1. CNC Machining turning
Turning involves clamping the workpiece securely onto a rotating plate or mandrel. When the workpiece rotates, the tool is fixed in a fixture mounted on a moving slide. The slider can be moved up and down along the length of the workpiece, or closer to or away from the centerline. This simple operation is ideal for removing large amounts of material quickly.
In addition, a drill bit mounted on the tailstock of a lathe can drill precise holes; Lathes are used to form concentric shapes on the outer circumference of a round part; Fabrication of grooves, ring grooves, stepped shoulders, internal and external threads, cylinders and shafts on lathes - many round or circular features.
2. Milling CNC machining
The fundamental difference in milling is that the workpiece remains stationary, while the cutting tool rotates on the mandrel. The workpiece is usually fixed horizontally in the machine vise and mounted on a table that moves in the X and Y directions.
The spindle accommodates a variety of tools and moves along the X, Y, and Z axes. Milling cutters are used to create squares/planes, notches, chamfers, channels, profiles, keyways, and other features that rely on precise cutting angles.
As with all metalworking operations, cutting fluids are used to cool workpieces and cutting tools, lubricate and wash away metal particles or chips.
3. EDM
Solid EDMs are used to create pits, holes, and square features on hardened tool steels that are difficult, if not impossible, to fabricate in any other way.
It is often used in injection molding and die-casting molds, and rarely in the finished part itself. EDM is also used to create textured surfaces or recessed (recessed) letters and logos on molds.
4. Grinding
Grinding to create a very flat surface on metal parts is important for many applications, and the best way to create such a precise surface is to use a grinder.