CNC machining, a manufacturing technique, leverages computerized controls to operate machinery and cutting tools, molding raw materials such as metal, plastic, or composites into bespoke components.
The journey of fabricating a CNC-machined part involves drawing, prepare detailed production stage(PDS), Incoming quality check(IQC),CNC machining(CNC/CNCT), Tapping/Deburring(TP/DB), In-process QC,inspection(IPQC), Surface treatment(ST), Assembly(ASSY), Final QC inspection(FQC), Packing (PA),total 9 steps CNC machining process.
CNC, short for computer numerical control, refers to the automation of machine tools and devices through computer commands rather than manual operation by an operator. The core CNC processes encompass various techniques like milling, turning, drilling, grinding, and sawing, with CNC milling and CNC turning being the most prevalent and widely utilized among them.
Prepare detailed production stage(DPS)
Prior to commencing formal CNC manufacturing, a meticulous and comprehensive production schedule is imperative, referred to as the Detailed Production Stage (DPS).
Check the Drawing: Scrutinize the drawing to ensure accuracy and completeness, verifying the inclusion of all necessary information. Validate the consistency between 2D and 3D representations.
Conceptualize: Develop a preliminary vision of the final product, considering the manufacturing process intricacies, and devise a method for its realization.
Design Phase: Based on the envisioned product, craft tailored fixtures and customize specialized tools to suit the manufacturing requirements.
Programming: Develop a program aligned with the procedural route, ensuring it corresponds accurately to the envisioned process. Subsequently, issue the finalized drawings for production.
Incoming quality check(IQC)
Various raw materials are employed for CNC machining processes, encompassing a diverse range:
Aluminum: 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 7050, 2024, 5052, 6063, MIC6
Stainless Steel: 303, 304L, 316L, 410, 416, 440C, 17-4PH, Nitronic 60
Others: ABS, Brass, Copper, Nylon, PVC, Titanium, Zinc, and more.
Prior to commencing production, a stringent quality check of the raw materials is imperative. This check involves examining the dimensions (length, width, height) and reviewing material composition reports to ensure they meet the required specifications.
CNC machining(CNCT/CNC3X,4X,5X)
The machining process unfolds through a sequence:
Machine Selection: Aligned with the Detailed Production Stage (DPS), the optimal CNC machining equipment is chosen.
Fixture and Setup: Selection and configuration of jigs and fixtures are carefully undertaken.
CNC Machining: Execution of the machining process.
In-Process Quality Control: Vigilant quality checks commence with the initial piece at each stage and the first workpiece.
Surface treatment(ST)
Surface treatment, often abbreviated as ST, constitutes an additional process applied to material surfaces to augment functions like resistance to rust and wear or to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
Typically conducted off-site from the CNC machining facility, surface treatment facilities are often in close proximity to machining units to ease transportation and collaboration. Various surface finish options are employed in CNC machining, including Alodine, Anodizing, Black Oxide, Electroless Nickel Plating, Electropolishing, Hand Polishing, Media Blasting, Nickel Plating, Passivation, Powder Coating, Tumbling, Vapor Polishing, Zinc Plating, and more.
This treatment phase typically spans 1-3 days. Simpler treatments like passivation may conclude within a day, while more intricate procedures like anodizing or nickel plating might require three or more days to complete.
Assembly(ASSY)
Assembly is referred to in industrial manufacturing as all the processes needed to assemble objects with a geometrically defined shape.Here are two ways of assembly in CNC machining in industry:
-Integrating Standard Parts: This process involves incorporating standardized elements, such as attaching a threaded sleeve to the finished CNC machining part;
-Integrating Subcomponents into an Assembly: Products may consist of multiple components, where one part, termed the "son," is assembled onto another, termed the "mother." For instance, if part A represents a subcomponent and part B denotes the main structure, joining part A to part B is a fundamental step in the assembly process.
Apart from the mentioned processing steps, several additional common procedures include heat treatment, stress release, and marking.
Above is the complete process about a CNC machining part from beginning to finished good.
Drawing->DPS->IQC->CNCT/CNC3X,4X,5X->IPQC->TD/DB->ST->FQC->ASSY->PA, This is a seemingly simple task but requires sustained attention.Because any mistake in any link may lead to the scrapping of parts directly.
At ChooseZ, we specialize in an array of machining services to craft customized CNC metal/plastic parts that precisely match our clients' unique specifications. Our seasoned machinists at ChooseZ possess extensive expertise and access to cutting-edge resources, enabling us to handle intricate machining tasks with ease.
Situated in Dongguan, Changan town, famously known as the hub of "The World's Factory," our facility boasts easy access to external resources such as raw materials, surface treatment, wire cutting, and EDM. This strategic location enables us to offer competitive prices and top-tier customer service to all our clients.
Our production turnaround time typically ranges between 3 to 21 days, depending on the complexity of the parts. We strive for almost real-time delivery, allowing our clients to avoid unnecessary inventory storage costs.
Keen on monitoring the daily production progress? We've got you covered! We provide detailed production schedules with weekly updates. For urgent orders, we go the extra mile by offering daily picture and video updates. Our commitment to transparency means you're always informed about our factory's operations and production processes.
We understand these aspects matter to you, which is why they're our priority.