How CNC Machining Works & How We Save You Time & Money
Excedr’s leasing program can source all instrument types and accommodate any brand preferences you might have. Request a CNC machine lease estimate today and see how leasing can discount your metrology equipment’s price.
All equipment brands/models are available
The Advantages of Excedr’s CNC Machine Leasing Program:
- Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
- Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
- Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
- Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
- Conserves working capital, enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
- Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences
*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is an already booming industry, with new, high-precision machining functions constantly being introduced.
If you’re part of the manufacturing, medical, aerospace, automotive, or electronics industries, chances are you’re already using or plan on using a computer numerical control machine to provide high levels of accuracy, precision, efficiency, and consistency throughout your production processes.
You’ll also find CNC machines useful in prototyping labs, as there are many advantages to using CNC machining for rapid prototyping.
To review, CNC is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computerized controls and machine tools to remove layers of materials from a stock piece. Computer numerical control machining has replaced many traditional, manually-operated methods and machines on shop floors, due to its ease of use, versatility, and efficiency.
CNC programming is used to create program instructions that the system’s computer uses to control a CNC machine and fabricate parts. The CNC machine can be a number of different types, including mills, drills, routers, lathes, plasma cutters, electric discharge machines (EDMs), and even 3D printers.
Each machine has a distinct purpose, and is used by a CNC machinist to process various materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, and even composites
The programming allows the CNC machinery to perform highly precise tasks and machining operations autonomously using computer software, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
CAD and CAM software provide the machine with coded instructions, referred to as G-code and M-code, that dictate the machine’s movement, speed, and positioning. By controlling all of these factors, CNC machines are able to produce complex, unique, and customized product parts efficiently and at scale.
Ultimately, CNC machining offers specific advantages over other manufacturing processes: improved accuracy, reliability, detailed design execution, larger production volume, flexible scalability, safety, lower production costs, and automation. All of these advantages lead to high-quality products that manufacturers can feel good standing behind.
CNC Machine Tool Types & Operations
Computer numerical control machining offers a range of capabilities and operations, from drilling, milling, and lathing to 3D printing, laser cutting, and metalworking. Let’s review some of the common types of CNC machines available on today’s market.
Mill
Conventional CNC Mills have three axes, however, newer models usually accommodate up to three additional axes. They are used to machine both flat and irregular surfaces, progressively removing material away from a workpiece.
A CNC milling machine is also capable of drilling and cutting, however, milling is somewhat different compared to drilling or cutting. CNC mills can create a wide array of shapes, holes, or slots, among other types of impressions, by using a cylindrical multi-point cutting tool that rotates along multiple axes.
Mills are typically categorized by the number of axes they have. 3 axis and 5 axis CNC mills are the most commonly used types of milling machines.
Lathe
Computer numerical controlled lathes, also referred to as CNC lathes, are replacing older, traditional production models. Cutting away materials using a lathe is called turning, which is accomplished using single-point cutting tools that move on two separate axes in a linear motion along the surface of the workpiece as it rotates at high, but adjustable, speeds. The workpiece is mounted on the center of the cutting machine so that the cutting tools are on the outside of the piece.
Turning removes material around the circumference of the workpiece until the desired diameter is reached. This can produce cylindrical parts with both internal and external features such as slots and threads. Lathes are utilized in many different industries, from aerospace, defense, and military, to medical, electronics, and commercial manufacturing.
Additionally, CNC lathes are somewhat synonymous with CNC turning centers. However, one notable difference is that turning centers hold more interchangeable tools and offer another turret, which holds a group of tools and rotates to bring a new cutting tool into position, that is typically programmable.
Swiss Screw
A CNC Swiss screw machine is similar to an automated lathe, but is capable of performing both turning and milling functions. This device can use multiple tools simultaneously to perform several operations at once, keeping operation time relatively low.
Originally hailing from Switzerland, the Swiss Screw machine is able to produce highly-complex parts quickly. It’s typical for manufacturers to use these devices to manufacture medical devices and smaller machined parts. In other words, this machine is incredibly accurate, and industries that cannot afford imprecisions rely on it often.
Plasma Cutter
CNC plasma cutters use a plasma torch to cut through heavy sheet metals like steel, aluminum, or copper. Gases that are blown by the cutter at high speeds through the plasma create the hot, accelerated arc necessary for this machining process. The position of the torch is controlled by computer numerical control software. Plasma cutting is excellent for all sorts of metal fabrication projects, metalworking, and metallurgy.
The program typically contains G-codes that describe the precise contours of the part, as well as the exact timing that the torch should be on or off. The parts programs are designed by software referred to as post-processors. The post-processor interprets the part’s design, which is contained in a CAD file. Plasma cutters utilize mechanized cutting.
EDM
CNC EDM machines are used to perform electrical discharge machining, where material is removed from a workpiece using thermal energy. The thermal energy is typically provided by an electrode, which provides a discharge that removes the material by vaporizing or melting it.
Much like a laser cutter, EDM does not need mechanical force in the removal process, which is why it’s considered a non-traditional method, in comparison to processes that require cutting tools.
EDM machines, controlled using CNC programming, are favored for their usefulness when working with hard materials like titanium, or for complex shapes that are hard to achieve with using CNC milling.
Router
CNC routers, like lathes, are designed to cut away material from an object. They are also capable of milling and drilling, and are generally controlled by computer. However, computer-controlled routers are similar to manually operated routers.
Both machines are utilized for cutting materials that include wood, steel, plastic, composites, and more, making them an ideal tool in woodworking processes. The main distinction between a manual router and a CNC router is that the CNC router is controlled by CAD or CAM software that dictates the shape that the CNC router will cut.
CAD/CAM software describes the exact angles that the machine needs to cut to produce the desired part. This machine is able to produce more and waste less, a similarity it shares with CNC mills.
Multi-Axis CNC Machine Leases For the Machine Shop or Metrology Lab
The advancements of CNC machining has changed the way that manufacturing is done. It has been incorporated into a wide variety of machinery and technologies, and many industries benefit from the increased production, improved accuracy, repeatability, and high scalability.
For these reasons, you might be considering buying a CNC machine. However, these machines can get pretty expensive.
Rather than spend all of your working capital or CapEx budget on purchasing a CNC machine, consider leasing your 3- or 5-axis mill with Excedr instead.
Our metrology equipment leasing program is designed to make accessing metrology solutions simple by providing you with operating leases that making paying for equipment easier and more flexible.
Request a CNC machine lease estimate today or simply get in touch with us to learn more about our program and the costs of leasing.
Operating Lease
This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional monetary savings.
Sale-Leaseback
If you recently bought equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your device and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale-leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up money in your budget rather than tying it down to a fixed asset.
CNC Production Machine Manufacturers & Models
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DMG MORI:
NLX 2500, NTX 1000, NZX 2000, DMU 50 3rd Generation, CMX 1100 V, NHX 5000, ULTRASONIC 65, ULTRASONIC 20 linear, ULTRASONIC 50, LASERTEC 50 PrecisionTool, LASERTEC 20 PrecisionTool, LASERTEC 45 Shape, LASERTEC 30 DUAL SLM, LASERTEC 12 SLM, LASERTEC 65 DED
Spinner:
Turning CNC Lathes, Ultraprecision, Universal, Multi turret, Milling CNC, 3 or 4-Axis VMCs, 5-Axis VMCs, Bar Feeding Systems, Pallet Changing Systems, Workpiece Handling
STAMA:
System 7, System 8, MT 2C, MT 733, MT, MT TWIN
Okuma:
Lathes, GENOS L-2000 E, GENOS L250II, GENOS L3000-E, GENOS L400II, LB3000 EX II, LB4000 EX II, MULTUS U3000, MULTUS U4000, Machining Centers, GENOS M460-VE, GENOS M560-V, GENOS M660-V, GENOS M460V-5AX, MB-4000H, MB-5000HII, MB-8000H, MA-500HII, Grinders, GP/GA15W, GP/GA25W, GP/GA26W, GA/GP-34FII, GA/GP-36FII, GA/GP-44II, GA/GP-47II, GI-10NII, Double Columns, MB-80V, MCR-A5CII, MCR-BIII, MCR-C, MCR-S, MCV-AII, VTR-160A, VTR-350A
Hardinge Group:
Turning, QUEST® Series, T-Series, GS-Series, TALENT Series, H Series, TALENT Series (GT), GSi Series, Milling, Series 1, GX-Series, V-Series, XT-Series, Bridgeport V320 5F, XR 1000, Grinding, Jones & Shimpan 10, USACH OD and ID/OD Grinders, USACH OD Grinders, HAUSER™ H45/H55, HAUSER™2000, VOUMARD® 150 Series, T35, KELLENBERGER® 100
Mazak:
Multi-tasking, Hybrid Multi-tasking, 5-Axis, Turning, Vertical, Horizontal, Automation, µ Series, DUAL TURN, Ez Series, FF, FJV, FSW Series, HC, HCN, HCN-Q, HCR, HQR, INTEGREX AG, INTEGREX e-H, INTEGREX e-RAMTEC, INTEGREX e-V, INTEGREX i, INTEGREX i AM, INTEGREX i-H, INTEGREX i-V, INTEGREX j, MEGA, MEGA TURN, MTV, MULTIPLEX II, MULTIPLEX W, ORBITEC, QT-PRIMOS, QTU, QUICK TURN, SLANT TURN, SVC, TURNING CENTER, UD, UN, VARIAXIS C, VARIAXIS i, VC, VC AM, VCN, VERSATECH, VORTEX e-V, VORTEX HORIZONTAL PROFILER, VORTEX II, VORTEX i-V, VTC
Hurco:
U Series, BX(U) Series, SRT Series, VC/VCX Series, VM Series, VMX Series, BX Series, DCX Series, HM Series, HBMX Series, TM Series, TMM Series, TMX Series, MY/MYS Series
Tormach:
Mills, 1100MX, 770MX, 1100M, 770M, PCNC 440, xsTECH Router, 24R CNC Router, 8L Lathe, 15L Slant-PRO Lathe
Amada
MAGS/SMS
