What is CNC Machining?
CNC machining is a type of manufacturing that has been in use since the beginning of the industrial age. In general, machining is a subtractive process, meaning that it involves cutting away metal to achieve a piece or part’s desired size and shape. CNC machining is different than the mechanical types of machining that were common in the beginning, as it involves automated processes, including computer controls, instead of hand or power tools.
What Are the Most Common CNC Machining Processes?
A CNC machining center consists of three main pieces: the CNC machine, the workpiece and the tool. They are combined in a variety of ways in order to complete cutting or abrasive machining processes. These processes are controlled electronically via a program that is run through the center and sent to the Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) lathes and mills, which then produce specialized outputs such as:
Milling — Creates precise sizes and shapes using rotary cutters that remove material by feeding or advancing a workpiece running at an angle with the axis of the tool.
Turning — Generates a specific, external part surface via a helical toolpath using a cutting tool such as a non-rotary tool bit.
Grinding — Utilizes a grinding wheel as a cutting tool to produce fine surface finishes with precise dimensions.
Drilling — Cutting or enlarging a hole of a circular cross-section via the use of a rotary cutting tool such as a drill bit.
What sets EVS Metal’s Pennsylvania Machine Shop Apart?
As a provider of turnkey manufacturing and fabrication solutions, EVS prides itself on the ability to offer a wide range of metal fabrication services at each of our four facilities, including Pennsylvania, from CNC machining to robotic forming and automated powder coating. At EVS’s PA facility, our machining centers are some of the newest and most modern in the industry. Additionally, our machine shop uses the latest version of high-tech software like SolidWorks and MasterCam X. This allows EVS to work within very tight tolerance parameters and at speeds of up to 12,000 RPM, while maintaining the operational flexibility to produce runs as small as 5 pieces for our customers.
Our machine shops in Pennsylvania & Texas are equipped with the latest machining technology and employ some of the most experienced machinists in the industry, enabling our company to also perform secondary sheet metal operations more efficiently. Keeping CNC machining and all other aspects of metal fabrication within our ISO 9001, ITAR-registered facilities gives us better control over quality, resulting in more consistent production and higher customer satisfaction.