CNC Machining at ARCC

What is CNC Machining? It is the computer-directed control of machines using programmable language to make a physical product. Almost universally used in high-grade industry today, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining is immensely useful as it allows designers to very quickly take an abstract intent, such as a design made using computer software, and turn into a physical part. Highly precise, CNC Machining removes the room for human error (crucial in certain industries), and supports many materials for manufacture, making it an extremely versatile and useful tool for designers.

Where did this process come from?

The first steps toward CNC are credited to James Parsons in 1949. An American computer pioneer working in the aerospace industry, Parsons was able to calculate the coordinates of a helicopter’s airfoil using an IBM 602A multiplier, which he then translated onto a punch card (these bits of paper contain digital data which can be interpreted by machines). The punch card was then used with a modified swiss jig borer paired with servomechanism, and the motors moved the borer’s controls to follow points as per the punch card’s data, making the part.

With the onset of the Cold War between the USA and Soviet Union, there was a growing demand for precision armaments, machines and consumer electronics, and so it was not long before Parson’s method was being developed on. By 1955, magnetic tape was being used in place of punch cards, which brought far more potential for commands for the machines. Soon after this the advent of digital technology in the ‘60s and ‘70s made possible Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - this dramatically accelerated the production of designs, as revisions and updates made prototyping and finished products even quicker. CAD was introduced experimentally in the early 1970s and, by the end of the ‘80s, Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) had become the industrial standard.

CNC Machining uses a universal language known as ‘G code’, which allows computers and machines to communicate information with each other, such as X, Y, Z axes points, tool speeds, etc. Previously only possible in 3 axes, CNC Machining has progressed to include 5, with two additional rotary axes allowing a part to be machined from any direction, giving almost endless possibilities for prototyping, production and tooling.

CNC Machining today is found in a range of industrial applications, from automotive, aerospace, military to consumer electronics, and is essential to the businesses that call ARCC Innovations home. From producing the pod for ARCC Bikes to creating the metal facia and feet of Node’s HYLIXA loudspeaker (both of which are CNC machined from solid billets of 5083 grade Alplan aluminium alloy). ARCC is proficient in CNC methods and has a team of certified engineers who are well experienced in the field.

If you have an exciting product or vision, and think that ARCC and its CNC Machining capabilities would be right for your business, then please submit your interest here (please note that not all businesses will be a perfect fit for ARCC).