The Nine Most Common Types Of CNC Machines

In this article, we will discuss nine of the most common CNC machines used in manufacturing. You'll learn how each machine operates and the different manufacturing processes and operations they can perform.

1. CNC Milling Machine

CNC milling machines (or milling machines) are very similar to CNC milling machines ㅡ they use a multi-blade cutting tool that rotates relative to the workpiece to create the desired part. However, while CNC milling machines are typically used for machining hard metals and industrial-grade materials, CNC milling machines are better suited for cutting softer and more delicate materials such as plastics, wood, and foam.

They are perfect for creating panels, plastic prototypes and molds for injection molding applications.

2. CNC Turning Machines

CNC turning centers, also known as CNC lathes

CNC lathes (or turning machines) have similarities to CNC milling and milling machines; they have chucks and spindles and rely on CNC technology. However, these machines work differently and are completely opposite.

On a CNC lathe, the chuck and spindle hold the workpiece to a fixed cutting tool and rotate it. These machines typically have a 3-axis configuration and can achieve tolerances as tight as ±4μm. As a result, they are ideally suited for machining complex cylindrical shapes.

CNC lathes are ideal to use if your machining projects require high-quality turning processes, including taper turning, knurling, drilling, cutting and grooving. You can also use the machine for reaming, countersinking, counterbore and thread cutting operations. However, keep in mind that the accuracy of a CNC lathe decreases as the workpiece gets thicker.

3.CNC Laser Cutting Machine

CNC laser cutting machines are similar to CNC milling machines in terms of the types of shapes or features that can be machined. However, they differ from their milling counterparts by using a laser beam to perform the cutting operation.

A laser beam is an array of high-intensity light. When focused on the workpiece, it melts the workpiece until a kerf is formed.CNC technology controls the sequence of movement of the laser cutting head (and the laser beam) until the desired customized part is created.

CNC laser cutters offer a high level of cutting accuracy, making them ideal for cutting a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics and hardwoods. In addition, their extreme accuracy makes them perfect for machining your brand name and logo into CNC milled or turned parts.

4. CNC Plasma Cutting Machines

Like laser cutters, CNC plasma cutters also offer a high level of cutting accuracy and a wide range of material compatibility. The only difference between them and laser cutters is the use of a plasma torch to perform the cutting operation.

The plasma torch produces a high-powered plasma (or electrically charged gas) at temperatures up to 50,000° F. As long as any material is electrically conductive, this immense amount of heat energy cuts through it seamlessly.

5. CNC Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM)

CNC Electrical Discharge Machines, also known as Spark CNC Machines, utilize an electric spark generated by a metal tool to cut the workpiece into the desired shape. Like plasma cutting machines, EDM machines require the workpiece to be electrically conductive. This stringent requirement exists because the metal tool acts as an electrode and can only break down conductive materials.

Electrical discharge machines are ideal for machining micro-slots, holes and angular features in difficult-to-machine metals such as high-carbon and hardened steels.

6. CNC water jet cutting machine

As the name implies, CNC water jet cutting machines use a high-pressure water jet (or a mixture of water and abrasive material) to cut material. Computerized CNC technology controls the sequence of movement of the water jet to create the desired finished part.

CNC water jet cutting machines are very similar to CNC plasma and laser cutting machines because they do not require a machine tool. However, unlike CNC plasma and laser cutters, CNC water jet cutters are particularly well suited for machining low thermal resistance materials such as aluminum and plastics. "Low thermal resistance" means that the material melts easily when exposed to high temperatures.

7. CNC Grinder

CNC grinders (or grinders) are equipped with a rotating wheel that cuts material from the workpiece to create a product that meets your specifications. These machines also have an intelligent thermal control system that checks the temperature of the grinding wheel and compensates for variations that may affect the accuracy of the machined part.

All of these benefits make CNC grinders ideal for high-precision manufacturing applications. For example, you can use CNC grinders to create high-quality metal workpieces for drive shafts, camshafts, and other complex parts that require precise surface finishes.

Learn more: Surface Finish and Surface Roughness Chart

8. CNC Drilling Machines

CNC drilling machines are very similar to traditional drilling machines in that they utilize a rotating cutting tool to machine holes in a stationary workpiece. However, because CNC drilling machines rely on CNC technology, they are more precise and versatile than conventional drilling machines.

For example, CNC drilling machines can punch holes while achieving tolerances as precise as ±0.001 millimeters. They are also compatible with a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics and wood. Additionally, the latest CNC drilling machine technology features a turretㅡ that can accommodate multiple drills and allow you to move quickly between drills during the manufacturing process.

If you want to manufacture hubs, gear blanks, and machined shafts, you should choose a CNC drill press.

9. 6-Axis CNC Machine Tools

The axes of a CNC machine describe the number of separate directions in which the CNC cutting tool (or workpiece) can move to create a machined part. For example, 3-axis CNC machine tools typically operate along the X-axis (vertical), Y-axis (horizontal), and Z-axis (depth) to machine workpieces and create finished parts.

However, in recent years, CNC machine technology has evolved to include 6-axis capabilities. 6-axis CNC machines combine the three-axis linear motion of 3-axis machines with rotation around the X, Y and Z axes. This ensures that the cutting tool remains perpendicular to the material surface in multiple planes, allowing you to create complex parts.

As long as the machinist is well versed in CNC part fabrication, a 6-axis machine can create virtually any complex design.