of materials. During the honing process, controlled grinding is performed on the workpiece using a grinding stone or grinding wheel to form the desired shape, size, or finish.

grind

Grinding is also similar to grinding. However, grinding uses grinding paste, powder, or mixture instead of grinding wheel to produce a smooth surface finish. Insert the abrasive mixture between two materials (one of which is a workpiece) and rub them against each other.

CNC lathe

CNC lathe is the main forming tool used for processing metal or wood. In a lathe, the workpiece rotates around the central axis and the machining head moves linearly along the surface. A CNC lathe can perform various functions, such as cutting, drilling, polishing, embossing, end face, etc. The performance of CNC lathes is much better than that of manual lathes.

Plasma cutting machine

Plasma cutting machine is an evolved form of cutting technology that uses high-temperature plasma jet to cut materials. Plasma is generated by an arc, so this method is only applicable to conductive materials.

Laser cutting machine

Laser cutting machines use laser beams to cut materials. Unlike plasma cutting, laser cutting is not limited to cutting conductive materials. Laser beams can cut anything by adjusting laser parameters.

Flame cutter

Flame cutting uses a gas mixture of oxyacetylene (also known as oxygen fuel) to cut metals. When pure oxygen burns with narrow flow and ignites, it produces an ultra-high temperature flame that easily cuts through metal.

Bending machine

The purpose of a bending machine is to bend metal plates and sheets. The material is placed between V-shaped or U-shaped molds. Then press the mold and bend it as needed.

Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

Electric discharge machining (EDM) is used to cut conductive materials. In EDM, the cutting head near the material will emit electrical pulses, resulting in an arc. The arc melts and removes the material at the desired location, resulting in cutting.

Water jet cutting machine

The water jet cutting machine uses ultra-high pressure water for cutting. These cutting machines can cut anything: metal, alloy, wood, stone, or glass. The water jet is controlled by CNC and moves according to software.