How does digital technology impact the metalworking industry?

Digital technology is having a significant impact on the metalworking industry, and one of the most advanced is CNC (Computer Numerical Control). Precision machining is an important part of the metal industry, and CNC technology plays an important role in improving production efficiency. In this article, we will dive into CNC technology and its impact on the CNC precision machining industry.

1. What is CNC? What is precision mechanical machining?

1.1. Concept

CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control”, which is a technology that controls precision mechanical processing equipment by computer to create accurate and high-precision metal products.

CNC precision mechanical machining is a method of manufacturing metal products by CNC machines. Machining includes processes for cutting, peeling, grinding, drilling, milling and turning metals to produce high-precision parts and products.

1.2. Popular types of CNC

Popular types of CNC machines include CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, CNC drills, and CNC EDM wire cutters. These types of machines are programmed to perform precision mechanical machining operations on metal parts.

In the field of precision mechanics, the use of CNC for metalworking has become an integral part of increasing productivity and accuracy of the production process. CNC metal cutting processes are performed with high precision and can produce complex parts with micrometer precision.

2. Development history of CNC technology

CNC technology has undergone a long evolution in history. The first precursors of this technology appeared in the 1940s with the application of graphics systems and program control on computers. However, it was not until the 1950s that the first CNC devices were developed, including CNC lathes.

In the 1960s and 1970s, CNC technology continued to be improved and developed. CNC controllers are widely used in fields ranging from metalworking to the manufacture of electronic and computer parts. The development of computer and CAD/CAM software has also helped improve and speed up the design and programming process for CNC devices.

In the 1980s and 1990s, CNC devices were more commonly used in factories and workshops. New technologies are applied, including the use of servo motor shafts and new machining technologies such as EDM processing, laser processing and plasma processing.

Currently, CNC technology has become an important part of the industrial production process and is widely used in manufacturing industries, from precision mechanics to the production of consumer goods. The new CNC devices are also equipped with advanced features such as intelligent control systems and internet connectivity to help optimize the production process.

3. Benefits of CNC technology

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology brings many benefits to precision engineering and metalworking. Some of the benefits of CNC technology include:

• Increased productivity: CNC technology allows mass production of parts of the same size and shape more quickly and efficiently than traditional methods. This helps to increase production productivity and reduce production time.
• High precision: CNC devices are capable of machining with high precision, even in the micrometer and nano range. This enables the production of parts with greater precision, improves product quality and minimizes manufacturing errors.
• Increased flexibility: CNC equipment allows the production of parts of different shapes and sizes simply by changing the machining program. This increases flexibility and reduces production costs.
• Cost savings: The use of CNC equipment saves labor costs and minimizes production errors, thus reducing production costs.

3.1. How has CNC changed the metal industry?

CNC technology has had a tremendous impact on the metal industry. Before CNC technology, metalworking required the use of a variety of tools and machines, from sawing, milling, drilling to polishing and grinding. This processing takes a lot of time and labor effort, in addition to easily causing errors in the production process.

However, with the advent of CNC technology, metal processing has been greatly automated, minimizing labor time and effort, and minimizing errors in production. CNC machines are programmed to perform full and precise machining tasks on metal surfaces. CNC technology also enables the production of more complex and customized metal products with high precision and repeatability.

In addition, CNC technology can also be used in mass production of products, helping to increase productivity and reduce production costs. Metal manufacturers can now use CNC machines to process products from different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, cast iron, and others.

3.2. Some disadvantages to note

However, CNC technology also has some disadvantages to note, including:

• High initial investment cost: CNC equipment has a higher initial investment cost than traditional machining equipment.
• High complexity: The design of the machining program for CNC equipment is highly complex, requiring technicians to have highly specialized knowledge and skills.
• Technical problems: CNC equipment may encounter complex technical problems and require experienced technicians to fix them.

However, with the many benefits that CNC technology offers, the use of CNC equipment is still considered a good choice for metal and precision mechanics factories and workshops.

4. Metal used in CNC machining

CNC technology can be used to process many different types of metals. Common types of metals used in CNC machining include:

• Aluminum: Aluminum is an easy-to-process metal and is often used in the manufacture of lightweight and flexible parts such as aircraft parts, phone cases, laptop cases, and electronic components.
• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a metal with high corrosion resistance and is commonly used in the manufacture of parts of medical machinery, food machinery and other industrial equipment.
• Copper: Copper is a metal that conducts electricity well and is often used in the manufacture of electronic components, power tools, and other machinery components.
• Cast iron: Cast iron is a metal that is easy to process and is often used in the manufacture of machine parts, pipes and other products.

In addition to the above metals, CNC technology can also be used to process many other metals such as titanium, nickel, zinc and many more. Depending on the nature of the product to be machined, manufacturers will select the type of metal suitable for use in CNC machining.

Digital technology is having a major influence on the metalworking industry, helping to increase productivity, reduce costs and increase accuracy. If you are interested in this technology, join the Metalex 2024 exhibition organized by RX Tradex to learn more about metalworking-related products and services.

5. Conclusion

METALEX is the leading international exhibition for metalworking machinery, technology and materials in the Asia-Pacific region. This exhibition attracts experts, enterprises, manufacturers and experts in the field of precision mechanical processing from all over the world to exchange experiences and introduce the latest products and services. in this field. Metalex 2024 is organized by RX Tradex from October 2 to 4, 2024 at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.