Design differences between conventional and CNC machine tools

The necessity for design changes

Historically, machine tool designs have been kept as simple as possible consistent with the specification they offered. The high-quality of parts manufactured was traditionally the responsibility of the skilled machine tool operator. The demand for machine tools design for continuous operation has increased which makes the skilled operator no longer has to control the functions of the machine via hand controls. It is now possible to combine functions into a single machine tool that previously only existed on separated machines. 

All machine tools are designed to fulfill three prime objectives

• To achieve and maintain accuracy.
• To achieve and maintain repeat ability.
• To achieve and maintain reliability.

CNC machine tools enjoy considerable additions and improvements in some main design areas:

• Structural details
• Mechanical details
• Control system facilities 

Structural details - CNC Machining

Structural errors are largely concerned with structural design and configuration. Structural configuration refers to the external physical shape of the design and the relative positons of associated elements. A horizontal machining centre, for example has a different configuration to that of a vertical machining centre. Structural design concerns the physical construction of the structure. Traditional machine tool beds, for example, are almost exclusively made from cast iron. Because is relatively easy to produce complex shapes. 

Mechanical details - CNC Machining

Transmission of motive power in driving spindle and worktable elements are the chief sources of mechanical inaccuracy. From the motor, transmission will pass through a number of stages.

• Gear box/Belt drive stage
• Motion transmission stage
• Slide way stage

Control system facilities - CNC Machining

One of the first features apparent on most CNC machine tools is that there no longer any handwheels to be seen. All controls have been totally transferred to the computerised control system. The facilities offered by the control unit may be considered under three broad headings.

• Status Indicators
• Manual/Semi-Manual Controls
• Programming Controls 

ALNO CNC Machining

CNC Machining  |  CNC Turning  |  General Machining  |  Component Machining

Creating Injection Moulds

If you require an experienced, established supplier of quality plastic products then ALNO Product Services are the toolmaking and Injection moulding partner for you. ALNO Product Services offers a service from initial product design all the way to mould design and guidance in manufacturing to final plastic injection moulded parts. Tractability and attention to detail are essential as we strive to promote our growing reputation as a great quality manufacturer at a competitive price.

ALNO Product Services is based on the Central Coast and over the years we have professionally serviced our customer’s requirements.  We produce injection moulds for a diverse range of business areas that have benefited from our refined approach and technical expertise. Throughout this time the name and reputation of ALNO Product Services has become one with quality injection moulds.

Our injection moulding abilities have been recently updated with the latest advanced practices, machineries and equipment to be utilized to produce quality parts consistently. With accredited technicians with a vast experience of plastic processing on board they provide extensive knowledge of the ever increasing number of plastic resources and additives that are available for your product.

Our state of the art equipment along with our monitored manufacturing procedures and particular quality control measures are an indication of why our customers depend on us as a partner to supply quality plastic products.

ALNO CNC Machining

CNC Machining  |  CNC Turning  |  General Machining  |  Component Machining

CNC machining, what is it?

Machining with CNC’s is primarily used in the manufacturing industry.  At our factory this type of machining incorporates both computer and manual design to manipulate CNC or Computer Numerical Machining tools and build unique parts of products.  The large variety of tools can conduct a number of operations in a CNC machine include but are not limited to: milling, boring routing, grinding, lathing, etc.

The G-code controls specifications such as feed rate, speed of the tool, its direction of movement and also its location (start to end).  The programming is unmistakably accurate and can control the output to tiny tolerances. So we can make your product to your exact specifications.

At first glance our CNC computer may seem like a regular PC, but it is in fact an advanced software that has been developed specifically to control tools for machining.

These tools are controlled however through numerical control and each program within the software is customized and correlated to a unique tool or object.  This specific code is also called the G-code.

ALNO CNC Machining

CNC Machining  |  CNC Turning  |  General Machining  |  Component Machining