The nine most common CNC machines

In this article, we’ll discuss the nine most common CNC machines used in the manufacturing industry. You’ll learn how each machine operates and the different manufacturing processes and operations they can perform.

1. CNC Milling Machines
CNC milling machines (or milling machines) are very similar to CNC milling machines. They use a multi-blade cutting tool that rotates relative to the workpiece to create the desired part. However, while CNC milling machines are often used to process hard metals and industrial-grade materials, CNC milling machines are better suited for cutting softer and delicate materials such as plastics, wood, and foam.
They are ideal for creating panels, plastic prototypes, and molds for injection molding applications.
2. CNC Lathes
CNC Turning Centers, Also Known as CNC Lathes
CNC lathes (or lathes) have similarities to CNC milling machines and milling machines; they have a chuck and spindle and rely on CNC technology. However, these machines work differently and are completely opposite.
On a CNC lathe, the chuck and spindle hold the workpiece to a fixed cutting tool and allow it to rotate. These machines typically have a 3-axis configuration and can achieve tolerances as tight as ±4μm. Therefore, they are ideal for machining complex cylindrical shapes.
If your machining project requires high-quality turning processes, including taper turning, knurling, drilling, parting, and grooving, then a CNC lathe is the ideal device to use. You can also use the machine for reaming, countersinking, counterboring, and thread cutting operations. However, keep in mind that the accuracy of a CNC lathe decreases as the workpiece becomes thicker.
3. CNC laser cutting machine
CNC laser cutting machines are similar to CNC milling machines in the types of shapes or features that can be processed. However, they differ from their milling counterparts in that they use a laser beam to perform the cutting operation.
A laser beam is a column of high-intensity light. When focused on a workpiece, it melts the workpiece until a cut is formed. CNC technology controls the sequence of motion of the laser cutting head (and the laser beam) until the desired custom part is manufactured.
CNC laser cutting machines have a high level of cutting accuracy and are ideal for cutting a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and hardwoods. Additionally, their extreme precision makes them ideal for machining your brand name and logo into CNC milled or turned parts.
4. CNC Plasma Cutters
Like laser cutters, CNC plasma cutters also offer a high level of cutting accuracy and a wide range of material compatibility. The only difference between them and laser cutters is that they use a plasma torch to perform the cutting operation.
Plasma torches produce high-power plasma (or charged gas) that can reach temperatures of up to 50,000°F. As long as any material is conductive, this tremendous amount of heat energy can seamlessly cut it.
5. CNC Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM)
CNC electrical discharge machines, also known as spark CNC machines, use electrical sparks generated by metal tools to cut workpieces into desired shapes. Like plasma cutters, electrical discharge machines also require the workpiece to be conductive. This strict requirement exists because the metal tool acts as an electrode and can only decompose conductive materials.
EDM machines are ideal for machining micro-grooves, holes, and angle features on difficult-to-machine metals such as high-carbon steel and hardened steel.
6. CNC Water Jet Cutting Machine
As the name implies, CNC water jet cutting machines use a high-pressure water jet (or a mixture of water and abrasive substances) to cut materials. Computer CNC technology controls the sequence of the water jet’s movements to create the desired finished part.
CNC water jet cutting machines are very similar to CNC plasma and laser cutting machines in that they do not require a machine tool. However, unlike CNC plasma and laser cutting machines, CNC water jet cutting machines are particularly suitable for processing low thermal resistance materials such as aluminum and plastic. “Low thermal resistance” means that the material melts easily when exposed to high temperatures.
7. CNC Grinder
CNC grinders (or grinders) are equipped with rotating wheels that cut material from the workpiece to create a product that meets your specifications. These machines also have intelligent thermal control systems that can check the temperature of the grinding wheel and compensate for changes that may affect the accuracy of the machined part.
All of these advantages make CNC grinders ideal for high-precision manufacturing applications. For example, you can use CNC grinders to create high-quality metal workpieces for drive shafts, camshafts, and other complex parts that require a precise surface finish.
8. CNC Drilling Machines
CNC drill presses are very similar to traditional drill presses in that they utilize a rotating cutting tool to machine holes in a stationary workpiece. However, because CNC drill presses rely on CNC technology, they are more precise and versatile than traditional drill presses.
For example, CNC drill presses can drill holes while achieving tolerances as precise as ±0.001 mm. They are also compatible with a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood. In addition, the latest CNC drill press technology features a turret that can accommodate multiple drill bits and allow you to quickly move between drill bits during the manufacturing process.
If you want to manufacture wheel hubs, gear blanks, and machine shafts, you should choose a CNC drill press.
9. 6-Axis CNC Machines
The axes of a CNC machine describe the number of independent directions that the CNC cutting tool (or workpiece) can move to create a machined part. For example, a 3-axis CNC machine typically operates along the X-axis (vertical), Y-axis (horizontal), and Z-axis (depth) to machine a workpiece and create a finished part.
In recent years, however, CNC machine technology has evolved to include 6-axis capabilities. 6-axis CNC machines combine the three-axis linear motion of a 3-axis machine with rotation about the X, Y, and Z axes. This ensures that the cutting tool remains perpendicular to the surface of the material in multiple planes, allowing you to create complex parts.
As long as the machinist is proficient in CNC part manufacturing, a 6-axis machine can manufacture nearly any complex design.