When machining parts with CNC, not all materials can be precisely processed. Some materials are too hard and may damage the CNC machining tools, making them unsuitable for precision machining unless they are special materials or laser-cut. So, what are the requirements for materials in CNC machining?
CNC Machining Parts
Materials for CNC machining parts can be divided into two categories: metal materials and non-metal materials.
For metal materials, stainless steel has the highest hardness, followed by cast iron, then copper, and finally aluminum.
Processing of Ceramics and Plastics
- Material Hardness Requirements: In certain scenarios, the higher the material’s hardness, the better. This is limited to the hardness requirements of the CNC-machined parts. The material to be processed cannot be too hard, assuming it is harder than the machining tools.
- Moderate Hardness: The material should have moderate hardness, at least one grade lower than the machine parts’ hardness. The choice of machine parts should be based on the function of the processed component.
In summary, precision machining imposes some requirements on materials. Not all materials are suitable for machining. Materials that are too soft do not need machining, and materials that are too hard cannot be machined.
Techniques to Reduce Errors in CNC Machining Parts
Reasonable error is a normal phenomenon in CNC machining. No matter how accurate the machining measures are, parts manufacturers cannot avoid normal errors. In the inspection report, as long as the error is reasonable, it is qualified. Significant errors are certainly unqualified. What measures are generally taken to avoid this?
- Local Errors in CNC Machining Parts Many automated CNC parts manufacturers often encounter situations where the workpiece dimensions are reasonable, but local dimensions have significant errors. This is mainly caused by excessive gaps between the lathe’s nut and lead screw. Originally, there was a gap, but as the lathe operates over time, the gap between the nut and screw naturally increases. When programming precision parts, the compensation error for this gap was considered, but the new gap was not compensated, leading to local dimensional discrepancies. Generally, this gap needs to be repaired or the lead screw replaced.
- Overall Errors in CNC Machining Parts If the overall error of the workpiece is large, it usually needs to be redone. Loose connections between the lathe’s nut and screw can easily cause significant errors. During workpiece machining, cutting resistance is substantial. If the joint is loose, there will be dimensional drift during cutting. The lathe joints need to be tightened to eliminate the error. Another scenario is that a loose electric tool holder can also cause significant workpiece errors. During tool changes, if the holder cannot lock automatically, the cutting point will shift during cutting, inevitably leading to significant errors. To avoid this error, the tool holder must be locked.
