Fun Facts About CNC

Here are the fun facts about CNC.  CNC machining is when parts are machined out with the program that is given to the machine.  This program is a computer code that is programmed by a programmer. The word CNC stands for “computer numerical control” which looks very similar to a manufacturing robot and sort of works in the same fashion.  

There are various levels of machines to make different parts.  The number of axes that the machines work off from the more precise the CNC parts can be.  

The machine has a controller that works with a variety of arms on various accesses.  This allows the operator to machine out a part from what they call a blank. They can use different ways of doing this as well such as lasers and plasma.

3D printer CNCs

Fun Facts About CNC

Here’s a fun fact about CNC – did you know that 3D printers are actually CNC machines? The latest in CNC machines that have really grown in popularity is the 3D printer.  This is where an engineer can design up a part in the computer using a program that will tell the 3D printer what to do.  This latest technology has gotten so big that they are even printing houses. However, for our purposes, we use 3D printing for prototypes mainly.  This is a fast way to get a quick prototype made that will allow us to ensure that everything will come out as it is intended. For our prototype, we can start to build the tooling needed for production.  

CNC machines can be found in lathes as well.  Back in the day, we didn’t have such smart machinery as we do today.  Now, with the aid of computers, we can lathe out all kinds of complex things over and over again.  They are also used as routers. This is how your doors are made, for example.

People of the CNC world

There are CNC operators.  These are the people that are on the floor operating the CNC machines.  There are CNC programmers as well. These are the folks that program the machines and tell the machines what to do through their computer programs.  

There are lots of different types of CNC machines as well.  These can be in the form of CNC routers, CNC milling machines, EDM machines, Water jet cutters and more.  As technology advances, these machines are becoming affordable for the general consumer as well. They were $10k’s but now they are literally a couple hundred.

Different CNC machines

Of course, there are various levels of quality of the machines.  And, the industrial models are still quite pricey. However, the point is this technology has gone leaps and bounds and will most likely continue to do so. People that may have not had this technology at their fingertips in the past, can use it today.  Programming technology is also getting easier for the average person to use. 

There are even small cutting machines used in homes by crafters.  These smaller machines cut vinyl and other thin materials that can be used to make personalized things.  And, this is all done with the same concept as CNC. A simple program telling a machine what to cut and where putting in as basic as possible.

Have other fun facts about CNC? Have a special CNC project you need to start?  Call us for a free consultation with one of our designers.