Large CNC machining: What basics do you need to know?

 

In today's manufacturing industry, large CNC machining plays a vital role. With high precision, high efficiency and high automation, it provides high-quality machining solutions for various industrial fields. If you are interested in large CNC machining, or are considering applying it to your production process, here are some basics you need to know.

 

 

Large CNC machining refers to the process of machining using large CNC machine tools. These machine tools usually have large table sizes and processing capabilities, capable of handling large workpieces and complex machining tasks. Large CNC machining can be used to manufacture a variety of parts and products, such as aerospace parts, automotive parts, molds, heavy machinery parts, etc.

 

 

 

During the design stage, CAD is used to create a 3D model of the part for design.

 

 

Since CAD cannot be recognized by CNC machines, the model needs to be converted into a format that the CNC machine can effectively interpret. So CAM software is needed. Then the CAD design is converted into operation codes that the CNC machine can execute.

 

After the setting is completed, the CAD design is converted into an operation code that can be executed by the CNC machine tool for compatible mode (G code), generating tool paths, cutting parameters, and optimizing the processing path.

 

 

When processing, choose the appropriate machine and tool for configuration operation. During this period, the complexity, cost, and material of the design should be considered, and it should be put into automatic processing after ensuring that it is correct.

 

In large-scale CNC processing, CAD is the starting point of the entire process, providing the initial design and geometric data of the parts. After the design is completed, the CAD file is converted into instructions for the CNC machine tool through CAM to form a complete processing flow. This process involves not only design, analysis and simulation, but also actual processing and subsequent inspection.

 

 

High precision: Through precise programming and advanced control systems, micron-level or even higher processing accuracy can be achieved. Compared with traditional processing methods, large-scale CNC processing greatly reduces human errors and improves product consistency and reliability.

 

High efficiency: CNC machine tools can realize automated processing, reduce the time and errors of manual operation, and improve processing efficiency. At the same time, large-scale CNC processing can perform multi-axis linkage processing at the same time, further improving processing efficiency.

 

Flexibility: Large-scale CNC machining can be programmed and adjusted according to different machining requirements, and can adapt to the machining of workpieces of various complex shapes and sizes. CNC machine tools can also store multiple machining programs for quick switching and repeated machining.

 

Good consistency: Since CNC machining is automated, the process and results of each machining are consistent, and the same program can be kept until the next use, which can ensure the quality stability of the machined parts.

 

High degree of automation: In the functions of automated loading and unloading, tool replacement, and machining process monitoring, manual intervention is reduced, and the production safety and automation level are high.

 

 

Aerospace field: It usually requires complex shapes and high precision requirements, which can be met by large-scale CNC machining, such as aircraft engine parts, wing parts, satellite parts, etc.

 

Automotive manufacturing industry: Automotive parts require high precision and high efficiency during machining. Key parts such as engine cylinder blocks, crankshafts, and gearbox housings can be manufactured through large-scale CNC machining.

 

Mold manufacturing industry: Molds are important tools for manufacturing various products. Large-scale CNC machining can be used to manufacture large and complex molds, which can improve the manufacturing precision and quality of molds.

 

Heavy machinery manufacturing industry: Heavy machinery parts are usually large and heavy. Large-scale CNC machining that can provide sufficient processing capacity and precision is suitable for manufacturing crane parts, excavator parts, etc.

 

Energy field: Energy equipment parts usually require special requirements such as high precision and high temperature resistance. Large-scale CNC machining can be used to manufacture nuclear power plant parts, wind turbine parts, etc.

 

 

CNC programming: CNC programming is the core technology of large-scale CNC machining. It requires mastering programming language and machining process knowledge, and being able to write accurate machining programs according to machining requirements.

 

Tool technology: In large-scale CNC machining, tools are the most important tools. Appropriate tool materials and tool parameters can ensure machining efficiency and quality.

Machine tool accuracy: Machine tool accuracy is the basis of large-scale CNC machining. Regularly calibrate and maintain the machine tool to ensure the machining accuracy and stability of the machine tool.

 

 

 

Drawing review, clear understanding of the size, shape, precision requirements, etc. of the parts, technical requirements and process instructions in the drawings, such as surface roughness, heat treatment requirements, etc.

 

Tool design, the fixture should have sufficient rigidity and stability, and the position accuracy and clamping force of the parts during machining.

 

The most important thing for CNC machining of large parts is the tool, and the tool type, specifications and cutting edge parameters are guaranteed.

 

The machining procedure should take into account factors such as tool path, cutting parameters, feed speed, etc., and pay attention to avoid interference between the tool and the parts or fixtures.

 

 

Control of cutting parameters: Reasonable control of cutting parameters, such as cutting speed, feed rate and cutting depth, etc.

 

Cooling and lubrication: The temperature will be relatively high during cutting, and cutting fluid or dry cutting should be used for cooling and lubrication.

 

Machining accuracy control: The size of large parts is relatively large, and the accuracy of the cutter should be accurately measured to avoid problems such as thermal deformation and stress deformation.

 

 

 

The difference between the two is that one is computer programming technology and the other is manual operation, and the difference is in the fields of precision, speed, and accuracy. CNC machining can provide higher accuracy and consistency.

 

The main difference between large CNC and small CNC machining

 

The difference between the two is size and size. Large CNC can process larger, higher, and heavier products.

 

The Importance of CAD/CAM Tool Machining

 

As can be seen in the CDA operation steps in the above large CNC machining.

 

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