As you know, CNC machines are amazing because of their capability to build practically anything. Earlier, CNC machines were confined strictly to businesses; however, now, people are purchasing these machines for personal workshops, too. If you’re also planning to buy a CNC machine or have just got a new one, you’ll need time, effort, and practice to build your projects successfully. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining involves using computers to control machine tools like lathes, mills, routers, and grinders. Whether you want to make bicycle hubs or clock parts, handling a CNC machine requires proper knowledge, as it may initially seem overwhelming. True wisdom is essential to carve out your first CNC parts successfully. So, before starting your big milling project, read the following tips to take your project in the right direction. Here, we have listed the top 5 tips to help you maximize your success with your CNC milling projects.
1. Avoid stainless steel at the beginning
Once familiar with the software, start with soft metals like brass or aluminum. It is recommended first to start executing perfect cuts on these comparatively easier-to-handle metals for beginners. Then, after you gain some experience and confidence, move to stainless steel and other difficult materials.
2. Make sure to get a misting set up for the coolant
A good misting system will help prevent chip buildup pre, serve the life of your cutters, and avoid breakage. Some machines come with flood coolant, either siphon-based or micro-drop. However, if they don’t have one, ensure you have a misting setup.
3. Buy some good quality cutters
Make sure to stay away from cheap, low-quality blades. This doesn’t mean you spend bucks on the highest quality aerospace cutters in the market. It would help if you had some good edges from a well-known brand with reasonable prices and not low-quality, generic blades. The quality of blades makes a big impact on producing quality parts. Low-quality, cheap tools, on the other hand, will result in numerous unnecessary problems. Moreover, apart from the quality, invest in cutters of different sizes, such as ½” and ¼,” etc. You can also get a complete drill assortment, and remember, safety goggles are a must.
4. Buy a quality Visa and Clamping kit
To keep all the parts in place, work holding is significant. Without a quality vise, your workpiece will possibly shift out of position. Moreover, a clamping kit is necessary for the vise to keep it to your table. It will mount your vise to the T-slots of your table. In addition, you will need a set of ‘parallels’ to keep your workpiece parallel for the cutting. Also, to ensure accuracy when making your cuts, purchase a feeds and speeds calculator.
5. Know how to use Manual Data Input (MDI)
To enhance productivity, save time, and ensure that your cutter goes where you want, learn Manual Data Input (MDI). You can access this on the MDI keypad on your CNC machine’s control panel. With a little learning and some patience, you will master the art of handling CNC machines. However, if you’re a beginner, seek the help of your CNC machine supplier and experts. They offer quality CNC machines that are perfect for your business or workshop and help you understand their functioning properly.
