Tips for Milling Machine Parts and CNC Milling Machines

CNC

When you are looking for CNC Milling machine parts and components there are a variety of places where you can find them. The best price and a lot of research can be found on the Internet at a variety of websites.

Depending on the type of CNC Mill machine you need the price can be steep but there are many small machines that can do the same job if you are looking at this as part of a small business or a hobby. Also, you can buy a machine to cut metal or wood, to do fancy scroll work or to do engraving on metals and other applications.

You can decide whether you will purchase a brand new machine or a used one. Most people do not suggest buying a used one because you aren't sure what you are getting but buying other types of machines like CNC routers seem to be a good idea because of the cost.

All CNC Milling machines contain the following parts:

§ Axis -- depending on the type of CNC milling machine it could have anywhere from one to six axis which will also determine the size and what it is supposed to do.

§ Column -- the column is what travels along an axis that holds the part that mills or cuts.

§ Control panel -- the part that holds the computer keyboard (sometimes small, other times large) where you program the G-Codes into the machine.

§ Cutting tool -- the cutting tool is attached to the column and is the part that actually cuts the piece in the way that the operator specifies.

§ Spindle -- the spindle holds the cutting tool in place.

Coolant Supply Tubes -- Just like the name says these tubes are where coolant is pumped through to keep the tool lubricated.

§ Table -- the table is the area that the workpiece will be attached to either using a clamp or a vacuum. This is where the workpiece will sit while being milled.

There are several different types of CNC Milling machines that can be found and they are small or large depending on what they do. Here are a few:

Vertical CNC mills have a vertical spindle axis. This means that the cutters that do the milling are held vertically in the spindle and they rotate on the spindle's axis. In this type you can extend the spindle or the table to make drilling or plunge cuts. Bed mills and Turret mills fall into this category.
Horizontal CNC mills have the same type of table as vertical CNC mills but their cutters are mounted on an arbor that sits across the table horizontally.

Hobbyists will most likely use a box mill which is mounted to a bench and basically moves up and down. One thing thats really nice about a knee mill is that you have an x-y table that moves up and down the column. It can be adjusted with what is called a vertically adjustable knee. Many larger industries use the C-Frame mill because it is the most conducive for larger work. They are only vertically mobile and it used a fixed spindle head for that movement.

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CNC Mill Basics and CNC Milling Machine

CNC

A machine tool that shapes metal and other types of solid materials is called a milling machine. A CNC milling machine does this automatically once a computer sets up the specifications for the machine, it uses a rotating cutter to work like a drill to cut the material.

There is a difference between a drill and a milling machine however. A milling machine will use a cutter that rotates around a spindle axis and the table by which the piece of work is attached. A drill only moves along an axis and can only drill in one direction. A milling machine can move sideways and in and out like a drill.

The CNC milling machine can be controlled evenly by what is put into the computer. Miling Machines can actually work in different ways as some milling machines the table moves around the cutter. If you want a milling machine that can be operated manually versus with a computer then you will not want a CNC Milling Machine but just a Milling Machine.

A CNC Milling machine makes the operator's work easier because it can do a number of operations like panning, rebating, drilling, routing and more. Often a cutting fluid has to be used at the site of the cut because it needs to keep the metal cool and the cut lubricated; also it is used to move the sluice out of the way.

In CNC Mill you will have a block of material that will be cut through by a rotating tool attached to the machine. You can actually move the piece in three dimensions all together so that you get the cut and shape that you want.

An operator can produce many different shapes with a CNC milling machine. For instance, if you have a 2D shape with an intricate pattern you can program the machine to do this pattern and repeat it as needed. The machine will also do 3D shapes, do different types of punches and even use a laser (usually a CNC Plasma Cutter).

Most metals and hard plastics are the best materials to use with a CNC milling machine because they can withstand the rigors of how the machine cuts. Softer materials are not able to stand up to the pressure of the process.

The CNC Mill machine is best used when you need a short run of materials to be produced. This process also needs only a software program to do the tooling and some type of jig to hold the work down while it is being cut. The machine is programmed using G-Codes for more precision.

Today, CNC milling machines are being produced that can do a variety of things. As an example, Datron Dynamics sells a CNC milling machine that does all of the milling needs but also does industrial engraving. This machine can engrave on most metals including
Aluminum, graphite and stainless steel, but it can also engrave on ceramics and plastics.

The CNC Milling machine is a versatile machine and it can create many different parts while saving the company and the operator time and money.

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Information on Injection Molds

Rapid Prototype

Approximately 30% of all plastic products in the world are produced by an injection molding Rapid Prototype process. Within this another 30% are produced using a custom injection molding Rapid Prototype technology. You can make as many steps as you want for the injection molding process, but most people will recognize that there are 6 basic steps in the molding process. The first step is the clamping of the mould, the clamping unit makes for one of the three units of the molding machine. The other two being the injection unit and the mold, once the clamping unit holds on to the mold, the molten plastic is injected into the mold by the injection unit. The plastic is fed in the form of tiny pellets onto a hopper. The next process is that of which these items are put into a cylinder where they are heated for a long time until they melt and can be injected into the mold. The steps that follow are referred to as dwelling phase. Rapid Prototype basically involves making sure all the cavities in the mold are fully filled. The next step is that the mold is allowed to cool but its important to do this as the clamping is still intact. Finally the mold is opened and the component is ejected out. The biggest advantage of plastic injection molding is the cost factor of the produced parts, especially when you need large number of parts.  The disadvantage is the cost of manufacturing the molds; a simple injection mold can cost you $3000 while the bigger complex ones can run into several hundreds of thousands.

Rapid Prototyping: This process bacially automates certain types of manufacturing using a technology called solid freeform fabrication. They are used in a wide range of applications, everything from medical to fine art. Rapid Prototyping machine works by taking virtual models from software and then converting it into extremely thin, horizontal cross-sections and then goes onto create each of the cross-section in physical space in a cyclic manner until the model is completed. Rapid Prototyping is a WYSIWYG process in which the virtual model bears identical resemblance to the finished physical model. Additional fabrications allows the machine to lay down layers of sheet, liquid or powder material and build up a series of cross-sections These layers are finally automatically fused together to render the final product. The main advantage of rapid prototyping is the ability to create any shape no matter how complex the geometry is. The commonly used data interface between the machine and the software is the STL format. It works by approximating the geometry of a part using triangular facets, smaller the facets higher will be the surface quality. The word “rapid” is used relative top conventional methods which take days to construct a model depending upon its complexity.  Rapid prototyping can create the model within a few hours, though it is highly dependent of the type of machines and the size of the model. There have been several new technologies available for rapid prototyping including Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective laser sintering, 3D printing, and Electron Beam Melting.  

Prototyping Injection Molding is a specialized method of combining traditional plastic injection molding. CAM software are able to combine rapid tooling and plastic injection molding  in order to quickly create small quantities of any thermoplastic part.

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Cast Prototyping and Precise Cast Prototyping, and the PCPro Technique

rapid prototyping

Researchers have developed a new Rapid Prototyping technique that blends traditional casting methods with CNC milling which allows faster prototyping; the best thing is that it happens in a single machine. This technique become public when it was invented and named Precise Cast Prototyping by a group of researchers in Germany at the Institute for Material and Beam Technology. Half of the mold is machine using CNC machining, then silicon or polyurethane material is poured into fill half the mold, this will be the lower half to render the shape of one half of the part, while the part still in the CNC mill. When the material is cured and hardened, the upper side of the component is milled. The process is targeted at components with simple geometry such as housings whose one side can be fairly easily machined on aluminum or epoxy mold half and the other complicated half is on the opposite side where it can be milled into the soft plastic.

Cost Saving: The Rapid Prototyping technique is touted to be an enormously cost effective as only one half of the tool is made and that too for low pressure casting. There are no runners; gate, venting and parting lines to be taken care of and besides these can be manufactured by toolmakers with lesser experience. Another Rapid Prototyping advantage is that one half casting allows the air bubbles to escape freely; this translates into a more dense part and better surface finish. The casting can be machined again which is nice because then you can get some great features such as threads and undercuts worked into your design. The casting method shapes the outer surface of the component while precision CNC milling renders the inner contours. The fact that he casting can be milled allows for parts with totally different dimension to be manufactured from the same mold. This is because the second half of the mold exists only as a CAD/CAM model and tool path programming. Geometrical changes can be altered by just changing the parameters.

Time saving: Since the outer surface of the component are not machined the process saves a lot of time .Moreover the inner dimensions gain closer tolerances compared to prototypes manufactured by vacuum casting. The reason for this is that the finishing takes palce after the curing and shrinkage in conventional prototyping while in casting it’s done before the casting shrinks. CNC allows for achieving of tighter tolerances compared to casting technologies. Besides all the machining is done in a single setting so there is no chance of non-alignment of the outer and inner features. The PCPro technique manufactures a prototype in just 6 steps, while the vacuum method takes 15 steps. A potentially major application of PCPro is to make housings for cell phones and similar electronic products; this is because of the technique’s ability to deliver flawless, close tolerance free-form surfaces. This machine, which was designed and patented by Fraunhofer, is a machine that is a blend of a casting and milling machine. However it has to be said that highly complex features are difficult to manufacture by this method.

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How To Resolve Those Troublesome Wireless Internet Problems

After hours and hours spent reading every box in electronic departments of all the stores in town, you chose what you thought was the perfect wireless internet kit.  So after all your research, Why is your internet still not working?  Try not to stress, many wireless internet problems exist out there, but they are easy to solve.  This is good to know.  Surfing the world wide web is just a few clicks away.                                                                                              
The Right Hardware to Help With Your Wireless Internet Problems

Choosing your hardware carefully will minimize your wireless internet problems.  One of the first things you will be purchasing is a wireless router and a wireless network card.  Be sure these two items are compatible.  Remember the same brand names on products do not mean they will work together.  Read the box carefully, never guess, wireless internet problems can be avoided when installing if your hardware is compatible.If you have any inquiries, a clerk will be glad to answer any them for you.  Always check the return policy of the shop,if you are not 100 per cent confident in them shop some where else.   If in any doubt do get in touch with the manufacturerof the hardware to check on the compatibility before you start installation.  Yes, it is a lot of effort but this will save hours of stress in finding solutions to your wireless internet problems.If it is a hardware problem,it is unlikely it will ever work.              

Company Updates for Wireless Internet Problems

At the offset to troubleshooting any electrical problem, including your wireless internet problem, is to check to make sure everything is correctly plugged-in.  Making sure all connections are tight and in the right sockets.  After this is done, you will need to check the indicator lights.   Watch for several minutes to see if there is any interruption in the lights, flickering lights can mean loss of your connections, this will make it impossible to enjoy a wireless internet experience.  Turn everything off then try turning on again.  Hopefully by simply rebooting the system this will fix your wireless internet problem.  If the lights continue to flicker, you will need to look for other answers.  One of the other things to check if your wireless internet problem continues is the router.  Firmware is built into them and often needs updating.  Try calling the manufacturers helpline and talk to a certified technician about the firmware updates and where to download them, this will often go some way to solving your wireless internet problems.  You usually can find instructions for a hard-wired internet connection on the manufacturers websites.  Every three months it is advisable to check for updates for your router’s firmware.This is one of the easiest wireless internet problem to solve.

The Modem Can Cause Wireless internet Problems

Even  when equipment is supplied by an internet contractor it can malfunction.  Don't get paranoid often equipment is faulty when it is new.  Most of us have experienced this problem with computer technology.  After trying everything in this article and you are still having wireless internet problems, the final step is to check with  your internet service provider.  On their end, they can check your modem connections.  They can give you an answer within minutes.  If the problem is the modem, they will replace it no questions asked.  Wireless internet problems are something internet providers deal with daily and they are willing to help you as it ensures that they keep your business.

DIY Rapid Prototyping Information

Rapid Prototype

Several DIY Prototyping techniques have come up off late. Making a 3D printer at home can prove to be quite cost-effective. The other names for such sort of prototyping are fabbing, three-dimensional printing, reprapping, and fabrication. RepRap is one such 3D printer. Let its making be studied in detail.

RepRap: RepRap is the abbreviation for Replicating Rapid-prototype. In other words, it can be said to be a Practical Self-copying Printer. RepRap would make metal, ceramic, and plastic parts. It’s itself made up of plastic. You will want to make multiple copies of the same item so you can see why this would be done. The final product can be described as a 3-axis robot moving numerous material extruders. Fine filaments are produced by these extruders. The filaments are made up of their own working materials. This process has a paste-like consistency.

If one intends making plastic cones, Prototyping would make use of the plastic extruder for laying down a 0.5 mm quickly hardening filament made from molten plastic for drawing the filled-in disc. The Plastic Intrusion Head would then be raised and the layer following that would be drawn, exactly on the top of 1st. This process keeps on repeating till the complete cone is formed. If making an Inverted Cone is on the agenda, the same procedure is followed. The only difference would be laying down the support material beneath the parts that are overhanging. The removal of support would take place after the completion of cone. Intermixture of conductors with plastic is allowed. This can help in the formation of circuits.

The process described above is known as Rapid Prototyping . These machines, though useful, are not very much prevalent. The software of the above process is believed to work on all the computer platforms, that too, free of cost.

Fabr: The Fabr makes use of parts which are commonly available. The other advantages include requirement of minimal fabrication of parts, high accuracy and availability of enough power for not only plastic, but also wood or metal.

The key components of Fabr include 80X20 extruded aluminium, fasteners and bars, drive and anti-backlash nuts, couplers, bearings, aluminium bars, screws, pulleys, timing belts, and ‘A Custom Stepper Motor Controller Board’. The learners are advised to use an Allegro 3967 Micro stepping Stepper Motor Controller. The board contains three drivers, and connectors to have end stops.

DIY 3D printer made from pure sugar: The objectives behind making the above-stated DIY 3D printer are cost-effective design using recycled components, huge printable volume emphasizing over better resolution, and ability of using low-cost print media inclusive of granulated sugar. The process of printing starts with the bed of granular print media which has low melting point. The printing media is fused selectively with a directed, narrow, low-velocity beam. This beam consists of hot air. The bed is then lowered by a diminutive amount. The bed’s top portion is then bombarded with a flat thin layer (of media). By this process, a 2D object is formed. If this process is repeated, 3D object is formed.

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Rotocast, 3D CAD, 3D Printing, and other Rapid Prototype Services

prototyping

Since Rapid Prototyping came into being, many businesses provided with the service of prototype development. Earlier, such companies were known as service bureaus and they allowed the users to access the unproven and expensive technology. In the early period of rapid prototyping, these service bureaus provided with advantages of Prototyping development minus the soaring upfront expenses and major risks of applying a new technology that was relatively unverified and hovering on the brink of rapid obsolescence. In the beginning, the service bureaus provided file conversions for narrowing the operational gap amidst 2D data and 3D CAD models. Due to this, the large companies that had not yet transitioned to solid modeling were benefited greatly.  

As the technology of rapid prototyping progressed, most of the service bureaus have undergone role modifications and they promise to deliver greater advantages beyond initial expense reduction and ownership risk. There are several companies worldwide offering the rapid prototyping services.

Advantages of Rapid Prototype Services: The advantages of rapid prototyping services are by far many. The rapid prototyping services provide advanced rapid prototyping technologies. The product development phase is what you want to get faster at so that you can get the product to market faster and have a competitive edge. The rapid prototyping services allow the users and producers to achieve the designing and prototyping goals. The innovative product idea can be successfully realized into actual product of high quality with the help of rapid prototyping services. The rapid prototyping services deliver the finished product beginning from the product idea, conceptualization and prototype development. You can save money and time as well, as rapid prototyping allows the production on low volume basis directly from the designing data.

Rapid Prototyping Services: The various types of rapid prototyping services include technologies like stereolithography prototype, polyjet 3D printing, selective laser sintering, rapid tooling, 3D CAD modeling, RTV molding, RotoCAST, machined castings, urethane castings, injection molding, high temperature castings, rapid prototyping machines, investment casting, electroplating, functional  prototype development, 3D modeling and development of patterns and models.

The rapid prototyping service provider will develop prototypes as per the required specifications of the manufactures. What you will get is a prototype development, prototype assemblies, and of course materials and components. The various materials utilized in the process of rapid prototyping are plastics, metals and elastomers. The product development process is accelerated with supply of quick, robust and accurate prototypes by the rapid prototyping services.

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Selective Laser Sintering and SLS Information

Rapid Prototyping

Prototyping or SLS is said to be a free-form manufacturing technology which is developed by 3D systems. SLS is a method of layered manufacturing which creates a solid 3D object by blending powdered substances along with carbon dioxide. In other words SLS is one of the famous mechanisms of Rapid Prototyping in which a laser beam carefully sinters or fuses the powdered substances such as elastomer, nylon etc. A thin layer of that powdered substances is being laid down and the laser sketches on the layer sintering together the elements hit by the laser. SLS can provide a persons manufacturing company with most important perimeter by producing metal or rapid plastic prototyping which narrowly matches their molded complements.  
    
Stereolithography V/S Selective Laser Sintering: One of the foremost benefits of Selective Laser Sintering over Stereolithography is that it constructs prototypes in powered materials such as nylon etc. It is likely to create structurally useful parts like functioning springs, living hinges and snap fit components along with nylon substances by utilizing Selective Laser Sintering. This procedure is actually very easy as there is no need of tooling or molding involved. SLA nylon substances can be tapped, drilled, and machines just like the nylon substances in SLS. These substances are fragile as they are curved with Ultra Violet light and created with liquid photopolymers.  
 
Since it has been introduced by DR Carl Deckard in the year 1989, this SLS technology has become one of the most recognized and utilized procedures for product development and rapid prototyping in most of the manufacturing industries. Selective Laser Sintering technology has also become one of the most trusted and reliable forms of rapid prototyping due to its structural importance. SLS is generally helpful when a particular design has to be customized or is complex and requires being short run or functional production. 

Procedure: In the procedure of Prototyping or Selective Laser Sintering, three dimensional parts are formed when an infrared laser beam fuses or sinters powdered substances. The ultimate object is being formed by continually sintering or fusing those thin layers by utilizing the infrared laser beam. This particular procedure is also known as additive manufacturing, creating parts which regularly enhances in size until it reaches the arranged size. These rapid prototypes are formed directly from the STL file acquired from three dimensional CAD models.

One of the most important features of Selective Laser Sintering is how functional and durable the substances are. These substances normally include versions of new DuraForm glass-filled, which is a nylon based substance that creates functional and highly durable plastic prototypes. SLS has many other substances available to it such as LaserForm, Flex Plastic, and even rubber like parts.    

Benefits: Lots of development and research has taken place in order to help make progress towards bringing some of the new SLS substances to the manufacturing market. Whats nice about thses substances is that after they are created, they need no post processing methods so you get another advantage over SLA. However, this does not mean that these substances cannot be developed. Whats nice about these SLS substances is that they allc an be completed in many different methods. They can be machined, painted, tapped, drilled and even plated. This allows for a superior grade of manifestation to these substances therefore giving the users a limitless potential to utilize these substances.

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3D Scanner, 3D Scanning, and 3D Scanners along with technology for 3D Scanners

Prototyping Design

Prototyping can be defined as the process wherein a device’s, object’s, or system’s technological principles are discovered by analyzing its operation, function, and structure. It often refers to detaching something, say- a software program, electronic equipment, or mechanical device and carrying out the analysis of its workability in detail. This is done in order to manufacture a new program or device which performs the same function without doubling anything from original.

Motivation: Reasons behind the emergence of reverse engineering include interoperability, lost documentation which means loss or non-existence of documentation of the concerned device, product analysis, security auditing, exclusion of protection of copy, circumvention of restrictions regarding access, and fraud.

Prototyping of ‘mechanical devices’ : With the ever-increasing popularity of CAD, ‘reverse engineering’ has proven to be a blessing for creation of ‘3D virtual model’ of the on hand physical part to be used in 3D CAE, CAM, CAD and many other soft wares. The measuring of physical object can be done by making use of ‘#D scanning technologies’ such as computed tomography, ‘structured light digitizers’, laser scanners, and CMMs. The data that is measured usually gets represented as ‘point cloud’. It is devoid of topological information. That’s why, the processing and modelling takes place into usable format like a ‘triangular faced mesh’, CAD model, or a collection of surfaces of NURBS. Applications such as Polyworks, Image ware, Geomagic, or Rapidform are used for processing the ‘point clouds’ into the formats that can be used in applications like 3D CAE, CAM, CAD or visualization.

Rapid Prototyping of ‘software’  : The term ‘reverse engineering’ differs from person to person when applied in terms of software. Reverse engineering is a bit complicated but simply it is the process that involved looking at the subject system in order to create its representation at the higher level. This level might be called the ‘level of abstraction’. As far as software is concerned, reverse engineering can be described as an examination process only. Sometimes you may think there are modifications needed on software but in reality there is not. The use of ‘software anti-tamper technology’ takes place in order to deter reengineering and reverse engineering of the software-powered systems and proprietary software.

Two major reverse engineering types exist in the present scenario. In the first type, source code is available, but program’s greater level aspects are poorly documented or invalidated. If you look at the second type, you will not find a source code. Any efforts made in this direction would be termed as ‘reverse engineering’. The 2nd use is that which majority of people know. ‘Reverse Engineering of software’ is implied at making use of ‘clean room design’ technique for avoiding infringing copyrights. In today’s world, around 95% of reverse engineering consists of ‘reverse engineering of software’.

On the other hand, ‘black box testing’ in ‘software engineering’ has many similarities to reverse engineering. The tester normally possesses the API. However, their main goal is to locate undocumented features and bugs by smashing the products from the outside. This process is used for customizing the embedded systems as well. 

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Rapid Manufacturing, Additive Fabrication, and Rapid Prototyping

3D Rapid Prototyping

Prototyping can be defined as an assortment of techniques of making solid objects through the chronological delivery of material and/or energy to specific points in the space for production of that solid. Additive fabrication is also known as solid freeform fabrication, layered manufacturing, rapid manufacturing, and rapid prototyping.

Techniques: Additive fabrication is carried out using a number of techniques. Let some of them be studied in detail.

‘Electron Beam Melting’: EBM (Electronic Beam Melting) can be described as the ‘rapid prototyping’ for metals. It is better known as Rapid Prototyping method. The parts are manufactured by having the metal powder melted layer by layer through a beam of electron in high vacuum. The parts that are produced during this process have plenty of solidity, are void-free, and acquire strength. The electrons have a very high speed; around 5 to 8 times the light speed. The bombardment of these electrons takes place on the work material’s surface. This generates heat which is enough for melting the part’s surface and causing it to vaporize locally. Vacuum is required for the operation of EBM. This means that the size of work piece is directly proportional to vacuum used. You will find that this technique works not only on metals but also on composites, ceramics, and non-metals.

Fused Deposition Modeling: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) can be described as a kind of rapid manufacturing (RP) or rapid prototyping technology which is generally used in engineering design. S.Scott Crump had founded this technology in 1980s. It caught the commercial market in 1990. Like most of the RP processes, the principle of working of FDM is the ‘additive principle’. It states that the material has to be laid down in layers. The metal wire or plastic filament is then unwound and material is supplied through it to the extrusion nozzle that can turn off and on the flow.

The nozzle’ then is heated for melting the material. It could be moved in vertical and horizontal directions with the help of a mechanism which is numerically controlled. This numerical control is obtained through ‘Computer Aided Design’ software package. Like stereo lithography, the building of the model takes place from layers. This happens because the material starts hardening after getting extruded from nozzle.

Numerous materials are offered with diverse trade-offs between temperature and strength. One can use the Additive Fabrication with polycaprolactone, polycarbonates, polyphenylsulfones, and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Temporary supports can be made by using a ‘water-soluble’ material. These supports are needed and need to be kept as the manufacturing is still going on. The commercial applications include making prototypes of servo or stepper motors.

‘Selective Laser Sintering’: Selective Laser Sintering can be defined as an additive type of rapid manufacturing wherein a ‘high power laser’ (like carbon dioxide laser) is used for fusing tiny particles of ceramic, metal, or plastic powders into mass representing the desired three-dimensional object. In comparison to other methods of rapid manufacturing, ‘selective laser sintering’ has the capacity of producing parts from several powder materials available. They include polymers (polystyrene and nylon), metals (composites, alloy mixtures, titanium, steel), and not to forget- green sand. This physical process could be liquid-phase sintering, partial melting, or full melting. 

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3D Printer and 3D Prints and 3D Printing Technologies

Prototyping

Prototyping can be referred to as method of getting virtual 3D model printed onto a 2D object. Prototyping falls in the category of ‘rapid prototyping’ technology. The function typically performed by 3D printers is that of printing consecutive layers on the previous ones for building up a 3D object. It is easier, more affordable, and faster to use 3D printers as compared to other technologies related to additive fabrication.

Technologies: Initially, production of a prototype required a lot of man-hours, tools, and experienced labor. For instance, after designing a novel Street Light Luminaire digitally, drawings used to be sent to accomplished craftsmen where the paper design used to be followed with utmost pains and a Rapid Prototyping used to be formed in wood through the utilization of the entire shop that is full of costly tools and working machinery. One can easily make out that this process consumed a lot of time. Moreover, the skillful labor was not all that cheap. These shortcomings necessitated the need of rapid prototyping.

3D printing has a variation called Inkjet Printing System. It involves binding of fine powder layers (resins, cornstarch, or plaster) by the way of printing a gum from inkjet print head as per the shape of every cross-section as spotted by the CAD file. This is the only technology allowing full color prototypes to be printed. The school of thought is that this is the quickest method.

Alternately, liquids are fed by these machines. Photopolymer is one of such kind. These machines make use of UV (ultraviolet) flood lamp. It is mounted in print head for curing each layer on its deposition. FDM (Fused deposition modeling) makes use of nozzle for depositing molten polymer layer by layer, on the support structure. The other approach is Selective Fusing of Print Media in the granular bed. Here, the media that has been unfused supports thin walls and overhangs in the piece which is being produced, thereby reducing need for temporary auxiliary supports for the work piece.

Ultimately, 3D Micro fabrication technique having a photo polymerization of 2-photons might be used to make ultra small features. Here, the preferred 3D object gets traced out by a completely focused laser in a gel block. The curing of gel into a solid takes place only in places where laser had been focused, owing to photo excitation’s non-linear nature. The gel that is left out gets washed away.

Resolution: Resolution is measured in terms of layer thickness. The X-Y resolution is given in dpi. 100 microns is the characteristic layer thickness. The X-Y resolution is compatible with laser printers. Diameter of the particles, i.e. 50-100 microns is about 3D dots.

Applications: Standard applications are inclusive of design visualization, metal casting, CAD/prototyping, architecture, geospatial, education, healthcare, retail/entertainment, etc. Off late, 3D printing technology is being used in artistic expressions. Its biotechnological applications include bio-printing, computer-aided Tissue engineering, and organ printing.

Self-replication: The main purpose behind using 3D printing technology is its ability to replicate itself. RepRap is one such printer. It has the ability to print plastic parts and circuit boards. It is believed to print metals in future.

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Discussion on the advances in 3D Printers

Prototype Development

In the Prototyping available in the market these days, generation of output takes place from programs of mapping which support 3D modelling programs or 3D CAD programs. Some companies have their own soft wares for PLY, VRML, and STK formats to allow 3D viewing, scaling and labeling of text, and fine-tuning preceding printing.

Working: All the Rapid Prototyping posses five basic process functions for creating a three-dimensional model.

First - A specialized powder is put onto the print surface.

Second - The powder is spread on print surface by a roller at a preset depth. This process takes just a few seconds for its completion.

Third - Color is applied to the powder’s initial layer by the Standard Inkjet Print Heads.

Fourth - The solidification of powdered layer takes place.

Fifth - The lowering of print surface for powder’s another layer is enabled.

This process goes on repeating till the completion of the whole 3D model occurs. Mixing the powder and the color of the ink is what you will see that allows a bond to form. The solidification occurs this way. So, if no printing is carried out at the specified layer or location, the powder retains its state, i.e. it does not get solidified. Once the printing process comes to a halt, the powder gets blown out, thereby leaving the output which is the reflection of the original model or drawing. Its the output and complexity that really determine the timeframe but you can estimate about 30 minutes. These 3D printers do a commendable job, especially when pre-production examples or working prototypes of the specified objects are seen on the computer monitor.

Self-replicating 3D printers: The ‘self-replicating rapid prototype’, better known as RepRap is believed to lessen the price of three-dimensional printers, thereby paving way for the future where spare parts and broken objects are just re-printed on a homely basis. There would also be a way out for creation of unique and novel objects.

At present, Prototyping of the above type cost around $25000. They are still to capture the domestic market. Some of the main industries that use this features are industries that are building parts for aircraft engines, hearing aids, and possibly spaceships.

Plummeting Prices: Adrian Bowyer has strongly believed the prices of self-replicating 3D printers to lower to around $500, as no cost other than that of raw materials would be involved. He has further stated that these machines would turn out to be more competent and build up new capabilities. The customer is really just waiting for the software guiding process of self-replication to become available and then its almost a free service to the customer. This has also been said by Adrian Bowyer.

Tepid Metal: Circuits are normally built by 3D printers by carrying out the fusion of powdered metal and laser. However, the self-replicating 3D printers are aimed at use of metallic alloy of cadmium, tin, lead, and bismuth that have a low-melting point and squirting them to have the circuits formed from a syringe that is thoroughly heated. It’s not compulsory for the machine to be capable to assemble itself. Just production of all those parts that are very necessary excluding the lubricating grease and microprocessors is required.

 
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Flexible Manufacturing, Rapid Manufacturing, and Direct Manufacturing along with techniques for Rapid Manufacturing

Rapid Manufacturing

Rapid Manufacturing can be described as an ‘Additive Fabrication Technique’ to manufacture solid objects through the chronological delivery of material and/or energy to precise points in the space for producing that part. At present, the practice of controlling the process of manufacturing with the help of computer by making use of mathematical model that has been created through the computer’s aid is being followed. Rapid manufacturing, if done with the help of Parallel Batch Production is capable of providing a huge advantage in terms of cost and speed in comparison with alternative techniques of manufacturing like die casting or Plastic Injection Molding.

Origin: Prototyping process was first demonstrated at The AUTO FACT show. The venue was Detroit, MI. The year was 1987. This creation is attributed to 3D Systems Company. The technologies available now are inclusive of processes such as Laminated Object Manufacturing, Shape Deposition Manufacturing, and Selective Laser Sintering. 

The present scenario: Rapid Prototyping might involve replacement parts, custom parts, series production, or Short Run Production. This process can be referred to as Rapid Prototyping only if the use of the part is for development. Rapid Manufacturing carried out for big products with Layer-based Manufacturing from composite materials, plastics, or metals is widely used for numerous industrial applications pertaining to aerospace (Boeing) and military (MPH-Optomec) sectors. Micro system applications and small products are well known in medicines, sensor technologies (micro TEC), and diagnostics. Batch production regarding tiny parts by techniques of rapid manufacturing like RMPD give vent to advantages related to time and cost.

Now days, collectibles, consumer products, orthodontics, dentistry, jewelry, motor sports, and automotives are being experimented with rapid manufacturing. Amazing results are expected in future. The world economy is becoming competitive day by day. As customer demands have increase, manufacturers everywhere are tyring to deliver customized products faster than ever before. A late delivery or development might could mean failure of business. Rapid manufacturing has been devised with the objective of shortening the production cycle and design, and promising to revolutionize the age-old manufacturing procedures.

The initial process: Before starting with the construction of product, a prototype or sample is required quite often as a portion of design cycle, for allowing evaluation, testing, or demonstration of proposed product. This process is iterative, as a chain of prototypes gets built up. Various options can be tested when you are using these prototypes.

Rapid Manufacturing is also inclusive of rapid application of tools needed for production on a large scale, like jigs, dies, and specially shaped molds. Several Layer manufacturing Processes are being developed now, by making use of a wide range of materials. These parts are extremely durable and have proved to be strong as well. The size has also been increasing. Due to all these successes, layer manufacturing is the most sought after technique for fabricating the parts for functional prototypes as well as production tools. Rapid Tooling is where you apply layer manufacturing for making components that are used in production. It is being applied to investment casting, injection molding, and many processes related to mold casting.

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What is Prototype Design and How does Prototype Development Work

Prototyping

Designing and Rapid Prototyping have revolutionized the manufacturing processes in all industries nearly. There is not a single industry or process that is untouched by the technology of designing and prototyping.

Designing: Just as the name states, this is when you design a product before its in production. Designing will help you to innovate, change, modify and invent. Designing involves the process of idea generation, conceptualizing and actual design development.

Prototyping: Prototyping is a process in which a working model or prototype is developed for the purpose of testing the various design aspects like features, ideas, viability, functionality, output and performance. The prototyping will help in getting a quick user feedback. Prototyping is considered to be an essential element of the process of system designing.

Designing and Rapid Prototyping go hand in hand, as both are complementary. In prototyping, new prototypes are developed on the basis of the performance of earlier designs. The deficiencies or problems in the previous designs can be detected and corrected. The prototype is redesigned after refinement and successfully meets the designing goals like functionality, manufacturability, performance and robustness. After this, the product can be readily produced.

Benefits of Designing and Rapid Prototyping : The scope of designing and prototyping is unlimited. Both have applications in all types of industries like CAD, CAM, automotive industry, workshops, fashion designing and innovative products and so on. With designing, you are able to create digital data in the form of 3D images and this digital data can be transformed into actual physical object by way of prototyping. You can visualize about how the final product will look. Its nice to have rapid prototyping because it really is an easy way to bring your ideas and inventions to life.

You may be toying with many innovative product ideas in your mind and you wish to convert them into realities. You can successfully develop your new invention from an idea to actual manufactured product with designing and prototyping. You can test your product by testing its commercial viability. You can have an open communication with the user regarding the expectations of the product and its performance. This will give you a fair idea regarding the designing and prototyping.

Appropriate Designing and Prototyping: If you want your invention or innovative product to be successful, then it needs to have a good design and there have to more additives than a plain good idea. The design should be such that it reduces the manufacturing costs. The design must have excellent functionality and it should be attractive as well along with the benefit of maximized durability. The designing and prototyping should work together to maximize the chances of success.

The best approach for an appropriate designing and prototyping plan, would be to design and create an eye-catching and working prototype along with good packaging. Necessary legal protection should be obtained. Engineering drawings should be produced and pricing data for manufacturing process should be generated. All the production facilities of the factory should be lined up. Take feedback from the end users and buyers and you will get an idea of the demand for your product. With this particular prototyping plan you will be set up to succeed rather than fail.

 
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Learn about Global Prototyping

3D Rapid Prototyping

Global Sources Group: There are very few companies dealing with Rapid Prototyping overseas. One of them is Global Sources Group. It can boast of offering overseas rapid manufacturing. Today’s fast world speaks of competition. The US is no exception. In has been dominate throughout the globe since really the last cenury. This has led to the emergence of Global Sources Group. The customer would always feel obliged by seeking the services of Global Sources Group, as this would result in substantial increase in his productivity and profit. This company is associated with factories across Vietnam and China. Thus, the required competitive edge that is needed in market of today is ensured.

Global Sources Group has the ability of designing the Rapid Prototyping within 10 days. Not only that, the patent of the new product acquired can be obtained within 4 weeks. Here, time is equated with money. In reality, you would airfreight the products over seas so you still get fast productivity and overseas has very high quality factories. This would thus take the client to the subsequent level.

Global Sources Group assists companies in Prototyping , right from design to manufacture. It specializes in manufacturing and ‘Art to Part Design’. You will find that this company has over 20 years of experience.

Delcam: Another company dealing with rapid prototyping overseas is Delcam. This company was established in 1968, when 3D modelling was not even talked of. 2D drawing was prevalent. Ford was really the first company that helped bring rapid prototyping into the 1980's. The process can be described as follows: Rapid Prototyping can be made effective if a good quality STL FILE is used. It is independent of composition. STL file, having property of water tightness can be exported by Power SHAPE. The errors can be automatically detected and repaired by a set of ‘wizards’. It provides the customer with total control over the creation of mesh. The intuitive, fast model from PowerSHAPE carries out the repairing of tools. This means that if the surfaces of original model of CAD are damaged or missing, the work won’t be stopped, i.e. the customer can easily carry out the fixation of model and go on with his work.

CopyCAD, Delcam’s software for reverse engineering, possesses comprehensive tools to repair and modify the STL models on an interactive basis. This enables the process chain to continue in an unbroken manner even if there is no CAD model to start with. Power MILL, Delcam’s absolute machining solution has the capacity of producing accurate tool paths. They can be built upto five axis-simultaneous, directly from the STL models. What is nice about this is that you will find that the manufacturing process wll become more flexible.

Delcam’s software is being tried and examined with majority of general Rapid Prototyping Systems, to produce both, prototype tooling and form-and-fit testing parts. Its constant involvement in projects of Europe like HiperMoulding and CARP ensures that the customer is guaranteed of results of high quality irrespective of the type of Rapid Prototyping System used. Delcam has been into news in terms of rapid prototyping for quite some time now.

 
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Invention Prototypes and the process of Invention Prototypes

Prototypes

Prototyping cannot be ignored because they sought to prove the concept of the inventor to potential customers, suppliers, and investors-and most importantly, to the inventor himself. This opinion has been shared by a majority of the experts in the field. The idea behind creating a prototype is the accomplishment of a lot from the point of view of creativity, that too without having to put on so much of money in the idea of product or going for its commitment early on.

Construction of an ‘invention prototype’ at the appropriate time: It’s essential to construct an ‘invention prototype’ much before buying the tooling for building the product or seeking contract manufacturers. Even before computer drawings are made you will find that people may want to do a prototype first. He is likely to burn up loads of cash on ‘engineering drawings’ when possibly what he needs 1st is the papier-mache clearly showing him what is being tried by him. If that is the case, he is advised to revert to computer-aided drawings. Assessing the proper time for prototype is not all that tough. It just requires a proof of workability of the product invented by the concerned person.

The proper Prototyping for proper audience: An ‘invention prototype’ should be aimed towards the proper audience for doing its job. It means that the tailoring should be done in such a way that the requirements of the customers get fulfilled much to their satisfaction. Not only that, the prototype should be able to bear the critics of potential partners, investors, suppliers, and customers. This is a very important point: real appraisals should be done and friendly appraisals are not what you want to happen. The more slicker looking and operable the prototype, the ‘better’. The praises feel good sometimes but you don't want to get carried away with these praises. It’s better to spend less on this production, as there would be many other places for spending the start up capital.

Let >1 prototype be made

If the overheads are not very much, let the Prototyping be made into multiple versions. The designs will most likely be improved upon in the next few times. Due to this, the latest product arrived at would fetch more money owing to its modern and sharp design. Two different prototypes can be created at one time and some people like to do this. The first one would be meant for ‘show’ and the second one for ‘go’, i.e. the 1st one could be made to look like the end product and the 2nd one for demonstrating the functionality.

For instance- Battery Buddy had a ‘looks-like’ and ‘works-like’ prototype. The 1st one was created at ‘University of Michigan’. A box was fashioned to proper exterior dimensions as per the engineering drawings. It was painted with fancy, fine graphics. This version could fit on around 90% of vehicles in market. The 2nd one consisted of a plastic box. It was grey-colored and around 4 times bigger than actual Battery Buddy. Finishing was not the issue then. The workability had to be checked; and it happened! Hence, the two versions made the task simpler from the buyer’s as well as seller’s point of view. 

 
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Prototype Disadvantages and Rapid Prototyping Disadvantages

Prototyping

Prototyping is a process wherein a working model or prototype is developed for the purpose of testing the various product features like design, ideas, features, functionality, performance and output. This process of development of working model is quite quick. You get a lot of feedback early in the process when you use a prototype. Rapid prototyping is, generally, a significant and essential part of the system designing process and it is believed to decrease the project cost and risk.

The prototype that is developed by the process of rapid prototyping is based on the performance of earlier designs. Hence, it is possible to correct the defects or problems in the design by taking corrective measures. The product can only be produced when the prototype is carefully checked over and looked at to be sure it meets all of the final design requirements. There are many advantages of rapid prototyping.

Rapid Prototyping –Advantages in brief: Rapid prototyping has manifold advantages. It can provide with concept proof that would be required for attracting funds. The prototype gives the user a fair idea about the final look of the product. Rapid prototyping can enhance the early visibility. It is easier to find the design flaws in the early developmental stages. Rapid prototyping becomes successful when the user and producer can have the most contact as possible. When you see the developmental costs being reduced, you can see how rapid prototyping starts to become a cost effective method. The user can get a higher output.

The deficiencies in the earlier prototypes can be detected and rectified in time. The speed of  system development is increased. It is possible to get immediate feedback from the user. There is better communication between the user and designer as the requirement sand expectations are expressed in the beginning itself. High quality product is easily delivered by way of rapid prototyping. Invention Prototype enables development time and costs. There are many innovative ways in which rapid prototyping can be used.

Despite all these benefits, there are many people who believe that there are many disadvantages of rapid prototyping.

Disadvantages of Invention Prototype : Some people are of the opinion that rapid prototyping is not effective because, in actual, it fails in replication of the real product or system. It could so happen that some important developmental steps could be omitted to get a quick and cheap working model. This can be one of the greatest disadvantages of rapid prototyping. Another disadvantage of rapid prototyping is one in which many problems are overlooked resulting in endless rectifications and revisions. Another drawback of rapid prototyping is that if you have a large scale application rapid prototyping may not be the best solution.

The user may have very high expectations about the prototype’s performance and the designer is unable to deliver these. The system could be left unfinished due to various reasons or the system may be implemented before it is completely ready. The producer may produce an inadequate system that is unable to meet the overall demands of the organization. Too much involvement of the user might hamper the optimization of the program. The producer may be too attached to the program of rapid prototyping, thus it may lead to legal involvement.

The cost reduction benefit of rapid prototyping also seems to be debatable, as sufficient details regarding the calculation basis and assumptions are not substantial.

 
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Prototyping Advantages and Prototype Manufacturing Information

Prototype

Invention Prototype is a process of software development wherein physical objects are automatically constructed by means of SFF or solid freeform fabrication. In the process of rapid prototyping, a prototype or working model can be constructed quickly, and tested for its functionality, performance and output. The new features or ideas can be illustrated well in the prototype and early user feedback can be gathered with regards to the product. There are numerous advantages of rapid prototyping.

Benefits of Invention Prototype : Significant advantages of rapid prototyping include reduction of project cost and risk. Generally, one or more prototypes are developed in the process of software development in a series of incremental and iterative steps. Every prototype that is manufactured is based on the previous designs’ performance and it is a corrective process through which the past design defects or problems are corrected. The product is readied for production when the prototype is refined as per requirements and meets all the design goals like manufacturability, robustness and functionality.

Another great advantage of rapid prototyping is that it finds use and application in almost all the industries. The other advantages of rapid prototyping include the following.

Visualization capabilities are enhanced in the early designing phase with use of Rapid Prototyping . The user gets a fair idea of how the final product will look by observing the working model in early design stage.
The design flaws can be detected before manufacture process is initiated. 
Active participation by all of the parties involved is one of the things that rapid prototyping enables. Active participation between the users and producer is encouraged.
The user is able to get a higher output.
The development costs are reduced considerably, hence rapid prototyping proves to be quite cost effective.
Rapid prototyping increases the speed of system development.
With rapid prototyping, it is possible to detect deficiencies in the earlier prototype, coding activities and requirement analysis.
Rapid prototyping assists in refining the potential risks that are involved in the delivery
The different aspects of the prototype can be tried and tested and immediate feedback is possible form user.
Better communication is enabled between the users and designer as there is clear expression of requirements and expectations in the start itself.
Rapid prototyping enables easy delivery of high quality product.

Cost and Time Savings: Savings of development time and process costs are some of the greatest advantages of rapid prototyping. Time can be saved by reducing the amount of time required to produce the prototype parts and tooling. Production costs are lowered as the mistakes regarding tooling are identified in the early stages and hence, the modification costs can be cut down in the actual production.

Advantage of Innovation: Rapid prototyping can be used in many innovative ways. There are many firms that use rapid prototyping innovatively, hence, offering additional benefits. The advantages of rapid prototyping in innovative applications are advancement of new testing procedures and analysis, production tooling manufacture, improved communications across production departments and support of customized manufacturing. The new technologies can be used in a cost effective and successful manner with innovative applications of rapid prototyping. 

 
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Learn abour the Difference between Prototyping and Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping

Prototyping can be defined as the process of constructing physical objects automatically by making use of ‘solid freeform fabrication’. The initial techniques regarding Rapid Prototyping came into being in late 1980s. They were then used for producing prototype parts and models. In today’s world, they are being used for much wider applications. For instance- manufacture of quality parts. This technology is used by certain sculptors for producing complex shapes in order to display them in ‘fine arts exhibitions’.

Origin: Prototyping has taken virtual designs through ‘animation modeling software’ or ‘computer aided design (CAD)’. Thereafter, transformation into virtual, thin, horizontal cross-sections takes place. Each cross-section then gets created in the physical space. This process goes on till the model gets completed. It is better known as WYSIWYG process. Let's understand this process in detail.

WYSIWYG: WYSIWYG as the abbreviation for ‘What You See Is What You Get’. It is used in ‘computing’ for describing a system wherein content looks similar to final product at the time of editing. It is generally used in word processors. However, this use is in the form of HTML (Web) authoring. The popularization of this phrase was carried out by the comedian ‘Flip Wilson’. His character ‘Geraldine’ used to say this very often to give an excuse against her idiosyncratic behavior.

This expression came to be applied later to computer-based applications as practicality in technology arrived. At times, it is phonetically spelt as ‘Wizzywig’ or ‘Wizywig’. It has also been used as a brand name for a ‘lighting design tool’ utilized in theatre industry to pre-visualize the shows and 3D CAD.

The process further : The additional fabrication causes the machine to read data from CAD drawing. After that, consecutive layers of powder, sheet material, or liquid are laid down. Likewise, a model gets built-up from a chain of cross-sections. Such layers, corresponding to CAD model’s virtual cross section, are then fused automatically or joined together for creating the ultimate shape. The basic advantage of additive fabrication goes to state that any geometric feature or shape can be created through this.

The CAD software and machines are interfaced by the ‘standard data interface’ in the ‘STL file format’. The function of STL file is approximating the shape of an assembly or a part by making use of triangular facets. Surfaces of higher quality are produced by smaller facets.

The word ‘rapid’ can be used relatively. The construction of models using present-day methods could take time ranging from a few hours to a few days. This depends on the technique used, along with the complexity and size of the model. The additive systems take less time. They can produce models within some hours. Some techniques such as ‘solid freedom fabrication’ make use of two materials for construction of parts. Your first material will be called part material and the next material is known as support material. The removal of support material takes place by heat. It might also be dissolved with water or any other solvent. When it comes to manufacture of plastic products, that too in large quantities, injection molding proves to be a cheaper alternative. 

 
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General CNC Information

CNC

Many experts say that a CNC Machine is one of the best tools a person can have whether they are doing woodworking or other types of work. This is a versatile tool that can make things a lot easier for the person using it.

CNC actually stands for computer numerical control and it is a machine that works through the use of a computer that reads a particular code called a G-Code to make certain parts. This computer does the work by cutting away materials that the code tells it to cut. The machine has certain parameters that it works within and these are determined by a software program.

Before CNC machines, there were NC machines which stands for numerically controlled and the problem with these were that you could not change their parameters that they worked within. As the popularity of these machines grew the CNC came into being but used the old NC styled hardware. Eventually the programs became more sophisticated and used floppy disks instead of punched tape to transfer the codes to the machine until it eventually evolved to what is in place today.

CNC machines were responsible for changing the manufacturing industry. These machines could produce curves, straight lines or complex structures in 3-D without much human interaction. In fact, the machining steps that were required for a human to do were reduced to just a few steps.

As these machines continued to improve and automation began to be instituted in the processes for manufacturing, the CNC machine again improved and decreased the error frequency while improving quality. This automation helped the operator's production overall. With the CNC automation it brought more flexibility to the way parts were held in the process of manufacturing and it reduced the time it took to change the machine in order to produce different types of components.

Today, there are a variety of uses for the DIY CNC machines and they are controlled through computer files that were created through CAM software packages. This enabled any part of the assembly process to go from design to manufacturing without a drafting plan created on paper.

CNC Machines also are something like a robot system because they can be programmed to do any kind of machine operation that has been programmed into them. They can also run 24 hours a day. If you are worried about a problem with the computer program there are systems out there now that will place a call when there's an issue.

Through the use of the software programming the CNC Information machine can cut curves, drill holes, tap, repeat the processes in a series --as an example a series of holes spaced so many spaces apart and it can support logical commands.
There are many different types of CNC machines including routers, wood routers, lathe machines, mill machines, plasma cutters and more. You have several options if you want one from buying one new to making one yourself; there are many plans on the Internet to show you how to build your own.

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Learn CNC Lathe Information and Basic Information

CNC

A CNC lathe is a machine that can spins material to do a variety of operations like sanding, drilling, cutting or sanding. Usually a lathe is used for more intricate cuts and
Because its easier to set up and easy to operate this is has replaced a lot of these multispindle lathes.

A CNC Lathe will use carbide tooling and is designed using a CAM process which creates a file that can be uploaded to the machine at a later time. The reason these are so popular is because you can set the machine once to do several pieces and it will continue to do them until you have programmed it to stop.

Each CNC lathe has a computer control that allows the machine to be controlled electronically, and this program can be modified to do a variety of things. When an operator runs a CNC Lathe they have to have a lot of skill to understand the programs and how the programs to do the work.

 You can work with wood when you use a CNC wood lathe or various metals depending on the project you are doing. The wood lathe can be used for wood but also for brass and
Aluminum. There are also metalworking CNC lathes or milling machines that cut metal. You can do tapered work with these, drill holes, and create screw threads and more with these lathes.

Some CNC lathes are portable and others are stationary. In many shops for people who do woodwork for a hobby you would find a lathe because it is capable of making a lot of different designs and intricate cuts for things like stair railings, trellis' or table legs.

The point of using a CNC lathe is to make a piece of material that is symmetrical and beautiful. This is done by placing the material in a machine and allowing that piece to be spun until it reaches the specification that was programmed into the computer. The cutting tools then move around it on the Z and X axis to cut away the material that isn't needed to make the piece.

The process that the CNC Turning does is called turning and it can do a variety of shapes when it goes through the full process. Many machines are used to create a plain surface to make contour shapes, to taper the ends of some pieces and it makes threaded surfaces. Another great thing is that if you want to you can turn metal and create a lot of different things or shapes. In some industries they use a CNC lathe to fabricate parts that may have a cross section that is to move in a circular motion.

Any material can be used as long as it will hold up during the turning process while the software program is continuing its revolutions.

CNC lathes are best used when you want to turn out several pieces of the same size and shape and where you don’t want a lot of decoration. Sometimes people think about all of the limitations of the machines but this machine will allow you to do just about anything your mind can concieve.

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Got A Slow Computer Or Laptop? Cure It Now With A Simple And Easy Fix

Technology never seems to stop racing ahead and before one product has even gone to market quite often it has been superseded by a newer faster model.

Consumers often go out and buy the latest and greatest computers, laptop and gadgets when they don't realy need to , or they simply haven't found the best way to make there existing device work better.

When it comes to the needs of the average computer user, Pc manufacturers often gloss over there real needs and pitch the new product in the wrong way.

A majority of computer users do not play games on their computers (they probably have a play station or a Wii), nor do they use massively processor hungry applications like computer aided design packages or finite element (fea) calculation packages.

Computer vendors would have us believe that we all need multi processor cores so we can multi task and have a finite number of applications running it the same time when in all fairness most users will never have more than three or four applications open at any on time.

One fact that is undeniable though is that when you go and buy your next Pc with all its raw computing power you will probably still need to by something extra to make it work efficiently within a short space of time.

A well rounded and efficient computer or laptop isn’t just about the processor speed, granted that does help but only up to a point, but your system does need to be in balance and, a majority are not.

What we are in reality talking about here of course is the system memory.

As Pc power increases programs get more complex, and as they get more complex they use more computer memory.

The more programs you install even if only working in the background i.e. virus software, music editing programs and other favorite utilities the greater the system memory will be used and so it goes on.

Simply put the more memory the programs have to access, the faster and more efficiently the Pc will work.

This is all well and good but the problem occurs when your computer runs out of memory and has to start using the hard drive as extended memory instead.

This is magnitudes slower performance wise than the system memory and will not stop your Pc from working but will certainly slow it down, sometimes to the point of almost stopping.

Computer memory upgrades are easily obtainable fortunately and something which you can do yourself. You can do an online computer memory scan to ensure and guarantee that the memory is indeed correct for your system and fit it yourself when it arrives a few days later if ordered on line.

To see how easy it is to install extra memory in your computer or laptop, simply visit the computer support and repair and watch the video.

Or you can contact you local computer repair professional who can also perform this inexpensive task if you have already purchased a new Pc or if your existing system is running slowly.

Basic Casting Information and Metal Casting

Metal Casting

Home Metal Casting is an ancient technique that has a variety of applications and purposes. Civilizations from the dawn of time to present day have used metal working as a way of creating artistic, religious, and practical items. Metal Casting is simply melting metal and turning it into a different shape, a shape or design that you created. The furnaces used in metal casting helped pave the way for the Industrial Revolution, without which the course of history would be dramatically different. Metal casting is just one form of metal working that has seen a recent surge in popularity as resources are becoming more affordable and communities are springing up to share information, ideas, and projects.

There are certain things you need in order to do metal casting and those are special equipment and a little knowledge and a lot of creavity. While metal casting is used on an Industrial level as the process cuts cost and proves to be highly efficient, many individuals participate in metal casting as a hobby and in artistic endeavors. Many people are drawn to metal casting for one reason or another, although there seems to be two main motivations that stand out. The first motivation that brings hobbyists to practice metal casting is need; people may need to create items or parts for other ventures. Metal casting is a great way to build hard to find pieces for models, restoration projects, and even just small replacement parts needed for common household items. The second motivation for using metal casting is using it as a way to create sculptures or other artistic endeavors.

Whatever the reason, small scale Metal Casting is attractive because that it can be done right at home, either in the backyard or workshop. Individuals working in metal casting are able to create home made tools and equipment like furnaces and molds. Metal casting is only limited by the individual’s desire, so for those with the time and the need, virtually anything is possible.

The actual casting process in DIY Metal Casting has several forms, the most popular being sand casting. Sand Casting uses a mold that you create and then pour metal into so you can make a certain shape. You want the metal to cool for a significant amount of time and then the mold can be removed. This type of casting proves to be the most economical, but other types of casting can provide fuller detail and higher quality results.

You need to be extremely careful when you are casting metal because of course you are working with metal at very high temperatures. The melting points of several metals are well above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, or 530 degrees Celsius. It is vital that anyone wanting to work with metal casting take all the proper precautions. Safety advice can range from simple  common sense such as "never look directly into a high powered flame" to more specific warnings such as "when molten metal contacts a nonporous surface with water it is liable to explode, splashing hot metal everywhere." The use of appropriate safety gear such as gloves and goggles is necessary as well.

With time, dedication, and some know how, anyone can practice the craft of metal casting. Metal Casting is a very enjoyable and rewarding craft but it does require a certain amount of education to get started.

Metal Casting ZOne is a new community website all about Home and DIY Metal Casting. Come by today and join the site for free and you get a free Metal Casting Basics EBook just for signing up! Visit today at MetalCastingZone.Com Today for your free Ebook on Metal Casting.

Figure out The Basics of Metal Casting

Metal Casting

Metal Casting is known and loved for the high temperatures, glowing molten metal, and the possibility to make nearly anything. Metal and their alloys are not the only things that can be used in casting. Casting in plastic, most notably resin casting, is becoming popular with artists and jewelers looking for something odd and unique.

Resin casting does not involve the use of furnaces, crucibles, or casting sand. In fact all one really needs for resin casting is a mold, some resin (of course), and time.

There are actually two forms of resin casting. The first kind is the one that more closely resembles metal casting, uses a mold and even gates and runners if it's complex enough. The second type of DIY Metal Casting is simply incasing an object in the resin. An example of this is using an ice cube tray and placing an object like a small pendant in one of the tray's cavities and then filling it with the resin solution. After the resin dries you can pop it out of the tray. The pendant is now encased in hard plastic. Sometimes you will see moms and other crafty individuals using this form because its fun for every age and experience. At the very least it's a great way to get rid of some of the clutter around your house and disguise it as art. Anything your brain can imagine can be cast in resin including coins and charms.

Resin casting using mold is generally used by those who work with models and miniatures. Resin casting is a great way to make several pieces at once so you can avoid shelling out money you may not have and waiting several weeks for delivery of your items. Who has that kind of time anymore?

Like DIY Metal Casting , resin casting will require you to build a mold. If you are fortunate enough then you can easily find pre-made molds, especially if you are working with miniatures. If you don't feel like buying these pre-made molds or just like doing things the hard way, then you will have to make the mold yourself. Don't worry, it's still fun.

You will need to find a molding box this will hold the rubber that will be used to make the actual mold until it dries. Many who work with smaller objects find that working with toy building blocks to create this molding block work extremely well and will provide added convenience. A wooden box will work as well, of course. The box, or flask, will not have a top or bottom, just the four walls. Place molding clay at the bottom of the flask and insert your original. Make sure to add a way for the resin plastic to enter the mold. This cup or funnel should be placed at the top of the mold. You are going to prepare the silicone rubber and catalyst which will be used to create the mold. Follow the instructions on the labels since each type will vary. A process called degassing can be used which will remove all the air bubbles from the rubber. This is a fun process involving a vacuum pump.

Slowly pour the rubber into the flask, covering the original. This can take up to a day to dry, so be patient. Remove the molding clay and repeat the process using the bottom part of the flask, or drag. Of your two parts that you now have, its the original that is in the middle. When dry, remove the mold from the box and very carefully split the mold to remove the original.

Place the mold back together and prepare the resin solution, follow the instructions to the letter. Where you place the cup is where you are going to what to pour the resin. The set time for the resin should be stated on the bottle, but for most it will take up to 30 minutes. When you are ready to see you can crack the mold and open it to remove the cast.

Resin casting can be a great family craft project but just make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines. This type of casting can still be dangerous even though you are not dealing with molten metals. Often times, the solutions and chemicals used in resin casting are poisonous if consumed. Not to mention that resin casting can be a bit smelly so working outside or in a well ventilated room is advisable.

Metal Casting ZOne is a new community website all about Home and DIY Metal Casting. Come by today and join the site for free and you get a free Metal Casting Basics EBook just for signing up! Come by MetalCastingZone.Com Today for your free Ebook on Metal Casting.