Unraveling the world of Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) can be a complex task, especially when you are trying to understand specific processes like CNC turning or specialized products such as different types of rivets. This article seeks to simplify these concepts by discussing what they entail in an easy-to-understand manner.
Starting with CNC turning, this is a unique process employed within the bigger framework of CNC machining which involves the use of computers to control machine tools. These tools convert raw materials into finished products through drilling, boring, cutting, or producing screws at high speed and precision levels. The technology harnesses computer-programmed blueprints to instruct machine movements.
Among these various operations facilitated by CNC machining, we will focus on CNC turning – a manufacturing process where bars of material are held in a chuck and rotated while various toolings are applied to the workpiece, removing the material and shaping it into the desired part design. Items produced through this method include bolts, chess pieces, batons, shafts, among others.
One key benefit of CNC turning is its incredible accuracy. Because everything operates based on pre-set software codes, there’s little room for errors commonly caused by manual handling. Additionally, you enjoy significant cost savings due to less waste of raw materials since every cut made on your workpiece is precision-guided.
When dealing with CNC turned products, one that readily comes to mind is metal components used in equipment assembly, particularly rivets. With their broad range of applications from clothing to automobiles, aircraft, and structures, understanding the several categories of rivets may help specify the best choice for each application.
Rivets come in numerous shapes, sizes, and materials but we’ll narrow down six standard types for this piece:
1. Solid/ Round Head Rivets: Among the most frequently utilized, ideal where a secure and heavy-duty fastener is required.
2. Semi-tubular Rivets: Incorporated in applications demanding a lightweight yet strong attachment, their hollowed rear end allows easier deforming while setting them up.
3. Blind/ Pop Rivets: As the names suggest, they’re usable where you only have access to one side of the assembly material – “blind” situations.
4. Drive Rivets: Prevalent in woodwork and domestic appliances, these are inserted simply by being hammered into pre-drilled holes until flush with the surface.
5. Flush Rivets: Mostly adopted in aeroplanes due to their flat heads providing minimal air resistance maximising efficiency.
6. Friction-lock Rivets: These deploy a two-piece system involving a pin and sleeve for situations that demand supplementary strength.
To produce rivets, high precision CNC turning machines are employed; metal rods are fed into the device, which rotates rapidly against various cutting tools systematically shaped into desired rivet designs. Once critical parameters such as head size, shank diameter, or length are achieved, the newly-formed rivets are ejected, ready for cooling and later use.
In conclusion, understanding CNC turning’s intricacies and different types of rivets helps consumers make informed choices when choosing products and manufacturers optimize production processes. While this doesn’t represent the entire spectrum of what CNC machining can achieve or the full list of rivet types, it provides foundational knowledge towards comprehending future explorations on these subjects better.
