What are the methods of CNC machining?

CNC mechanical machining encompasses many methods that enable precise shaping of various materials. The most important include: CNC milling, which involves removing layers of material from an entire element until the designed shape is achieved – CNC machining tools used in this process are mills that perform rotary motion; CNC turning, which involves separating a layer of material through the rotary motion of the workpiece – this allows for shaping rotational solids, such as cylinders, cones, or threads; CNC bending is a machining process that involves permanently changing the curvature of the workpiece without losing material. In this process, completely new objects with wide functionality can be created from sheets or flat copper bars. CNC benders ensure excellent copper bending results, repeatability accuracy, and very high process quality.

What is CNC Machining?

Q: What materials can be machined using CNC machines?

CNC machines can process a variety of materials. Most commonly: CNC aluminium machining – e.g., production of electronic housings and aircraft parts; CNC steel machining – e.g., production of automotive parts, machine structures, and tools; CNC stainless steel machining – e.g., production of medical equipment and architectural elements; CNC copper machining – e.g., production of parts such as bus bars, connectors, pipes, and wires; CNC cast iron machining – e.g., production of machine parts and engine components; CNC wood machining – e.g., production of furniture, carpentry products, and decorative elements; CNC plastic machining – e.g., production of bearings, gears, and electronic equipment housings; CNC stone machining – e.g., production of fences, garden elements, and architectural decorations; CNC glass machining – e.g., production of car windows, partition walls, and balustrades.

Modern manufacturing companies, aiming to produce high-quality products while minimising costs, are increasingly adopting advanced techniques and automating processes.

CNC technology plays a significant role in this context, enabling the efficient, economical, and safe production of precise components. What else contributes to the popularity and wide application of CNC machining tools? What does this technology entail, and what methods does it use? We answer these and other questions below.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machining is a technology that enables the production of extremely precise parts using computer-controlled machines known as CNC machines. It has replaced traditional machining methods, where devices were manually operated by workers. In practice, CNC machining involves removing layers of material from a raw block using a cutting tool. A special controller, responsible for controlling the machine, manages these tasks. The human role is limited to selecting the appropriate settings and supervising the machines. The result of CNC machining is the transformation of raw material into a finished product that meets the customer's shape and dimension requirements.

Using machines equipped with microcomputers has allowed for the automation of production processes, thereby increasing their efficiency, repeatability, and precision.

What materials can be machined using CNC Machines?

CNC machines can process a variety of materials, most commonly:

CNC aluminium machining – e.g., production of electronic housings and aircraft parts;
CNC steel machining – e.g., production of automotive parts, machine structures, and tools;
CNC stainless steel machining – e.g., production of medical equipment and architectural elements;
CNC copper machining – e.g., production of parts such as bus bars, connectors, pipes, and wires;
CNC cast iron machining – e.g., production of machine parts and engine components;
CNC wood machining – e.g., production of furniture, carpentry products, and decorative elements;
CNC plastic machining – e.g., production of bearings, gears, and electronic equipment housings;
CNC stone machining – e.g., production of fences, garden elements, and architectural decorations;
CNC glass machining – e.g., production of car windows, partition walls, and balustrades.

Electris specialises in CNC metal machining, particularly copper and aluminium. We use modern, computer-controlled machines (including 3-axis and 5-axis), undertaking the most demanding projects from our clients (e.g., elements up to 4 meters in length).

CNC Machining Methods

CNC mechanical machining encompasses many methods that enable precise shaping of various materials. The most important include:

CNC milling, which involves removing layers of material from an entire element until the designed shape is achieved – CNC machining tools used in this process are mills that perform rotary motion;
CNC turning, which involves separating a layer of material through the rotary motion of the workpiece – this allows for shaping rotational solids, such as cylinders, cones, or threads;
CNC bending is a machining process that involves permanently changing the curvature of the workpiece without losing material. In this process, completely new objects with wide functionality can be created from sheets or flat copper bars. CNC benders ensure excellent copper bending results, repeatability accuracy, and very high process quality.

At Electris, we specialise in CNC milling, CNC turning, and CNC bending of copper and aluminium elements.

Stages of CNC Machining

The three basic stages of CNC machining are computer design, project processing, and part production. The entire process also requires simulating the machining process, preparing CNC machines, and quality control. The process concludes with finishing, which gives the product its final appearance and properties. At Electris, we carry out all stages of final machining, including drilling, grinding, engraving, marking, and threading.

What machines are used for CNC Machining?

Primarily, CNC milling machines, CNC bending machines, and CNC lathes are used, which can have 3 or more axes (usually 4 or 5). Some manufacturing companies also use multitasking machines, which allow for the production of a finished part in one process – without the need to transfer it between different machines.

CNC Machining – When Is It Worth It? Advantages and disadvantages!

CNC machining services are highly popular because they have many advantages. These include:

Precision – thanks to automatic computer control, CNC machining enables the production of complex shapes with very high accuracy;
Repeatability – CNC machines, once properly programmed, always work in the same way, ensuring uniformity and consistency of the produced parts;
Efficiency – CNC machining is fast and effective, significantly reducing production time compared to conventional methods;
Economical – due to process automation and high precision, CNC machining significantly reduces production costs;
Minimisation of human errors – automation limits the number of errors and defective parts that could occur during manual machining.

It is also worth noting that machining non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminium using CNC technology is extremely versatile and safe, making it applicable in many industries.

Applications of CNC Machining in Industries

There is enormous demand for CNC machining services in various industries, especially in energy, automotive, construction, agriculture, and the machinery, electronics, aerospace, and medical industries. The ability to use advanced CNC machines and program them freely, as well as work with various materials, makes this technology widely used in almost every industrial sector.

How Much Does CNC Machining Cost?

The cost of CNC machining depends on many factors – including the type of material being machined, the geometric complexity of the part, and the production volume.

If you need to estimate the cost of elements requiring CNC technology, please contact Electris at sales@electris.pl). We produce custom copper and aluminium components for our clients worldwide, which are used in a variety of devices.