There is no question that cnc machines are popular pieces of equipment that can make many projects and jobs easier. If someone is ready to get started and begin making clock parts or even their own guitar, they need to learn a few things about this equipment first. Keep reading for some helpful tips to ensure a new user can make the most of their new machine.
Purchase a Quality Cutter
With these machines, it is a case of “you get what you pay for.” This means a buyer needs to avoid investing in a low-quality machine. There is no need to overpay for the higher-quality cutters, but it is a good idea to buy from a reputable brand that offers reasonable prices. This is going to make a huge difference in the quality of parts that are created and will help to eliminate many problems that could occur if cheaper tools were used. One example is carbide cutters. These are going to last much longer than cutters made of other materials.
Buy a Quality Vise, Clamping Kit, and Set of Parallels
Work holding is a crucial element of keeping a part in position. It is important to purchase a quality vise that is going to last for several years. It is important that the part being worked on does not shift out of the proper position.
A quality clamping kit is going to mount the vise to the T-slots in the table. It is also necessary to have a quality set of parallels, which will keep the workpiece raised evenly or parallel for the spindle or cutting tool to move over.
Coolant Misting Setup
There are two basic options here – a micro-drop and siphon-based. The siphon system will atomize the coolant into a type of aerosol. Unfortunately, this can get messy. With the micro-drop system, the coolant is pressurized, which keeps the air and coolant in two separate chambers until they reach the tool’s tip. With a micro-drop system, the coolant will vaporize when it finally hits the piece being worked on. This option is more efficient and not quite as messy. A quality misting system is also going to help to prevent the buildup of chips.
Learn About Manual Data Input or MDI
An individual can save quite a bit of time and increase overall productivity when they use MDI, which is accessed through the MDI keypad that is found on the control panel of the CNC machine. This does not require too much learning, but it can help save a lot of time. It is possible to set a few basic g-codes and then to adjust the coordinates and move the axes. After this is done, the machine will move quickly.
When it comes to a CNC machine, there are several factors to consider. Be sure to keep the tips here in mind to know how to make the most of these machines and use them to their full potential. Doing this is going to help ensure the success of a project.
