The first numerical control machines originated in the 1940s. Largely different from CNC equipment as we know it today, these early models included tools with motors attached that relied on punched tape, an old form or data storage.
By the 60s, the invention of the minicomputer led to a drop in prices, which allowed CNC machines to flourish. Over the years, the affordability continued to rise and the accessibility broadened, making CNC machines popular among domestic toolmakers by the 80s.
Today, as technology continues to develop, both hobbyists and large industrial operations utilize the efficiency of a CNC machine in a myriad of applications.
The acronym “CNC” stands for “computer numerical control”.
A CNC machine is a computer-controlled device that can cut, carve and mill programmed designs from wood, MDF, plastics, foams, and metals.
In the process, a variety of tools are used, often with a wide range of cutting capabilities.
From Arts and design to machine parts, a CNC machine can be used for almost anything you want to cut from a wide variety of materials
The most popular industries for CNC machines:
Mark Gomez
CEO Botany Unlimited Design System
There are many types of CNC machines for different purposes;
these are the most common components on CNC machines
The controller completes the link between the computer system and the mechanical components of a CNC machine
This bridge like structure moves cutting tools in an X/Y coordinate system
The spindle powers cutting and carving tools on the CNC machine
The energy chain carries the power and signals needed for a CNC machine to complete a job
This flat work surface secures the materials as they’re being cut. Some work tables have vacuum suction to secure materials in place
These linear motion systems move the gantry in a straight path
Controller
The controller completes the link between the computer system and the mechanical components of a CNC machine
Guide Rails
These linear motion systems move the gantry in a straight path
Gantry
This bridge like structure moves cutting tools in an X/Y coordinate system
Spindle
The spindle powers cutting and carving tools on the CNC machine
Energy Chain
The energy chain carries the power and signals needed for a CNC machine to complete a job
Work Table
This flat work surface secures the materials as they're being cut. Some work tables have vacuum suction to secure materials in place
Maximizing resource usage with nested manufacturing
Nested manufacturing maximizes the number of parts that can be machined from a single piece of material by mathematically programming the cuts.
By arranging the cuts to minify empty space, overall waste can be significantly reduced. Nested machining is the same concept as arranging cookie stamps on rolled out dough to make the most cookies from one roll.
This efficiency in material usage also promotes environmentally responsible manufacturing
A variety of machines for a variety of uses
Prices vary greatly depending on capabilities and size
Since prices vary according to capabilities and size, the best way to get pricing according to your needs would be to talk with a CNC specialist.
Most home-oriented CNC machines, like the IQ, are a few thousand dollars. High-end production, or “large industrial” CNC machines can be as much as $100,000, even over that after all accessories.
The average price sold, though, is right around $15,000. Though this number is high, there are several ways to off-set this cost through financing, government funding, and very low operating costs per hour.
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