The term CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control” and CNC machining is defined as a subtractive manufacturing process that typically uses computer-controlled and machine tools to remove layers of material from stock parts (called blanks or workpieces) and produce custom-designed parts.
The process is applicable to a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, glass, foam and composites, and is used in a variety of industries, such as large-scale CNC machining and CNC finishing of aerospace parts.
Main application industries
Parts that are generally CNC machined are highly accurate, so CNC machined parts are mainly used in the following industries:
Aerospace
Aerospace requires components with very high precision and repeatability, including turbine blades in engines, jigs used to make other components, and even combustion chambers used in rocket engines.
Automotive and Machine Building
The automotive industry requires the manufacture of high-precision moulds for casting components (e.g. engine seats) or machining high-tolerance parts (e.g. pistons). Gantry machines cast clay modules, which are used during the design phase of a car.
Military industry
The military industry uses high-precision components with tight tolerances, including missile components, gun barrels, and more. All machined components in the military industry benefit from the precision and speed of CNC machines.
Medical
Medical implantable devices are often designed to fit the shape of human organs and must be manufactured from high grade alloys. Since there are no manual machines capable of generating such shapes, CNC machines have become a necessity.
Energy
The energy industry encompasses all areas of engineering, from steam turbines to cutting-edge technologies such as nuclear fusion. Steam turbines require high precision turbine blades to maintain equilibrium in the turbine, and the R&D plasma suppression cavities in nuclear fusion have complex shapes made from advanced materials that require CNC machine support.
Machining has evolved to the present day, and a wide variety of machining processes have been developed to follow the increased demands of the market. When you choose a machining process, you can consider various aspects: including the shape of the surface of the machined workpiece, dimensional accuracy, positional accuracy, surface roughness, and so on.
Choosing the most appropriate process can ensure the quality of the workpiece and processing efficiency under the minimum investment, in order to maximise the benefits generated.
LEADPOINT is the leading manufacturer of engineering mechanical parts and customed components.
Leadpoint offers On-demand mechanical manufacturing for cutting edge industries around the world.
Our broad client base spans across many global industries including Automotive, Motorsport, Industrial, Medical,Aerospace, Marine and Defence. We manage your needs from concept and tooling, through to complete coated assemblies. We also pride ourselves on client confidentiality which is always of paramount importance.
