May 10,2023
CNC machines are common now because of their efficiency and production speed. Many worldwide manufacturers of metal, plastic, wood, and composite parts use CNC machines and reach their highest potential. They do it with complete training and avoiding mistakes in producing custom CNC parts. You can achieve that potential by ensuring that you are not repeating common mistakes. As a result, you will save material from wastage because of poor usage of tools. Adapting the tools is a technique for operating this machine effectively, as utilizing the appropriate tool with precise axis movement can lead to significant accomplishments. You can also be an expert by avoiding just a few simple mistakes in the precision machining of custom parts.
Only the exact cutting tool has to be used when it is about cutting. Using inappropriate tools to save time and cost during machining is not a viable option for professionals. The quality of machined parts can only be protected if the right tool is used. Therefore, using the appropriate tool for each machining task is crucial to ensure high-quality results. Always use the correct type to eliminate any chance of tool failure. You can get precise results and quality of customized parts only through the accurate size and type of tool.
If you look at some standard tools, there are grinders, laser cutters, thread mills, turners, fly cutters, reamers, etc. For grinding, only use grinders or similar tools, which can do grinding. Kindly refrain from utilizing any other tool for performing the task that is not intended for it. Also, it will affect the efficiency of the CNC machine and its tools, along with the quality of machined parts or workpieces.
Speed adjustment must be made carefully to maintain the accuracy of the workpiece. When it comes to creating customized products, it is essential to ensure that the speed at which the production process is carried out does not compromise the overall quality of the final product. Slow speed might be necessary for complex designs. If the speed is slow, the machine can work better for problematic areas of the product. Thin walls and corners need high tolerance. However, you can go for high speed if you want simple designs through a CNC machine; this will be easy for machines to maintain that high speed to produce simple designs of workpieces.
You should pay attention to the speed factor in maintaining the accuracy level of production. For instance, if you manufacture gear parts, you may need slow speed for precision in gears' teeth; this is how accuracy is guided with the help of maintaining the speed of the CNC machine.
Every programming code has a different function, which fulfills the production. Using the wrong code can cause problems in achieving the objectives of production. For instance, if we take G-codes, there are plenty of options. G00 is for rapid positioning, G40 is for cutter radius adjustment, G90 is for adjustment of the coordinate system, and G02 is for circular arc movement of the cutter. There are many other codes like them in the G-series to produce customized parts successfully.
Likewise, it would be best to use M-codes wisely to avoid any mistakes. M03 and M04 codes are for spindle motor control clockwise and anti-clockwise, respectively. M06 is for changing the tool, and M05 is for turning the spindle motor off. At the same time, M08 and M09 are for powering on and off the coolant. Training a CNC machine by learning codes is a part of having the right results. If you ignore this part, there will be inaccuracy in the production.
It would help if you used the correct codes to get the best result on this machine. The key to achieving favorable outcomes is accurately directing the CNC machine. Even if a design is easy to understand, any coding issues can affect the final product's quality.
An overheated CNC machine can have multiple problems later. Its performance might drop, and its tools will wear out soon. The friction rate will be high if you do not use the right cooling system. CNC tool metals have varying coolant requirements, some requiring water-based coolants, others oil-based, and others synthetic options. It depends upon the type of metal used for shaping the workpiece. Some metals cool down with water-based coolants because of their physical properties and applications.
In some cases, oil-based coolants are required because of the conditions and friction rate in the production. It works to prevent chip buildup in metal machining like aluminum and copper. If you use water coolant, ensure you work on plastic or wood pieces. While if you are working on sharp and intricate pieces, you must use synthetic coolants. They reduce the heat through lubrication between two metals because they create heat when they collide.
Whenever something is heated, it expands its size. When working on plastic components, tools that are heated can cause a transfer of elevated temperatures to the workpiece. When the machine works with speed, its temperature rises automatically. Sometimes, not using coolant can lead to thermal expansion. This thermal expansion can create inaccuracy in the plastic parts produced by a CNC machine. To cope with this problem, an operator must know what size and design to follow to avoid thermal expansion.
If the speed is kept low, thermal expansion can be controlled. When objects move at high speeds, they tend to undergo thermal expansion. This phenomenon can pose a problem for plastic items and have a minor effect on metal products. You can also face the deformation of plastic parts since heat can damage them easily. This deformation does not happen very often, but it is a risk.
These are some common mistakes you can avoid as a beginner, which will save you lots of costs. This cost is about material, time, energy, and tool consumption. Remember that tools have to be replaced after they wear out. No manufacturer wants to let the tools wear out on unnecessary motion.
