January 26th, 2009 by admin

A mini CNC lathe is generally converted from a regular lathe when a hobbyist wants to experience a machine that can do twice the work they can do manually. Usually these are small machines that have a lot of power but that can sit on a desktop or workbench in the home.

The CNC mini lathe is a good choice for people who want to experiment with what these machines will do, inventors or for people who specialize in making models. The CNC mini lathes are good for metalworking in general and for making small parts that need to be made with precision. Generally speaking the individual starts with a mini-lathe that they buy and then convert it to do CNC.

Most mini-lathes are a smaller version of those used in commercial shops but they can be a different design than those that are made strictly for working with wood. The mini-lathe is able to shape plastics, woods and other materials. A nice feature of these is that manufacturers are continuously developing new features so it has become easier to convert them to CNC over the years.

Mini lathes usually come in three sizes: 7×10, 7×12 and 7×14. Each one is measured by the length that length of the swing as it goes over the bed of the lathe. Today you can also find 9x models. The conversion of a general mini-lathe to include CNC has many benefits.

Many plans that you can find on the Internet will allow both manual and CNC abilities in the conversion because there are times when an individual is working with the machine that they may elect to do some processes by hand. At other times they may want to use CNC capabilities to produce repetitive pieces or ones that require a lot of time manually.

Converting to CNC also allows you to be able to produce both 2D and 3D contours which are unavailable when you are only working a lathe by hand. All you have to do is program the computer to create the part you need. You can use wood plastic or metal to make a mold and using the CNC portion you can produce a mold that you can use as many times as you want because it creates a perfect mold. You can do multiple holes drilling by creating the diameter of the whole and then programming it into the computer; from that point the CNC lathe does the work.

When converting to CNC it will generally take one or two weekends to finish the conversion; however plans will vary depending on what you want your CNC mini-lathe to do. You can usually buy plans that include pictures and step-by-step directions for around $50.

To convert to CNC you will need to understand either CAD or CAM software because currently these are the types of software that is used in the CNC mini-lathe machines. Usually you can control the lathe right from your PC because the software is created to run in that way. Generally it seems that you can make this conversion for under $2000.

CNC Information is a new Community website all about CNC Mini Machine. Stop by today to get your free ebook just for signing up to be a member of our free site. Get all of the information you need on CNC Mini Lathe and a free CNC Ebook on the basics of CNC. Stop by CNCInformation today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Irons

January 21st, 2009 by admin

You can use a cnc router table for cutting various types of materials. Depending on what kind of machine you buy you can cut, plastic, metal, or wood with your CNC router. You can use your machine for basic routing work or to make signage. Since your router also does engraves, it can be very versatile. So if you can only buy a single machine, you should be able to get many different uses from it.

In the past few years many people have considered purchasing a used cnc router or a new one for their home use. Some smaller shops have also bought them for a variety of purposes. You can save a lot if you go for a used machine instead of a new one.

You can also follow certain plans online that can teach you how to create your own. You can make one to suit your purposes from 15 x 15 up to 50 x 60 inches.

Using a cnc router can help you complete projects that you wouldn’t be able to on your own. You can create patterns and lay down metal inlays onto wood. Your creations will be smoothly done and correctly done. It will help you accomplish tasks you couldn’t do by hand alone.

If you want truly pro results when it comes to crafting furniture then a cnc router can help you out. Using special software will help you to program things exactly so you get the cuts you want. Use for engraving anything you want from a outdoor sign to the smallest cnc lettering. Once you know how to operate the machine and software, you can create virtually anything.

You can find a small machine that can be operated in your home with just a normal 120 voltage. This type of machine would be good for home use. These kind of machines have motors that range from 1-2 horsepower. These small models run about $3,500 used or $7,000 new. This makes buying a used machine a great option for your home. If you wanted to get a large machine this could cost $20,000! This is more than most people want to spend on their home equipment. If you are buying one for a potentially profitable business, then this might be a consideration.

You can save about half if you buy a router used. You can get all the power from it, a save twice as much! When you are looking around for a router shop carefully. You should determine your exact needs and then find a machine that will handle them. If you get a used router you should remember that it may be a bit slower than a new one, but if you don’t have large volume then it should be OK for you.

January 20th, 2009 by admin

We cut a metal sheet through intense laser beams to generate different shape or to fulfill different functions. The total procedure is done through a machine termed as CNC laser Cutting Machine, which runs on a CNC method in CNC machine shop. CNC is computer numerical control and most of the manufacturing machines run on this technology. CNC has brought a revolution in the industry through this application as various machines are based on this method.

In laser cutting procedure, a beam of high density light energy is focused through a tiny hole of nozzle and when this laser beam strikes the surface of work piece, the material of the work piece is vaporized. CNC laser cutting process has become popular in the industry, owing to its capability of cutting simple to intricate designs accurately. This is the reason why it is used widely for many applications like architectural, aerospace, electronic, medical, automotive, power generation, biomedical, decorative, petrochemical and so on. Several products that are manufactured through plasma cutting procedure includes brackets, gaskets, cams and assorted mechanisms. The website www.emachineshop.com offers the best comprehensive details regarding the CNC laser cutting machine.

Laser cutting offer low cost for prototypes as physical tooling is not required. The heat distortion is very less and is restricted to 10% of material. This proves much effective in comparison to other sheet cutting procedure available in the market. The advantages provided by laser cutting include less of burrs, maintaining close tolerance, and can be performed on large range of materials. Laser cutting procedure works best on materials like stainless steel, carbon, nylon, wood, plywood, aluminum, polythene, derlin, acrylic and galvanized steel. It is difficult to cut metals like aluminium and copper alloys as they reflect laser light as well as absorb and conduct heat. . Unlike other sheet cutter technique, a software programming is also required to run the laser cutting machine and along with it operator check service needs to install to protect from error.

The material produced possesses a smooth edge and edge quality is usually very good for thin materials – around 1/16″ or less. This procedure has helped the manufacturing sector immensely as variety of products can be made at the same time. This has helped in the advancement of industry sector. Various CNC machine shops now also use CNC laser cutting machine for their production along with water jet cutting and CNC machines.

January 20th, 2009 by admin

If you need a machine that will improve your speed and accuracy then try a CNC machine when you are getting large jobs done or doing very repetitive tasks. You can get a used one for half the cost of a new one since most individuals wouldn’t want to spend their money on a new one. CNC equipment can be found in woodworking shops or industrial settings. Add them to your collection that includes a milling machine as well.

If you need to drill holes than consider a CNC router. Some of them can hold more than one tool too. This makes it possible to do more than one procedure at a time. This will help you cut back on the tie you spend working and help you become more accurate.

Computer Numerated Control is the full name for CNC. In the 1970’s this technology was first created. These machines are easy to run and operate after they have been initially set up. They also need to be set up correctly and programmed before they are operated.

They can be made so you can drill a hole automatically. This can be much more accurate and quicker than manual drilling. You will get more uniform results. If you have a large job that needs a lot of drilling then this can be a good choice for you. You might get more inconsistent results when you are doing manual drilling and if the operator gets tired.

If you want a good thing to cut wood with then try a CNC lathe. You can buy one that ranges from 15-40 horsepower. You will choose the lathe power you need depending on the type of wood you use. You can get a model that comes with more than one mode. You can one that is totally manual or CNC. You can rig each machine for your individual project.

If you want the best in milling technology then try a Bridgeport mill. You can find a mill in both a small shop or a large one. If you want a mill that will last forever than try a Bridgeport mill. They are very pricey and more so than most people can afford.

A CNC mill use a special type of instrument that uses a combination of robotics and computer programming. You will get great results better than anyone could ever want. These are the kind of mills that the airline companies use. The CNC decides which tool is need for an operation and changes as it goes.

Since CNC equipment is so pricey it means most people can’t afford it. If you get a used machine you may find that you can afford it. You may be able to save about half on a used machine compared to a new one.

Being really passionate about cnc machinery and woodworking tools, Greg Hansward authored different summaries in this specific area. With his detailed writings on cnc machines and tools and cnc machinery the reviewer showed his deep knowledge on the topic.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_K._Hansward

January 19th, 2009 by admin

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January 15th, 2009 by admin

A CNC Foam cutter is a machine that cuts blocks of foam into a variety of different shapes and sizes through the use of a computer that fully automates the process. This sometimes is referred to as a hot wire foam cutter because a hot wire is used to make the cut in a block of foam.

Usually the wire is made from stainless steel, nichrome and the wire can be very thick. The wire is heated using a process called electrical resistance which means it gets hot enough (around 200 degrees centigrade) to vaporize the foam before the wire makes contact with it. This process creates a smoother cut and produces a variety of shapes and sizes.

Depending on the length of the wire, the process will cut a shallow or deep cut. The wires have to be held in the machine under a very tight tension to keep the wire from sagging when making the cut. On many CNC foam cutting machines this wire is held vertically so that it doesn’t create the problem with sagging.

These shapes are cut by the cutting wire that is attached to the machine. They will cut either polystyrene or polyurethane blocks. The types of foam that a CNC foam cutter can cut include anything that is thermofusible and expanded. What this basically means is that the foam has to be able to melt at one of the lower temperatures. Some of them include:

- Polystyrene — these are blocks of balls that are expanded.
- Polystyrene — this is extruded foam and comes in a variety of colors that include green, pink, purple or gray and these are usually plates that are smooth.
- Polymethacrylimide — a very expensive material and it is rigid foam with a low density.
- Polypropylene — which is flexible and expanded and can be a solution to protection from shock.
- Polyethylene — these are foams that are tear resistant and flexible.

With the CNC Foam cutter you can form a more prism like or tapered shape in the block of foam. A hot-wire that is under a high tension to cut the foam. There are stepper motors that provide the precision and accuracy for the work and there are components called races that control the stiffness of tension of the wire.

Some CNC foam cutters also offer different attachments like a lathe and this allows the machine to use either preformed or stretched wire. Also the machine is able to cut a variety of shapes including spirals or blocks of ornamental structure like balusters for stairways or planters.

There are a variety of uses for foam cutters that include making signage, model airplanes, protyping, lost foam cutting and more. The CNC Foam cutter is a flexible machine and is only limited by the imagination.

Although many people prefer to purchase a CNC foam cutter there are also plans on the Internet that show how to make them inexpensively for hobbyists and others who are interested in working with foam.

CNC Information is a new Community website all about CNC Foam Cutter. Stop by today to get your free ebook just for signing up to be a member of our free site. Get all of the information you need on CNC Foam and a free CNC Ebook on the basics of CNC. Stop by CNCInformation today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Irons

January 15th, 2009 by admin

Do I need to be a G Code Expert? In a word, no. You will probably need to know how to quickly scan your G-Code if you are having problems during your machining simulation. Other then that G-Code and a CNC program are throwaway programs for the most part. What do I mean by that? Let me explain.

Let’s look at a specific design. Let’s say a 12″ by 12″ square. You build your model, run it through your CAM Software and create a CNC Program made up of G-Code instructions to your machine. Say tomorrow the job requirements change to a 24″ by 24″ square. Do you go into your G-Code line by line and change the code? Most people wouldn’t. They would go back into their CAD or CAM program and scale the square up to 24″ by 24″. Then post-process the job again to get their new G-Code program.

There are some people that would do this editing line by line because the design is simple. Now think of a complex shape and what scaling it up or down would entail. This would include massive changes to it and reviewing it line by line. We are talking thousands of lines here vs. going back and quickly scaling the model and spitting out some new G-Code.

And that is why this is throwaway. Use it over and over when you can, but don’t fret over archiving it if something changes. It is much better to make a copy of the design (CAD File) in its original state and save that somewhere. That is much more useful. Post Processing? – Now you have me worried. With all the variations in G-Codes and M-Codes, how will I ever keep it straight? Don’t worry about that. The CAM program you choose will have many Post Processors. Post Processors are like translators. They help the CAM Program spit out the right G-Codes for your specific machine. All you have to do is select the right Post Processor before you spit out the code. That is simple.

Most CAM programs have many machine specific post processors already loaded. All you do is go to the list of them and click on your machine to select it. If you build your own CNC Machine, there are generic post processors loaded for different types of machines. Usually you pick a generic one and modify it a bit with a little testing. You are making sure a move in the X-Axis positive direction really means what you want it to mean.

Don is active in CNC Programming and G Code.

G-Code is part of his expertise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Edge

January 13th, 2009 by admin

Building a CNC machine means that you would require a lot of tools, parts or different components. Many are built using CNC kits. These are many types of components that need to be put together in order to build a CNC machine.

When building a CNC Machine you need to make a decision on whether you would like to use a stepper or a servo setup. Now, This is one of the most debatable topics in CNC. One tends to get quite confused on what to use, and when to use and why one is going exactly the way it has to be. The fact is that every motor type is capable of providing varied advantages over the other. This actually depends on your applications.

You would require the following in order to build a CNC machines. All the components mentioned below are usually contained in CNC kits readily available on the markets.

Printed Circuit board (Industrial Quality)
Drilled solder mask and serigraphy
High end electronic components
Hexagonal mountings
Parallel wires connection cables to PC
Connectors to build extension cables to motors
Identical stepper motors
Software for CNC configuration
Manual with step by step guide
Power supply 12V 4A
Transformer, Diodes electrolytic cap to build your own power
Some tips on purchasing component and building CNC Machines

Tip 1. Make sure that you purchase multiple sets of CNC machine plans
Tip 2. Look through the plans carefully
Tip 3 Decide on overall size of the CNC machine that you would like to build.
Tip 4 Order all of the part of the machine prior to actually beginning to build the CNC machine.
Tip 5 Have a good CNC machine building plan in hand prior to actually starting to build.
Tip 6 Take some tips from the professionals or the experts in this field.
Here are some tips on assembling a CNC machine router Kits.

You can easily build a CNC machine on your own via using a CNC machine router kit. All you required to have is some knowledge about the machinery mechanics or electronics. You also need the instruction and precautions prior to using each tool.

There are also many video tutorials available online in order to assemble a CNC router kit. This lets you set all in a short span of time. All you require to do is to follow the instructions these videos provide to you.

If you are looking for the latest and best CNC machine kit available on the market, go for the CNC Machine version 1.2 kits. Most kits you find on the market these days used varied plans and paper instructions in order to help in the assembly.

You may also take help of a professional or anyone who has already built some CNC machines in this regard.

We have combined a great deal of information into one complete site about CNC or computer numerical control. Visit our site today for all your CNC related inquiries including CNC kits. http://www.computer-numericalcontrol.com/
By M. Applebaum

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Applebaum

CNC kits

January 11th, 2009 by admin

Here are a couple homemade CNC machines at work, Enjoy!

and

January 10th, 2009 by admin

Do you know about CNC tube bending machines? These are designed in a fashion to minimize the time of set up and to maximize production. The CNC tube bending machines are available with many companies. Some of the companies have also launched CNC tube bending machines that feature electrical servo-drives on all axes and these are available in single as well as multi stack versions.

CNC tube bending machines with multistack benders facilitate complicated bending without the requirement of tool change. In case, you cannot apply a multistack tool for stability reasons, try to switch over to an automatic clamp die changing system that will easily accommodate up to eight clamp dies.

The CNC tube bending machines feature excellent bending procedures that are programmable and boosting via the transport carriage in conjunction with the boosting in the area of pressure die. The boosting tends to minimize wall thinning towards the outer bend that further facilitates narrow bending. You can easily achieve a radius of less than 1 x OD. Other important features of CNC tube bending machines include the following:

An MMI multicontrol 2020 system
TFT monitor
Touchscreen
Plausibility verification
XYZ coordinate recalculation into bending parameters
Flexible programming
Multitasking
3-D displays
Integrated modem
Access to the world wide web

The integrated modem and access to the internet works towards providing the best of remote maintenance and technology support.

The CNC tube bending machines has a bending template. This helps in bending the pipe as desired. The unbent portion of the pipe is supported on a pipe that supports rail carries. It is also adjustable in height. The adjustment of height can be easily done by a drive and it is best suited for step-less positioning. This easily sets the pipe-supporting rail to a height that is already specified by the CNC control unit. Before bending the pipe, the height to which the pipe has been moved, is determines via a functioning program that is dependent on a full set comprising of tool data that has been input into the control unit.

Here are the features specifications of a CNC tube bending machines:

Industrial PC control
I/O card machine control
Input of all program to industrial PC via touch screen
Input data of Y.B.C.
Input data according to Descartes X.Y.Z coordination to build bending parameter.
The profile of tube will display on the PC as per the built parameter or input data.
Servo-motor control that feeds axis-X as well as rotates Axis-B, and then bends Axis-C that’s derived via hydraulic pressure
Program transmits via flash disc, floppy disc or the World Wide Web.
Adopt windows XP Embed operation system.
Process of the function auto and manually
Operation via Pedal
Single step change via the operator

Automatic bending rebound numerical compensation data s per accurate measured data.

We have combined a great deal of information into one complete site about CNC or computer numerical control. Visit our site today for all your CNC related inquiries including CNC tube bending machines.

http://www.computer-numericalcontrol.com/

By M. Applebaum

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Applebaum