When it comes to CNC processing, time is money. For small batch production, part setup, programming, and machine run times often far exceed material costs.
Understanding how the part geometry determines the required machine tool is an important part of minimizing the number of settings that the mechanic needs to perform and the time it takes to cut the part. This can speed up the part manufacturing process and save you money.
Here are three tips you need to know about CNC machining and tools to ensure that you can design parts effectively.
1. Create wide corner radius
The end mill will automatically leave the inner corner of the circle. A larger corner radius means that larger tools can be used to cut corners, thereby reducing running time and thus costs. In contrast, a narrow internal corner radius requires both a small tool to process the material and more tool paths - usually at a slower speed to reduce the risk of deflection and tool breakage.
In order to optimize the design, always use the corner radius as large as possible and take 1 / 16 "radius as the lower limit. Corner radii smaller than this value require very small tools, and the running time increases exponentially. In addition, if possible, try to keep the inner corner radius the same. This helps eliminate tool changes, which increase complexity and significantly increase runtime.
2. Avoid deep pockets
Parts with deep cavities are often time consuming and costly to manufacture.
The reason is that these designs require fragile tools, which are easily broken during machining. In order to avoid this situation, the end milling cutter should be "decelerated" step by step in uniform increments. For example, if you have a 1 ″ deep groove, you can repeat the 1 / 8 ″ pin cutting depth, and then perform the finishing cutting with the last cutting depth of 0.010 ″.
3. Use standard drill and tap sizes
Using standard tap and bit sizes will help reduce time and save part costs. When drilling, keep the dimensions as standard scores or letters. If you are not familiar with the dimensions of drill bits and end mills, it is safe to assume that the traditional fraction of one inch (such as 1 / 8 ", 1 / 4" or millimeter integer) is "standard". Avoid using measurements such as 0.492 "or 3.841 mm.
For taps, 4-40 taps are more common and generally more available than 3-48 taps.
