Na fabricação moderna, why do aerospace engineers choose 5-Máquinas CNC do eixo while a small workshop uses 3-axis models? The answer lies in understanding the classifications of CNC machining—a framework that groups CNC systems by their capabilities, processos, e casos de uso. Choosing the wrong category leads to wasted costs, produção lenta, or failed parts. Este artigo detalha o 6 core classifications of CNC machining, seus principais recursos, Aplicações do mundo real, e dicas de seleção, helping you match the right CNC solution to your project needs.
What Are the Core Classifications of CNC Machining?
Usinagem CNC (Computer Numerical Control machining) uses automated systems to shape materials, but not all CNC setups are the same. The industry classifies CNC machining based on 6 fatores críticos: processing technology, machine tool movement, automation degree, number of axes (degrees of freedom), application field, and special functional designs. Each classification solves unique manufacturing challenges—for example, metal cutting CNC machines handle shafts and gears, while laser cutting systems process non-metallic materials like glass.
1. Classification by Processing Technology
This category groups CNC machining by the type of material and the method used to shape it. It’s the most fundamental classification, as it directly ties to the material you’re working with. The table below details the two main subcategories and their key methods:
| Processing Category | Key Methods | Compatibilidade do material | Aplicações ideais |
| Metal Cutting Processing | – Virando: Shapes rotating workpieces (Por exemplo, eixos) to create outer circles, end faces. – Moagem: Corta formas complexas (slots, buracos) with rotating tools. – Tedioso: Expands existing holes for higher accuracy. – Perfuração: Creates through/blind holes with drill bits. – Gerando: Finishes drilled holes to improve surface smoothness. – Tocando: Adds internal threads to holes. | Ferrous metals (aço, ferro), metais não ferrosos (alumínio, cobre, titânio). | – Virando: Automotive engine shafts, pedais de bicicleta. – Moagem: Cavidades de mofo, laptop chassis. – Perfuração: Electronic enclosure mounting holes. |
| Non-Metallic Material Processing | – Corte a laser: Uses high-energy lasers to melt/vaporize materials. – Corte de jato de água: Cuts with high-velocity water (plus abrasives for hard materials). – Usinagem de descarga elétrica (Música eletrônica): Removes material via electrode-workpiece discharge (for conductive materials). – Ultrasonic Machining: Uses high-frequency vibrations + abrasives to shape brittle materials. | Plásticos (Abs, Espiar), vidro, cerâmica, compósitos (fibra de carbono). | – Corte a laser: Acrylic signage, plastic packaging. – Corte de jato de água: Stone countertops, glass panels. – Música eletrônica: Carbide tooling, inserções de molde. – Ultrasonic Machining: Ceramic medical implants, glass lenses. |
2. Classification by Machine Tool Movement Mode
This classification focuses on how the CNC machine’s tool and workpiece move relative to each other. It determines the complexity of shapes you can produce—from simple holes to curved aerospace parts.
| Movement Mode | Key Capabilities | Accuracy Level | Aplicações ideais |
| Point Control Machines | Only controls tool position (no continuous path); moves directly from one point to another. | ± 0,01 mm (position accuracy); no path control. | Drilling machines (hole positioning), boring machines (single-hole expansion). |
| Linear Control Machines | Moves tool along straight paths (X, Y, Z eixos) while cutting; supports constant feed rates. | ± 0,005 mm (linear accuracy); uniform surface finish. | Simple milling machines (flat surface cutting), torneiras (straight shaft turning). |
| Contour Control Machines | Moves tool along complex curved trajectories (Por exemplo, circles, parabolas); supports multi-axis linkage. | ± 0,003 mm (contour accuracy); handles 3D shapes. | Multi-axis machining centers (aerospace wing parts), mold-making machines (curved cavities). |
3. Classification by Degree of Automation
Automation level dictates how much human intervention is needed—critical for production volume and labor costs.
| Automation Level | Principais recursos | Labor Requirement | Ideal Production Scale |
| Semi-Automatic CNC Machines | Automates cutting/machining but needs manual steps (Por exemplo, workpiece clamping, mudanças de ferramenta). | 1 operator per machine; constant supervision for manual tasks. | Pequenos lotes (10–50 peças), custom prototypes (Por exemplo, one-off mold inserts). |
| Fully Automatic CNC Machines | Handles the entire process automatically: auto loading/unloading, auto tool change, auto quality checks. | 1 operator manages 2–3 machines; minimal supervision. | Produção de alto volume (1,000+ peças), mass manufacturing (Por exemplo, Componentes automotivos). |
4. Classification by Degrees of Freedom (Número de eixos)
The number of axes (linear + rotary) determines the machine’s ability to access complex part geometries. This is the most widely used classification for industrial CNC selection.
| Número de eixos | Key Axes Configuration | Capabilities | Ideal Industries/Parts |
| 3-Máquinas CNC do eixo | 3 linear axes (X, Y, Z); tool moves along these axes to cut fixed workpieces. | Handles 2D/3D parts with simple geometries; no undercutting or complex curves. | Fabricação geral (Suportes, simple gears), bens de consumo (gabinetes de plástico). |
| 4-Máquinas CNC do eixo | 3 linear axes + 1 rotary axis (Por exemplo, Eixo a: rotates around X-axis). | Accesses side/angled features; reduces workpiece repositioning by 50%. | Aeroespacial (simple engine parts), médico (bone screws with angled holes). |
| 5-Máquinas CNC do eixo | 3 linear axes + 2 rotary axes (Por exemplo, UM + B axes); tool can tilt/rotate freely. | Machines complex 3D surfaces (Por exemplo, Blades de turbina) in one setup. | Aeroespacial (componentes do motor a jato), mofo & morrer (deep cavities with undercuts), luxury automotive (curved body panels). |
5. Classification by Application Field
CNC machines are often tailored to specific industries—optimized for their unique materials and part requirements.
| Campo de aplicação | Machine Features | Material Focus | Exemplo de partes |
| General-Purpose CNC Machines | Versátil; works with multiple materials and part types; easy to reconfigure. | Metais, plásticos, compósitos. | Máquinas em geral (caixas de câmbio), Hardware de móveis (dobradiças), electronic brackets. |
| Specialized CNC Machines | Customized for industry-specific needs (Por exemplo, resistência de alta temperatura, pequena parte de precisão). | Industry-specific materials (Por exemplo, titanium for aerospace, food-grade stainless steel for medical). | – Automotivo: Engine block machining lines. – Médico: Dental implant mills. – Aeroespacial: Titanium component lathes. |
6. Other Special Classifications
These include machines with unique, combined functions—designed to solve niche manufacturing challenges.
| Special Type | Key Functions | Principais vantagens | Casos de uso ideais |
| Multi-Processing Machines | Combines 2+ machining types (Por exemplo, virando + moagem, perfuração + corte a laser) in one machine. | Eliminates workpiece transfer between machines; Corta o tempo de produção por 40%. | Complex parts needing multiple processes (Por exemplo, automotive shafts with milled slots, medical tools with drilled holes + threaded ends). |
| Micromachining Machines | Focuses on ultra-small parts/features; achieves nanometer-level resolution. | Processes parts as small as 0.1mm (Por exemplo, microelectronic components); alta precisão (±0.0001mm). | Microelectronics (semiconductor chips), dispositivos médicos (micro-needles), Aeroespacial (micro-sensores). |
How to Choose the Right CNC Machining Classification?
Follow this 4-step process to avoid mismatched selections:
- Define Material & Geometria:
- If working with metal shafts → Metal cutting (virando) + 3-eixo cnc.
- If making complex aerospace turbine blades → Contour control + 5-eixo cnc.
- Match Automation to Volume:
- Pequenos lotes (10 peças) → Semi-automatic CNC.
- Produção em massa (10,000 peças) → Fully automatic CNC.
- Consider Budget & ROI:
- 5-axis machines cost 2–3x more than 3-axis models—only invest if complex parts justify the expense.
- Teste com protótipos:
- For high-stakes projects (Por exemplo, implantes médicos), run a prototype on the chosen CNC type to validate accuracy and efficiency.
Perspectiva da tecnologia YIGU
Na tecnologia Yigu, we believe understanding classifications of CNC machining is the first step to smart manufacturing. Our product line covers all key classifications: 3/4/5-axis CNC machines for metal cutting, fully automatic lines for high-volume production, and specialized micromachining systems for microelectronics. We help clients select the right category by analyzing their material, volume, and geometry needs—for example, a automotive supplier switched from 3-axis to 5-axis machines, cutting part rework by 60%. As Industry 4.0 advances, we’re integrating AI into all classifications to auto-optimize tool paths, making CNC selection and operation even more accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
- P: Can a 5-axis CNC machine replace a 3-axis machine for simple parts?
UM: Tecnicamente sim, Mas não é econômico. 5-axis machines have higher upfront costs (2–3x more) and longer setup times for simple parts. Stick to 3-axis machines for brackets, engrenagens, or enclosures to save money.
- P: Which CNC classification is best for non-metallic materials like glass?
UM: Non-metallic material processing—specifically ultrasonic machining (for brittle glass) or laser cutting (for precise glass panels). Avoid metal cutting CNC machines, as they’ll crack or shatter glass.
- P: How much more productive is a fully automatic CNC machine vs. a semi-automatic one?
UM: Fully automatic machines are 2–3x more productive. Por exemplo, a semi-automatic CNC makes 50 parts/day (with operator breaks), while a fully automatic one makes 120–150 parts/day (24/7 operation with minimal labor).