Types of CNC Machine

What is a CNC Machine?

As you know machines such as lathe, milling, drilling is done manually and have more responsibility of
humans to perform and have a higher average of accuracy and precision in taking the time. So to resolve
this problem, the machine manufactured CNC which is known as Computer Numerically controlled.

The computer numerical control (CNC) machines are widely used in the production industries. They have
achieved great popularity in these recent years.

CNC machine defined as a machining system that is managed by a computer, they enable manufacturers
to automate many manufacturing operations that would otherwise have to be done manually.

As a result, CNC-powered machines are used to increase productivity, decrease waste, and even
eliminate the risk of human error. CNC machines can produce a number of products by using actuators,
drives, and software programs.

Types of CNC Machine

Following are the main types of CNC machines, each of which has its individual function.

1. CNC lathe machine

2. CNC milling machine
3. CNC drilling machine
4. CNC grinding machine
5. CNC laser cutting machine
6. CNC plasma cutting machine
7. CNC electric discharge machine
8. CNC router machine
9. CNC machine with automatic tool changes
10. 3-D printer
11. 5-axis CNC machine
12. Pick and place machine

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1. CNC Lathe Machine

Lathe CNC machines are defined by their capability to turn materials during operation. They have less
number of axes than CNC milling machines, making them shorter and more compact.

CNC lathe machines consist of a lathe at the center that manages and transfers material
programmatically to the computer. At the present time, it is widely used as a lathe due to its fast and
accurate function.

Once the initial setup is done, a semi-skilled worker can operate it easily. This type of lathe is also used
for mass production such as capstan and turret. But there is no programmed fed system.

2. CNC Milling Machine

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It is one of the most common types of CNC machines, that have built-in tools for drilling and cutting. The
materials are located inside a milling CNC machine, after which the computer will lead the tools to drill
or cut them.

Most of the CNC milling machines are available in 3 to 6-axis configurations. This machine is used to
produce gears like spur gear and is also used to drill the workpiece bore and make slots by inserting part
program into the system.

A semi-skilled worker can operate it easily. It is also used for mass production such as a capstan and
turret. But there is no programmed fed system. The parts made by this machine are very precise in
dimensional tolerance.

3. CNC Drilling Machine

The CNC drilling machine is typically applied for mass production. Drilling machines, however, often
have a multi-function machining center that is occasionally mingled and sometimes twisted. The
greatest sink time for CNC drilling is with tool changes, so for speed, the variation of hole diameter must
be reduced.

The fastest machine size for drilling holes consists of several spindles in the turret with drills of different
diameters pre-mounted for drilling. This type of CNC machine can perform reaming, counterboring, and
tapping holes.

4. CNC Grinding Machine

It is a precision performance tool that uses a rotating wheel to cut metal away from the metal. Typically,
CNC grinding machines are used for camshafts, ball bearings, transmission shafts, and other working
pieces, which require an accurate and correct finish.

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Numerous pieces made using a CNC grinding machine are cylindrical. A grinding machine also use to
make other types of workpieces. In CNC grinding machines "CNC" holds for computerized numerical
control.

5. CNC Laser Cutting Machine

The Laser-cutting CNC machines are designed to cut through hard materials, although they use a laser to
perform this task instead of a plasma torch. Lasers offer a high degree of accuracy, but they are not as
effective as plasma torches.

Laser-cutting CNC machines commonly use one of these three types of lasers that is CO2, neodymium
(Nd), or yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG).

6. CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

This machine similar to milling CNC machines, plasma-cutting CNC machines are also used to cut
materials. But, they differ from their milling counterparts by doing this operation applying a plasma
torch.

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A plasma cutting machine is defined as it is a method that cuts by electrically conductive materials using
an accelerated stream of hot plasma. Plasma-cutting CNC machines feature a high-powered torch that’s
able to cut through rough materials like metal.

7. CNC Electrical Discharge Machine

These are also known as a spark CNC machine, is a special type of CNC machine that uses electric sparks
to manage materials to the desired shape.

Electrical discharge has a transient effect, meaning that it can degrade the elements from which it is
presented. The electric discharge CNC machines take advantage of this by designing controlled sparks to
reshape materials.

The materials are located between the top and bottom of the electrode, after which the computer
decides how much electrical discharge the electrodes produce.

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8. CNC Router Machine

The CNC router machine is works likewise to other CNC machines such as lathe or milling. The principal
difference is that all of this carpenter works manually such as interior, door carving, and exterior
decoration, wood panels, signboards, wood frames, molding, musical instruments, furniture, and more.

According to the sketch, you can design if possible you can create in the system then execute it on a CNC
router machine. This provides a better surface finish. It would be a very good machine in terms of door
design and more.

9. CNC Machine with Automatic Tool Changes

Automatic tool changer CNC machine is applied to develop the tool carrying capacity and production
rate of the machine. And also used to improve the machine's capacity to work with a number of tools.
This type of CNC machine changes the tool very quickly and easily handles and change worn out or
broken tools.

The most important thing about this CNC machine is that it reduces non-productive time. The Automatic
tool changer CNC machine is a perfect step towards complete automation.

10. 3-D Printer

It is a CNC machine in which elements are printed layer-by-layer. The design and drawing are created by
the CAD and CAM process and then the 3D printer used to reflect that design. The 3D printer CNC
machine used for the printing of buildings and premises.

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11. 5-Axis CNC Machine

The 5-Axis CNC machine is a machine with a total of 5 axes. Originally, it has 3 axes (X, Y, and Z), the
cutting operation of any tool has done in 3 directions, but 2 additional axes were added (A, B) which
means there are 5 axes. This machine is used to produce sculptures.

12. Pick and Place Machine

This is another type of CNC machine. It is used in the industry. The pick and place CNC machine has
many nozzles that lift electrical components for electronic equipment and place them in the correct
location. They are generally used in the manufacture of cell phones, computers, and tablets, etc.

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That’s it thanks for reading, If you have any questions about “types of CNC machine” you can ask in the
comments. If you have liked this article then please share with your friends.

You might like to read more in our blog:

 6 Different types of Shaper Machine Operations [Complete Guide]

 22 Different Types of Lathe Machine Operations [Full Guide]
 4 Different Types of Slotter Machine Operations [Complete Guide]

Image Credits: Indiamart.com

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