Essential Components of CNC Machines You Need To Know

CNC machines come in different types depending on their primary function of operations. CNC equipment comes in various types, with essential components that are the same across all CNC machines models. Here’s the list of essential components of CNC machines:

1. Cutting and Machining Tools

The CNC machine won’t be complete without the cutting and machining tools, as these are the primary tools that make up the CNC machine. Depending on the CNC machine type, different cutting and machining tools will become available as the primary components. These cutting and machining tools will be responsible for cutting the material workpiece into the shape that follows the programmed design.

The cutting and machining tools will also come in various shapes and sizes, working according to their intended purpose. You might also need to change the cutting and machining tools occasionally, depending on the material type you need to work with.

2. Computing Processor with the Display Unit

The computing processor will process all the computerized processes inside the CNC machining equipment, which connects to the display unit. The display unit will show various configurable options for the CNC equipment and the current CNC operation. The computing process also allows you to connect the CNC machine with a regular computer to help you manage the machining operation (CNC Milling and CNC turning) better. 

You can send the data back and forth between the CNC equipment’s computing processor and the regular computer you have connected to it. Meanwhile, the display unit will show you the information you need to know about the machining operation.

3. Machine Control Unit

The Machine Control Unit is the component that will manage all the CNC operations performed on the CNC equipment based on your project requirements. The MCU is the processing unit for the cutting and machining tools you use for your CNC operations. With the Machine Control Unit, you can configure how the cutting tools will behave during the CNC operations and adjust them based on your production needs.

You can control how deep the cut is or how deep the hole you make in the material workpiece thanks to the Machine Control Unit of the CNC equipment. It makes machining the material workpiece much easier and more controllable.

4. Driving and Feedback System

The driving system of the CNC machine will work to control the movements of the cutting and machining tools during the CNC operations. The driving system allows you to control how the cutting tools move around the material workpiece. Depending on the number of axes, the cutting tools will move according to their specific axes during the CNC operations.

The feedback system is a component of the CNC equipment that will monitor the movements of cutting tools during the CNC operations and send the feedback to the operator. The feedback system will send you information regarding the current movements of the cutting tools and tell you when the CNC machine encounters any issues with the cutting tool movements.

5. Workpiece Material

Every CNC machine will have a room for you to place the workpiece material. The workpiece material size that you can use on a CNC machine will depend on the specification of the CNC equipment itself. The bigger the size of the CNC equipment, the bigger the workpiece material you can work on that CNC machine.

CNC equipment allows you to use various types of workpiece material, including steel and plastic. Each material has its level of hardness and machinability. The method of putting the workpiece material into the CNC machine will depend on the type of CNC equipment. Regular CNC equipment, lathe CNC, EDM CNC, and other CNC machine types have a different material mounting system.

6. Programmable Logic Controller and Input Devices

The Programmable Logic Controller in CNC machining equipment will control various aspects of the CNC operations. These include the movement control of the cutting tools, the mechanism to add lubricants into the cutting tools, the management of the multiple axes during CNC operations, and more. The PLC or Programmable Logic Controller is configurable and adjustable based on your input.

The input devices are essential components in the CNC machining equipment, which have the primary function of helping you input various programmed commands for the CNC machine. These programmable commands will then be processed by the Programmable Logic Controller and distributed to the individual cutting tools.

7. The Servo Motor Unit and Controller

Another essential component of a CNC machine is the servo motor unit, which is the driver behind the movements of robotic arms and cutting tools during CNC operations. The servo motor unit allows you to move the cutting tools and robotic arms according to the programmed configuration you have created for them. It also helps make the CNC operation less noisy because of the quiet working of the servo motor.

The servo motor also comes with the controller unit that has the primary function of helping to keep the movements of the robotic arms and cutting tools under control. It manages the performances of the cutting tools and robotic arms and ensures that they can perform well from start to finish, according to your programmed commands.

8. Pedal

Pedal is the CNC equipment component you use in the CNC lathe operation. It will have the function to deactivate or activate the chuck in CNC lathe equipment. You can also use the pedal to activate or deactivate the tailstock quill in the CNC lathe equipment, making it easier to control the lathe movements at any time.

The pedal also has an essential role in helping the operator make it easier for them to install and remove the material from its place.

Conclusion - The Essential CNC Machine Components

These essential CNC components will work together to ensure the best performance of your CNC machining services operations from start to finish. New components can bring new features to the CNC machining equipment. Use the CNC machine type according to your production requirements. Also, upgrading the CNC machine hardware can improve the speed and efficiency of your CNC operations.

TEAM MFG offers CNC machining as well as rapid prototyping services, injection molding services, and low volume manufacturing services to meet your needs. Contact us today to request a free quote now!