Industry made a giant leap into the future when CNC engineering was developed. It is the extension of the earlier NC engineering developed by John T. Parsons in the 1940’s, in collaboration with the MIT Servomechanisms Laboratory. NC engineering is the process of cutting and forming metal or other components through a numerically controlled program on a machine. This machine was then dedicated to the task of producing the single component.

CNC engineering improves upon this by adding a computer “controller” that can be programmed for a specific task. The computer can then be re-programmed for other tasks as the need arises. CNC is computer numerical control, and these machines can be grouped together in units called cells in order to fabricate a series of components toward a more complex finished product. JH May is an industrial leader that assists all stages of product development with high tech production and solutions.

The machining process makes it possible to precisely, reliably cut curves and complex designs as easily as a straight line.

CAD an CAM (computer-aided drafting and modeling) is the process by which 2D and 3D plans are formatted into computer instructions that will be used by the computer to manipulate the G-code to produce the component precisely as designed. There are milling and turning machines within CNC machining to accomplish different tasks of the manufacturing process. 2D and 3D drawings and computer designs are stored in files to be read by the computer “controller.”
DXF, or Drawing Exchange Format, was widely used for many years as the file format to interpret the original specifications. That format has been largely replaced by the DWG, or drawing interchange format, which precisely converts a design directly into the data needed to fabricate any component.

These machines are operated by highly skilled engineers Tadalis SX who follow the designs of CAD (computer-aided drafting) engineering experts. CNC machining can produce the metal, plastic, foam, exotic steels, wood, and ceramics. JH May’s expertise includes both minute medical and micro-machined components to parts as large as 2M by 1M.

The beauty of CNC engineering is the ability to produce a large quantity of components, quickly, and with superior quality. The computer “controllers” behind CNC machining continues to make technological progress. Once programs are loaded and the process is begun, machines have no need to be supervised at all times by the operating engineer. Specialized sensors detect anomalies, and are equipped to notify the operator in the event of a problem, even if the operator is off-site.

Workstations began as little more than a workbench with a spindle. The work is now completed within a box for safety and precision. The various tools are stored in a magazine within the enclosure. Drilling takes place through pre-programmed location and depth readings. Holes, crevices, and even screw threads are an automated process. A fairly new process called parametric programming, similar to BASIC, complements the G-code to produce a wide range of components with logic and simple math.

CNC engineering has made many strides within the past 50 years, and JH May has been there every step of the way. Keeping up-to-date with the latest technology and producing quality components has helped to make JH May part of the gold standard in CNC machining and engineering today.

Author Bio: Find out more about CNC Engineering by visiting www.jhmay.com.

Category: Business
Keywords: CNC Engineering, CNC Machining