22 Essential Knowledge about CNC Engraving Machine Processing (Part 1)

author: YITECH

2024-12-03

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22 Essential Knowledge about CNC Engraving Machine Processing--10

CNC engraving machines specialize in small tool precision processing, with the ability to mill, grind, drill, and perform high-speed thread tapping. They are widely used in various fields, such as the 3C industry, mold industry, medical industry, etc. This article collects common questions and knowledge about CNC engraving processing.

1. What is the main difference between CNC engraving processing and CNC milling processing?

Both CNC engraving processing and CNC milling processing use milling processing principles. The main difference lies in the diameter of the tool used. The common diameter range for CNC milling tools is 6-40 millimeters, while the diameter for CNC engraving tools is 0.2-3 millimeters.

2. Can CNC milling only do rough machining and CNC engraving only do precision machining?

Before answering this question, we must understand the concept of the process. Rough machining involves a large amount of processing, while precision machining involves a small amount of processing. Some people instinctively regard rough machining as "heavy cutting" and precision machining as "light cutting". In fact, rough machining, semi-precision machining, and precision machining represent different stages of the process. Therefore, the accurate answer to this question is that CNC milling can do both heavy and light cutting, while CNC engraving can only do light cutting.

3. Can CNC engraving do rough machining of steel materials?

Whether CNC engraving can process a certain material mainly depends on the size of the tool that can be used. The tool used by CNC engraving determines its maximum removal capability. If the mold shape allows the use of tools with a diameter larger than 6 millimeters, it is strongly recommended to use CNC milling first and then use engraving to remove the remaining material.

4. Can adding a high-speed head to the spindle of a CNC machining center complete engraving processing?

This cannot be done. This product appeared at an exhibition two years ago, but it cannot perform engraving processing. The main reason is that the design of the CNC machining center considers its own tool range, and the overall structure is not suitable for engraving processing. The main reason for this misunderstanding is that they mistakenly took the high-speed electric spindle as the only characteristic of engraving machines.

5. Can CNC engraving with small diameter tools replace electrical discharge machining (EDM)?

No, it cannot replace it. Although engraving processing has reduced the diameter range of milling tools, small molds that could only be processed by EDM before can now be realized by engraving processing. However, the length/diameter ratio of engraving tools is generally around 5:1. When using small diameter tools, only shallow cavities can be machined, while the EDM process has almost no cutting force, and as long as electrodes can be made, cavities can be machined.

6. What are the factors that affect engraving processing?

Mechanical processing is a relatively complex process, and there are many factors that affect it. The main factors include machine tool characteristics, tools, control systems, material characteristics, processing technology, auxiliary fixtures, and peripheral environment.

7. What are the requirements for the control system for CNC engraving processing?

CNC engraving processing is primarily milling processing, so the control system must have the control ability of milling processing. For small tool processing, feedforward function must also be provided, and the path advance speed should be reduced to reduce the tool breakage frequency. At the same time, the feed rate should be increased on relatively smooth path segments to improve engraving processing efficiency.

8. What material characteristics affect processing?

The main factors that affect the engraving performance of the material are material type, hardness, and toughness. Material types include metallic and non-metallic materials. Generally, the greater the hardness and viscosity of the material, the worse the processing performance. More impurities and larger microparticles inside the material will also worsen processing performance. As a general standard, the higher the carbon content, the worse the processing performance; the higher the alloy content, the worse the processing performance; and the higher the non-metallic element content, the better the processing performance (but non-metallic element content in general materials is strictly controlled).

9. Which materials are suitable for engraving processing?

Non-metallic materials suitable for engraving processing include organic glass, resin, wood, etc. Non-metallic materials that are not suitable for engraving processing include natural marble, glass, etc. Metallic materials suitable for engraving processing include copper, aluminum, and soft steel with hardness less than HRC40. Metallic materials unsuitable for engraving processing include quenched steel, etc.

10. How does the tool itself affect processing?

The factors that affect engraving processing tools include tool material, geometry parameters, and grinding technology. The tool material used for engraving processing is hard alloy material, which is a powder alloy. The main performance indicators that determine the material properties are the average diameter of the powder. The smaller the diameter, the more wear-resistant the tool and the higher the durability. The sharpness of the tool mainly affects the cutting force. The sharper the tool, the lower the cutting force, the smoother the processing path, and the higher the surface quality. However, the durability of the tool will be lower. Therefore, different sharpness should be chosen when processing different materials. When processing soft and sticky materials, a sharper tool should be used, while when processing harder materials, the sharpness should be reduced to improve the durability of the tool, but it cannot be too dull, otherwise, the cutting force will be too high, affecting processing. The key factor in tool grinding is the grit number of the fine grinding wheel. A higher grit number can grind a finer cutting edge, which can effectively improve the durability of the tool. A fine grinding wheel with a higher grit number can grind a smoother back surface, which can improve the surface quality of cutting.

22 Essential Knowledge about CNC Engraving Machine Processing (Part 2)

CNC Machining Industry: In-Depth Analysis of Future Trends and Technological Innovations