The abbreviation CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. This means that the machine is being controlled by a program (typically G-code), and not an operator.

CNC Laser Cutting

Falcon Precision have one of the very best fiber laser cutters on the market today. Fiber laser cutting has revolutionised CNC metal cutting in recent years, reducing cutting times whilst improving the cutting finish across thin gauge steel.

CNC Punching

CNC punching is the process of creating a hole or shape in metal by applying a high force through a tool and die, to shear or indent. This process is repeated using a variety of custom precision made tools to make a wide range of parts. Punching is often, the most efficient way of producing sheet metal parts, though this depends on part geometry and materials. CNC Punching is most efficient when it can be used for ‘forming’, often with custom tooling. Countersinks, bridges, louvres, dimples, indents, half shears and symbol marking are extremely cost effective with this method. To learn more on CNC punching sheet metal, see our post below that covers this topic in more depth.

CNC Milling

Falcon Precision have been milling aluminium, steel and an assortment of plastic for over 15 years. This is often the most versatile CNC metal cutting technique. Capable of machining tolerances of +/-0,05mm, our CNC milling machines are often used to give a high quality finish to products. Whether its machining fine connector details on a front panel, or machining heavy duty steel, Falcon can cover a huge range of requirements. See our post from earlier in 2019 that covers our two milling machines in greater detail.

To see how Falcon can help your company’s metal cutting requirements, click the link below to contact us directly.

The post CNC Metal Cutting appeared first on Falcon Precision Sheet metal work & Machining in Hampshire.

1) Minimum Bend Radius

The minimum bend radius of a part must be the same as the thickness of the material being formed. We can bend parts to a variety of radii but the minimum must be the same as the thickness of the material. Consider what is required for your design; using the minimum bend radius is considered standard for the industry but a larger radius will generally give a stronger part.

      Bend Radius Example

2) Minimum Edge Distance

Keep all holes and cut-outs at least the thickness of the material away from other edges. It is possible to go under this recommendation with some materials but this is a good starting point.

     Minimum Edge Distance Example

3) Design for Punch or Laser?

This consideration is often overlooked at the design stage and is regularly just an afterthought. Punching a part will almost always be cheaper than laser cutting, however laser cutting allows more convoluted shapes and can generally cut thinner gaps than a punch. Does your part have a lot of countersunk holes? It takes less than 0.5 seconds to countersink a hole on a punch, whilst it takes 12 seconds for a pillar drill to do the same job! Try to design for punch if that is the case by changing over to a simpler design with less curves.

Counterpunch Example

4) Design for Scan Cut

Falcon Precision are known for being specialists in fabricating boxes for the computer industry. A common design feature of this type of work is a large number of rectangular cut-outs that are often used for air vents or grills. This feature is perfect for Falcon’s Bystronic Fibre Laser ‘Scan Cut’ feature, which can cut steel parts much faster than the normal pierce cut > outline cut method used most of the time. Many of Falcons customers benefit from the reduced laser time on their parts; see the video below for a display of what scan cutting can do (seconds 0>20).

Scan Cut Example

To use this feature, parts must be made from mild steel or stainless, and must be no thicker than 1.5mm.

5) Take advantage of our In-house CNC Milling

Very often computer cases have a dozen sheet metal components, yet customers commonly only interact with the front panel. Make your products stand out from the competition by having your company logo engraved on the front face, or incorporate a small recess to perfectly house that custom connector. The ‘feel’ of the product is often what makes it, so make sure your product doesn’t fall short in this area.

CNC Milled Front Panel

For more on sheet metal design at Falcon, click on the link below.

Design & Reverse Engineering

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