Cutting is a technique where the operator moves a material (workpiece) such as metal and the tool in relation to each other in order to shape the workpiece into the desired form through shaving, drilling, etc. Cutting can be broadly divided into two methods: rolling, where the workpiece is restrained while the tools turn, and turning, where the workpiece is turned instead.
Two methods of cutting
This section introduces milling as a typical example of rolling, and lathe processing as a typical example of turning, as well as the machine tools used for each process.
Milling is performed by rotating a cutting tool called a milling machine mounted on a spindle. Because the tool comes into contact with the secured workpiece intermittently for cutting, a wide variety of machining is possible, including cutting flat planes or curves into the workpiece surface, or boring or grooving the workpiece.
Different types of milling machines are available according to the orientation of the spindle: horizontal machines, vertical machines, and gantry machines, which feature a main body shaped like a gate. Using tools such as face mills, end mills, and slot cutters, these machines cut materials into the desired shape.
General-purpose milling involves the milling operation being performed by an operator. Moving the tool and workpiece in relation to each other, the operator determines and sets the cutting conditions, including the tool position and the feed, speed, and cut amounts. This manual method ensures a refined, high-quality finish.
NC milling involves milling under cutting conditions controlled by a computer. Before numerical control (NC), punch cards were used for milling program control. Today, computer numerical control (CNC) has become mainstream, and the term “NC milling” now often also includes CNC milling. The automated operation reduces the labor involved in the process, and enables more complex shapes to be cut through programmed control using 3D CAD or CAM software.
A machining center is a multi-functional NC machine that features multiple spindles with different tools mounted, including milling tools. Using a machining center makes it possible to serially combine linear and rotational motions for continuous cutting such as boring and curvature surfacing to create more complex shapes.
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Computerized NC gear cutting machines can cut teeth for gears of any shape, size, or purpose for use in daily life, from clocks to automobiles.
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In lathe processing, cutting is performed by pushing a rotating cylindrical workpiece against a cutting tool called a tool bit, which is attached to a spindle. Using a lathe, the periphery of a cylindrical workpiece can be made circular, tapered, drilled, bored to enlarge a hole, threaded, or parted by grooving.
Various lathe machining processes Round-nose cutting Drilling Parting
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With general-purpose lathe machines, the operator manually performs feed operations and exchanges tools. The workpiece is held in place by a holder called a chuck, and is rapidly rotated for cutting. With a tabletop bench lathe, small parts can be machined on a workbench.
Controlling the machining conditions of lathe processing using a computer makes it possible even for beginners to create products at a certain level of quality. Some models also support automatic changeover of multiple tools for improved work efficiency.
Cam-operated automatic lathes were conventionally used to manufacture same-shaped products from a long rod material―just like sliced hard candies. In recent years, however, cams have been replaced by programmed control in NC automatic lathes.
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Electronic cutting machines carve images out of vinyl, cardstock, iron-on transfers—some can even cut leather and wood. They’re powerful tools for all crafters, whether you DIY everything or you just want to make a few stickers. We’ve recommended Cricut craft cutters since 2017 because they do a lot, the software is easy to learn, the blade is precise, and Cricut’s image library is huge. The latest machine, the Cricut Explore 3 , is no exception.
The Maker 3 can slice through fabric and thicker materials without a fuss. And it has updatable software, so it should stay current for longer.
You’ll need more than just the machine to get started, so we prioritized machines that offer a variety of accessory bundles.
If you run into problems or can’t figure something out, you should be able to get help right when you need it or it’s unlikely you’ll never use the machine again.
Changing or replacing blades should be as easy, so we noted if blade swapping was hard or frustrating.
We found the Cricut Explore 3 to be intuitive for beginners because of its user-friendly software. The company offers a superior selection of images and ready-to-make projects, including greeting cards. And if you run into trouble, this company has better customer support than its competitors. Cricut offers great bundles, too, with discounts on accessories (like extra blades and spare cutting mats) that you’d otherwise need to buy separately. Also, if you ever want to upgrade to a newer machine, the Explore 3 has one of the higher established resale values.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe Cricut Maker 3 is just as easy for beginners to learn as the Cricut Explore 3. It’s also the quietest machine we tested, and it’s one of the only machines that can cut fabric without needing stiffeners, such as interfacing. Cricut’s design library contains thousands of images and projects, from small sewing patterns to paper crafts. And the machine’s software is updatable, so the Maker 3 may stay useful for longer than competing models. It costs about $100 more than the Explore 3 (at the time of writing), so we recommend buying the Maker 3 only if you craft a lot of small projects, you want to use heavy-duty materials, or you need an extra-quiet machine.
For more information, please visit Knife Cutting Machine.