Machining?

Machining is a process in which a controlled material removal machine is used to remove some parts from the workpiece to shape it into the intended design. This process is a part of the manufacturing of many products based on metals, however it’s possible to use the machining process on other materials like wood, ceramic, or even plastic.

Machinist doing machining process.

History

The machining process has come a long way, today we see most manufacturing companies use the latest technologies for machining processes such as 6-Axis CNC machining or even a 3D Printer, but do you know that machining was invented a long time ago?

Machine age comes from 1880 to 1945, during this age the words machining referred to traditional machining such as turning, boring, drilling, milling, sawing, shaping, planing, and etc., to find more about traditional machining please click here.

CNC Machining

CNC Machining, also called Computer Numerical Control Machining is a manufacturing process that used computer programmed software to generate the movement of the machine. Generally, this process used for complex machinery process, this method usually requires software and programming, usually in the G-code language, to guide a machining tool in shaping the workpiece according to preferred design.

Since this method is automated by computer, there are a lot of benefits come from this machining method such as :

1. Faster Production rate,  lower downtime? that means CNC machining has a faster manufacturing time
2. Lower Manufacturing Cost, because this process automated by a machine it will reduce manual labor requirement, this type of machining is efficient for high volume project.
3. More Uniform, since this process runs by a machine that has been coded properly, that means it will produce a more uniform finished product, better than handcrafted machining.

Moreover, these technologies grow so much from the first time it was invented, here are some basic machining machine types :

1. Drill, used to create a round hole. It is accomplished by a rotating tool that typically has two or four helical cutting edges. As a result, if it comes to contact with the workplace it will create a hole.
2. Milling, one of the most common types of CNC machines used today. it uses multiple cutting edges is moved slowly relative to the material to generate a plane or straight surface.
3. Lathes, is a method to remove a piece of metal by using hardened cutting tools.

Our latest CNC machine

Advantages and disadvantages of machining

1. Advantages
   • Tighter tolerance (down to .001″).
   • Real material and densities.
   • More choices of finishes and materials.
2. Disadvantages
   • Depends on the machinist.
   • Works on one side need to reposition manually.
   • It cost more time and money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, machining process is important, however in some cases this process might not be needed at all, therefore a discussion with an expert can help to choose the best decision.