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Understanding CNC Machining and Capabilities

CNC machining is a method of fabricating metals through written codes in the manufacturing process. The codes determine everything including the RPMs, cutting head, and spindle speed, and much more. Many products that we use daily work by the CNC logic. Some of them include pens, paintball guns, ventilators, guitars, badges, and many more. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) enables economical and efficient production of repeatable parts of wood, metal, and plastics.

The kind of precision and speed you get from CNC machining is unmatched. That is why most industries use it, including healthcare, automobile, aerospace, and defence industries. It works for both basic and flexible or intricate with delicate parts. It’s crucial to work with trained CNC machining operators on your project to ensure a smooth and successful flow. They have profound knowledge and expertise in software and important programming languages. They can follow technical instructions and specifications of any kind, besides figuring out the ideal setup for the right product. Besides having a background in mathematics, CNC operators understand CAM/CAD technology. As you can see, you need to hire a pro to deliver a clinical result.

Types of CNC Machines

Getting the right machine that’ll suit the materials you want to work with is imperative. Here are some types of CNC machines to assess:

•  Pick and Place – these CNC machines have different nozzles picking up electrical components for electronic equipment, then place them in the required location. These CNC machines are common in the manufacturing of tablets, phones and computers.
• Laser – just like plasma cutters, laser cutters operate quickly. However, a laser cuts wood or metal, and sometimes plastic.
• Plasma – used to cut 2D metal and wood using a plasma torch for penetration.
• 3D Printer – these printers operate just like the CNC lasers, but deposit plastic in a slow constant motion until the project is complete.
•  Router – CNC routers engrave wood, plastic, or metals.
• Mills – milling machines help in metal engraving and woodworking. It can also work well for metallic sculptures or parts. Similar to all of the other CNC machines, they work through computer codes.
• Lathes – lathes are common in glass working metal spinning, parts reclamation, woodturning, metalworking, and thermal spraying. They are ideal for firearms manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive sectors.

CNC machining is prominent in sectors where high accuracy, precision, and attention to detail matters. Such sectors include the following:

• Product design
• Clothing
• Automotive
•  Industrial machinery
•  Food and beverage
• Mining
• Defense
• Electrical
• Aerospace

Types of CNC Machining Projects

There are different types of CNC machining projects available. Here are some of the projects:

•  Metal, structural, and rounds: plasma cutting using CNC creates 2D shapes from sheet metals using a high temperature and high-velocity stream of ionized gas.       
• Beveling: this is the process of preparing metal for a welded seam. CNC does this from the length of the bevel to the degree of the angle. Aside from just having the right tools, this process needs a skilled hand.
• Tapping: with tapping, you can produce internal threads in the product.
• Slotting: some of the common shapes here include a straight slot, a locking slot that’s curved on the end, and a keyway.
• Countersinking: this procedure allows screw heads to sink into the metal rather than protrude from the surface.
• Boring: this produces circular internal profiles on a hole made by drilling.
• Drilling: This is one of the most common uses of CNC machining. It produces holes in a metal piece of up to 1.5” diameter.
• Milling: using a rotating cutter, this process removes small chips.

These are just some of the projects you can manage through CNC machining. Take time to learn more about increasing productivity using CNC. Since 1996, VeriForm has displayed a professional and customer-driven approach to machining through innovation and creativity. With decades (Over 23 years) of machining experience, VeriForm has mastered the art of welded fabrications.

The new 20 foot long CNC machining center guarantees high uptime through multiple workstations. It also ensures that productivity is second to none. Machining parts from VeriForm end up in most of the main equipment such as naval vessels, nuclear reactors, MRI medical equipment, and even the flagship VeriForm product – VeriCUT Crossflow Downdraft Table. CNC machining is an innovative technology that most industries benefit from. Are you interested in it, contact us for more details, or visit our website to get an instant quote. You can also send us an email message, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Metal Fabrication Basics

Metal is one of the most widely used materials around the globe. It is a versatile material that can be used in the manufacturing process within various industries, as well as large-scale projects. For metal to be processed into a functional structure, a fabrication process is first required. Working on any project, it’s important to understand metal fabrication basics. These form the basis of metal production – once a manufacturer or project manager understands the basics, it becomes easier to proceed with the project processes. 

What Is Metal Fabrication?

Metal fabrication is a term used to refer to the processing of metal materials. The process starts with raw metal materials. There are different types of fabrication processes that can be used. Apart from types, there are also a variety of techniques used in metal fabrication. 

Metal fabrication basics essentially involve understanding how the raw metal is processed into usable parts. These parts can be anything from frameworks used in construction to smaller and complex structures. 

The main techniques used in metal fabrication include:

• Cutting
• Bending
• Welding
• Punching

Sheet metal fabrication is currently considered the primary option for companies looking to manufacture items with raw metal materials. 

There are also experienced companies that are able to deal with metal fabrication basics, providing the manufacturer with pre-processed metal parts. VeriForm, for example, has been offering such services for more than 20 years already – with a focus on community, sustainability, and education. 

Stages of Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication can be a complex process and generally involves a range of stages. Each stage needs to be completed to ensure the raw materials are processed efficiently and to produce a more functional metal part in the end. 

Below is an overview of the stages that generally form part of metal fabrication:

Design: The process of metal fabrication starts with a design. There are different approaches to the design process of metal fabrication. A designer will be required for this process. The designer needs to be experienced in using CAD programs, as this forms the basis for the designing of metal parts. Careful planning of the design is essential – precision also plays a major part in this stage. If the design lacks precision, the parts will not be able to fit together as they should once the fabrication process is complete. 

Programming: After an approval process for the design, the next stage is programming. The design is used to develop a custom program for the metal fabrication process. Metal sheets are used during this process. A 2D pattern that represents the part is drawn on the sheets. Multiple sheets are then layered on each other. 

Cutting: The next stage involves cutting. During this process, the drawings are used as a guideline. A laser is then utilized in order to cut at the drawings that were made during the programming stage. A specialized program is used, providing an automated process that enhances the overall accuracy. 

Punching: When there are countersinks, ribs, or louvers in the parts, a punching stage will be required. A CNC punching machine will be used at this stage. It will hit the sheets in order to create specific shapes that are required. 

Bending: Another important stage is bending. During this stage, the sheets are bent to complete the shapes that the manufacturer needs. There are different techniques that can be used during this stage. A clamp is often used to assist with the bending process. 

Welding: In most cases, a welding stage is needed too. The specific type of welding depends on the requirements of the project. This may include projection welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, robotic welding, and spot welding. The experts working with the metal fabrication project will decide what type of welding is most ideal for the parts that are being produced

Assembly: Once the primary stages are done, the metal parts are assembled. The assembly process can be simple or complex, depending on the shapes and parts that have been produced. 

Powder Coating: An electrostatic powder coating is usually applied to the final product. 

Finding the Right Metal Fabrication Provider

There are numerous providers that can assist in the metal fabrication process. It is important to do research prior to selecting a provider. 

VeriForm has been in business for more than two decades and focuses on providing superior metal fabrication services. Experts at VeriForm are able to provide on-time delivery to clients. All systems utilized by VeriForm follow ISO 9000-2015 quality standards. This ensures the client can expect only the highest quality fabrication services. 

VeriForm is experienced in different types of welding procedures. We also offer precision plasma cutting, among many other services. In recent news, VeriForm has also been named the greenest fabrication company in the Northern region of America.   

Visit our website or contact our experts for more information on how metal fabrication experts can help with your manufacturing project. 

Metal fabrication is a process that requires specialized expertise. The first step for manufacturers would be to thoroughly understand the essential metal fabrication basics. Manufacturing facilities not equipped with appropriate hardware to process raw metal can also consider using the services of metal processing plants, such as VeriForm.

Metal Bending At VeriForm

The processing of raw metal into functional parts can be complex in some cases. This is why it’s important that experts are consulted during the process, from design up to the final powder coating. Each stage of metal fabrication plays an important role in ensuring the end product is accurate and functional. Metal bending is one such stage that needs to be done with precision, as incorrect bending will interfere with the assembly process. 

What Is Metal Bending?

Metal bending is usually done following the welding stage of fabrication. During this part of the process, metal is bent in order to comply with the required shape in a project. 

In the majority of cases, metal is bent into one of two shapes. These shapes may include a U or a V. The specific shape depends on how the metal parts will be used and what the function will be. Precision plays a big role when it comes to metal bending. Without adequate precision, the final parts will not be able to fit together as expected. 

Metal bending can be complex. An example would be a heavy metal assembly with complex bending processes done by VeriForm. We have also performed bending for smaller parts too, which require even more precision and accuracy. 

Types of Metal Bending

While the basics of metal bending remain the same, a variety of techniques can be used. Each technique comes with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. Manufacturers need to understand how each metal bending technique works. This ensures the manufacturing process can be matched with the appropriate option, which will ultimately contribute to the final metal parts’ enhanced functionality. 

We’ll take a look at the main procedures used for metal bending below. 

• Mechanical Metal Bending: Mechanical bending procedures are not as commonly used as some of the other techniques. A press brake is used in order to assist with the bending process. The major advantage here is improved accuracy when bending the metal. Speed is another benefit that comes with mechanical bending techniques. There are, however, simpler options available that may deliver similar accuracy and speed. 
• Hydraulic Metal Bending: The use of a hydraulic press brake system is becoming increasingly popular. This is because more advanced technologies are used in the design of these systems. The technology provides better precision when it comes to bending metal. Hydraulic metal bending is most often used as a method of bending sheets. The precision with sheet bending is superior to many of the alternative techniques. 
• Pneumatic Metal Bending: With pneumatic bending procedures, an air compressor is needed. This process is ideal for bending metal sheets. Less pressure is needed in the press brake utilized in a pneumatic bending system. This particular type of metal bending procedure is also considered an ideal option when working with smaller parts. 
• CNC Metal Bending: Also called Computer Numerically Controlled bending, this procedure uses multiple brakes and generally features a high load capacity. Accuracy is the main feature of CNC metal bending procedures. Small and larger parts can be processed with the use of a CNC technique. 

Apart from understanding the procedures, there are also specific types of bending procedures utilized in fabrication. 

Air bending is a particularly popular option that is widely used in metal fabrication processes. The main reason here is because the technique has the least amount of physical contact with the metal sheet. The procedure will only physically touch the metal sheet at three specific points. 

Bottom bending and coin bending are two alternative options. They are not as widely used, but there are certain scenarios where these may prove to be more useful. With bottom bending, it is easier to bend metal when a low tonnage is available – at this stage, the tonnage available may not be high enough to create an imprint. Reduced spring back is another important benefit of bottom bending. Coining is a process that will generally be utilized when there is a need for a specific angle. 

VeriForm’s Metal Bending Services

VeriForm has been in the business of metal fabrication for more than 20 years. Our experts are experienced in providing metal bending services and fabrication processes for different types of raw metal. Bending, in particular, is a specialty of VeriForm, with numerous projects already completed. 

For information on how VeriForm can be a useful asset to your process, visit our official website. You can find examples of past projects completed, as well as get in touch with an expert at VeriForm. 

Metal bending is an important part of fabrication, a process where raw metal is turned into parts used in projects and manufacturing. The bending procedure can make use of several techniques to achieve a final form. Both basic and advanced bending procedures are available, which will often be customized to fit a specific manufacturing project’s needs.

Parts Fabrication

Parts fabrication encompasses the design and production of metal articles and individual components, involving cutting, bending, etc. The techniques are unique yet versatile, but they work towards the same goal— making ready-made parts for various projects and machines.

Are you aware of the many processes that help form the components of fascinating and functional metal structures all around? Or do you have a clue about these perplexing operations but seek more insight? You may even seek parts fabrication services. Whichever category you belong to, you have come to the right place. Read along to learn all you need to know.

Parts Fabrication: Processes

Since the processes involved in parts fabrication are many rather than few, we will select a few critical ones to educate you on

CNC Laser Cutting

CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) laser cutting is a fabrication process concerned with the transition (slicing) of metal into sheet metal. This procedure is executed with the specialized use of laser beams. CNC laser cutters are the devices that operators use for the sheet metal manufacturing process. Various cuttable materials with a CNC laser cutter include copper, mild steel, pre-galvanized steel, stainless steel, brass, etc. The CNC cutting process utilizes gases such as nitrogen, O2, and compressed air. 

There are hybrid laser cutters, flying optic laser cutters, and moving material laser cutters. Moving material laser cutters work such that the laser beam is in a stationary role while the material that moves beneath it in the X and Y planes. The flying optic laser works very differently. The material is in a fixed position (on the stationary bed), then the laser’s optic head/beam cuts the material in X and Y directions above. The hybrid laser cutter combines the two laser cutters above as it runs the material an X path while it moves the optic beam in the Y (perpendicular) direction. 

CNC laser cutting may come in different forms; however, the most recognized is the “vaporization cutting” form. In this sheet metal cutting procedure, the metal is melted by laser beams, while a high-pressure gas is consequently expended to remove the molten material. This process is an efficient one. The CNC laser cutting process comprises beam generation, beam focusing, beam movement, localized heating, melting, and material ejection.

The average processing range for CNC laser cutters is 0.3mm to 25mm. The latter is usually for higher-powered machines. 

An efficient laser cutter can work on materials measuring  ¾in x 80in x 160in with an accuracy of +/- 0.005in.

CNC Bending – Forming

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) bending is a crucial part of the forming process conducted by CNC press brakes. The press brakes can deform sheet metal into an angle within just a few millimetres, while more specialized ones can bend sheet metal across sections several meters long. Press brakes (also called CNC brake presses) bend sheet metal by forcing it between an upper and a lower tool— the Koch being the upper tool and the die being the lower tool.

However, CNC pressing brakes can be diverse in their designs. Down forming is a pressing brake design where the press possesses a stationary bottom bed and V-block tooling, while the top beam is mobile (controlled by the V-blade tools). Up forming has a movable bottom bed and a static head/beam. The two designs provide similar functionality; however, the sheet metal’s absolute bendable length is determined by how long the press brake bed is. In contrast,  two factors determine the sheet metal’s thickness: its tensile strength and the machine’s available tonnage. The opening of the V-block is very much related to the usable tonnage.

CNC Shearing

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) shearing is a cutting material method without heat (melting and burning). Also, there is no formation of chips. Shearing, also known as die-cutting, is a crucial technique of metal parts fabrication. In the real sense, the process is termed “shearing” when the cutting blades are straight, while it is termed a “shearing-type operation” when they are angled.

There are different shearing tool materials, which apply to materials of varying thickness. Low alloy steel works well for low production of materials with up to 0.64 cm thickness. High-carbon, high-chromium steel works well for materials in the same range, albeit for high production purposes. Shock-resistant steel is useful in shearing materials of greater than 0.64 cm thickness.

Welding

Welding is another significant metal parts fabrication process. Welding is employed for joining materials with the use of high heat in melting the parts altogether. The welded parts are then fused after cooling. The welding procedure differs from brazen and soldering because it melts the base metal. Sometimes, Pressure is applied in addition to the high heat to give the required results.

Filler materials are an essential aspect of welding. They are added to the joint to enhance the weld pool, giving rise to a stronger weld. You also want to shield the filler/melted metals to prevent either oxidation or contamination. Welders employ destructive or non-destructive methods to test the quality of a weld and mark out possible defects.

A gas flame or electric arc could be used for welding, the former being a chemical energy source, and the latter an electric one. Other energy sources include friction, ultrasounds, lasers, and electric beams. A beneficial aspect of welding is that it can be carried out in virtually all settings. 
All of these part fabrication processes are available at VeriForm. We work hard to ensure accuracy and efficiency in every project. For the best of these services and more, visit the VeriForm website today!