A CNC machining center is a type of machine that operates through numerical control, making the process automatic. Thanks to this type of machine, it is possible to perform numerous machining operations with the help of a computer and minimal operator intervention.
Why use a CNC machining center?
Machining centers emerged thanks to the evolution of the milling machine and the need to increase productivity in machining workshops and factories. Additionally, of course, to ensure the safety conditions of the operators, whose degree of intervention is minimal with this type of machinery.
The CNC machining center allows tasks to be performed not only with minimal human intervention but also at high production speeds, which undoubtedly significantly reduces costs. On the market, you can find multiple types of machining centers grouped according to size, functions, and levels of automation. Thus, you can find machines that reach 75 kW of power and spindle speeds ranging between 4000 and 8000 rpm. And, due to their size, some can support up to 7,000 kg of weight. This, without a doubt, makes them a great choice for machining workshops.
On the other hand, these machines offer the possibility for an operator to control several CNC machines simultaneously, only needing to load or unload the piece and make rotations (whenever necessary and not all machining centers require it). Additionally, it is the machine's program that takes full control of the cutting parameters, required speeds, and, of course, the plans.
Why is it a good option to include a CNC machining center in a workshop? Because it allows for basically any type of machining work (not just milling), and the operator who handles it only needs to have control of computer programs like CAD and CAM.
Characteristics of machining centers
The characteristics of a CNC machining center do nothing but provide advantages to workshops. We find that this type of machine is fully reconfigurable, meaning that it is enough to change the configuration (from the computer) for the machine to perform multiple machining operations on the same piece.
These machines are also flexible and versatile thanks to the artificial intelligence they manage, allowing production processes to be faster and more uniform. Regarding uniformity, it means that this type of machine is capable of mass or serial production and that all the pieces worked on here are practically identical. Something difficult to achieve with manual machines.
But, undoubtedly, the most important thing is that these machines, as their name indicates, are equipped with CNC numerical control.
CNC numerical control in the machining center
Numerical control allows the machine to be fully automatic and operate thanks to programmable alphanumeric codes and characters. CNC is, in itself, a revolution for the machining industry. This type of technology, which was developed in the second half of the 20th century, operates thanks to sophisticated computer programs that, over the years, have been simplified, making it possible for more factories and workshops to train their operators to handle the machines that incorporate them.
To operate a CNC machining center, CAD and CAM programs are required. The first of these programs is the one that does the actual design of the piece to be machined.
This design is created on a computer using a CAD program. This design is saved and opened in another program, the CAM; it could be said that the CAM is responsible for translating the plan or design into CNC language. Afterwards, the operator only needs to instruct the machining center to follow certain instructions to execute the machining process of the design that has been made for the part. Thus, these types of machines can be easily configured to perform, in a short period of time, the machining of a part, simply by following the instructions of the computer integrated into them.
Automatic tool changer
One might wonder if a lathe or a milling machine using CNC technology in a machining center are the same, why are they different if both incorporate numerical control? At first glance, they seem the same, however, the main difference between these two machine tools and the CNC machining center is that the latter has an automatic tool changer. Undoubtedly, a great feature and advantage over the other two machines.
A CNC machining center has a system that allows automatic switching between tools to perform multiple tasks on the same part. There is no need for an operator to stop the machine and approach to change, for example, the milling cutter for another tool to rough. However, to perform this task, the operator must program the computer and indicate what the part is like, what the final design is, and the tools needed to achieve that result. Once this is done, the machine itself will make the changes between the different types of tools it needs to use.
