CNC refers to digital control, a concept developed in the mid-20th century to enable automated control using digital information. This innovative method laid the foundation for modern intelligent manufacturing, where CNC Engraving and Milling Technology plays a vital role in achieving high-precision and efficient processing.
Among its many applications, engraving and milling technology based on CNC systems stands out for its high precision, efficiency, and flexibility. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, mold making, and medical equipment.
Development of traditional hand-carving technology
Fine carving technology has a long history, fine carving culture has a long history. Fine carving art with its unique artistic expression and strong visual impact, unique shape, more and more loved by people.
In the face of huge market opportunities, fine engraving manufacturers racked their brains and kept pushing forward. Early fine carving products gradually developed from stone carving and wood carving to later dental carving and jade carving.
Through the application of various craft methods such as firing, casting and forging, dyeing and weaving, knitting, woodwork, painting and sculpture, craftsmen processed various raw materials until they presented colorful and ingenious handicrafts.
The traditional handmade carving process needs to go through the process of chiseling the rough embryo, digging the fine billet, polishing, grinding, decorating, coloring, varnishing, etc., which has the defects of complicated process, low efficiency of carving, high cost of carving, and poor quality of carving.
Nowadays, with the continuous development of science and technology and the improvement of people’s material living conditions, this traditional hand-carving technique can no longer satisfy people’s demand for fine-carved products.
In this case, it becomes an inevitable trend to combine the fine carving processing technology with numerical control processing technology. Figure 1 shows the process of hand-carved artifacts.
Fig. 1 Process of hand-carved handicrafts
Principle and characteristics of CNC engraving and milling processing technology
(1) Principle of CNC engraving and milling processing technology.
As an advanced manufacturing technology, CNC engraving and milling processing technology is a full integration of two modern technologies, one is computer-aided design and processing technology, and the other is CNC milling processing technology.
In the application process of CNC engraving and milling processing technology, the computer-aided design and processing software will first design the three-dimensional digital model.
Then, the designed three-dimensional digital model through the processing module in the software, the tool path is written out. Then, through the post-processing of the path into G code, and CNC engraving and milling machine to send out action instructions.
When receiving instructions, the CNC engraving and milling machine controls the tool to follow the established trajectory. It also optimizes cutting parameters to ensure high precision in workpiece processing.
In the process of CNC milling and engraving, operators mount the workpiece on a special fixture. The machine tool then follows the tool path trajectory set by the computer-aided machining software to remove excess material from the workpiece until it reaches the desired shape and size.
In the application process of CNC milling and engraving technology, CNC programming is a very critical step. Programmers need to use the relevant auxiliary processing software to analyze the shape and size of the workpiece, and then on this basis the workpiece for the preparation of the machining program, and send the machining instructions to the CNC engraving and milling machine smoothly.
To ensure CNC programming accuracy and efficiency, programmers set strict requirements for the application of computer-aided design and processing software.
Additionally, operators set specific requirements for the tool and cutting fluid to ensure surface roughness during CNC engraving and milling.
Especially the selection of tools and cutting parameters optimization, directly related to the workpiece processing accuracy and processing efficiency.
(2) The characteristics of CNC engraving and milling processing technology.
CNC engraving machine
In the use of CNC machine tools, the process of high-precision engraving and milling of materials, the application of CNC engraving and milling technology also shows the following five characteristics.
a. High precision.
CNC engraving and milling technology offers very high precision, meeting micron or even nano-level accuracy needs. This allows it to satisfy strict demands in parts and product manufacturing.
b. High efficiency.
CNC milling technology in the workpiece processing efficiency is very high. The entire workpiece processing process uses computer programming and automation control technology, enabling continuous and efficient processing.
c. High flexibility.
The application of CNC engraving and milling processing technology also shows a very high degree of flexibility.
First of all, CNC engraving and milling machines can effectively process a variety of materials, including metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials.
Secondly, programmers can use G-code to control the tool path and cutting parameters. This allows them to adjust the workpiece shape and size to meet different product requirements.
d. Strong processing ability of complex shapes.
Engineers use CNC engraving and milling to create complex 3D shapes and structures. This technology expands product design space. It also enhances manufacturing possibilities and allows for greater flexibility in part creation.
e. Low cost.
CNC engraving and milling require high initial equipment investment. However, the processing efficiency and accuracy are excellent. It can quickly produce many high-precision workpieces.
Therefore, the manufacturing cost of single workpiece products will be greatly reduced.
CNC engraving and milling processing equipment composition and function
1. Importance of CNC Engraving and Milling Equipment
In the application of CNC engraving and milling technology, the use of advanced equipment is crucial. The structure and functionality of CNC engraving and milling machines directly affect processing efficiency and quality. Today, the production scale, performance, and technological advancement of these machines have become key indicators of a country’s manufacturing capabilities and overall industrial strength.
2. Key Components of CNC Engraving and Milling Machines
CNC engraving and milling machines are composed of several critical components:
- Machine Tool Body: This is the core structure of the machine, including the bed, table, and spindle. It provides support and enables precise processing of the workpiece.
- CNC System: Responsible for controlling machine movements and operations. It uses programming to automate the machining process.
- Servo Drive System: Converts CNC instructions into mechanical movements, ensuring machining accuracy and stability.
- Cutting Tools: Includes milling cutters, drills, and engraving tools. These are essential for shaping the workpiece.
- Auxiliary Devices: Includes fixtures, coolants, and chip removal systems, which support smooth and continuous machining.
3. Functional Advantages and Application
CNC engraving and milling machines offer versatile functions. They can handle complex tasks such as 3D surface machining, high-precision hole drilling, and detailed engraving. With programming support, automation levels are enhanced, reducing errors and improving accuracy. These machines can also work alongside other systems to form automated production lines, ensuring high efficiency and consistent product quality.
CNC milling technology optimization application strategy
(1) Strengthen the application of parts processing technology.
In the application of parts processing technology, it is recommended to start from the following aspects.
In simple two-dimensional relief programming, the programmer first determines the point, line, surface, and position of the workpiece, then uses the programming origin as a reference to control its size.
Secondly, for shaped surface relief products, the contour of the relief needs to be comprehensively and carefully analyzed. The focus of the analysis should be concentrated on the spatial curve, wheel diameter curve, shape curve and geometric elements of the relief.
Only a good analysis of the relief contour can ensure the rationality and scientific design of the machining program. Finally, in order to ensure that the relief parts can be mass produced, need to design a good special fixture for relief products.
(2) Strengthen the selection of the tool path.
In the application process of CNC engraving and milling processing technology, it is also necessary to make a reasonable choice of the tool’s trajectory to ensure the machining accuracy of the workpiece. In this process, it is necessary to focus on the following aspects.
Determining the machining route must ensure part accuracy and surface quality. It should minimize numerical complexity and shorten tool paths for efficiency. This approach controls the tool trajectory and prevents air cutting.
Secondly, if the tool path is close to the slope section between layers, the tool will follow a different path. In such cases, a high-speed circular retraction and arc radius should be added. This prevents tool marks on the workpiece surface and ensures better machining results.
To avoid tool jamming during this process, the corner radius should be increased to ensure smooth tool movement.
In this way, it can ensure the machining quality of the parts, and it is possible to reduce the chances of damage to the tool, and extend the service life of the tool.
(3) Strengthen the choice of tool feeding method.
In the application process of CNC engraving and milling processing technology, it is also necessary to make an effective choice of tool feeding method.
First of all, in the process of CNC engraving and milling, there are mainly 3 kinds of tool feeding methods: one is the vertical cutter method; one is the spiral cutter method; there is also a kind of oblique insertion cutter method. Usually, as long as the space is enough, spiral and oblique insertion can be used, if you choose the vertical way,
will face the moment of cutting into the violent impact, resulting in accelerated wear of the tool, or even chipping damage and other issues. When the tool is worn out, it is necessary to take timely measures to replace it.
When using a spiral cutter, it’s essential to set parameters like spiral height, angle, and radius.This ensures the cutter operates within the defined space and meets the required specifications.
(4) Strengthen the optimization of relief CNC programming.
In the application process of CNC engraving and milling processing technology, in order to ensure the effective application of CNC machine tools, it is necessary to do a good job of optimizing relief CNC programming. Programming mainly contains two kinds, one is manual programming, and the other is automatic programming.
Among them, the advantage of manual programming is that it is easy to program and widely used. It mainly consists of 3 steps, namely analyzing the part drawing, writing code, debugging and optimization.
Automatic programming is relative to manual programming, it is the use of computer special software to prepare CNC machining programs.
Programmers only need to use CNC language based on the part drawing.The computer automatically performs numerical calculations and post-processing to create the machining program.
The operator sends the machining program to the CNC machine through direct communication to command the machine to carry out machining operations.
Automatic programming can handle complex calculations that manual programming cannot easily achieve.This significantly improves programming efficiency and machining accuracy.
In CNC programming for relief, the programmer must fully analyze the workshop’s processing resources and, based on actual conditions, complete the necessary preparations before machining. This ensures efficient operation of the CNC engraving and milling process.
Development trend of CNC engraving and milling processing technology
With the continuous development of science and technology, domestic CNC engraving and milling technology has made significant progress.
In the coming period, CNC milling and engraving technology is expected to develop in the following four directions.
① CNC milling and engraving technology will be more in-depth integration with intelligent manufacturing technology.
The application of intelligent manufacturing technology relies on a variety of intelligent and flexible equipment.
CNC milling and engraving technology, obviously, also meets the needs of the application of intelligent manufacturing technology. If the CNC milling technology and intelligent manufacturing technology fusion together, will certainly be able to accelerate the development of intelligent manufacturing technology.
② The application of CNC engraving and milling technology will inevitably process more and more complex shapes, because in the continuous development of CNC engraving and milling equipment today, the processing program, processing technology will inevitably be able to increasingly meet the needs of a variety of complex shapes of engraving and milling, enhance the applicability of CNC engraving and milling technology;
③ Robotics is a new type of technology that has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years, and the development and application of robotic engraving and milling technology has great market potential. The development and application of robot engraving and milling technology also has great market potential;
④ The application of CNC engraving and milling technology will inevitably develop towards the micro and nano level, and will inevitably satisfy the processing needs of various complex products through the application of various compactness, high efficiency and reliability processing means.
Conclusion
To summarize, CNC engraving and milling processing technology is a workpiece processing technology with great development potential, with high precision, high efficiency, high flexibility, strong ability to process complex shapes, low cost and other application advantages.
The function of its related processing equipment will also enrich with the development of science and technology.
To use CNC engraving and milling processing technology to process a variety of exquisite art decorations, not only to strengthen the application of parts processing technology, tool path selection, the choice of feed mode, but also to optimize the relief CNC programming.
