High speed CNC metal cutting offers several unique advantages over other types of cutting like laser, water, and router methods that make it the ideal choice for certain projects. K&S Machining offers full-service CNC machining using high speed advanced equipment designed to boost efficiency, dimensional accuracy, and more. With high speed CNC metal cutting, projects can be completed faster without sacrificing the overall quality.
Improved Efficiency
Cutting metal is a typically delicate process, and ensuring stability and accuracy can be time consuming when using traditional methods. High speed CNC metal cutting, however, speeds up the entire process while still maintaining precision. The advanced computer controls guide the cutting tool with pinpoint precision to minimize any potential errors in dimensions and material use. With faster production and minimized waste, high speed CNC methods of cutting offer quality results that are still comparatively less costly to produce.
Improved Accuracy
Dimensional accuracy is a necessity among Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers, so all machined parts must be crafted with extreme precision within tight tolerances. By using high speed CNC metal cutting, tight tolerances and strict specifications are achieved through a range of factors.
Thixotropy
Thixotropy is a phenomenon that occurs during high speed cutting in which cutting force decreases as cutting speed increases. This effectively causes the material to become work softened or lose its original hardness. When softened, it is much easier to cut within strict specifications. After the cutting is complete, the material will convert back to its original hardness, so the quality of the final product is not compromised.
Preventing Thermal Deformation
One of the primary sources of deformation in a machined part is heat, but high speed cutting actually reduces the amount of heat generated. Cutting forces are lower at high speeds, which translates to less friction occurring. With less heat generated, there is a reduced risk of thermal deformation in any machined parts using high speed CNC cutting.
Works With Thin Walls
When working with a piece that has thin walls, there is typically a threat of vibrations occurring in the walls during milling. This, of course, leads to malformations in the final product. With high speed cutting, the contact time between the workpiece and the rim is minimized, which eliminates excess vibrations of thin walls. By using micro-positive geometry cutters and sharp edges, the high speed machining process can maintain quality results even when working with thin walls. Other methods like water cutting, for example, notably do not work well with thin walls. Laser cutting comes close, but high speed CNC metal cutting can get the job done within tight tolerances.
Reduced Costs
CNC machining is already an automated process, but high speed CNC metal cutting reduces costs even further beyond the cost of labor. The computer-controlled precision reduces material costs since there is less waste, and the automation of the process increases efficiency while still maintaining flexibility if the project calls for it. Additionally, high speed CNC cutting reduces the possibility of errors by maximizing accuracy. If your project includes many copies of a singular design, the process is notably faster since the CNC doesn’t even need a program change.
Compatibility with Small Components
High speed cutting makes overall shallower cuts with less engagement time, and that is particularly useful when machining small parts. Since the cutting edge is so short, cutting small sized components is much easier, and even maintains appealing surface finishes. This works in stark contrast to waterjet cutting, which is typically reserved for larger and thicker materials.
Improved Chip Evacuation
The sheer speed of the spindle and cutting inherently leads to a chip load that can easily be ejected from the work area at a high velocity. Because of this, there is a decreased possibility of re-machining chips or damaging the workpiece due to the presence of residual chips. Note that this applies even when machining dry, as the speed alone is what creates this advantage.
Surface Finish Optimization
During high speed metal cutting, friction is reduced. Under general machining processes, friction is generated equally on all sides of the cutting edge creating most of the heat in the process while a smaller portion of heat is generated by the deformation or bending of the chip. With CNC high speed cutting, the chip load is evacuated so quickly that the heat from friction doesn’t have time to conduct into the surrounding workpiece. This reduces the chance of malformation and lends itself to a better surface finish.
High Speed CNC Metal Cutting from K&S Machining
K&S Machining offers high quality services that allow Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers throughout the Gulf Coast area to enjoy the advantages of high speed CNC metal cutting. Our team functions as an extension of your manufacturing operations, so don’t hesitate to reach out with your next tight tolerance contract machining job. Contact our team today to get started with our state-of-the-art high speed equipment and experienced machinists.
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