There are few machines today not computer controlled to one degree or another. Everything from drilling machines to sophisticated plasma cutters typically have some computer programming code. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are highly automated and can produce high quality machined components with very little, if any, human intervention or assistance. These machines use instructions entered into an internal computer, allowing companies to offer CNC machining services to produce parts quickly and accurately.
Types of CNC Machines
There are a number of specialized machines that are computer controlled. Perhaps the most common are milling machines, lathes and grinding machines. Milling machines remove material using a cutting tool attached to a spindle that can either be vertical or horizontal. The tool moves to various positions and cuts to various depths in accordance with the instructions entered by technicians who offer CNC machining services. Lathes hold a work piece between two centers. The material rotates and various cutting tools shape the piece to plan. Grinders use an abrasive wheel which spins on a spindle. The abrasive wheel reduces the diameter of a work piece and gives it a high quality finish. Although these three machines may be the most commonly used, there are also routers, 3D printers, turret punches and more. The cutter which is often high strength steel can also be water, plasma or a laser.
Advantages of CNC Machines
In a modern facility, CNC machining service machines can be combined to form complete cells of different machines, all of which operate independently. The machines work off digital designs. This eliminates the need for hard drawn designs which are prone to error. As CNC machines work with no human involvement, they can work day and night and for several days if necessary. Many modern machines are highly sophisticated, not only with what they can do but how they can interact with an operator if necessary. For example, many CNC machines can contact the cell phone of an operator if it should malfunction. CNC machines can produce an endless number of parts, each one identical to the other.
To provide accurate components produced quickly and efficiently, RAMP Engineering offers CNC machining services using an extensive array of CNC machines and supplemental machines.
