Skip to content

CNC Bending Machine: Basics, Principle, Benefits

CNC Machining

CNC machines are making parts around the world for almost every industry. They create things out of plastics, metals, aluminum, wood, and many other hard materials. The word “CNC” stands for Computer Numerical Control, but today everyone calls it CNC. So, how do you define a CNC machine? All automated motion control machines have three primary components – a command function, a drive/motion system, and a feedback system. CNC machining is the process of using a computer-driven machine tool to produce a part out of solid material in a different shape.

The CNC depends on digital instructions usually made on Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software like SolidWorks or MasterCAM. The software writes G-code that the controller on the CNC machine can read. The computer program on the controller interprets the design and moves cutting tools and/or the workpiece on multiple axes to cut the desired shape from the workpiece. The automated cutting process is much faster and more accurate than the manual movement of tools and workpieces which is done with levers and gears on older equipment. Modern-day CNC machines hold multiple tools and make many types of cuts. The number of planes of movement (axes) and the number and types of tools that the machine can access automatically during the machining process determine how complex a workpiece a CNC can make.

How To Use A CNC Machine

CNC machinists must gain skills in both programming and metal-working to make full use of the power of a CNC machine. Technical trade schools and apprenticeship programs often start students on manual lathes to get a feel for how to cut metal. The machinist should be able to envision all three dimensions. Today software makes it easier than ever to make complex parts because the part shape can be drawn virtually and then tool paths can be suggested by software to make those parts.

What is CNC Bending Machine?

CNC aluminum profile bending process
CNC aluminum profile bending process

CNC Bending Machine has been around for a while but has become better and better with time and advancement. It is a machine that helps bend cold metals into desired geometric and cross-sectional shapes. It has several uses needed in various industries such as manufacturing, automobile, railway, aircraft, shipbuilding, and so on.

Type of Software Commonly Used in the CNC Machining Process

Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD)

CAD software is the starting point for most CNC projects. There are many different CAD software packages, but all are used to create designs. Popular CAD programs include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Rhino3D. There are also cloud-based CAD solutions, and some offer CAM abilities or integrate with CAM software better than others.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

CNC machines often use programs created by CAM software. CAM allows users to set up a “job tree” to organize workflow, set tool paths, and run cutting simulations before the machine does any real cutting. Often CAM programs work as add-ons to CAD software and generate g-code that tells the CNC tools and workpiece moving parts where to go. Wizards in CAM software make it easier than ever to program a CNC machine. Popular CAM software includes Mastercam, Edgecam, OneCNC, HSMWorks, and Solidcam. Mastercam and Edgecam account for almost 50% of the high-end CAM market share according to a 2015 report.

Among companies, BIT has been one of the top producers of the most high-end CNC Bending Machines. The CNC bending machines from BIT enjoy great popularity and can be used in many different areas. The CNC bending machines from BIT offer an uncomplicated exchange of individual tools and the possibility to rely on an automatic CNC control. They are easily affordable, eco-friendly, and can adapt to your needs through customization.

Works Cited