Types of CNC Machine Tools

There are many different types of CNC machine tools used in industry, such as;

1. Mills and Machining Centers
   
2. Lathes and Turning Centers
   
3. Drilling Machines
   
4. EDM Machines
   
5. Flame and Laser Cutting Machines
   
6. Water Jet Profilers

CNC MACHINING CENTERS

Machining Center is the latest development in CNC technology. These systems come equiped with automatic tool changer capability of changing many tools. Some machining centers are also fitted with movable rectangular worktables called pallets. The pallets are used to automatically load and unload work pieces. At a single setup, machining centers can perform such operations as milling, drilling, tapping, boring, counter boring and so on. Additionally by utilizing indexing heads, some centers are capable of executing these tasks on many different faces of a part and at specified angles. Machining centers save production time and cost by reducing the need for moving a part from one machine to another.

CNC TURNING CENTERS

Turning center with increased capacity of tool change is also making a strong appearance in modern production shop. These CNC machines are capable of executing many different of lathe cutting operations simultaneously on a rotating part.


CNC EDM MACHINES

In addition to machining center and turning center, CNC technology has also been applied to many other types of manufacturing equipment. Among these are wire electrical discharge machines (Wire EDM) and laser cutting machines.

Wire EDM machine utilizes a very thin wire (0.0008 to 0.012 in) as electrode. The wire is stretched between diamond guides and carbides that conduct the current to the wire and cuts the part like a band saw. Material is removed by the erosion caused caused by a spark that moves horizontal with the wire. CNC is used to control horizontal table movements. Wire EDM machines are very useful for producing mold insert, extrusion and trim dies, as well as formed tools.

CNC LASER CUTTING MACHINES

Laser cutting CNC machines utilize an intense beam of focused laser light to cut the part. Material under the laser beam undergoes a rapid rise in temperature and is vaporized. If the beam power is high enough, it will penetrate through the material. Because no mechanical cutting forces are involved, laser cut part with a minimum of distortion. They have been very effective in machining slot and drilling holes.