Computers and Technology

To successfully cut the metal and do various processes in manufacturing, we need to use CNC programming since they are a most effective way of doing this work. There is a huge number of people who are doing CNC programing to make metals, foam and woodworking objects for a hobby. CNC has created a way for many people to manufacture or fabricate parts quickly and effortlessly.

CNC stands for computer numerical control and is basically the use of a computer to do certain types of operations. And this type of process is usually used to router, lathe, laser machines and foam cutters – and the same process can be used for mini versions of these machines.

Actually, there are two main categories in which the CNC program will be placed, a continuous path positioning category or a point to point category. Depending on the sophistication of the software we are using, we can make computer to execute first and second type of programming. This means that the operator must understand both processes in order to run the machine.

Now you will have a chance to understand a bit more about these categories:

Point to point positioning – this category is mostly used when drilling, boring, punching or tapping is needed. We use this kind of process so we can position from one point to another while the machine process si being done. In other words, it works from the X to the Y position or to as many positions as it is instructed and keeps going until the process is finished.

Continuous path positioning – this category is generally used when a lathe or milling machine is being used and is used for contouring. And this is simply another name that is used for the category. Since the cutting tool will move constantly through all points, without stopping, the piece will be completed in one move. It is necessary that the operator knows how to program the machine so it can continue to work on several axes in the sime time.

If we understant these two processes perfectly, we will have better results on the work we do.

Computers and Technology CNC, machines, programming, technology

A CNC lathe is a machine that can spins material to do a variety of operations like sanding, drilling, cutting or sanding. Usually a lathe is used for more intricate cuts and
Today, they replace the older multispindle lathes because they are easier to set up and operate.

A CNC Lathe will use carbide tooling and is designed using a CAM process which creates a file that can be uploaded to the machine at a later time. The reason these are so popular is because you can set the machine once to do several pieces and it will continue to do them until you have programmed it to stop.

Each CNC lathe has a computer control that allows the machine to be controlled electronically, and this program can be modified to do a variety of things. When an operator runs a CNC Lathe they have to have a lot of skill to understand the programs and how the programs to do the work.

 You can work with wood when you use a CNC wood lathe or various metals depending on the project you are doing. The wood lathe can be used for wood but also for brass and
Aluminum. There are also metalworking CNC lathes or milling machines that cut metal. You can do tapered work with these, drill holes, and create screw threads and more with these lathes.

Some CNC lathes are portable and others are stationary. In many shops for people who do woodwork for a hobby you would find a lathe because it is capable of making a lot of different designs and intricate cuts for things like stair railings, trellis’ or table legs.

The point of using a CNC lathe is to make a piece of material that is symmetrical and beautiful. This is done by placing the material in a machine and allowing that piece to be spun until it reaches the specification that was programmed into the computer. The cutting tools then move around it on the Z and X axis to cut away the material that isn’t needed to make the piece.

The process that the CNC Turning does is called turning and it can do a variety of shapes when it goes through the full process. Many machines are used to create a plain surface to make contour shapes, to taper the ends of some pieces and it makes threaded surfaces. You can also turn metal so that you can create rods bushes, pulleys or other shapes that are needed. In some industries they use a CNC lathe to fabricate parts that may have a cross section that is to move in a circular motion.

Any material can be used as long as it will hold up during the turning process while the software program is continuing its revolutions.

If you are looking for a machine that can turn a few peices in a rown that are the same size and shape, then you are good with a CNC Lathe. Like all machines, you have limits to what the machine can do, but this machine will still do a lot of nice pieces.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Stop by CNC Information and just for signing up you can get a free book that is all about the basics of CNC.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Lathe, CNC Lathe Machine, CNC Wood Lathe

CNC Programming is one of the most effective ways that people are using today in order to cut metal and do other processes in manufacturing. There are a variety of different CNC Hobbyist that are using CNC Programming today to make metal, foam, or wood objects. CNC has created a way for many people to manufacture or fabricate parts quickly and effortlessly.

CNC stands for computer numerical control and is basically the use of a computer to do certain types of operations. This is a process that can be applied to lathe, router, foam cutters and laser machines; it can also be applied to mini versions of these types of machines.

There are basically two types of categories that CNC Programming will fall into point to point positioning or continuous path positioning. Usually a computer can execute both types of programming depending on the sophistication of the software program being used. This means that the operator must understand both processes in order to run the machine.

Here is a simple explanation of these two categories:

Point to point positioning — this category is mostly used when drilling, boring, punching or tapping is needed. This is a process used to position from one point to another when the machine process is being done. In other words, it works from the X to the Y position or to as many positions as it is instructed and keeps going until the process is finished.

Continuous Path Positioning — You will generally see this being used when there is a milling machine that used for contouring or even a lathe that is being used for contouring. This means that the cutting tool moves in a continuous motion from one point to another until the piece is completed. This means that the operator has to be able to program the machine so that it continues on several axes at a time and simultaneously.

Continuous path positioning also uses a series of processes called interpolation which is the way in which the machine is programmed to go. Interpolation can be helical, parabolic, cubic, circular and more.  The basic function of this interpolation is to keep the programmed information stored and to monitor and direct the axes in how it should go.

What needs to happen first before any programming can start is that we are going to need a finalized design of the basic drawing of what the computer is going to make. This must be studied to make sure that the operator understands the intricacies of the drawing so they can translate the information into the computer software they are using.

This means that the operator must be skilled enough to understand how the paper drawing will translate to the computer, and then be able to program this information into the computer so that the machine will perform the cuts or the processes accordingly.

When you think about this process, it is a good idea to think about what you would do if you were producing the work manually because anything you would do manually, you will depend on the machine to do automatically. By understanding CNC Programming the individual will be more successful.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.

Computers and Technology CNC, cnc machine, CNC Program, cnc programming, G Code Programming

CNC Machining refers to any process that uses a CNC machine. This could be for routing, milling, drilling, or other types of work that is done with metal, wood or other materials. This is a manufacturing process that uses the automatic opportunity from the computer to create shapes or forms that must be precise.

Raw materials are used and they are put into a CNC machine that uses cutting tools to make these shapes. The CNC machining process involves computers that have at least one microprocessor and several units for storage. With CAD or CAM software systems added to CNC the computer can be programmed to produce the precise movements that are able to create the part.

In CNC machining the process is automated which saves the operator time and saves the business money. The operator is able to load the materials, program the machine and then the machine can work without attention when set up properly; the amount of time it is run without attention is also programmed in.

An important aspect of any CNC Machining is for the operator to know the machine well. CNC is an addition to the general aspects of the machine. As an example, if you are doing routing, adding CNC to the process only automates it. However, for the operator, it means that they must understand the machine, how to put in codes or use CAD or CAM and how to operate the machine; they must also understand how basic routing works.

Another area that is important in order to understand Machining is the basic components of the machine. Like anything around the house that you need working you need to have these machines operate at all times which means you really need to know how they operate in order to be able to fix them if something goes wrong. You really want the operator to get the most out of the machine and you really want that operator to know the limitations and capabilities of the machine in order to do this.

Eventually in a CNC Machining project you will have a few different areas that come up for the operator and really its about 5 areas that he will need to define. They will first think about the project they want to design and plan it out. This is where sitting down and drawing out plans will be a good idea.

The next area is to understand CAD to translate the drawing into the computer and then an understanding of CAM to translate the CAD information into machine language. In the final area the individual must understand the Controlling function in order to make the machine do what is required. When all these areas are fulfilled properly they allow the individual to create the project in the way they saw it in their drawing.

CNC machining was traditionally only done in commercial settings with very large CNC machines. Today, there are mini-CNC machines that allow the process to be done on a smaller scale in a home workshop. This has allowed the smaller business to be able to take advantage of building a variety of parts and products that were not previously available except on a larger scale.

CNC machining can produce both simple and complex designs and can be used on a variety of materials including aluminum, foam, wood and other metals.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.

Computers and Technology CNC, cnc machining, CNC Machining Information, Machining

When you are looking for CNC Mill machine parts and components there are a variety of places where you can find them. You can find a ton of information on the internet when you are researching in order to get the best price.

Depending on the type of CNC Mill machine you need the price can be steep but there are many small machines that can do the same job if you are looking at this as part of a small business or a hobby. Also, you can buy a machine to cut metal or wood, to do fancy scroll work or to do engraving on metals and other applications.

You can decide whether you will purchase a brand new machine or a used one. Most people do not suggest buying a used one because you aren’t sure what you are getting but buying other types of machines like CNC routers seem to be a good idea because of the cost.

All CNC Milling machines contain the following parts:

§ Axis — depending on the type of CNC milling machine it could have anywhere from one to six axis which will also determine the size and what it is supposed to do.

§ Column — the column is what travels along an axis that holds the part that mills or cuts.

§ Control panel — the part that holds the computer keyboard (sometimes small, other times large) where you program the G-Codes into the machine.

§ Cutting tool — the cutting tool is attached to the column and is the part that actually cuts the piece in the way that the operator specifies.

§ Spindle — the spindle holds the cutting tool in place.

Coolan Supply Tubes — These tubes are very important because this coolant is what is needed to keep the metal cool while the cutting takes place.

§ Table — the table is the area that the workpiece will be attached to either using a clamp or a vacuum. This is where the workpiece will sit while being milled.

There are several different types of CNC Milling machines that can be found and they are small or large depending on what they do. Here are a few:

Vertical CNC mills have a vertical spindle axis. This means that the cutters that do the milling are held vertically in the spindle and they rotate on the spindle’s axis. In this type you can extend the spindle or the table to make drilling or plunge cuts. Bed mills and Turret mills fall into this category.
Horizontal CNC mills have the same type of table as vertical CNC mills but their cutters are mounted on an arbor that sits across the table horizontally.

Hobbyists will most likely use a box mill which is mounted to a bench and basically moves up and down. The mills that have an x and y table where the mill moves up and down the column is called a knee mill. It can be adjusted with what is called a vertically adjustable knee. Many larger industries use the C-Frame mill because it is the most conducive for larger work. They are only vertically mobile and it used a fixed spindle head for that movement.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Stop by CNC Information and just for signing up you can get a free book that is all about the basics of CNC.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Mill, CNC Mill Information, CNC Milling, CNC Milling Machine

CNC Control Software is what any CNC machine uses to create the operations within the machine. Generally it is considered to be the “intelligence” that governs the type of operation performance or the overall capacities of the machine.  The software will be how the machine designs, cuts and operates the work that the operator programs into the computer.

CNC Control Software also uses electronic memory modules where information is automatically stored inside the CNC machine. In some case this information cannot be changed and in others, through the use of temporary memory, it can be changed.

Generally speaking the computer is very important to the process of the CNC software because the computer numerical controls are usually outside the machine on a small or large keyboard. The computer is offline when it is performing the programming of parts and the computer controls the other parts that are necessary to create the product, depending on the type of CNC in use.

There are four basic software types that CNC uses:

Manual G Code Programming 
Many of the larger commercial machines use and it is used for simple machine processes. The drawbacks of this type is that it takes a long time for someone to learn how to program G Codes and if you want to use more complicated machines, it is time consuming to learn how to use it. Because if these issues, many operators would rather not learn how to do this and

Offline CAM Programming
This type of programming can be done using a local PC and generally is available for larger machines as well as some of the smaller desktop CNC machines. This software can’t be used without a PC at the front end aspects of the machine. This software is also difficult to learn and takes a long time to completely understand for many people.

Conversational Programming
This type of programming is a better type of software program for the use of CNC because it is intuitive, which means it is simple to learn by the average computer person and it is similar to the programming in regular PCs. The reason this type was developed was so that it could do both simple and complex parts without having to take so long to learn.

Windows Based Programming
Many CNC Software programs are now Windows based which means it works through Windows XP or Windows VISTA. The operator can import CAM and CAD programs and it can import other types of software like dxf files depending on the type of machine being used.

There are a variety of different ways that a CNC Software can work with your CNC System so its nice to figure out which one will work with you and your preferences for CNC Software.

Also the purpose of each software program is to make life easier for the operator and make the machine do what is required. You want a software that is user friendly so people are more apt to use the software to operate a specific program. The particular software has also been used with CAD and CAM systems which makes this easier for many operators.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Stop by CNC Information and just for signing up you can get a free book that is all about the basics of CNC.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Control, CNC Control Software, cnc software

A machine tool that shapes metal and other types of solid materials is called a milling machine. A CNC milling machine does this automatically once a computer sets up the specifications for the machine, it uses a rotating cutter to work like a drill to cut the material.

There is a difference between a drill and a milling machine however. A milling machine will use a cutter that rotates around a spindle axis and the table by which the piece of work is attached. A drill only moves along an axis and can only drill in one direction. A milling machine can move sideways and in and out like a drill.

The CNC milling machine can be controlled evenly by what is put into the computer. Some milling machines work in a way that the table is moved while the cutter stays in one place and rotates. The thing that really make mechanical milling machines different than CNC Milling machines is that CNC Milling Machines are operated digitally.

A CNC Mill machine makes the operator’s work easier because it can do a number of operations like panning, rebating, drilling, routing and more. Often a cutting fluid has to be used at the site of the cut because it needs to keep the metal cool and the cut lubricated; also it is used to move the sluice out of the way.

In CNC Mill you will have a block of material that will be cut through by a rotating tool attached to the machine. You can actually move the piece in three dimensions all together so that you get the cut and shape that you want.

An operator can produce many different shapes with a CNC milling machine. For instance, if you have a 2D shape with an intricate pattern you can program the machine to do this pattern and repeat it as needed. The machine will also do 3D shapes, do different types of punches and even use a laser (usually a CNC Plasma Cutter).

Most metals and hard plastics are the best materials to use with a CNC milling machine because they can withstand the rigors of how the machine cuts. Softer materials are not able to stand up to the pressure of the process.

The CNC Mill machine is best used when you need a short run of materials to be produced. This process also needs only a software program to do the tooling and some type of jig to hold the work down while it is being cut. The machine is programmed using G-Codes for more precision.

Today, CNC milling machines are being produced that can do a variety of things. As an example, Datron Dynamics sells a CNC milling machine that does all of the milling needs but also does industrial engraving. This machine can engrave on most metals including
Aluminum, graphite and stainless steel, but it can also engrave on ceramics and plastics.

The CNC Milling machine is a versatile machine and it can create many different parts while saving the company and the operator time and money.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Mill, CNC Mill Information, CNC Milling, CNC Milling Machine

Many experts say that a CNC Machine is one of the best tools a person can have whether they are doing woodworking or other types of work. This is a versatile tool that can make things a lot easier for the person using it.

CNC actually stands for computer numerical control and it is a machine that works through the use of a computer that reads a particular code called a G-Code to make certain parts. This computer does the work by cutting away materials that the code tells it to cut. The machine has certain parameters that it works within and these are determined by a software program.

Before CNC machines, there were NC machines which stands for numerically controlled and the problem with these were that you could not change their parameters that they worked within. As the popularity of these machines grew the CNC Information came into being but used the old NC styled hardware. Eventually the programs became more sophisticated and used floppy disks instead of punched tape to transfer the codes to the machine until it eventually evolved to what is in place today.

CNC machines were responsible for changing the manufacturing industry. These machines could produce curves, straight lines or complex structures in 3-D without much human interaction. In fact, the machining steps that were required for a human to do were reduced to just a few steps.

As these machines continued to improve and automation began to be instituted in the processes for manufacturing, the CNC machine again improved and decreased the error frequency while improving quality. This automation helped the operator’s production overall. With the CNC automation it brought more flexibility to the way parts were held in the process of manufacturing and it reduced the time it took to change the machine in order to produce different types of components.

Today, there are a variety of uses for the CNC machines and they are controlled through computer files that were created through CAM software packages. This enabled any part of the assembly process to go from design to manufacturing without a drafting plan created on paper.

CNC Machines also are something like a robot system because they can be programmed to do any kind of machine operation that has been programmed into them. They can also run 24 hours a day. Another nice feature is that they can be programmed to call the human operator if it detects a problem in any part of the process.

Through the use of the software programming the CNC machine can cut curves, drill holes, tap, repeat the processes in a series –as an example a series of holes spaced so many spaces apart and it can support logical commands.
There are many different types of CNC machines including routers, wood routers, lathe machines, mill machines, plasma cutters and more. You have several options if you want one from buying one new to making one yourself; there are many plans on the Internet to show you how to build your own.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Visit CNC Information today and sign up right away to get your free Ebook that is all about CNC Basics and CNC Information! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Info, CNC Information, DIY CNC, Learn CNC

A mini CNC lathe is generally converted from a regular lathe when a hobbyist wants to experience a machine that can do twice the work they can do manually. Usually these are small machines that have a lot of power but that can sit on a desktop or workbench in the home.

There are certain people where starting with a CNC Mini Lathe is the perfect way to experiment with what these machines will do. The CNC mini lathes are good for metalworking in general and for making small parts that need to be made with precision. Generally speaking the individual starts with a CNC Mini Lathe that they buy and then convert it to do CNC.

Most mini-lathes are a smaller version of those used in commercial shops but they can be a different design than those that are made strictly for working with wood. The mini-lathe is able to shape plastics, woods and other materials. A nice feature of these is that manufacturers are continuously developing new features so it has become easier to convert them to CNC over the years.

Mini lathes usually come in three sizes: 7×10, 7×12 and 7×14. Each one is measured by the length that length of the swing as it goes over the bed of the lathe. Today you can also find 9x models. The conversion of a general mini-lathe to include CNC has many benefits.

Many plans that you can find on the Internet will allow both manual and CNC abilities in the conversion because there are times when an individual is working with the machine that they may elect to do some processes by hand. At other times they may want to use CNC capabilities to produce repetitive pieces or ones that require a lot of time manually.

Converting to CNC also allows you to be able to produce both 2D and 3D contours which are unavailable when you are only working a CNC Mini Machine by hand. All you have to do is program the computer to create the part you need. You can use wood plastic or metal to make a mold and using the CNC portion you can produce a mold that you can use as many times as you want because it creates a perfect mold. You can do multiple holes drilling by creating the diameter of the whole and then programming it into the computer; from that point the CNC lathe does the work.

When converting to CNC Mini Lathe it will generally take one or two weekends to finish the conversion; however plans will vary depending on what you want your CNC mini-lathe to do. Sometimes you can find somepicutres with perfect step by step directions that are usually under one-hundred dollars.

To convert to CNC you will need to understand either CAD or CAM software because currently these are the types of software that is used in the CNC mini-lathe machines. Usually you can control the lathe right from your PC because the software is created to run in that way. Generally it seems that you can make this conversion for under $2000.

CNC Information is the premiere website community for CNC Information. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Mini Lathe, CNC Mini Lathe Machine, CNC Mini Machine

A CNC Foam cutter is a machine that cuts blocks of foam into a variety of different shapes and sizes through the use of a computer that fully automates the process. This process uses a hot wire to cut the block of foam so its known in the industry as a hot wire foam cutter.

Usually the wire is made from stainless steel, nichrome and the wire can be very thick. What is unique about this process is that the wire never touches the foam because it is heated up very hot so the foam vaporizes before the wire can touch it. A variety of shapes and sizes as well as smoother cuts are a result of using this process.

Depending on the length of the wire, the process will cut a shallow or deep cut. If you are trying to make a cut with this wire and the wire is sagging, you can imagine the troubles so there is a machine that keeps the wire very tight at all times. On many CNC Foam Cutter machines this wire is held vertically so that it doesn’t create the problem with sagging.

These shapes are cut by the cutting wire that is attached to the machine. They will cut either polystyrene or polyurethane blocks. The types of foam that a CNC foam cutter can cut include anything that is thermofusible and expanded. What this basically means is that the foam has to be able to melt at one of the lower temperatures. Some of them include:

§ Polystyrene — these are blocks of balls that are expanded.
§ Polystyrene — this is extruded foam and comes in a variety of colors that include green, pink, purple or gray and these are usually plates that are smooth.
§ Polymethacrylimide — a very expensive material and it is rigid foam with a low density.
§ Polypropylene — which is flexible and expanded and can be a solution to protection from shock.
Ployethylene — This is the type of foam that does not tear easily but are very flexible.

With the CNC Foam you can form a more prism like or tapered shape in the block of foam. A hot-wire that is under a high tension to cut the foam. There are two different types of components one is called a race that controls the tensin of the wire and the other are the stepper motors that work on precision and accuracy.

Some CNC foam cutters also offer different attachments like a lathe and this allows the machine to use either preformed or stretched wire. Also the machine is able to cut a variety of shapes including spirals or blocks of ornamental structure like balusters for stairways or planters.

There are a variety of uses for foam cutters that include making signage, model airplanes, protyping, lost foam cutting and more. The CNC Foam is a flexible machine and is only limited by the imagination.
Although many people prefer to purchase a CNC foam cutter there are also plans on the Internet that show how to make them inexpensively for hobbyists and others who are interested in working with foam.

CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.

Computers and Technology CNC, CNC Foam, CNC Foam Cutter, CNC Foam Cutting