The CNC Machine Shop

Thu, 10 Apr 2008

CNC machine shops automate the repetitive processes involved in making custom parts.

CNC may be applied to a wide range of machining operations including Laser Cutting, Turning, Milling, Water Jet Cutting, Bending, etc. Selecting the right CNC process depends upon the type of material, part shape, cost objectives, tolerances and other factors.

For example, laser cutting works well on steels but its effectiveness in cutting aluminum or copper alloys is lower due to reflectivity. Most of the major cutting processes leverage CNC. Computer Numerical Control machines are run under software control as programmed by operators or generated by CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software.

In many cases CNC machines can achieve tolerances as little a a few 10-thousandth's of an inch. 

Thousands of pieces can be produced accurately with little or no operator intervention.

CNC methods were first used around 1950 at MIT but research continues to improve the many CNC processes to this day.

eMachineShop makes it easy to apply CNC processes though it's unique software.