CNC Metal Cutting: A Revolution in Manufacturing

CNC metal cutting is one of the most revolutionary advancements in manufacturing technology. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and it is a process that uses a computer-controlled cutting machine to shape and cut metal components from a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file. This process is used in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding.

The advantages of CNC metal cutting over traditional metal-cutting processes are numerous. For starters, CNC cutting is faster and more accurate than manual metal cutting. This allows for more efficient production, which can lead to increased productivity and cost savings. CNC metal cutting also produces more precise and consistent results, which is essential when creating intricate designs and components.

fiber laser cutter - Metal Sheet Fiber Laser Cutting Machine OMNI3015A

In addition to its efficiency and accuracy, CNC metal cutting is also more cost-effective than manual metal cutting processes. This is because CNC cutting machines can be programmed to run with minimal operator intervention, meaning that the cost of labor is drastically reduced. Furthermore, CNC metal cutting machines can be used to produce parts with a wide range of sizes and shapes, which can further reduce costs associated with production.

Finally, CNC metal cutting allows for more flexibility in the design process. With CNC cutting, complex designs can be easily modified and adjusted as needed. This allows for greater creativity and innovation in the design process, giving manufacturers the ability to create unique and custom components that would be impossible to produce using manual metal cutting methods.

Overall, CNC metal cutting is a revolutionary process that has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. It is faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective than traditional metal cutting processes, and it allows for greater creativity and innovation in the design process. As such, CNC metal cutting has become an invaluable tool for manufacturers of all kinds.

Machining 3D Foam Models Using a CNC Router

Companies are using CNC hot wire foam cutters to cut any 2D foam shapes that only requires flat surface. When there is a need to make a 3D shape, a CNC Router needs to be used.  It is a 3-axis machine, which means it moves in a 3D space diagonally and in curves, in motions that resemble milling or carving. The cnc router kit can create 3D designs from numerous types of material, including:

3 Axis KL-6090 Desktop CNC Router (24 x 36 inch) with UC100 USB Connection

EPS foam, urethane foam, aluminum, light wood, acrylics, plastics and polycarbonate and ABS. The machining process involves creating 3D model using 3D CAD software, then bringing this model into a 3D tool-path that will tell the router the shape size, the resolution, cutting directions, cutting depth, etc.

The shapes that can be created with a router are almost unlimited.

Applications & Industries:

* Automotive – Full scale cars, boats, planes

* Aerospace – UAVs models

* Architectural – Any 3D architectural shapes

* Fine Art, sculptures, statues

* Marine – Boats, ships models

* Museums – 3D displays, faces, statues

* Navigation – Topographic maps

If you have a 3D model you wish to design and it is either too large or too thick to be machined due to height or cutter length restrictions or the foam material not being thick enough, the shape can be sliced into sections. Each slice will be machined separately using the router and then the pieces can be glued together.

The machined parts can then be sanded and coated with protective hard shell and painted, which will also take care of eliminating any visible grooves due to the gluing. Routers can also be used to create molds that can later be poured with concrete or polyurethane and other casting materials.

CNC routers range from a few inches of working area all the way up to 50 feet in length.