The Key to CNC Machining Success: Essential Processing Points
Table of contents
Chapter 1. Parts design and drawing requirements
Chapter 2. Material selection
Chapter 3. Material selection
Chapter 4 CNC machining Application
Chapter 5. Quality Control and Testing
Chapter 6. Cost control
Chapter 7 : Product appearance treatment
Chapter 8: Product packaging
Chapter 9: Conclusion
In modern manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) processing metal part has become an important part of product design and production. CNC product processing can meet diverse and high-precision needs. Whether it is aerospace, automotive manufacturing, medical equipment, or electronic consumer products, CNC processing part plays a key role. When carrying out CNC processing part, as a professional hardware processing manufacturer with 17 years of experiences, we believe that there are many key points that need to be carefully considered to ensure the final CNC product quality, precision and production efficiency. We would like to tells you the key points and precautions that need to be noted during CNC product processing:
Chapter 1. Parts design and drawing requirements
1.1 Processing evaluation During product design, a comprehensive evaluation to the CNC processing parts is required. Complex geometries, overly fine features or unreasonable dimensional tolerances may increase the difficulty and cost of machining, or even make processing impossible. For example, too small an inner corner radius, too deep a blind hole or a thin-walled structure require special tools and machining processes. Designers should communicate and cooperate closely with CNC operating engineers to optimize the design drawings to ensure that the parts have good processing while meeting the specification requirements.
1.2 Drawing accuracy CNC machining is based on precise drawings. The dimensions and requirements of the relevant drawings will be entered into the computer by the CNC machining engineer and completed it according to the drawings. Therefore, the drawings must be accurate. The drawings should clearly mark key information such as dimensional tolerances, surface shinning level, material specification, and machining requirements. Any vague or incorrect markings may cause the machined parts to fail to meet the requirements or even be scrapped. Before machining, the drawings must be carefully reviewed and confirmed it again.
Chapter 2. Material selection
2.1 Performance checking It is important to select the right material according to the product requirements and working environment of the relevant parts. Different materials have different mechanical, physical and chemical properties, such as strength, hardness, toughness, conductivity, corrosion resistance, etc. For example, aerospace parts usually require high-strength, low-density materials, such as aluminum alloys and titanium alloys; while medical device parts may require materials with good biocompatibility, such as stainless steel, titanium alloys or special plastics. Materials need to be selected according to product specifications.
2.2 Material quality The quality of materials directly affects the processing quality and final CNC processing parts. High-quality materials purchased through formal channels should be selected, and suppliers should be required to provide quality certification documents for materials, such as material basic specification reports, flaw detection reports, etc. Before processing, materials should be check to ensure that the materials meet the requirements of design and product specifications.
Chapter 3. Material selection
CNC Machining Process and CNC Programming A complete CNC machining process includes below steps: process analysis based on the part processing drawing, determination of machining plans, process parameters and displacement data; writing the part processing program sheet with the prescribed program codes and formats; program input or transmission; trial operation, tool path simulation, etc., of the machining program input or transmitted to the NC unit; automatic operation of the machine tool through correct operation, first sample trial cutting; inspection of the processed parts.
The CNC machining program is a sequence of instructions that drives the NC machine tool to carry out machining, and it is the application software of the NC machine tool. The main tasks of CNC programming include part drawing analysis, process design, machining route planning, and machine tool auxiliary function determination. It is an important stage in CNC machining.
Chapter 4 CNC machining Application
The performance characteristics of CNC machine part determine the application scope of CNC machining. For CNC machining, its objects can be divided into three categories according to their applicability.
4.1 Best suited category: High processing precision, complex shape and structure, especially parts with complex curves, curved surface contours or non-open cavities. These parts are difficult to process and inspect with general machine tools, and the processing quality is difficult to guarantee; parts that must be clamped at one time to complete multiple processes during the processing.
4.2 More suitable categories: Parts that are expensive, hard to obtain, and cannot be scrapped. Such parts are prone to unqualified or scrapped parts when processed on ordinary machine tools. For the sake of reliability, CNC machine tools can be used for processing; parts that are inefficient to process on ordinary machine tools, have high labor intensity, and are difficult to control in terms of quality; parts used for model changes and performance tests (good dimensional consistency is required); parts that are produced in multiple varieties, multiple specifications, in single pieces, and in small batches.
4.3 Unsuitable category: Parts that rely entirely on manual positioning; parts with very unstable machining allowances. if the CNC machine tool does not have an online inspection system that can automatically check and adjust the part position coordinates; parts that must use specific process equipment, rely on templates, and sample parts for machining; parts that need to be produced in large quantities.
With the improvement of CNC machine tool performance, the perfection of functions, the reduction of costs, the continuous improvement of the performance of CNC machining tools and auxiliary tools, and the continuous improvement of CNC machining technology, the use of CNC machine tools with high automation, high precision, and concentrated operations for large-scale production is gradually increasing.
Chapter 5. Quality Control and Testing
Process control ： During CNC machining, a strict quality control system should be established to monitor and adjust the machining process in time. By measuring and testing product from dimensions and surface, machining errors can be discovered and corrected it in time. For example, during machining, online measuring equipment can be used to measure parts in real time, and cutting parameters or tool positions can be adjusted based on the measurement results.
Chapter 6. Cost control
The cost of CNC processing part includes material cost, processing cost, equipment depreciation, labor cost, etc. When carrying out processing plan, these factors should be considered comprehensively, and the cost can be reduced by optimizing the design, selecting appropriate processing technology and equipment, and reasonably controlling the processing allowance. At the same time, full communication and negotiation should be carried out with the supplier to strive for a reasonable price.
Chapter 7 : Product appearance treatment
Surface treatment of CNC machined parts can improve product appearance quality, product performance and corrosion resistance. Appearance treatment is an important part of CNC product processing. The following are some common appearance treatment methods:
Polishing
Manual grinding: Use sandpaper, oilstone and other tools to manually grind the surface of the processing part. It can flexibly handle the parts, but it is inefficient and have heave labor cost. It is suitable for small-batch sample production or products.
Mechanical grinding: it is mainly through belt sanders, grinders and other machines for surface grinding, high efficiency, good surface flatness, suitable for mass production.
Mechanical polishing: The surface of the CNC part is polished by machines such as polishing wheels to achieve a higher glossiness.
Chemical polishing: Use chemical solutions to corrode and dissolve the surface of the CNC parts to achieve the purpose of polishing. Its advantages are that it can process CNC part with complex shapes and good surface uniformity, but it requires strict control of the composition of the chemical solution and process parameters. At the same time, it also requires professional equipment and related technical workers to handle.
Electrolytic polishing: Based on the principle of electrolysis, the tiny raised parts on the surface of the CNC part are preferentially dissolved to achieve polishing. Electrolytic polishing can obtain a very high surface finish and will not produce a deformation layer during mechanical polishing, but the equipment cost is high and the process control requirements are strict.
Spraying： Spray painting: Spray paint on the surface of the CNC part through a spray gun to form a protective film, which plays a decorative and anti-corrosion role. The spray painting process is simple and low-cost, and different colors and performance paint treatments can be selected according to needs.
Powder spraying: also known as powder coating, is to attach powdered paint to the surface of the CNC part through electrostatic adsorption and other methods, and then form a coating through high-temperature baking and curing. Powder coating has good wear resistance, corrosion resistance and decorative properties, and has good environmental performance, because powder coating does not contain organic solvents, reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Oxidation treatment：
Anodizing: Mainly used for aluminum and aluminum alloy CNC part . In the electrolytic cell, the CNC part acts as the anode, and an oxide film is formed on its surface through electrolysis. The anodized film has good hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and can be dyed to obtain various colors.
Chemical oxidation: A chemical solution reacts with the metal surface to form an oxide film. The chemical oxidation process is simple and the cost is low, but the thickness and performance of the oxide film are inferior to those of the anodized film. It is often used in situations where corrosion resistance is not required.
Electroplating: Through the principle of electrolysis, a layer of metal or alloy is plated on the surface of the CNC part , such as chrome plating, nickel plating, zinc plating, etc. Electroplating can improve the corrosion resistance, wear resistance and decorativeness of CNC part . The chrome plating layer has high hardness, high gloss and good wear resistance, and is often used for parts with high decorative requirements; the nickel plating layer has good corrosion resistance and weldability; the zinc plating layer is mainly used to prevent steel CNC part from rusting, and has the advantages of low cost and good protective performance.
Wire drawing: Using a wire drawing machine or hand tools to draw uniform silk-like lines on the surface of the CNC part can increase the texture and beauty of the surface, and can also cover up surface defects to a certain extent. Wire drawing is commonly used for surface treatment of metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, and is widely used in electronic product housings, decorative materials and other products.
Chapter 8 Product packaging
The packaging of CNC product processing parts can protect the product and facilitate transportation and storage. The following are the relevant processes and key points of packaging:
Product cleaning: Use a clean cloth or compressed air to remove debris, dust, oil and other impurities on the surface of the CNC part to ensure that the surface of the CNC part is clean and tidy to prevent secondary contamination of the product during the packaging process.
Inspection: According to the product quality standards, the size, appearance, precision, etc. of the processed parts are comprehensively inspected to ensure that the products meet the requirements before packaging. For special products, such as waterproof, moisture-proof, anti-static, etc., corresponding tests are also required.
Classification and packaging: The product models, specifications, quantities, etc. need to be classified to facilitate subsequent packaging operations and management. At the same time, the matching parts and accessories should be sorted out to ensure that the items in each package are complete.
Inner Packaging： Choice of packaging materials
Plastic film: It has good moisture-proof and dust-proof properties, high transparency, and is easy to observe the product. For some CNC part whose surfaces are easily scratched, you can choose plastic film packaging with anti-static function.
Air bead bag: can provide better cushioning protection to prevent the product from being damaged by collision during transportation. Suitable for high-precision and fragile processing parts.
Pearl cotton: It is soft, elastic and shockproof. It can be customized according to the shape of the product, fits the surface of the product well and provides all-round protection.
Packaging Method
Individual packaging: For some high-precision, fragile or valuable CNC part , individual packaging is used. Each product is wrapped with appropriate packaging materials and then placed in a box or bag. This can avoid collision and friction between products and protect the integrity of the products.
Combined packaging: For some small processed parts with the same specifications, multiple products can be packaged together. For example, several small parts can be placed in a plastic b ag or paper box, and then packaged. When combining packaging, pay attention to the arrangement of the products to avoid squeezing or collision.
Outer box packaging
Carton: You need to choose an outer box with good compression resistance, cushioning and economy. The material is generally A&A paper, which is one of the most commonly used outer packaging materials. According to the weight and size of the product, choose the appropriate carton model and material. For heavier products, you can choose a reinforced carton and add support materials such as cardboard, foam board, etc. inside the carton to enhance the carton's compression resistance.
Wooden boxes: high strength and good shock resistance, suitable for packaging large, heavy or fragile CNC product processing parts. The production of wooden boxes needs to be customized according to the size of the product, and slots and partitions can be set inside to fix the product and prevent shaking during transportation.
Pallet: commonly used for packaging of processed parts for bulk transportation. Multiple inner-packaged products are placed on a pallet and then secured with wrapping film or strapping tape. Pallet packaging facilitates forklift loading and unloading and transportation, which can improve logistics efficiency.
Carton Mark and product identification
Product information: The product name, model, specifications, quantity and other information should be clearly marked on the outer box packaging to facilitate identification and handling during transportation.
Warning signs: For special products such as fragile, flammable, explosive, and toxic products, corresponding warning signs should be posted on the outer packaging, such as "Fragile items, handle with care", "Do not invert", "Moisture-proof", etc., to remind transportation personnel and warehouse managers to pay attention to protecting the products.
Packaging date and batch: Marking the packaging date and product batch number will help with product traceability and management.
Post-packaging processing
Transportation and distribution: Choose the right logistics company or transportation tool according to the destination and transportation method of the product. For long-distance transportation, ensure that the packaging can withstand long-term bumps and vibrations; for short-distance transportation, also pay attention to prevent the product from being damaged during loading and unloading. During transportation, track the transportation status of the product and deal with any problems in a timely manner.
Storage: Store the packaged products in a dry, ventilated warehouse with suitable temperature to avoid the products being affected by humidity, high temperature, low temperature and other environmental factors. At the same time, the products should be classified and stored according to their categories and batches for easy management and retrieval.
Chapter 9 Conclusions:
In summary, CNC machining customization requires comprehensive consideration of multiple key points such as part design, material selection, processing technology, equipment tools, quality control, cost, appearance processing, product packaging and delivery time. Only by following the process and production plan and strictly controlling the quantity in each link can we ensure that high-quality and high-precision parts are processed to meet customer needs. The above is what our hardware brings to you about "Key points to consider in CNC machining customization", I hope it can help you! At the same time, we are a CNC Metal part pmanufacturer specializing in hardware processing, CNC processing, and CNC lathe service. We can provide precision hardware processing services for lathe parts, stamping parts, hardware springs, hardware molds, non-standard parts and other parts. Welcome your consultation!