CNC Machine: Types, Parts, Advantages, Disadvantages, Applications, Specification (With PDF)

Contents

In this article, we shall be discussing the types, parts, advantages, disadvantages, applications, and specifications of CNC machine. We have provided a downloadable PDF link for the same.

Introduction

Machines such as lathe, milling, and drilling are traditionally operated manually, requiring significant human involvement and time, resulting in lower precision and accuracy. To address these challenges, computer numerically controlled machines were developed. These machines are programmed beforehand, allowing for automatic operation, reducing human involvement, and increasing precision.

To operate a CNC machine, a program must first be inserted and set up before the machining process begins. Unlike traditional manual machines, these come equipped with automatic coolant systems, eliminating the need for manual coolant application

What is a CNC Machine

A CNC machine can be defined as a machine that is controlled by a computer and the operation is performed by feeding the program on it. It operates on only two subjects which are CAD and CAM.CAD stands for Computer-aided design. This subject helps you to learn about machine design and machine tools.CAM stands for Computer-aided manufacturing. This subject is also similar to CAD but it deals with manufacturing whereas CAD deals with design.

Parts of CNC Machine

Bed
Headstock
Tailstock
Tailstock quill
Footswitch or pedal
Chuck
Control panel
Tool turret

Bed

The bed is a kind of hardened part of a machine because The tool turret travels over the CNC lathe bed, kind of machining can’t affect them.

Headstock

The headstock is the main part of the machine, here the workpiece is fixed to perform an operation also Headstock of a CNC lathe machine has the main motor which drives the main spindle.

Tailstock

The tailstock is for providing extra grip to the workpiece. When operations like knurling, and threading has performed these parts are used to hold the workpiece.

Tailstock quill

This is kind of setting the workpiece between the centers.

Footswitch or pedal

Through these pedals, CNC machinists open and close the chuck to grip the component, the same way the tailstock quill is taken to a forward position or reversed.

Chuck

Chuck is mounted on the main spindle. Here we fix the workpiece.

Control panel

The control panel is another main part of the CNC machine in which we use to set or feed the program for the operation we perform on the workpiece. This is also called the brain of a CNC machine.

Tool turret

The tool is mounted on the tool turret which is used for component machining. Tool turrets vary in shape and the number of tools that can be mounted on them.

Elements of the CNC Machine system

Program
Tape Reader
Mini-computer
Servo system
CNC machine tool

Program

This is entered into the computer through a keyboard. These are the codes used to control the machine. The various CNC codes are N Code, G Code, XYZ Code, F code, etc. Below is the table where we have written all the common codes used in CNC.

Tape Reader

This is used as a storage device where we can store the program for a particular machining operation. Any modification of a program can easily be done by editing the existing program as per your requirement.

Mini-computer

It is also called the machine control unit. It helps to read interpret and convert perceived input, that is part program into the desired movement and controls the following functions

To start and stop the machine spindle.
Vary the spindle speed accordingly and also it can control the direction of rotation of the spindle.
To start and stop the coolant supply.
To change the required tools as per requirements.
To change the workpiece.
To control the feed rate.

Also, the mini-computer is equipped with diagnostic software which can detect any problem and restore the machine accordingly.

Servo system

The function of the servo system is to receive the control signal from the feedback devices and the set output accordingly (To shaft, tools, and other components of the CNC machine). Servo system mainly consists of:

Servo Motors
Feedback devices
Ball screws

CNC Machine

This is the actual machine where the finished product is made. I already mentioned the parts of the CNC machine previously. This is the housing of the headstock, tailstock, foot switch, chuck, and tool turret.

How is CNC Machine Controlled

The CNC machine works based on CAD and CAM programs and computer control. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is drawing software. Also, CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and create a database for manufacturing.

Whereas, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) has two codes G-code and M-codes on which all the programs are written and fed into the machine to perform the various operations. (i.e. turning, grooving operation in a lathe)

Here is an example of the steps

The first step is, to write and Insert the part program which is (G and M code) into the Machine Control Unit of the CNC machine.
Now all the data process takes place and according to the program it prepares commands and sends them to the driving system.
The drive system controls the motion and velocity of the machine tool.
The feedback system records the position and velocity measurement of the machine tool and sends a feedback signal to the MCU.
In MCU, the feedback signals are compared with the reference signals and if there are errors, it corrects it and sends new signals to the machine tool for the right operation to happen.
The display unit is used to see all the commands, programs, and other important data.

How does a CNC Machine Work

^{Video Source: LA Machines}

Types of CNC Machine

CNC laser cutting machine
CNC Lathe Machine
CNC Milling Machine
CNC router Machine
CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
5- axis machine
3-D Printer
Pick and Place Machine

CNC laser cutting machine

As the name itself indicates “Laser cutting” means the cutting operation is carried by a laser and the operation code is fed into the machine and runs automatically, it is called CNC laser cutting machine.

This machine is used for sheet cutting. It provides a better surface finish. Even a complicated design can be made in this you just have to feed the program according to it. The machine cost is very high. The major problem faced is when machine parts got damaged it takes time to fix because of unavailability in the market.

CNC Lathe Machine

Now moving to CNC Lathe machine. CNC stands for Computerized numerically controlled. This is widely used as a lathe in the present time because of its fast and accurate working. It is one of the most advanced types. It uses computer programs to control the machine tool. Once the program is fed into the computer as per the program it starts operation with very high speed and accuracy.

Even do preplanned programmed machine is there in which once code is set for the various operations it can start operation without changing the code the next time. A semi-skilled worker can easily operate this after the initial setup is done. These types of lathes are also used for mass production like capstan and turret but there is no programmed fed system. The components manufactured by these lathes are very accurate in dimensional tolerances.

CNC Milling Machine

As we know Milling Machine is a process of metal removing by feeding the workpiece passes through the rotating multipoint cutter. This machine is used to make gears like Spur gears, and also drill the workpiece bore, and produce slots. The same work is performed in CNC Milling Machine by inserting the part program into the system.

A semi-skilled worker can easily operate this after the initial setup is done. These types of machines are also used for mass production like capstan and turret but there is no programmed fed system. The components manufactured by this machine are very accurate in dimensional tolerances.

CNC Router Machine

It works similarly to other CNC machines as lathe or Milling do. The main difference is, that it does all the carpenter work manually such as door carvings, interior and exterior decorations, wood panels, signboards, wooden frames, moldings, musical instruments, furniture, and so on.

As per the sketch, you can design if possible you can make it into the system and then execute onit this machine. It provides a better surface finish. This will be a very good machine in terms of the design of the door and more.

CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

The Plasma cutting machine is defined as It is a process that cuts through electrically conductive materials using an accelerated jet of hot plasma. Whereas CNC Plasma cutting machine is defined as the cutting operation done by a computer numerically controlled system.

We studied CNC laser cutting the main difference between them is, that one operation performs by laser which is very costly and whereas the other one is hot plasma which is less costly and these are portable. As the industry grows, new technology is invented these are one of them. Provide a better surface finish.

5- axis machine

It is a machine in which there is a total of 5 axes. Initially, it was 3 axis (X, Y, and Z) the cutting operation of any instrument was done in the 3 directions but 2 additional axes were added (A, B) which means there is a total of 5 axes, and work is cut are done in the 5 direction. 5 The Axis machine is used for making sculptures.

3-D Printer

3D Printer is a CNC machine in which the metals are printed layer by layer. The 3D printer works for the printing of buildings and complexes. The design and drawing are made by the CAD and CAM process and then 3D Printer works for visualizing that design.

Pick and Place Machine

This is another great type of machine. It is used in the industry. Let’s understand by a simple example. The company Amazon has a warehouse where it used to keep a large number of items. If the items are adjusted manually it takes a great time to avoid this machine introduces to pick and place the items.

Advantages of CNC Machine

The CNC Machine provides a workpiece with better precision and accuracy.
Fewer workers are required which helps to save labor costs.
A highly skilled operator is not required. Even a trained worker can operate these CNC machines.
CNC machines can produce complex designs with high accuracy in the minimum possible time.
CNC machine has an online editing program, which means any changes and mistakes in cutting conditions or in dimensions can easily be edited and modified by the part data stored in the computer without sending the tape for re-processing.
The conversion of the unit can easily be done by this machine (SI to British or from British to SI).
It can diagnose its own fault easily, there is special software that enables easy troubleshooting if the CNC system fails to operate and also has the capability to assist in maintaining and repairing the system automatically.
It also helps with safety reasons.
Low Maintenance required
Reduce setup change over time.
The CNC Machine has Higher Production and capability.
It can run for 24 hours a day.
Reliable.

CNC machine advantages disadvantages
applications

Disadvantages of CNC Machine

The installation cost is high.
Even the parts of the CNC machine are high.
When any failure occurs in the machine a highly skilled professional requires to solve the issue.
Computer knowledge is required.
Program knowledge is required

Applications of CNC Machine

The main application of the CNC machine is to remove metal at a faster rate as compared to a traditional machine-like lathe, or milling machine.
This is also used in fabrication industries.
This machine is used for the automatic removal of metal from the workpiece wherein with another machine like a lathe, Milling the metal removal is done manually.

Specifications of a CNC Machine

Machine specifications

Centers height.
Distance between centers.
Swing diameter over the bed.
Swing diameter over the cross slide.
Transverse movement of the cross slide.

Headstock specifications

Hole in the headstock spindle.
Spindle end-use taper.

Tailstock specifications:

Spindle diameter.
Spindle end taper.
Sleeve travel.

Feed rate

Rapid transverse.
Programmable feed rate.

Main Spindle specifications

Speed range.
Output power.

Let Me Show You the Common Codes Used in CNC Programming

Code	Explanation of Code
N	Sequence Number.
G	Rapid Traverse.
X, Y, Z	For tool motion about X, Y, and Z direction (Linear Motion).
S	Spindle Speed (Unit as per your setting).
F	Feed Rate.
T	Tool Number (i.e. Tool number 1 for facing or turning).
M	Miscellaneous Functions.
EOB	End of Block (End of the program).
A, B, C	For angular direction in X, Y, and Z direction.

Difference between CNC and NC Machine

NC stands for numerical control, this is also an automated machine but it can understand only binary, numeric, or alphanumeric programs.

An NC machine has the following

Software
MCU (Machine Control Unit)
Machine Tools

It doesn’t have a servo mechanism there for it has no feedback system also it has no computer. The program is typically stored in a tape with the help of a special inserting device, the modification or changes in the program is a tough job in the case of an NC machine.

NC Machine	CNC Machine
NC stands for the Numeric control machine.	CNC stands for Computer Numerically Control Machine.
This is not software driven.	This is a software-driven machine.
It can not import CAD files.	It can import CAD files and convert them into part programming.
Operation parameters cannot be changed.	Operation parameters can be changed.
It stores in Punch cards Memory.	Directly stores in computer memory.
The machine cannot run continuously.	This machine can run for 24 hours continuously.
Less flexibility or Computational ability.	CNC machines have High.
Takes more time for executing the program.	This machine takes less time compared to the NC machine.
High-skill operator requires to operate NC machines.	The semi-skilled operators can perform the operation on a CNC machine.
Less maintenance scheduling.	High maintenance scheduling.
The maintenance cost is less.	The maintenance cost is more.
Machining cost is less.	Machining cost is more.
Less Accuracy as compared to CNC Machine.	Great accuracy.
Codes are Numeric, Symbols, and letters only.	Here the codes are G and M codes.
A single person can not perform several operations on different NC Machines.	A single person can perform several operations on a different CNC machine.
There is no feedback system.	Feedback systems are there.

FAQ

What Is A CNC Machine?

CNC machine can be defined as the machine which is control by computer and the operation is performed by feeding the program on it.

What Does CNC Mean?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control that means this machine tool is controlled by the software of the computer. The programs are loaded in a computer through a keyboard or tape and stored in the memory, which can be called whenever we need it.

What Is The Full Form Of CNC?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control

What is the cost of CNC Machine

The cost of a CNC machine can vary widely depending on its size, complexity, and capabilities. For example, a small desktop CNC machine for hobbyists and small-scale projects can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, while a large industrial CNC machine for heavy-duty manufacturing can cost upwards of several hundred thousand dollars.

Hobbyist/desktop CNC machines: $200-$5,000
Mid-range CNC machines for small to medium-sized businesses: $10,000-$50,000
High-end CNC machines for large-scale industrial use: $100,000-$500,000 or more

What is the cost of Industrial CNC machine

The cost of an industrial CNC machine can vary widely depending on the specific model and features. However, as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, prices for these machines can range from several thousand dollars to over one million dollars. It is important to note that the price of a CNC machine may also be affected by factors such as the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the location of the manufacturer.

What are the CNC machine Monitoring Softwares

Predator MDC: This software provides real-time monitoring and tracking of CNC machines, as well as detailed reports on machine utilization, downtime, and productivity. It also offers a range of other features such as event tracking, machine maintenance scheduling, and OEE calculation. The pricing for Predator MDC starts at around $2,000 for a single machine license at the time of writing this post
MachineMetrics: This cloud-based software provides real-time monitoring and data analytics for CNC machines, allowing manufacturers to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency. It also offers features such as predictive maintenance, downtime tracking, and OEE calculation. The pricing for MachineMetrics varies depending on the number of machines and the level of features required.
ShopFloorConnect: This software provides real-time monitoring and reporting for CNC machines, as well as automated data collection and analysis. It also offers features such as machine utilization tracking, downtime alerts, and OEE calculation. The pricing for Shop Floor Connect starts at around $1,500 for a single machine license at the time of writing this post
Scytec DataXchange: This software provides real-time monitoring and reporting for CNC machines, as well as advanced analytics and production planning features. It also offers features such as event tracking, downtime alerts, and OEE calculation. The pricing for Scytec DataXchange varies depending on the number of machines and the level of features required.

What are the different types of CNC machines?

CNC machines are can be classified into the following types:
CNC laser cutting machine
CNC Lathe Machine
CNC Milling Machine
CNC router Machine
CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
5- axis machine
3-D Printer
Pick and Place Machine

What are the Different Parts of the CNC system?

Program
Tape Reader
Mini-computer
Servo system
CNC machine tool

What are CNC Machines Networking Solution

Some common CNC machine networking solutions include the following

Ethernet: Many CNC machines today come equipped with Ethernet connectivity, allowing them to be connected to a network or the internet. This enables remote access and monitoring of the machine, as well as the ability to transfer data and programs to and from the machine.
Wi-Fi: Some CNC machines also come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which can provide a convenient way to connect the machine to a wireless network. This can be especially useful for mobile or portable machines that need to be moved frequently.
Industrial Ethernet Switches: These devices are designed specifically for industrial environments and can provide reliable and secure connectivity for CNC machines and other devices. They are built to withstand harsh conditions such as temperature extremes, dust, and vibration.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN can be used to securely connect CNC machines to a remote server or network. This can be useful for remote monitoring, data collection, and troubleshooting.
Cloud-based solutions: Some CNC machine manufacturers offer cloud-based solutions that allow for remote monitoring and control of machines. These solutions can provide real-time data analytics and insights, as well as alerts and notifications for machine performance and maintenance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CNC machines have transformed manufacturing by automating and streamlining production processes with their wide variety of customizable types. Each type has unique advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when selecting the appropriate machine, with essential components including the controller, spindle, worktable, and cutting tools. CNC machines provide high accuracy, consistency, and speed in manufacturing, leading to increased productivity, profits, and quality of products.

However, their initial investment and maintenance costs can be significant. CNC machines are used in multiple industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics. Hence, manufacturers must evaluate their production needs and CNC machine specifications carefully to make an informed decision.