When it comes to CNC Machine cutting tools there are a few different manufacturing processes that can be utilized depending on the desired geometry of your custom part and the estimated annual usage (EAU).
Here are the most common CNC Machining processes:
Turning
Milling
Screw Machine
CNC Turning Services
Lathes are utilized to perform the turning process. A Lathe is a machine cutting tool that rotates (turns) the desired material on its horizontal axis while being shaped by a cutting tools.
One of the first truly precision lathes was designed and built during the Industrial Revolution in 1804 by Henry Maudslay. His Lathe is still on display at the Henry Ford Museum.
Laths can hold tight concentricity, close tolerance, complex features and providing a fine finish.
A CNC Lathe can be used to produce parts from solid bar stock, or it can be used to further machine a near net shaped part, a near net shaped part could be a forging, casting, or a previously machined bar stock part.
Processes Preformed on a Lathe
Turning
Form Turning
Taper Turning
Threading
Tapping
Thread Rolling
Thread Grinding
Thread Milling
Lathe Part Examples
Shafts
Nuts
Pistons
Ball Stud
CNC Milling Services
CNC Mills are utilized to perform the milling process. Milling machines can be both vertical or horizontal machining centers. A vertical mill is typically where the cutting tool comes from above and is lowered to the part. A horizontal Milling machine is when the cutting tool comes in from the side.
The milling machine was invented circa 1818 by Eli Whitney. An interesting fact about his machine is that it was so ahead of its time that most of the features and functions did not change for over a century and a half.
A CNC Mill generally works with solid plate or near net shaped parts from casting, forging or previously machined parts.
Processes Performed on a Mill
Milling
Drilling
Boring
Reaming
Gun Drilling
Broaching
Gear Hobbing
Splining
Keyways
Milling Part Examples
Flywheels
Piston Rods
Housing
Blocks
Screw Machine
A Screw Machine is a high-speed automatic lathe design to manufacture smaller high-volume parts.
The Screw Machine was invented by Joseph Brown in 1865. Brown was one of the co-founders of Brown and Sharpe. Brown and Sharpe screw machines are still sold and used today. Brown and Sharpe assets were acquired by Hexagon in 2001 and most of the newer equipment is now marketed under the Hexagon name.
Screw machines are best known for holding tight tolerance as well as being high speed work horses. These machines are best suited for higher volume parts with detailed geometry.
For lower EAU parts, a single spindle machine is generally used. When the volume is higher a multi-Spindle machine is utilized. If your part is designed correctly, this is a cost-effective machining process.
Processes Performed on a Screw Machine
Form Turning
Drilling
Reaming
Tapping
Cross Milling
Screw Machine Part Examples
Shafts
Push Rods
Gear Blanks
Spacers
Valve Stems
Screws
Plugs
Locke-Brothers has partnered with National Technologies (aka. “NTI”) since 2004. As a precision machining company established in 1959, NTI focuses on “Making it Better in America". They are a preferred supplier of precision machined components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers worldwide.
