What is a CNC Machine?
A computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine is a type of machine tool that uses computers to help fabricate objects. This means you can use one program to control all the machines elements just by sending the appropriate G-code commands.
The first CNC machines were programmed directly in assembly language or binary code, but these days almost anything can be used to control the machine. CNC machines are typically used for metalworking, woodworking, and even more recently, plastics.
CNC manufacturer creates their specific CAD/CAM software that can then be used to drive the CNC machine. The program sends commands through a computer interface, such as USB or Ethernet.
Advantages of CNC Machining
The major advantage of using a CNC machine is that you can produce many parts that are of the same size with very little effort. This helps speed up production time and also reduces errors (of humankind). Machine tool companies who sell CNC machines usually offer their programs in a variety of languages.
- G-Code: the most common and supported by all CNC machines.
- APT: a more advanced language, but not very popular.
- RS274/NGC: an older version of G-code that has less support these days.
For this reason, if you plan to work with multiple machine tool companies, you will need to pick a CAD/CAM software that is supported by all of them. The other advantage of CNC machines is that they don’t need skilled operators to run them.
While being a CNC operator isn’t a very difficult job, it does require a high level of concentration and attention to detail, so some people prefer to use machines that require little supervision.
Manual machining vs CNC machining
Manual CNC Machines still have a lot of demand for them as they are much slower than their counterparts and can create complicated shapes. However, as time goes by we see more and more companies choosing the automatic version over the manual one.
When it comes to making a large number of parts (at the same time), CNC machines are much more effective. Most low-end CNC machines don’t need any programming skills, which means that anybody can operate them.
These types of machines are usually referred to as “Plug and Play“, which is another advantage over manually operated ones. CNC machines are also much more precise than manual machines.
The least accurate part of any production process is always the person operating it, so by removing human error you’re increasing your accuracy levels.
High-end CNC machines are very expensive and require highly skilled operators to run them. For this reason, most companies prefer to rent these types of machinery instead of buying them.
CNC Machine Applications
Industries including but not limited to:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Medical
- Construction Equipment
Machine tools with CNC control have a wide range of applications. The technology has been most popular in the metalworking industry, but with increased accuracy and speed it’s also becoming more common in other fields, such as medicine and electronics.
CNC Machine Market Overview
The global CNC machine market is expected to reach $1.86 billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc.
The growth of the automotive industry and increasing demand for consumer electronics are expected to drive this market during the forecast period.
The global market is segmented based on product type, machine tools, and accessories/consumables, application, and geography. Product type includes milling machines, drilling machines, turning machines & others.
Based on application, the market is classified into automotive industry, aerospace industry, medical industry, consumer electronics industry, and others (including casting, molding & die-casting, and fabrication industry).
List of CNC Manufacturers
We have compiled a list of some of the most notable CNC machine manufacturers around the globe, giving you an overview of what they offer.
Amada Co., Ltd.
Amada Co. is a leading CNC machine manufacturer, with more than 70 years of experience and a comprehensive lineup of the highest-quality CNC machine tools and laser machines for the industry.
The company has been a machine tool builder from the earliest days of Japanese industry and has a tradition of building all types of CNC lathes, vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, and laser processing machines.
Amanda not only manufactures its products at its plants in Japan but also assembles them from components manufactured by other manufacturers to ensure the highest quality.
AMADA Products
- Blanking Machines
- Press Brakes
- Welding Machines
- General Fabrication Machines
Home: https://www.amada.co.jp/en/
AMADA Machines: https://www.amada.co.jp/en/products/amd/
Amera Seiki
Amera Seiki was founded in 1991, and since then has been engaged in the manufacture of high-precision CNC machines.
Amera Seiki has evolved into a comprehensive manufacturer of medium-sized machine tools under the corporate slogan “Make, Innovate, and Create.”
The company strives to reach out with its technology to new fields such as automobile parts manufacturing and CNC machine tools.
Amera Seiki offers products that are used in the manufacturing of parts for every aspect of automobiles, from large exterior panels to small interior components, and that can be combined with CAD/CAM software to provide a complete service system.
Amera Seiki Machines
- Vertical Bridge Mills
- Vertical Turning Lathes
- Vertical Closed Bridges
- Horizontal Machining Centers
- CNC Lathes
Homepage: https://www.ameraseikicnc.com/
About Us: https://www.ameraseikicnc.com/about/
Amera Top Turn Series: https://www.ameraseikicnc.com/cnc-machinery/cnc-lathes/
Fanuc Corp.
FANUC has been continuously focused on the automation of factories since 1956 when it created the first SERVO mechanism in the Japanese private sector. It has since grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools.
Fanuc offers CNC turning machines, lathes, wire EDMs, 5-axis machining centers, and various other machine tools.
FANUC has built up a firm foundation in the manufacture of machine tools by expanding its customer base both domestically and internationally to create an open global market for its products.
Over 4 million CNCs have been manufactured by FANUC, and those CNCs are in use all around the world to power machines.
Homepage: https://www.fanuc.co.jp/eindex.html
FANUC Products: https://www.fanuc.co.jp/en/product/index.html
FANUC CNC Machinery: https://www.fanuc.co.jp/en/product/cnc/index.html
Datron AG
Datron was founded in Germany in 1969. The company enables manufacturers to increase their productivity with its product portfolio of high-quality CNC machine tools for turning, milling, grinding, drilling/milling, and sawing.
It also manufactures CAD/CAM software. Datron has built up a reputation as an agile partner for its customers through the rapid implementation of individual solutions, short delivery times, and reliable support.
Datron Machine Applications
- High-Speed Machining
- Rapid Prototyping
- Engraving
Industries Served
- Aerospace and Defense
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Consumer & Industrial
- Electronics
- Job Shops
- Medical Devices
CNC Milling Machines
- Datron NEO
- M8Cube
- MLCube
- M10 Pro
- MXCube
- C5
- Preowned
Homepage: https://www.datron.com/
CNC Products: https://www.datron.com/products/
DMG Mori
DMG Mori is one of the largest manufacturers of machine tools in the world. DMG Mori specializes in the manufacture of CNC turn-mills, horizontal, vertical, and 5-axis multi-task machines.
One distinguishing feature of DMG Mori products is their high level of integration which customers enjoy as it lowers their total cost of ownership. DMG Mori’s new products and machines are its focus and continue to be a source of pride for the company.
DMG MORI Machines
- Turning
- Milling
- Ultrasonic
- Lasertec
- Additive Manufacturing
- Grinding
- Conventional Machines
Homepage: https://en.dmgmori.com/
DMG Products Machines: https://en.dmgmori.com/products/machines
Haas Automation
HAAS focuses on the design, manufacture, sale of machine tools. Haas is committed to meeting the needs of its customers by creating high-performance machines that lower costs and improve quality while creating new possibilities for small shops.
The company has an extensive line of CNC machine tools for different industries. Anyone looking to lower costs and increase productivity can find a solution with Haas.
Haas Machines
- Vertical Mills
- Multi-Axis Solutions
- Lathes
- Horizontal Mills
- Rotaries & Indexers
- Automation Systems
Homepage: https://www.haascnc.com/index.html
Haas Service: https://www.haascnc.com/service.html
Okuma Corp.
Okuma Corporation is a world leader in CNC machines. It manufactures machine tools for heavy industry, including aerospace, automotive, defense equipment, and metal cutting.
Okuma’s CNC systems are both high quality and rugged. They’re designed to take up less space while providing more power than other machines in their class.
The company is dedicated to improving the productivity of its customers through its products.
Okuma Products
- Machining Centers
- Horizontal Mills
- CNC Lathes
- Grinders
- Mills with 5-Axis Capability
- Multi-Task Machine Tools
- Automation
Homepage: https://www.okuma.co.jp/english/
Products: https://www.okuma.co.jp/english/product/index.html
Yamazaki Mazak Corp.
Yamazaki Mazak is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of machine tools with wet processing systems. The company has over 100 years of experience and a worldwide distribution network.
Yamazaki Mazak strives to help its customers achieve their production goals by offering them efficient and high-quality machines that last a long time.
The company manufactures a full line of CNC machines including lathes, horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers, multitasking turning and milling machines, grinding machines, saws, and multi-axis transfer machines.
Mazak Machines & Technology By Process
- INTEGREX
- 5-AXIS
- CNC TURNING
- VERTICAL MACHINING CENTERS
- HORIZONTAL MACHINING CENTERS
- LASER PROCESSING MACHINES and more
By Industry
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Semiconductor
- Medical Industry
- Die and Mold
- Construction
Homepage: https://www.mazak.com/
Hurco Companies
Hurco is the industry leader in CNC milling with over 65 machines to meet consumers’ demands, whether it’s CNC milling, CNC turning, 5-axis CNC machines, or huge parts. Hurco has a machine with all of the distinctive Hurco technology to help you go from print to part quicker than ever before. Hurco’s primary focus is on designing machines that can help to improve the productivity of their users. Their goal is to work with every customer to design an optimal machine for their specific needs, whether it be a small part of an entire facility. They want to remove all obstacles so their customers will be able to perform at their absolute best.
Hurco CNC Machines
- Double Column Gantry
- Boring Mills
- 3-Axis Vertical
- 5-Axis
- Turning Centres
Homepage: https://www.hurco.com/gb/pages/singapore.aspx
Products: https://www.hurco.com/gb/products
History: https://www.hurco.com/gb/about-hurco/Pages/history.aspx
Conclusion
The CNC machine has become an integral part of the modern manufacturing process. The advantages are clear when it comes to production, but they can also be used by hobbyists in smaller numbers.
CNC machines are here to stay, and if you’re in the market for one, make sure you do your research in order to get the most accurate and high-quality machine.
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