Knowing the Functions of a CNC Machinist

Computer Numerical Control Machinists are very in demand in manufacturing firms. Several decades ago, all machine parts were cut and made manually by people. It would take a very skilled machinist several days before he can even make a part using the machines. However, because computers and machines were merged together plus the help of CNC, cutting and making a part a machine would take only several hours in a fast phased system. This is how CNC machining was born.

            A CNC machinist needs formal education and training for them to be skilled in their respective functions.  Because CNC machinists are very in demand, they also receive very high payment or salary. When a lot of things became automated, the experts thought that they won't need as much skill for operating machines from people. However, they later on found out that it's the other way around. As the machines become more advanced, the skills needed from people in order for these machines to function perfectly also increased. The skill sets have increased and the older machinists have retired. Because of this, being a CNC machinist became very prestigious and is sought after.

Monitoring    

            Unlike before, a CNC machinist in this generation has less workload. He monitors the overall process of the CNC machines because they already function on their own. The machinist checks each part that is made by the machine and he also has to change the G code program so that all parts will be exactly alike. The first part should match the blueprint accurately. If not, the part may not match the final assembly or output. Although there is not much leg work, monitoring the CNC machining process is crucial because there is no room for mistakes or mismatches.

Setting Up

            The CNC machinist is also the one reliable for setting up the complicated function and products of the machine. He also selects the tools to be used for the machine parts. The CNC machinist also keeps the cutting edges sharp for parts removal. Most people think of CNC machinists as simple button pushers for the machine to function, but they are not. When setting up the CNC machine, the CNC machinist deals with a lot of intricate tricks in order to come up with the best work pieces and exact angles.  All of these tricks are also done using a CNC machine.

Machine Malfunction

            The CNC machinist must be very knowledgeable about the function of the machine. One of his functions is to find solutions once a machine malfunction happens. Although a scenario like this rarely happens because everything in the machine is programmed, if a CNC machinist knows what to do, there would be less hassle and delay for the entire machine process and even the production of the manufacturing firm.  

            If you are a CNC machinist and you know a company that is looking for CNC machining services in the UK, kindly ask them to contact Hemlock Engineering LTD because we would be very happy to respond to their needs. Thanks for reading!

BEATING THE DEADLINE

In a business, the quality of the finished product is very important. However, there is another factor that is as equally important as Quality and that is Time. No matter how perfect the output is, if it doesn’t make it in time then it is useless.

Processes that require the use of machines usually have issues when it comes to deadlines. There are those that experience a malfunction in the machine which causes delays in the process while others would have insufficient machine units to handle the workload. These processes take a couple of days and enter different phases in order to reach the final output, a delay should never be one of the phases.

It is important to invest in reliable companies that offer CNC machining and milling to not waste time and money. Another downside of investing in those that cannot meet deadlines is the probability of losing their clients. With the rising population of companies in CNC machining, not meeting the deadline would surely cause your company a lot. Not only will you lose clients but you will also develop a bad image for your company and might cause potential clients to find someone else.

With this in mind, one should study the background of every company and check if they have a good record when it comes to meeting the deadline. If they had issues regarding deadlines, don’t turn away immediately. Try to ask the reason behind the issue and see how they solved it. In businesses like this, there are tendencies of at least one or two deadline-related issues since almost all the work is handled by the machines. Aside from giving the company a background check, meet the people behind it. By seeing them in their workspace, you’ll be able to tell if they can do it or not. Most companies are composed of skilled engineers, trained in operating CNC machines, who would assure you that your request will be met without sacrificing the quality of the outputs. Lastly, visit the workplace and see it for yourself. Knowing what they use for production will help you in deciding where to invest in your company as well. New and well-maintained machines will mean faster development of quality products.

It is alright to spend more when choosing and investing in a CNC Machining company. A small additional expense is nothing compared to the profit and reputation your company will get if they deliver quality products on time. Hemlock Group makes sure that you get quality products in time because we don’t meet the deadline, we beat it.

What to Consider when Starting a CNC Machining Business

With all the new and rising CNCMachining companies, it is advantageous for aspiring businessmen to gear themselves up with the best resources available. These resources aren’t just limited to material resources but physical and mental resources as well. Among all these, having knowledge about the business and the operations done are some of the smart steps one should possess for an efficient and hopefully successful run in the CNC machining and subcontracting business.

KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

In a business where there is CNC Machining and CNC Turning involved, a variety of tools and machines to choose from is bound to happen, depending on a lot of factors, from its sizes to its function. It is very important to study and understand the differences between them before buying one. Take note of these things because it will affect the business and its production for a long time.

There are different types of machines that one should be aware of, not only do they differ in their functions but in their operations as well. These different machines have different models that have their own specs and features, designed for their own use. Aside from these types of machines, the parts needed for every machine offers a wide array of choices too. Every part is as important as the other since it contributes to the function of the machine. Being sure of what one wants to achieve in the business is a good start, knowing means having a direction for the business in the long run.

CHOOSE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Quality must always be taken first before quantity. CNC machines are able to work quickly and precisely, they were built to move fast to meet deadlines and quotas for the client. This is the main reason why it is better to have a few efficient machines than numerous but fragile ones. Having a couple of machines that perform well is enough to provide a good run for the business rather than having many machines that breaks down all the time.

The “quality over quantity” idea applies not only to the machines but to the projects and clients that the business will accept. Having few, quality and remarkable outputs are better than having ten or more below average outputs. The final products will give the business an image that solely depends on the business’ performance and quality of outputs.

LEARN AND PRACTICE

Whether the person is the general manager or the maintenance guy, one must know how to operate the machines, even if it is just the basic. It is ideal that one study and practice using the machine, not only will it develop one’s ability to operate the machines but it will also gain the trust and confidence of their co-workers. In order to lead the team efficiently and productively, the leader himself must be knowledgeable, both off and on hands, of the process of the operation.

Learning the basics is not enough, it is recommended to keep practising in order to hone one’s skill and avoid mistakes in the future. Practising will improve one’s skill and lessen the working time as well. With a complex process involved, consistent use of the machine will lead to a skilled team in the future.

ASK THE RIGHT PEOPLE

It may seem easy and simple but the truth is that it is not. Asking people is easy but asking the right people is challenging and rewarding as well. In almost every business or every practice, someone will always be better than the other, this is a fact. Ask the right people every question that needs an answer for it will help the business and its people. Ask them for tips and recommendations on how to efficiently use the resources that one have. These simple suggestions will be helpful for the success of the business. Not only does one save time and money, they also get acquainted with other people in the same line of work.

These are just some of the things to consider when starting a CNC Machining business. Though simple, these considerations shouldn’t be taken lightly as they will greatly affect the business. There are plenty more to learn, those that will only be learned through experience.

About CNC Machining

CNC machining allows anyone with the right knowledge and skills to manufacture virtually any object, through the use of computers and advanced programs that control highly precise machining tools. They see heavy use in the manufacturing sector, thanks to their accuracy, speed and efficiency compared to human effort.

Benefits of CNC machining

• Fast – After an object has been designed, it can be created by the machine without the delays caused by slower human movement.
• Durable – CNC machines are built to last; only requiring maintenance every now and then.
• Precise – No matter how small or large the object, CNC machines can fabricate it with minimal errors or mistakes. Thanks to their precision, some objects are only possible because of CNC machines.
• Versatile – Several tools can be connected to CNCs, allowing the machine to control them. They can also perform a variety of machining techniques.

How CNC machining works

The main component in CNC machining is the CNC or Computer Numerical Control, which is composed of a computer and a specialised CNC program. Together, they’re the brains behind the whole outfit but it still requires a skilled CNC machinist, someone who is familiar with the software and the machine tools attached to the CNC.

To illustrate the difficulty of CNC machining, the machinist has to use the software to create precise designs of their project and adjust settings for the tools such as speed, feed rate and location. Afterwards, they have to create a prototype to check for errors or defects. In exchange for the added complexity, CNC machines can produce components rapidly and accurately, without any human input if the prototype has passed quality control.

What kind of machining tools can be attached to the CNC?

Many machining tools have been adapted to be compatible with CNC software; here are some examples of these tools:

• Routers
• Grinders
• Mills
• Drill press

Hemlock: The Answer to All Your Machining Needs

The Hemlock Group or Hemlock Engineering Limited is a subcontracting CNC machining company based in Nottingham, UK. Our staff is composed of various engineers who specialise in several disciplines that concern precision machining. If you are looking for quality and precision in component design and manufacturing, please consider us for all your manufacturing, turning, and fabrication needs.

Services

Computer-aided design or CAD – Our skilled designers and drafts men can design even the most precise component by utilising the latest in computer-aided design software. This allows maximum precision to be achieved and any changes to design can be easily applied without starting from scratch.

Computer-aided manufacturing or CAM – After a component has been designed through CAD, the next step is computer-aided manufacturing. This means faster and more accurate production compared to traditional manufacturing methods, though we can handle the traditional manufacturing as well.

CNC turning and milling – We utilise both computer-aided and traditional methods for our CNC turning and milling process. Together with top-of-the-line manufacturing tools and machines, we can fabricate any part you have in mind.

Sub-assembly – Because some components are actually composed of smaller parts, we can assemble these for you in advance so they are ready for use.

Prototyping – Every newly designed and manufactured component goes through numerous tests for imperfections, better manufacturing improvements, and research into cost-effective materials.

Quality Control – Every area in our manufacturing process adheres to rigorous quality control standards, from design, to the finished product. We guarantee that every component from us is manufactured according to specifications, and that we can achieve your projected manufacturing goals.

Component Stock holding – We stock various item components, including items you that we manufacture for you. Dispatch service is available as well if you need to get rid of old or extra components.

Advantages

• We have the skills to fulfil any of your design and machining requirements.
• We own advanced software, tools, and machines that can design and fabricate components efficiently and precisely.
• We can store or dispose components for you.
• If you have concerns about our components, allow us to help you by contacting us.

CNC Machining at Hemlock Engineering Ltd

In order to produce small and complicated parts of any machine, without relying on a machinist’s skills alone, high quality and reliable machineries are needed. These special parts are very important to be as precise as possible because they play a great role in whichever industry they belong to. Some examples of things or sectors that make use of these very intricate components are watch makers, builders of aircraft, toys and many other similar industries. 

The world of manufacturing has greatly changed from the time that CNC Machining began to upgrade its technology. Before, in order to produce superb output, a machinist’s skill is depended upon. Today, with modern programming and more efficient machineries, the possibilities are endless.

• Almost all CNC machines can operate for very long hours without stopping, thus multiplying the number of production as compared to the previous manual work.

• CNC machines can perform with great precision. They can produce a particular component without compromising its quality and uniformity. The difficulties that are usually encountered with manual labour are no longer an issue with these machineries.

• There is no more concern in terms of number of output, as CNC machines are able to mass produce any intricate part at any given time. With the right programming and coding, a client’s quota can be reached without breaking a sweat.

Hemlock Engineering Ltd

Hemlock is one of the most reliable c0mpanies when it comes to CNC machining in the UK. With a highly qualified workforce and up-to-date machineries, Hemlock Engineering Ltd can offer the best services available out there. 

The engineers at Hemlock specialises in the following areas: 

• Operation of HAAS Vertical CNC milling machines;

• Operation of high speed CNC machining of Aluminun.

Machining at Hemlock

• CNC Milling

• 5 Axis Milling

• CNC Turning

• Slidinghead Turning

The other services that Hemlock Engineering Ltd offers include the following:

• Prototyping

• Stock holding

• Cad cam

• Quality control

• Sub assembly

• Despatch

CNC Machining Surface Finishing

With more and more innovations created in the automobile and manufacturing industry nowadays, the demand for high precision surface finishing is also increasing using CNC milling. Newer applications in the automobile and manufacturing industry are continuing to be developed and this, in turn, gives pressure to precision engineers. With the demand for supplying high precision workpieces, both the manufacturing company and engineers have the responsibility to increase the productivity without compromising the quality of the workpieces. Both are in charge of making quality products for them to remain competitive in the market.

Surface roughness or surface finishing is one of the essential requirements for any machined products. This is because the surface is the one in direct contact with the stresses, temperatures, friction and corrosion. Alternatively, in aerospace components, the surface does have the direct effect with the fatigue strength, corrosion resistance and creep life. The visible parts of the workpieces have to be finished according to the cosmetic or aesthetic requirements of the manufacturer while the internal parts should be made with the focus of functionality in mind.

In order to achieve quality surface finish, speeds and feeds are considered. Both should go hand in hand because their combined work affects the process of cutting. When calculating for the speed and using feeds, one should not make the mistake of just guessing. Appropriate feeds combined with the right calculation of speed are definitely vital to achieve a flawless surface. Tooling and cutting conditions are the most important thing to consider if you are to talk about feeds alone. Logically, you cannot achieve quality surface finish if you have deflecting or chattering tools. On the other hand, considering speed means sensitively controlling the computer in the same way machining quality is controlled.

Surface quality is definitely a good indicator that could tell if your product is of good quality. The quality of the surface influences the wear resistance, fatigue strength, coefficient of friction and resistance to corrosion of your workpieces. The industry that we have today relates the quality of the surfaces with the level satisfaction of customers.

SURFACE QUALITY CHECKS AT HEMLOCK LTD

Using only the best equipment, workpieces can be checked automatically on our programmable Mitutoyo CMM and small or difficult to reach surface features can be measured optically using our TESA VISIO High Definition Camera. All these plus the experience of our precision engineers will put your mind at peace that we only produce high quality components for our clients. For more information about our services, you can visit our website. Alternatively, you can call us through phone at 0115 939 3305 or send your queries through email: phil@hemlockltd.co.uk.