How to Train in CNC Repair

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines require specialised knowledge in computer programming and computer-aided/automated manufacturing along with tool and manufacturing knowledge.

A maintenance machinist might train in CNC repair/retrofitting while working or through a vocational training programme.

Firstly, you will need to complete school preparation thus it is recommended to take courses in algebra, computer science, physics and trigonometry. Other classes that require hands-on experience with machines and tools are also worth looking into, such as metal and wood work. CAD (computer-aided design) courses introduce students to both computer programming and blueprint reading, which are crucial skills to have in CNC repair.

Next, you might want to set out to find an apprenticeship. There may be some machine shops in your area that provide apprenticeship programmes to unskilled workers - this is a brilliant opportunity for you to build your skills.

Gaining knowledge and experience can be done through all areas of work, either through an apprenticeship, training on the job or through an educational programme.

Any aspiring CNC repair technician will need shop training in various machine tools, knowledge of CAD software and the machine processes and, of course, shop safety.

To find out more about our on site machine tool repair and servicing visit our site.

Surface Grinding

In order to produce a smooth finish on flat surface, it needs to go through the process of surface grinding.

Widely used as an abrasive machining process, surface grinding has a grinding wheel covered in rough particles that cuts chips of metallic or nonmetallic substance from a workpiece thus making a face either smooth or flat.

The operation of surface grinding is actually the most common. It is essentially a finishing process that uses its spinning abrasive wheel to smooth the surface of materials that are metallic or nonmetallic giving them a more refined look, or to acquire a desired surface for a functional purpose.

Surface grinding does come with benefits that include:

• The ability to grind/smooth extremely hard or rough materials
• Having a high degree of dimensional accuracy
• The ability to produce a surface texture of high finish
• The tooling not being so costly
• Work holding is easier because of a magnetic chuck
• The ability for it to be done automatically

It is useful to use a surface grinding machine if you need to provide precision ground surfaces, either for a high surface finish for attaining critical dimensions.

To view our surface grinding services and other machine tool repair service, please visit the website.

Different surface grinders

Birmingham Machine Tool Services provide the highest quality surface grinding service.

Our customer's requirements are always met, and often beaten.

In this post, we wanted to share with you the different types of surface grinders and what they are best used for.

Horizontal-spindle surface grinders

The flat edge of the wheel will be in contact with the piece that is being worked on which would produce a flat surface. Horizontal-spindle grinding is often used for pieces that require extreme precision on the flat surfaces, along with tapered or angled surfaces.

Vertical-spindle grinders

The face of the wheel (either a segmental wheel, a cylinder, cup, or disk) is  used against the flat surface. Verticle-spindle grinding is mainly used for the removal of materials; machines can also be used for work that requires precision.

The piece that is being worked on will be held on a reciprocating table, or on a rotary-table machine with either a constant or indexed rotation - indexing is used so to allow loading or unloading at another station whilst the grinding is executed at another station.

Disc and double-disc grinders

Similar to surface grinding, disk grinding is able to work on a much larger area between the disk and piece. They can come in both horizontal and vertical spindle types. As predicted, double-disc grinders work both sides of the workpiece simultaneously.

Please visit our website for further information about our surface grinding surfaces.

About CNC machine tools

When it comes to fabricating components, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines is one of the most important CNC machine tools which are widely used in many industrial businesses. It has been effectively used to increase one’s profitability as well as productivity in performing repetitive high precision and difficulty milling operations

including drilling, slot and keyway cutting and many more, which these tasks could not be possibly done manually over a long period of time. Therefore, these CNC milling machines are a compulsory tool in most industrial businesses which has succeeded the traditional milling methods.

If you would like to know what this particular milling machine capable of – here are some things that you should know:

1. There are existed as two distinctive types of milling machines – These machining centers are differentiated based on the positioning of the spindle motor (or orientation of the cutting tool).

These machines are called horizontal milling machines because of the cutting tool is positioned and operating horizontally and vertical ones vice versa.  Hence, it is common to see two types of these machining centers in most manufacturers – either in large or small manufacturers, as these machine tools are capable to perform milling operations in different directions.

2. Most of these CNC milling machines can perform versatile cutting and drilling operations – There are several types of these CNC machining centers that are well-known as multiaxis machining centers including 3-, 4- and 5-axis machines.

Certainly, those machines which have the higher number of axes are cost higher than lower numbered axes because these machines are able perform intricate parts production.  Thus, normally large scale manufacturers own 4-and 5-axis machines as both machine types are able to boost their productivity and profitability over a certain period of time.

3. These machines have integrated control software – Basically, CNC milling machine operations are controlled by its own distinctive control software. Operators need to be proficiency in CAD and CAM programming skills in order to control the computerized machining centers when performing high precision milling operations.  As compared with traditional milling machines (or manual machines), most CNC machining centers are able to perform high precision milling operations and to reduce unnecessary wastage.

4. Most of these machining centers are ergonomically designed – Based on its ergonomic features, operators will not be forced to bend, crouch and contort your body during setup. Furthermore, the cutting tool is operating within an enclosed area is an effective preventative measure of avoiding unwanted accidents resulted from direct exposure of milling operations.

5. Wastage is not a big issue for CNC milling machines – As mentioned earlier, most CNC machines are capable of fabricating components without sacrificing precision and quality. Thus, using such CNC machines can effectively reduce one’s overhead costs.

For more info, please call BMTS on 0121 622 6339, or visit our the Machine Tools website