CNC Casting - Producing High Quality Casted Parts(hardness of materials Blake)
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- source:FANYA CNC Machining
Computer numerical control (CNC) has revolutionized casting, bringing new levels of speed, precision, and complexity. Here is an overview of how CNC technology is used in the casting process to create high quality casted parts.
CNC Pattern Making
The first step in any casting process is creating a pattern - a replica of the final part to be cast. Patterns are used to create the mold cavity. In traditional casting, patterns were made by hand from wood or metal. CNC machining automates pattern production, using CAD models as input.
CNC milling and CNC routers cut patterns from blocks of plastic, wood, and lightweight alloys like aluminum. This automates pattern making, ensuring consistently high accuracy and surface finish. Intricate patterns with complex curves and shapes can be produced efficiently. CNC also allows faster design iterations by changing CAD models rather than hand carving new patterns.
Patterns for large parts are split into segments for easy molding and assembly. CNC allows precise machining of these segments for accurate alignment. Positioning holes and notches can be added during CNC pattern making. This makes assembly easier and improves mold alignment.
Rapid Prototyping Patterns
CNC has also enabled use of additive manufacturing like 3D printing for making casting patterns. Known as "rapid prototyping", these technologies build patterns by adding material layer-by-layer based on CAD models. Although faster and less wasteful than CNC machining, accuracy and finish are inferior.
Rapid prototyping excels at patterns for short prototype and small production runs where speed is critical. Lead times for traditional CNC machined patterns can be weeks or months. 3D printed patterns can be produced in hours or days. This accelerates testing of new designs before committing to CNC machining.
CNC also enables combining subtractive (machining) and additive techniques. 3D printed patterns can be improved by CNC machining - adding precision holes or surfaces. Hybrid approaches merge the flexibility of additive with accuracy of CNC machining.
CNC Mold Making
The casting mold is the next key component. Molds create the shape and details of the final casted part. CNC technologies are widely used in mold making.
CNC machining is an essential technique for mold fabrication. CNC mills and lathes cut mold surfaces from metal blocks. This machining process creates cavity shapes accurately matching the casting pattern. Modern multi-axis CNC machines can produce highly complex mold geometries.
For long production runs, hardened tool steel molds are needed to withstand the pressures and heat of casting. CNC machining is well suited to these materials and can create very durable molds. Automated tool changing speeds up machining by using optimal tools for each mold feature.
Rapid prototyping is also revolutionizing mold making. 3D printing can quickly create molds from polymers and resins. While less durable than machined tool steel, these 3D printed molds are useful for prototype and low volume casting runs. Turnaround can be reduced from weeks to days.
Combining traditional and additive techniques is a growing trend. 3D printed molds can be improved by adding CNC machined venting channels and other features. Hybrid molds combine speed with strength.
CNC inspection after machining ensures mold precision. Automated scanning and coordinate measuring checks for distortions or deviations from CAD models. This verifies mold accuracy before casting begins.
Automating Casting Operations
Beyond pattern and mold making, CNC and automation are improving the casting process itself:
- Robotic arms automate handling of molds and casted parts, protecting workers from intense heat and heavy loads.
- CNC mixes and distributes molten metal consistently, improving quality. Precise temperature and chemistry control minimizes defects.
- Vision inspection systems check for casting flaws and defects. Automated sorting removes bad parts immediately.
- Conveyor systems move parts through multiple stages of cooling, cleaning, and finishing. Work in process is minimized.
- CNC machines automate grinding, polishing, and other secondary finishing steps for high quality surfaces.
Together these innovations are increasing productivity, part consistency, and manufacturing flexibility. Lead times can be reduced significantly. Limited production runs become economical. Product designs can be revised rapidly by altering CAD models rather than reworking fixed tooling.
Benefits of CNC Casting
CNC has brought new levels of speed, precision, and flexibility to age-old casting processes. Some key benefits include:
- Increased design freedom. Complex geometries and details are easier to cast.
- Faster delivery with reduced labor. Automation accelerates production.
- Improved consistency and higher quality parts. CNC promotes process control.
- Reduced costs for limited production runs. Shorter lead times from 3D printed molds.
- More environmentally friendly processes with less waste.
- Ability to quickly revise designs by modifying CAD data rather than tooling.
- Combining complementary technologies (additive and subtractive manufacturing) for efficiency.
- Expanding use of lightweight alloys and engineered materials for stronger, higher performing casted components.
With CNC, casting has come a long way from its ancient origins. Today it is a modern manufacturing process capable of delivering high volumes of intricate, high precision metal components. CNC technologies continue to drive innovation in casted part production. CNC Milling CNC Machining