What is CNC machining?
CNC machining is a manufacturing process which has paved a new way to produce products in modern day production. It utilises computer software to control various tools in order to shape and cut a wide range of materials. It’s an abbreviation for Computer Numerical Control, and it has been around for several decades, although it’s not familiar to many. The process can be used to create a wide range of products, from intricate metal parts to furniture pieces made of wood or plastic. Keep reading to find out more.
The 5-Axis CNC machine has incredibly precision and accuracy
How does CNC machining work?
Traditionally, timber, glass and plastic products would have been hand shaped and cut with the support of a variety of tools. Today, CNC machining is making the entire process much simpler, and it is very much understated in its benefits. CNC machining is a manufacturing process that involves the use of computer software to control various cutting tools to produce a finished product. CNC machines can be used for cutting, drilling, and milling, as well as other functions. They are very precise and they can produce complex shapes and designs with ease, essentially, making the production process much simpler.
Initially, it will require a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to support the programming of tool paths within the system. However, once the computer has been programmed, the CNC machines require very little human interaction. As a result, they can work continuously and automatically, producing large quantities of products of consistently high quality. This makes them an ideal choice for mass production. Did you know, a 5-axis CNC machine can typically cut and drill with accuracy within 0.01mm?
What is 5-axis CNC?
5-axis CNC machining is a process that involves cutting a material in five different directions simultaneously – think of it as a fantastic multitasker! With five axes of motion, it allows the cutting tool to move in five different directions. These five axes are typically referred to as X, Y, Z, A, and B.
The X, Y, and Z axes are the traditional axes used in 3-axis CNC machining. The A and B axes are added to enable the cutting tool to tilt and rotate, allowing it to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible with a traditional 3-axis machine. As a result, the 5-axis CNC machine can produce a more intricate, elaborate and accurate finish to products.
Can a 5-axis CNC be used on timber?
Yes, CNC machines can be used on timber and are used for a wide range of applications. In fact, CNC machines are becoming increasingly popular in the woodworking industry. They can be used to produce a wide range of products, from furniture to cabinet work, and so on.
By using a CNC machine, woodworkers can produce complex shapes and designs with ease. They are programmed to cut and shape wood in a way that is impossible to achieve with traditional woodworking methods. In addition, they are highly accurate, which results in a high-quality finished product.
Wooden materials can be milled, sawed and sanded with no human interaction, being completed automatically by the CNC machine. This allows the production of many construction elements such as doors and windows, as well as other timber products such as furniture and interior design. Personally, we’re constantly wowed by the extremely high-quality finish and consistency it produces in final products. This means our clients know exactly what they’re getting and will never be disappointed with the finished result.
At W L West & Sons, we heavily rely on our CNC machine for projects such as Pocket Doors. These are doors that slide into a wall to save space. We create the rebates, lock and handle apertures by laying the door blanks on the bed of the CN. After creating the program and tool paths, it tells CNC which tools to use at what point, then the machine does the rest.
Signage is also another area the CNC does well, and many of the footpath signs that you will see across West Sussex will have been created on our CNC.
To see our 5-axis CNC machine in West Sussex in action, click here.
The CNC machine has many applications, including timber and metal.
What results can you achieve with timber in a CNC machine?
One word, excellent results. By using sharp, robust tools used at the correct point in the machine paths, we can create very fine finishes. In addition, great care is given to ensure that we do not have break out on the timber. To achieve this, we have Right hand and Left hand rotating tools, this enables us to always cut into the timber, not away from the timber – which has the potential for breakout.
Care is the watchword, and skilled operators.
Want to see it in the flesh? Take a look at our timber CNC machining.
6 Benefits of 5-Axis CNC machines
There are several benefits to using a 5-axis CNC machine. Some of these benefits include:
- Making complex, simple: The ability to create complex shapes in Timber that would take days longer manufacturing by hand.
- Increased efficiency: 5-axis CNC machines can perform multiple operations simultaneously, which increases efficiency and reduces production time. This allows a quick turnaround on projects for clients and their customers.
- Unrivalled accuracy: The five axes of motion enable the machine to reach areas that would be inaccessible with a traditional 3-axis machine, resulting in enhanced accuracy and precision.
- Reduced rework: With increased accuracy comes a reduced need for rework. This saves time and money in the production process. The final results are consistently high-quality.
- Greater design flexibility: 5-axis CNC machines can produce parts and components with complex shapes and contours, which enables greater design flexibility. This means there are fewer limitations in the design process, so designers can get as creative as they want!
- Increased tool life: 5-axis CNC machines can utilise the cutting tool more efficiently, resulting in increased tool life and reduced tooling costs.
The CNC machine gets to work efficiently, ensuring no days are wasted by completing the same tasks manually
In conclusion, CNC machining is a manufacturing process that has revolutionised the way products are produced. 5-axis CNC machining is a highly advanced form of CNC machining that has opened up new possibilities in terms of design flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency. The benefits of 5-axis CNC machining are numerous and can result in significant cost savings and increased productivity. Furthermore, CNC machining can take place on a wide range of materials, including timber, making them a versatile tool in the manufacturing industry.
We’re very proud to be able to provide CNC machining services for timber in West Sussex, please reach out to one of our friendly team if this is a service you feel you could benefit from, or you’d like to learn more about.
WL West & Sons Ltd is a timber merchant and sawmill business with 150 years of experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
Our wood products, building materials and certified wood are manufactured and sold with the endorsement of forest certification and the Forest Stewardship Council FSC
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For entirely finished products, timber supplies or woodworking tools, have a look at our Retail Shop.
