With the new year still in its early stages, smart manufacturers will want to keep an eye on the world of CNC machining to be prepared for and capitalize on the significant advances that are now taking place.
In this article, we will share the 5 trends that are influencing CNC machining operations now and in the future.
CNC Machining Trends 2022
1. More axes for greater cost-savings
Traditional CNC machines have three axes of linear motion. Even though many machines now have a moving bed, a 3-axis milling center remains stationary while the cutter moves.
The bed travels linearly along two axes in a 3-axis machine, while the spindle moves up and down along the third axis. By including a rotational axis, 4-axis machines provide more detailed cutting.
A fourth-axis rotary is typically mounted to the machine table, and the part is mounted to the fourth-axis rotary’s face. 4-axis machines are well-suited for producing medical devices and parts with complex geometries because of this.
Finally, 5-axis milling machines are the pinnacle of milling power. Micromachining is possible with these machines, and they can produce incredibly fine cuts at unheard-of rates.
They have three linear axes and two degrees of rotational freedom. Many manufacturers have just recently become financially accessible to 4- and 5-axis CNC lathes, even though they have been commercially available for several years.
2. Universal solutions for the tooling
Typically, vacuum fixtures or vacuum plates, which are used to hold difficult-to-secure or easily deformable objects in place, were custom-made for each job. As a result, they’ve become rather expensive, and most manufacturing teams try to avoid them until required.
Universal bases, such as the Pierson SmartVac and the Blue Photon UV work holding system, have made it possible to custom-configure a single part for various tasks. These tools provide a turnkey alternative to custom fixtures, allowing manufacturers to produce certain parts for a fraction of the cost.
3. CNC Robots
In the CNC machining sector, one of the developments to keep an eye on is CNC robots. CNC robotics is a potential technology because of its capacity to interact with people, since it may enable automation for dangerous or demanding activities on the machine shop floor.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown its use with feedback systems and visual sensors since its introduction in many types of precision CNC machining.
It has also enabled predictive maintenance and adjustments during processing when milling machine sensors alter closeness or speed to the cutting surface depending on feedback. It has resulted in greater chances for longer machine life, higher quality, and faster production, among other things.
4. Advances in workforce training
3D CAD viewers are rapidly being integrated into common machine platforms by equipment makers. This page serves as the major visual aid for setting up and progressing operations, and it can also be programmed to show troubleshooting videos.
Manufacturers will benefit from the integration of this software in CNC machining equipment not just in terms of workforce training, but also in terms of increasing the efficacy and efficiency of current personnel.
Furthermore, despite the high initial cost of this technology, it is projected to save money in the long run by minimizing operator error.
5. Advances in CAD/CAM software
CAD/CAM has grown progressively democratized in the recent 5 to 10 years. The program is now not only more inexpensive, but also more accessible, intuitive, user-friendly, and powerful than it was previously.
Increased productivity and accuracy, as well as even more inventive processes, are possible with this enhanced CAD/CAM software.
Furthermore, CAD/CAM software integrates with a variety of machine platforms, model-based definition (MBD) tools, 3D viewing systems, and other systems. These linkages lower the risk of user error and make CAD/CAM software more accessible.
