The most popular and widely used types of CNC machines globally include CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, laser cutting machines, electrical discharge machines, and CNC drilling machines, applied in various high-precision manufacturing fields.
Common Types of CNC Machine Tools
Different types of CNC machines excel in different application scenarios. Here are some common types of CNC machines.
Lathes are one of the most commonly used CNC machines. CNC lathes are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing industries, known for their high precision and efficiency. Typically, CNC lathes can achieve a machining accuracy of ±0.01 mm.
Milling machines are also versatile types of CNC machines that undergo frequent use in the mold manufacturing and metal cutting industries. With machining speeds usually 8,000 to 12,000 RPM a CNC milling machine can perform intricate three-dimensional machining with substance.
Milling machines are also common types of CNC machines, widely used in mold manufacturing and metal cutting fields. Laser cutting machines can reach a speed of 20 meters per minute at high speeds, with an accuracy of up to ±0.05 mm in cutting dimensions.
Electrical Discharge Machines are used for the machining of high-hardness materials such as cemented carbide and tool steel. They provide an excellent surface finish and can mold complex shapes at high rates of speed, utilized for producing both mass production as well as intricate aerospace parts.
Grinding machines are another essential type of CNC device, most commonly used for machining high-precision and top-quality components. CNC grinding machines, used for making bearings, tools, and molds, often meet machining accuracy of up to ±0.001 mm, supplying a new option for precision part processing requirements.
Drilling machines are a traditional deep-hole processing type of CNC machine. CNC drilling machines, known for their high speed and precision, are typically applied in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries. CNC drilling machine machining speed can reach 2,000 to 30,000 RPM, improving the swiftness and accuracy of hole workpieces.
Most Common CNC Machine Brands Worldwide
Fanuc is one of the leading CNC machine brands worldwide. According to market data, Fanuc’s global market share in CNC machines is about 25%. Fanuc’s machine control systems can achieve machining accuracy of ±0.001 mm and have up to 40 control axes, suitable for complex machining tasks.
Mazak is another well-known CNC machine manufacturer. Mazak’s global market share in 2023 was about 15%. Mazak’s INTEGREX series machines can achieve turn-mill composite machining, with cutting speeds up to 5,000 RPM, making them ideal for efficient production.
DMG Mori is one of the largest CNC machine manufacturers globally, with a market share of about 20%. DMG Mori’s machines can achieve machining accuracy of ±0.002 mm, and their 5-axis linkage technology can significantly improve the machining efficiency of complex parts.
Haas Automation is the largest CNC machine manufacturer in the United States, with a market share of about 10%. Haas machines can reach machining speeds of 8,000 RPM and are equipped with easy-to-use CNC systems, suitable for machining various complex parts.
Okuma is a well-known Japanese CNC machine manufacturer, with a market share of about 8%. Okuma’s CNC systems have adaptive control functions, which can automatically adjust parameters according to machining conditions, improving machining accuracy and efficiency. Okuma’s machines can achieve machining accuracy of ±0.005 mm, with spindle speeds up to 12,000 RPM.
Makino is another well-known Japanese CNC machine manufacturer, with a market share of about 7%. Makino’s machines use advanced heat treatment technology to ensure stability and accuracy during long-term machining. Their machining centers can reach cutting speeds of 20,000 RPM, with machining accuracy up to ±0.001 mm.
Factors to Consider When Choosing CNC Machines
Accuracy and repeatability are among the most important factors when choosing CNC machines. For example, aerospace parts machining typically requires accuracy of ±0.002 mm, while ordinary mechanical parts may only need ±0.01 mm accuracy. Repeatability is the ability of the machine to maintain the same accuracy in multiple operations, which is crucial for mass production.
Machining speed and efficiency directly affect production costs and delivery time. Different machines have different spindle speeds and feed rates. For example, the Haas VF series has a spindle speed of 8,100 RPM, while the Mazak INTEGREX series can reach 12,000 RPM.
Stability and durability are key to ensuring long-term efficient operation. For example, DMG Mori’s machines have a mean time between failures (MTBF) of over 5,000 hours, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Multi-axis linkage capability is necessary for machining complex parts. According to market data, 5-axis linkage machines are used in more than 40% of high-precision mold manufacturing and aerospace parts machining. Choosing machines with multi-axis linkage capability can meet more diverse machining needs.
Ease of use and functionality of the control system directly affect operational efficiency and machining quality. Fanuc and Siemens are the leading CNC control system suppliers worldwide. Fanuc systems are known for their high stability and wide application, while Siemens systems are favored for their powerful programming functions and user-friendly interfaces. For example, Fanuc control systems have a global market share of over 30%, with their simple operation interface and powerful functions helping users quickly get started.
Cost-effectiveness is an essential factor when choosing CNC machines. Haas machines are favored by small and medium-sized enterprises for their high cost-performance ratio, with prices for the VF series typically ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
After-sales service and technical support directly affect the long-term use of the machine. For example, both Mazak and Okuma provide 24-hour online technical support and quick-response after-sales service, with customer satisfaction rates exceeding 90%.
