Unit 10 Scale of Production Flashcards
(169 cards)
What is laser cutting?
A versatile and rapid process for etching or cutting sheet material.
How does a laser cutter operate?
A machine head moves across t while mirrors reflect a laser beam from the tube into the machine head and onto the material.
What is the primary effect of laser beams on materials?
They vaporize or ‘cut’ materials with extreme precision.
What is kerf in laser cutting?
The narrow cut path created by the laser beam.
What types of materials can school laser cutters typically cut?
Papers, boards, timber, polymers, and some fabrics such as felt or leather.
What types of materials are suitable for cutting with industrial laser cutters?
Metals
What are some limitations of laser cutting?
Limited by the thickness and type of material; cannot cut 3D shapes.
What is CNC routing?
A process that uses rotating cutting tools to waste away materials.
What materials can CNC routers work with?
Timbers, composite sheet materials, polymers, foams, and in some cases, certain metals.
How do CNC routers differ from laser cutters?
CNC routers use rotating cutting tools and are more labor-intensive to set up.
What is essential during CNC routing and laser cutting?
Extraction to prevent the build-up of waste material.
What is CNC milling?
A process that cuts materials using a range of different spinning cutting tools.
How many axes can CNC milling machines operate on?
3-5 axes.
What is the purpose of coolants in CNC milling?
To flood the workpiece and lubricate for a perfect finish.
What is CNC turning?
A process where the workpiece spins/moves while cutting tools are used to waste or cut materials.
What functions do CNC lathes perform?
Parallel turning, facing off, knurling, etc.
Are CNC lathes are controlled manually.
No
What is the benefit of using pneumatic vacuum beds in CNC routers?
They hold materials in place with little bother.
What is a key safety feature in CNC milling processes?
Enclosed screens to increase safety.
What are NB Lathe attachments used for?
increase functionality of CNC routers and enable CNC turning of wooden parts
NB Lathe attachments enhance the capabilities of CNC routers.
What does a plotter enable?
Cutting, drawing, and scoring based on a 2D CAD file
Plotters use a pen or blade to manipulate materials.
How does a plotter operate?
Moves a pen or blade across the surface of a material using CNC G-code
Rollers clamp and pass the material back and forth during operation.
What can be adjusted on a plotter to suit different materials?
The pressure applied by the machine head
This customization helps differentiate between cutting and scoring materials.
Which types of materials are used on plotters?
Rolls and sheets
Rolls offer greater efficiency and reduced waste from off-cuts.