Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is revolutionizing industries across the globe by providing high precision, efficiency, and complex geometrical abilities. This technology has significantly simplified processes such as sheet metal fabrication, welding and more. Today we will delve deeply into two well-known types of welding techniques utilized in CNC machining – TIG and MIG, alongside exploring chamfering and filleting processes commonly used in sheet metal fabrication.
CNC Machining and Welding: Tig Welder vs Mig
Welding serves a critical function in numerous manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace, construction, etc. Amongst the range of welding types available, the most frequently debater remains between Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding and Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding.
TIG Welding utilizes non-consumable tungsten electrodes to heat and meld metals together. It requires an abundant level of precision, making it ideal for intricate tasks that demand clean welds with no spatter or smoke generation. TIG welders can effectively work on materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, nickel alloys, bronze, brass, and even gold. However, the process is slower than other welding methods, requiring skilled operators.
Contrarily, MIG welding employs a consumable wire electrode and shielding gas fed through a welding gun to create the weld pool. The benefits include the speed of operation, ability to be performed continuously, minimal operator training needed, and adaptability on a wide variety of metals & their thicknesses. Yet, it might not deliver as much control on finer operations as TIG does.
In the end, your selection between TIG and MIG would primarily depend upon factors like material type, base metal thickness, degree of finesse needed, and workflow pace.
CNC Machining and Sheet Metal Fabrication: Chamfer vs Fillet
Sheet metal fabrication is a widely recognized process in CNC machining, wherein large sheets of various metals are shaped into parts through multiple stages like cutting, folding, and assembling. Two essential techniques utilized during this process are chamfering and filleting.
Chamfering refers to the technique where an edge or corner is beveled or cut off at 45° angle to eliminate sharp edges that could be harmful or obstruct assembly operations. This method creates more robust joints, improves aesthetics and enhances coating’s longevity by minimizing peeling possibilities along hard corners.
Fillet, on the other hand, involves rounding off interior or exterior corners for stress reduction purposes. Sharp corners may have high-stress concentrations when under load, making them vulnerable to damages. By using the fillet procedure in CNC machining, these areas’ strength gets significantly improved – enhancing overall product durability.
Both methods play integral roles in ensuring smooth finishing, safety, fitting facilitation and more during sheet metal fabrication. 
Final Thoughts
The advancements in CNC machining have streamlined complex manufacturing processes such as welding and sheet metal fabrication like never before. It provides unparalleled precision, versatility, and speed – rendering it invaluable across numerous production sectors globally. Whether you choose TIG over MIG welding or vice versa, or opt for chamfering instead of filleting will entirely depend upon your product specifications, the desired outcome, and efficiency requirements.
