Popular Types of Mechanical CNC Machines Today

In the mechanical machining industry, CNC machines represent a significant innovation that has provided solutions to many challenges previously unsolved by traditional machining methods. Nowadays, CNC machines are present in nearly every stage of mechanical manufacturing. Let’s explore the most common types of CNC machines with RX Tradex!

1. Types of CNC Machines

1.1. CNC Lathe Machine

This type of machine is used to shape rotating parts, machining axis or cone surfaces, such as shafts, flanges, wheels, holes, and threads. In addition to standard turning operations, CNC lathes can also perform drilling, grooving, chamfering, or polishing.

1.2. CNC Cutting Machine

CNC cutting machines can cut in a 3-dimensional space with strict requirements for precision and accuracy. This is one of the most popular machining devices today controlled by a computer through pre-programmed instructions to meet specific manufacturing needs. CNC cutting machines are widely used in the metalworking industries in Vietnam. There are various types of CNC cutting machines classified based on their construction:

• CNC Laser Cutting Machine: This is the most advanced type of cutting machine used for thin metal cutting such as stainless steel and black steel. CNC laser cutting machines require high initial investment, thus thorough research is necessary before investing.
• CNC Plasma Cutting Machine: Utilizing CNC technology with a plasma torch to heat and melt metal materials. Due to the metal melting process combined with blowing air to remove slag layers, CNC plasma cutting machines are suitable for cutting intricate patterns and profiles.
• CNC Oxy/Gas Cutting Machine: This type of machine uses gas and oxygen to cut thick metal materials up to 200mm, depending on the technician’s technique.

1.3. CNC Milling Machine

A CNC milling machine operates by securing a material onto the machine table and using milling cutters to remove excess material. With 3-axis movement X, Y, Z controlled by motors and gear systems, the milling cutters can move in various directions, thereby creating parts as required. The primary functions of CNC milling machines include milling, drilling, and threading with high precision.

1.4. CNC Grinding Machine

A CNC grinding machine is a type of machine that uses grinding wheels or abrasive belts to remove excess material, flatten surfaces, and polish components. Compared to manual grinding machines, CNC grinders can handle materials with high hardness such as steel, alloys, etc. The machine is automatically controlled through pre-programmed instructions from a computer. Specifically, an automated grinding machine is structured with a stationary grinding wheel that allows for adjustable heights depending on the work table surface.

1.5. CNC Drilling Machine

A CNC drilling machine can drill holes with precise accuracy and uniform depth or create holes in various shapes such as spiral holes, circular holes, rectangular holes, etc. Parameters during the drilling process such as hole diameter, drilling depth, and rotation speed are all controlled by a computer, ensuring precision for the output product. This equipment is capable of drilling multiple different machine parts, and it can drill multiple parts simultaneously while still ensuring product quality. CNC drilling machines have fast cutting capabilities combined with very high precision, thereby saving machining time for users. The cutting tools of the machine can cut straight lines, horizontal lines, circles, and due to its versatile movements, it can cut a wide variety of parts, from simple to complex.

1.6. CNC Planer

CNC Planers are used in small-scale manufacturing. Products that are narrow and long are often suitable for milling methods. CNC milling machines operate with two basic movements: primary shaping motion and incremental feed motion.

CNC Planers are popularly classified into two main types:

• Horizontal milling machine: processes materials of relatively small size.
• Bed-type milling machine: processes materials of large size and heavy load capacity.

1.7. CNC Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM)

Also known as an EDM machine or spark erosion machine, electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a manufacturing process where desired shapes are achieved by using electrical discharges (sparks) on an EDM machine combined with a specialized electrode tube made of copper. Material removal in EDM occurs through a series of rapid electrical discharges between two electrodes, separated by a dielectric fluid and subjected to a voltage. One of the electrodes is referred to as the tool electrode, or simply the “electrode tube,” while the other electrode is known as the workpiece electrode, or “EDM machine.”

1.8. Multi-Axis CNC Machine

A multi-axis CNC machine is a type of CNC machine capable of controlling and simultaneously moving multiple axes. In the manufacturing industry, the number of axes typically determines the number of directions in which the cutting tool or machine head can move to process materials. Types of multi-axis CNC machines include 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machines, each with different characteristics and applications.

3-axis CNC Machine: This machine can move in three main directions: X, Y, and Z. It is a popular type of machine used for 2D, 2.5D, or simple 3D machining applications.

4-axis CNC Machine: This machine is supplemented with an additional A-axis that rotates around the X-axis. Adding a fourth axis allows the workpiece to move, rotate, and flip as needed. This capability enables the machine to process more complex parts that require machining from multiple angles.

5-axis CNC Machine: This CNC machining center has basic movements along the X, Y, Z axes and uses 2 out of 3 rotary axes A, B, C to perform machining. This type of machine is highly suitable for machining complex parts with intricate shapes and high precision requirements.

2. Conclusion

There are many types of CNC machines, and the choice of machine depends on the specific needs of the business, including the type of material and technical requirements. To learn more about this technology, visit the Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2024 organized by RX Tradex, the leading exhibition in the region providing solutions for manufacturing industries. The event brings together the most advanced and modern technologies to optimize and automate manufacturing processes for businesses.