Today, CNC machines are a mainstay in the manufacturing process. They are intricate devices used to program machines to work on different materials based on the programmer’s command. CNC machines have been in the market for a long time. However, if you’ve never used one or even heard of them, you might find it a
As CNC machine tools become increasingly common in the world of manufacturing, more and more jobs advertise for CNC operators, or sometimes CNC machinists. What exactly do those positions require? What is a CNC machine operator? How is that different from a CNC machinist, and what does each do on a daily basis? We’ll look
Milling machines are among the most commonly used machine tools in modern manufacturing. You’ll find them in everything from major assembly lines to small tool-and-die shops, and just about anywhere in between. Just about every industry uses milling machines, from mini mills in high-end scientific labs to the automotive industry. Milling machines are popular with
Like most coding languages, G-code looks a bit weird when you first see it. There’s no apparent rhyme or reason, the numbers don’t seem to relate to each other, and the whole thing can appear a bit haphazard. It gets even stranger when you try to relate the codes themselves to the machines they work
3-axis, fully-manual machine tools built much of modern manufacturing. American-made tools from world-famous manufacturers were built of rugged cast iron, and in the hands of a skilled machinist, they could be, and often were, used to create nearly anything. Today, the choice is a lot more complicated. Should you rely on an old cast-iron classic?
Aluminum is one of the more versatile metals and one that is widely used in DIY workshops and metal shops around the world. Despite being easily workable, aluminum does pose some challenges. In fact, it’s usually because aluminum is easy to work with that some beginning machinists can mess up their cuts. Aluminum is quite soft, heats
Laser cutters, routers, and other machine tools are more than just modern manufacturing marvels. They’re also commonly used by hobbyists and avid DIY-ers. They can be used to cut wood, plastic, and even acrylic. Despite being high-end pieces of technology, many machine tools are relatively easy to learn and operate. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) tools
One of the challenges of modern manufacturing is understanding how different machines and processes function. Understanding the difference between CNC turning and CNC milling allows a machinist to use the right machine to achieve the best results. In the design stage, it allows CAD and CAM operators to create parts that can be machined primarily
Lathes spindles. Not necessarily a fascinating topic, but there’s no single part more important to the function of a lathe than the spindle. What is the lathe spindle? The spindle connects to the lathe engine’s axle through the headstock. It’s the part of the lathe that rotates – without the rotating spindle, a lathe isn’t
You’ve got a new mini milling machine. You’ve got the raw material. And you’ve even watched a few YouTube videos to get a bit more familiar with your new mill. If you’re really an over-achiever, you might even have read part of the user’s manual. But you still might be running up against a dead-end;
