machiningA computer numerical control machine, or simply CNC machine, is capable of cutting and drilling many different types of material, including aluminum, steel, plastic and wood. A CNC machine operator is in charge of ensuring that all the parts coming out of it are well within the specifications dictated by the print. By cleaning the contact surfaces and making sure that the tools are in good shape, he can keep a production run going without any wastes on raw material. After all, such waste can cost a manufacturing company thousands of dollars, so a good and knowledgeable operator is essential.

CNC Machines Create Parts From Different Materials

1.    Clean off the table and tooling following every cycle. It is important that you make sure that the CNC machine is clean and that the fixture or vise is free from chip build up. If a chip gets under a piece of raw material, the dimensions of that finished part may be compromised. Chips on the flutes of a drill may also cause breakage, so tooling should be blown off once the cycle is done.

2.    Check the tips of end mills and drills to ensure that they are still using during the production run. A chipped end mill or drill can lead to machine overload. In turn, overloads can damage the CNC machines as well as the part that is being machined. To prevent these kinds of tooling failures, an operator should not only check the tooling when the machine is stopped; he should also pay careful attention to load meters to watch for overloads.

3.    Adjust the tooling offsets of worm tools that do not require to be replaced. By stopping the run and checking a part, an operator can take control of sizing and assure that no pieces are off. The operator can also re-teach any tools that have been changed at this time and clean off the table and get the CNC machine ready for the cycle.

4.    Check the parts for size as they come out of the machine. Once a part is done and another one is put in for machining, it is always best to check every third piece or so to ensure that the key dimensions are on point and within the tolerances in the print. Certain dimensions can be fixed with tool offsets on the control of a CNC mill or lathe.

5.    De-burr the parts to take off sharp edges. Operators should de-burr all the cut edges so that the next person who will handle the parts will not be cut. In most cases, the machining of the part is the last process, so de-burring the parts will get them ready for powder-coating or assembly.

Look For A Reputable Machining Company

If you are considering getting parts done with machining, make sure that you contact and pay for a professional machining company to do the job for you. This way, you are always assured of quality and well-made products that are well worth the price that you paid for it.