02 May What is a CNC machine?
CNC machines are used on a daily basis at Kaymor but what is it exactly?
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)was first developed in the 1940s and 50s. These machines relied on punched tape or perforated paper tape for data storage. As data storage technology improved, so did the CNC technology moving form analog to digital computer processing.
Machining in general is the controlled material removal process that transforms a piece of stock material to a finished product. Computer programs such as Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) or Computer Aided Design (CAD) such as Solidworks 3D are used to operate the CNC machine. Kaymor uses the Solidworks CAD program and Bobcad CAM program to control the machine tools, enabling productivity growth, speed, and accuracy.
The CNC machine combines multiple tools like different sized drill bits, to make the programmed cut. The machine can select these tools by combining them in common units or cells. Almost any material can be used in a CNC machine, such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, titanium, wood, foam, fiberglass and plastics.
There are typically two general categories, conventional machining and novel machining. The Kaymor team uses the conventional machining technology which consists of:
Drills: work by rotating a drill bit and moving the bit into contact with a stationary block of stock material.
Lathes: spin the block of material laterally against the drill bit until it makes contact, the opposite of a drill.
Milling Machines: use rotary cutting tools to remove material from the stock unit and are the most common CNC machine.
Kaymor uses a variety of CNC machines; from basic machines, that move in one or two axes; to advanced machines, that move laterally in the x-y axis and longitudinally in the z axis and finally multi axis machines that are capable of flipping parts over automatically.
With Kaymors CNC manufacturing capabilities we are able to machine any project you may have. Call Kaymor at 780-538-2623, and ask for Josh.