How to choose the cutting path in CNC machining?

The tool path refers to the movement trajectory and direction of the tool relative to the workpiece during CNC machining. The reasonable selection of processing routes is very important, as it is closely related to the CNC machining accuracy and surface quality of the parts. When determining the cutting route, the following points are mainly considered:

1. Ensure the machining accuracy requirements of the parts.

2. Facilitate numerical calculations and reduce programming workload.

3. Seeking the shortest CNC machining route to reduce empty tool time and improve CNC machining efficiency.

4. Try to reduce the number of program segments as much as possible.

5. Ensure the required roughness of the workpiece contour surface after CNC machining, and the final contour should be arranged for continuous machining with the last cutting tool.

6. The forward and backward path of the tool (cutting in and out) should also be carefully considered to minimize the occurrence of tool marks at the contour due to sudden changes in cutting force causing elastic deformation, and to avoid scratching the workpiece by vertically lowering the tool on the contour surface.

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What aspects should be paid attention to when determining the clamping method of workpieces for CNC machining

When determining the positioning reference and clamping scheme, the following three points should be noted:

1. Strive for consistency in design, process, and programming calculations.

2. Try to minimize the number of clamping times and achieve CNC machining of all the surfaces to be machined after one positioning.

3. Avoid using manual adjustment plans that occupy the machine.

4. The fixture should be open and its positioning and clamping mechanism should not affect the tool path in CNC machining (such as collision). When encountering such situations, it can be clamped using pliers or adding bottom plate screws.

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What principles should be followed in the arrangement of CNC machining sequence

The arrangement of processing sequence should be considered based on the structure and condition of the parts, as well as the need for positioning and clamping, with a focus on ensuring that the rigidity of the workpiece is not compromised. The order should generally follow the following principles:

1. The CNC machining of the previous process should not affect the positioning and clamping of the next process, and if there are universal machine tool machining processes interspersed in the middle, comprehensive consideration should also be given.

2. First, proceed with the internal cavity machining process, and then proceed with the external machining process.

3. It is best to connect the CNC machining process with the same positioning, clamping method or the same tool to reduce the number of repeated positioning, tool changing, and moving the pressure plate.

4. For multiple processes carried out in the same installation, the process with minimal damage to the rigidity of the workpiece should be arranged first.

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Main industries that use CNC machining

 Any industry involving component production will be directly or indirectly affected by CNC machining. Below are some of the main industries that use CNC machining.

Aerospace - Aerospace requires components with high precision and repeatability, including turbine blades in engines, tooling for making other components, and even combustion chambers used in rocket engines.

Automotive and Machine Manufacturing - The automotive industry needs to manufacture high-precision molds for casting components (such as engine mounts) or machining high tolerance components (such as pistons). The gantry machine can cast clay modules and is used in the design phase of automobiles.

Military Industry - The military industry uses high-precision components with strict tolerance requirements, including missile components, gun barrels, etc. All processed components in the military industry can benefit from the accuracy and speed of CNC machines.

Medical - Medical implant devices are typically designed to fit the shape of human organs and must be made of advanced alloys. Due to the lack of manual machines capable of generating such shapes, CNC machines have become a necessity.

The energy industry covers all engineering fields, from steam turbines to cutting-edge technologies such as nuclear fusion. The steam turbine requires high-precision turbine blades to maintain balance in the turbine, and the shape of the R&D plasma suppression cavity in nuclear fusion is very complex. It is made of advanced materials and requires the support of CNC machines.

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How to divide CNC machining processes

 The division of CNC machining processes can generally be carried out according to the following methods:

1. The centralized tool sorting method is to divide the processes according to the tools used, and use the same tool to CNC machine all the parts that can be completed on the part. Use the second and third knives to complete other parts that they can complete. This can reduce the number of tool changes, compress the travel time, and reduce unnecessary positioning errors.

2. For parts with a lot of CNC machining content, the machining part can be divided into several parts according to their structural characteristics, such as inner shape, outer shape, curved surface or plane, using the sorting method of machining parts. Generally, the plane and positioning surface are machined first, and then the hole is machined; Process simple geometric shapes first, and then process complex geometric shapes; First process the parts with lower precision, and then process the parts with higher precision requirements.

3. For parts that are prone to CNC machining deformation, the rough and fine CNC machining sequencing method is used. Due to the possible deformation that may occur after rough machining, shape correction is required. Therefore, generally speaking, all processes that require rough and fine machining must be separated. In summary, when dividing processes, it is necessary to flexibly grasp the structure and processability of the parts, the functions of the machine tool, the amount of CNC machining content for the parts, the number of installations, and the production organization status of the unit. It is also recommended to adopt the principle of process concentration or process dispersion, which should be determined based on the actual situation, but must strive for rationality.

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What Kind of Parts Can Use Turning-Milling Compound Machining?

 Turning-milling compound machining is a versatile process that can be used to produce a wide range of complex parts. This process is particularly suitable for parts that require high precision, accuracy, and repeatability, such as gears, impellers, turbine blades, and medical implants.

The turning-milling compound machining process can produce parts with complex geometries, fine surface finishes, and high tolerances. This process is suitable for the production of parts made of various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.

The turning-milling compound machining process is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics industries, among others. This process can produce parts that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using conventional machining methods.

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What Is Turning and Milling Compound

 Turning-milling compound machining is a manufacturing process that combines the advantages of turning and milling operations. This process involves the use of a single machine that can perform both turning and milling operations on a single workpiece. This method of machining is widely used in the production of complex parts that require high precision, accuracy, and repeatability.

In turning-milling compound machining, the workpiece is held in place by a chuck or a fixture, while a cutting tool moves in two axes (X and Y) to remove material from the surface of the workpiece. The tool is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, while the workpiece is rotated in the opposite direction.

The cutting tool can be either a milling cutter or a turning tool, depending on the requirements of the part. This process is suitable for the production of parts with complex geometries, such as gears, impellers, and turbine blades.

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