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Wood is one of the most famous materials on earth. Why? Because we must use it to make things. Before the 1950s, the wood artists used their hand to demonstrate the architecture. So, we know it took lots of time to finish. But, the CNC router made that easy for us. In this article, we will discuss the CNC wood router machine and its types and applications.   

A Computer Numerical Control or CNC router machine is an automated cutting machine. This machine is faster than the hand-held cutting. Usually, materials like wood, aluminium, composites, steel, plastic, glass, and foams are the materials for this machine.

There are some types of CNC router machines. Among them, the CNC wood router is the one.

What is a CNC wood Router?

CNC wood router is an automated machine that cuts the object to some desired shape. This computer-controlled machine process the wooden materials depending on the design given by the operator.  Moreover, This device is handy for both the wood industry and workshops.

Working Process

The working process of this machine is straightforward. Firstly, we draw our design on CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Softwares. For example, Rhino3D, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SketchList3D are noteworthy.  Secondly, we convert the CAD design into the CNC machine language. In this case, we can use Mach3, Nc-studio, Syntec, DSP, Siemens software for CNC control.

Thirdly, we put our object on the table. Subsequently, we must tighten the screw to fix the target object with the bench rigidly. Finally, we carefully start the machine. It will automatically finish its job. So, we can go to the café and enjoy some snacks at that time.

Working Principle

A CNC wood router can be various in types. We will briefly discuss them in the kind of CNC router section. In this part, we will have a glance at the working principle of the 3-axis CNC wood router machine.

The cutting tool has a motor that can move on the z-axis. It means the cutting tool can go up and down. On the other side, The cutting tool and the engine situated inside a box that can move only on Y-axis. At last, the total parts mentioned above can run along the X-axis. Consequently, we call this machine as a three-axis router.

Following the codes from the operating software, these three motors run accordingly. But before it starts to the operation, it goes back to the origin and begins from there.

Materials

Does a CNC router cut only woods? The answer is NO. It can cut only hard materials like woods. Apart from this, a CNC wood router can not cut metal because the strength of the CNC wood router is not enough for the metals.  However, CNC router can drill not only the woods but also acrylic, PVC ( Polyvinyl chloride) board, Double-color board, MDF (Medium-density Fiber), Marble, Fireboard, Rubber board, Glass, Crystals, etc.

Application of CNC Router

CNC router for woodworking has a broadside of the application. We use these tools every day. Starting from the furniture to the signboard, all are very useful. Let’s see some applications in which we use our CNC wood routing machine.

• Products and Manufacturing: Industries are using this machine to make wholesale products because the number of sales is enormous. The windows, doors, shelves, handy crafts, wall portraits, blocks, chairs, beds, etc. There are few brands in the market. They provide unique designs and architecture on their product.
• Decorations: We are very much familiar with wooden architecture. The banks, museums, even in school we will find some design on the wood. While sitting on the bench, we will see some letters written on the wood. CNC wood router can easily decorate these things.
• Musical instruments: We will design on the guitar, flutes, keyboards, harmonium, etc. We can easily create them on the CNC router machine.
• Furniture: Furniture is the most useful item in our daily life. The design on the chair leg, on the bedside, reading table, dining table, doors, windows, gates, flower vases, mugs all are the best example for the CNC router application.
• Others: Except for these applications, CNC router can also make the signboard design and different composite products.

Types of CNC wood routers

Routers usually have a mighty motor. It rotates the cutting tool to engrave inside the wood. We have already mentioned above that a CNC router machine can be various in types. They usually are divided into two groups—for example, CNC wood router machine and CNC mini wood router machine.

CNC wood router that is bigger than the mini routers works fine at the more prominent workshops and the industry. These wood routers typically have more than 1200 mm of the length. The furniture like door, giant calligraphic board, round table, etc. are the best example. But, to design a smaller product is not convenient for these kinds of CNC wood routers.

On the other hand, CNC mini wood routers are smaller than the above routers. They are usually less than 1000 mm of the length. Let’s say an example; the CNC router from Jinan Quick-fullteck CNC machines. It is a 600 x 900 mm mini wood router. It has 0.3 approx HP motor. The smaller signboard, writing letters on the board, short portrait, pictures, etc. are the best example that we can design using this mini wood router.

CNC wood routers based on the axis

CNC wood router machine has most commonly of 3 axes. But depending on the complexity of the design, the CNC wood router can further have three kinds. They are:

• 3-axis CNC routers: 3 axis CNC routers are most common in nature. The tool can move on the x-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. 3-axis CNC router offers single or twin tables. The spindle can also be multiple. For example, Jinan Quick_Fullteck 6090 CNC router machine,  Hot sale Multi Head Drilling Machine ATC CNC Router CNC Woodworking Engraving/Carving/Drilling Machine, are the best example of this type.
• 4-axis CNC routers: Weifang H&H International Corp., presenting a four-axis CNC router machine, can be our best example to explain. As we know, the 4-axis CNC router machine has higher precision than the 3-axis CNC router. But what are the axes here? Here, we will find three axes as usual XYZ-axis. In this type of machine, we will find another spindle at the end of the device. That’s the last axis we will discover from this machine.
• 5-axis CNC routers: This type of machine has the highest precision range. They are different from each of the devices mentioned above. Watch this YouTube Video. It will make you clear about the 5-axis of the routers.  

Types based on working principle

Based on the working principle and structural difference, the CNC wood router machine further has four common types. They are,

• ATC CNC router:  ATC stands for Automated tool changer. First and foremost, we know that one tool can not complete a design. Different types of the cutting tool have a separate cutting feature. In this type of routing machine, the device can automatically change the tool, which is necessary for the cutting.  For example, 1224 1325 1530 2030 size ATC CNC router from Jinan Quick_fullteck CNC machines.
• Rotary CNC router: This type of routing machine is suitable for 2D/3D sculpture. For example, the Human body, Buddhist statue, 3D furniture projects, table legs, sofa legs, wooden columns, etc. The cutting tool can rotate around the target object. Also, it cuts the place where it is necessary. For example, Servo motor CNC router ele1836 with rotary spindle from Jinan Blue elephant CNC machines. 
• Multi-head CNC router: The name reminds us that there are multiple heads on this type of machine. Right, this type of device has two or more cutting features at the same time. For example, Hot sale Multi Head Drilling Machine ATC CNC Router CNC Woodworking Engraving/Carving/Drilling Machine from Hefei Dilei Engraving Equipment.
• Multi-Spindle CNC wood router: This type of the CNC router machine, has multiple heads with the various spindle feature. The multiple-heads can operate different spindle directions at the same time—for example, CNC Router CNC Milling Machine with multi-spindle from Jinan Jinshike CNC Equipment.

The basic structure of the CNC Wood routers

The structure of the CNC wood routers consists of many different consecutive parts. We will discuss the main components of the device. First, there’s a basement. Based on which we can also classify the routers. They are Pin routers, Arm routers, mobile table routers. Second, the moving axis guideline. There are three axes on the most common CNC routers. On this guideline, the motor lets the parts move along the axis.

The third component is the working table. On this table, the device cuts the targeted object. Fourth, the device has three stepper motors. These motors run the screws. As we know, the working principle of the ball circle motor that is it transfers the rotational motion into the linear motion. Based on this working principle, the CNC router also has three motors that move the rotational movement into the linear motion.

Fifth, most importantly, a router machine must have some cutting tools. CNC router can have different kinds of cutting tools. Based on different purposes, the devices change the cutting tool. Finally, we must need an operating device that can run the whole machine. Here, we convert the CAD design into the CNC language. 

How to choose a CNC wood router machine?

Can we make all the wooden designs on the same routing device? Of course, No, right? The Particular Device can perform different jobs. For example, to make a digital drawing on the door, can we make it using the mini CNC router? No. Because the power is not enough to engrave such elements. So, we must follow some guidelines to ensure that our demands go with our desire. The following are a few vital factors that we must consider before we go for the choosing.

• Motor Power
• Size of the board
• Cutting tool kit
• Axes of guidelines
• Price
• Customer Reviews

Main advantages

Without a doubt, CNC routers brought us a great favor to finish our projects faster than before. Besides this benefit, there are three main advantages of using a CNC router. They are,

1. Precision Cutting: Machine language is the most accurate. Human-held cutting surely will have defects. But a machine can not make mistakes. Therefore, precision cutting is the best advantage of the CNC routers.
2. Different Materials: Using the CNC routers, we can process various materials other than wood. We have already mentioned the name of the materials.
3. Flexibility and adaptability: Using a CNC router is more flexible because we can easily change the target object according to our desire. Besides, we can simply input the design on the computer and get our results on the machine.
4. Decreases the Labor cost: Surely, to operate a CNC router no need for laborers because we can smoothly perform all the tasks without any help.

Precaution

• Read and understand the user manual before we go for the operation.
• Read and understand the CNC router machine safety manual.
• The experienced operator should run the machine to avoid mistakes.
• We don’t need to use the router machine other than the intended use.
• Wear safety glasses while using the CNC router.
• Keep our visitors safe.
• Not allow children to get inside the lab.

Maintenance

1. Ensure cleanliness.
2. Change the filters after the operation.
3. Ensure the uses of the lubricant.
4. Keep the air supply clean.
5. Provide safe and proper electrical power.

Summary

We have tried to explain everything about the CNC routers above. CNC router can be our best friend if we can properly operate it. It’s the best thing to implement your art on your wood.  As we knew above that, a CNC router is so sensitive to use. So, we must learn each and everything about the router machine before we go for the operation.

However, there are lots of CNC machines in the market, depending on the different purposes of use. We have well explained here about the general types of CNC machines. At last, we will strongly recommend having proper knowledge before you go to buy a CNC router.

CNC Machine is a machine with computer system which usually commands by the coded program to the physical machine for performing some cutting or shaping processes.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It came from NC- Numerical Control. From the 1940s the NC system has developed into a CNC system. In the 2020s, CNC is now one of the most used technology in the manufacturing aera. Hence, most of the industry uses different types onf CNC machines to cuts materials like metal, wood, plastic, acrylic, etc.

In this article, we will first have a glance at CNC language, and then we will go for the different types of CNC machines and their applications. We will see their working process on YouTube videos.

CNC Language

Before diving into types of CNC machines, let’s talk about the CNC language. CNC language is a group of programs that is normally operated from computer to perform some collective shaping processes without manual operation. CNC program doesn’t have any interrupt opportunities like other programming languages. It normally performs one by one from the serial coding. For most types of CNC machiens, Following are the serial steps of CNC Language: Starting the Program >> Loading the tool >> Spindle starts >> Coolant on >> Rapid Positioning >> Machining operation >> Coolant off >> Stop spindle >> Position to safe place >> Program ends.

The listed serial is the most straightforward notation on how a CNC machine works. In General, this language is not an actual computer programming language. There are variations in the code but no like what we think in computer science. It revolves around the tool to make specific shapes.

G and M code are the basic CNC building blocks. G-code is the universal programming language in the world for any computer numerical control (CNC) machines where M code is the underlying machine code which gives instructions when to turn on and off. CNC language is one of the simplest machine languages in the world. It is effortless to learn to operate most types of CNC machines. Later studies we will publish detail about this language and how we can run a CNC machine.

CNC milling machine

What is a CNC milling machine?

Among all types of CNC Machines, Computer Numerical Control or CNC milling machine is the most popular type. It let the computer control the axis rotation of the machine tool and the position of the working bench. This machine makes shapes of materials like metals, plastics, glasses, woods, etc. CNC milling machine can do different machining abilities such as drilling, turning, etc. This passage focuses on the CNC milling machines and their structure. The primary stages of a milling tool are,

1. To draw a CAD design on AutoCAD or other famous software.
2. The CAD Design into the CNC machine language.
3. To manually set up the milling machine.
4. Execution of the milling operation.

The milling machine is very much suitable to finalize a workpiece such as holes, threads, slots, etc. It makes an already machined workpiece into the desired model. CNC milling has not only advantages but also has a few considerations. While choosing a CNC machine, we must focus on what requirements we need to process our workpieces. There are various kinds of milling machines according to their strength and sizes on Amazon, Alibaba, etc. In later articles, we will review the milling machines specifications requirements for different purposes.

Structure of the CNC milling machine

There’re four types of CNC milling machine based on their axes and different product operations. Vertical mill, Bed Mill, Turret mill, Horizontal mill are the types based on their machine tool position.

This article focuses on the general structure of the several CNC machines types. So, let’s see a commonly used CNC milling machine.

The basic structure of a vertical CNC milling machine consists of several parts. They are: basement, vertical stand, cylinder ram on the top, spindle and milling tool is attached with the motor inside the piston, Knee located right above the basement, the moving saddle is right on the Knee, the working bench situated on the seat, the holding tool is right on top of the workbench.

There are other structures of the CNC milling machine based on their milling tool. But the purpose of them are all the same is to mill the workpiece. 

CNC milling machine applications

The CNC milling machine has the tolerance range between +/- 0.001 to 0.005 inches. Consequently, It’s a very high precision machine. CNC milling machine makes a variety of product features and designs such as threads, chamfers, slots, pockets, etc. in the industry. The everyday milling machine operations are:

1. Face milling: Face milling cutting operation refers to the axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the cutting tool.
2. Plain milling: Plain milling cutting operation refers to the axis of rotation which is parallel to the cutting tool.
3.  Angular milling: Angular milling cutting operation refers to the axis of rotation which is at a specific angle with the cutting tool.
4. Form milling: The parts such as curved surfaces, contours, etc. are operated in the form milling process. This process makes a formal shape of a surface.
5. Others:
   • Straddle milling: This milling process performs one single cut with two or more parallel surfaces.
   • Gang milling: Gang milling simply refers to two or more cutting on the same machine arbour.
   • Profile milling: This milling process creates a cut path on the vertical surface of the product.
   • Gear cutting: This process especially cuts the gear threads.
   • Others: Other machining processes such as drilling, turning, boring, reaming, tapping, etc. are also can be performed in this CNC milling machine.

Pros

1. There’s no manual operation. It doesn’t need to turn on and off to change the position. It’s automated controlled by the computer.
2. Productivity.
3. High precision.
4. The original product can be replicated to thousands without any defects.
5. No need for labor costs.
6. Using virtual software, educational training is also available.
7. Many CNC machines can be operated by only one operator.

Cons

1. The buying cost is too high.
2. Operators must be well trained in mathematics and also in engineering.

Please See this YouTube video for the practical learning.

CNC lathe machine

What is a CNC lathe machine?

CNC Lathe machine has simply defined a workbench where we can clamp the workpiece with a rotation. The cutting tool can move on various axis to make multiple shapes. Typically, a simple lathe machine can run on X-axis and Z-axis. The other positions, such as Y-axis, sub-spindles, or different locations, are known as turning centers.

Likely the CNC milling machine, CNC lathe has also various kinds in type. They are horizontal, Vertical, slant bed, Flatbed, Standard, Multi-axis, swiss type, Multi-spindle, B-axis, etc. In this part, we will focus on horizontal CNC lathe type, because we very often use this one.

The cutting procedure can also follow four steps same as CNC milling. The only difference between them is the working principle. Besides the CNC lathe machine can be divided into five kinds based on the different axis depict. They are the following:

1. 2-axis CNC Lathe: 2 linear axes used to perform Outer/ inner diameter and facing operations, tapping, and drilling at the center.
2. 3-axis CNC Lathe: Including two linear axes, it has additional axes. We often call this axis as a C – axis. We use this machine in standard milling operations, tapping, and boring operations.
3. 4-axis CNC Lathe: Here, the additional axis is Y-axis. It is beneficial for more complex operations.
4. 5-axis CNC Lathe: These types have two different turrets where one turret has three axes, and the other has two axes.  
5. Six or more-axis CNC Lathe: This lathe may include; double C-axis lathes, double turret lathe, Upper Y-axis lathe, secondary spindle, etc.

Structure of CNC Lathe machine

Comparing the other types of CNC lathe, the following are general components of the CNC lathe machine.

1. Machine Bed: This is the main bed of a Lathe machine.
2. Main Spindle: The main spindle is connected with the motor can rotate both clock and anticlockwise direction.
3. Secondary Spindle: There are few categories where the machine has a secondary spindle for the complex machining process.
4. Chuck: The stuck is just beside the spindle, which grabs the workpieces.
5. Moving saddle: This part can move horizontally forward and backwards.  
6. Headstock:  Headstock holds the main spindle.
7. Tailstock:  Supports the other part to support.
8. Tool turret：Tool turret has four positions to hold the cutting tool, and it rotates to change the cutting tool.

CNC Lathe machine Application

CNC lathe machine usually is two types. Wood lathe, metal-metal lathe. The rotational speed of the wood lathe is higher than the metal lathe. The following are the primary application of the CNC lathe machine:

1. Facing: Facing process is a process where we remove the materials to make a flat surface.
2. Threading: The threading process is fundamental to make a bolt, screw, etc.
3. Knurling: Knurling is a process to make a rough surface for a better grip.
4. Drilling: Drilling is the process of cutting to make moles inside.
5. The Boring: Boring is a single cutting process to make conical, cylindrical shapes.
6. Reaming: We use reaming to finish drill holes.
7. Taper Turning:  We use this process to make tapper on the surface.

Pros

1. High Precision
2. Multi-coordinate linkage
3. Easy access to programming.
4. No need for labor
5. Production capability is very high.

Cons

1. The operator has to master the knowledge of mathematics and engineering.
2. Buy cost is normally high.
3. Maintenance is inconvenient.

Please See this YouTube video for the practical learning.

CNC Laser Engraver machine

What is a CNC Laser Engraver machine?

CNC Laser engraver machine is an exciting and artistic machine among all the CNC machines. This machine makes several artistic grips on the material surface.  In ancient times, People engrave the metals using their hand. It took months to complete one surface’s design. When the CNC Laser cutter came, it became a few minutes of the task to achieve one surface. To learn an artistic grip is complicated and hard. But this laser engraver made that easy for us.

There are several kinds of laser engraver machine. This machine can engrave materials like wood, metal, plastics, acrylic, etc. Most of the factories use this machine. The most common use in the factory is to draw company name and production date on the product surface.

Structure of CNC Laser engraver machine

CNC laser cutting machine is almost similar to the router and plasma cutting machine. There are various kinds of laser machines. They are:

1. Laser diodes: Laser diodes are typically 5 watts in power.
2. C0₂ Gas lasers: This is the most common type in laser engraver machines. The layers contain CO₂ gas. We know they have high beam efficiency.
3. Fibre Lasers: Fiber laser refers to solid-state lasers which generate a seed laser beam, and then by amplifying it in designed glass fibres. Fibre lasers are 100 times concentrated than CO₂ gas lasers. Most of the factories use this laser engraver.
4. Crystal Lasers: Crystal layers are pretty much similar to the fibre laser.

In this section, we will elaborate on the general structure of a fibre laser engraver machine. Fibre laser engraver machine consists of the following components:

1.  A lifting handle modifies the position of the laser beam.
2. Laser base is the holding point of the galvanometer
3. The galvanometer is the base point.
4. F-theta lens amplifies the concentration of the beam.
5. The rotatory fixture holds and modifies the position of the workpiece.
6. The marking plate is the base plate on which we place the product to get ready to engrave.
7. Several switches control the laser beam operations.

CNC laser engraver machine applications

AA laser engraver machine is a widely used machine in every country. People need to save time and money. Many designers now design on the computer and then paste those on the desired material. The following are the leading application platform in which we use these laser engraver machines.

Artistic works: As we mentioned before, we use a laser engraver machine for artistic works. If we go to the showpiece shop, we will see some best examples of these kinds. These creative designs are done on bamboo, metals, woods, plastics, etc. People even sketch their photo on the wood frame. SO, this is an attractive application of this machine. Wood laser cutter, laser engraver for metal is different in specifications.

Industrial Uses: This Laser engraver machine is used in the factory to design their company names and dates of production. All the wood factories use this machine very often.

Pros

1. Fast and beautiful machining plane. Dimensional works such as words, pictures can be machined on the materials.
2. High precision.
3. No need for labour.
4. Saves times.

Cons

1. Only 2 dimensional.
2. Expensive to buy.
3. Laser beams are harmful to human bodies, so we have to be careful while using it.

Please See this YouTube video for the practical learning.

CNC router machine

What is a CNC router machine?

CNC router machine is a piece of computer-controlled equipment that we use for cutting metals or woods. In the carpenter workshops, we can see this CNC machine. CNC router machine is very similar to the CNC milling machine. The difference between them is one of their axes is not mobile, and the other one can move along the axes.

In place of routing by hand, the computer controls the tool path operation by this routing machine. It helps the carpenter save time and make products in a day. There are some types of CNC routing machines such as the Industrial CNC router device, Mid-range CNC router device, Hobby CNC router device, Specially designed CNC router device. 

Structure of the CNC router machine

The main structure of a CNC router machine consists of the following parts:

1. Spindle: On the top of the device, there is a spindle attached to a strong motor that rotates in a clock or anti-clock direction called the rotating spindle.
2. Geometry X-Axis rod:  This is a fixed rod on the machine which moves forward and backwards. Besides, the spindle on it can move right and left according to the desired position from the operator’s design.
3. Automated oil lubricant system: This is an automated system controlled by the operator from the computer. It moves along the Y-axis. It is an oil lubricant automated machine to carry the X-axis rod.
4. CNC control system: CNC control system is a device where the computer converts the computer-aided design to the CNC machine language. It commands the machine to draw according to the design from the computer.
5. Cutting tool: Cutting tools can be in various shapes. It depends on the types of drawing the operator wants to operate. There are different kinds such as ball nose, polycrystalline, PCB print circuit, bigger carbide router, etc.

CNC router machine applications

1. Architectural millwork: Many houses foundation, roadside structures, rooftop, etc. are the architectural millwork performed by the CNC router device.
2. This CNC router machine does cabinet making:  Cabinet works at the carpenter workshops.
3. Sign making: Ford, BMW, etc. a CNC router tool machines solid logos.
4. Fabrication and cutting: CNC router also makes the desired shape on plastic or metal materials. It also cuts the foam for the packaging of products.
5. Furniture making: This CNC router machine also machines chairs, tables, sofa designs, and structural design.
6. General woodworking: hand tools, kitchen tools, etc. also machined by this machine.
7. Engraving: Besides all those works, this CNC router machine can also perform some engraving machining process.

Pros

1. High Accuracy
2. Fast production
3. Safe to operate
4. Required tools are less
5. No Human error
6. Reliable
7. Can be machined more complex designs
8. Low maintenance
9. Versatile
10. Uniform designs
11. It can be machined 24hours.

Cons

1. Expensive
2. The trained operator needs to operator

Please See this YouTube video for the practical learning.

CNC Plasma Cutting machine

What is a CNC Plasma Cutting machine?

We use CNC Plasma cutting device in various machining purposes. Moreover, we also use this plasma cutter to cut sheet metal, metal plates, straps, bolts, pipes, etc. Besides, it can also make a gouging tool for weld joints or removing the defect. CNC plasma cutting is necessary for accuracy and good quality. A CNC plasma device contains a plasma torch and moves in a path operated by the computer.

Structure of Plasma cutting machine

The structure of a CNC plasma cutting machine is almost similar to the CNC cutting router. The only difference is the plasma torch. Let’s have a glance at the structure of the plasma torch. The main structure has:

1. Working gas inlet path
2. Three feeding position
3. Anode and cathode diode
4. Power source
5. Plasma jet.

From the knowledge of physics, Plasma is one of them for fundamental elements in nature. The gas of ions can produce Plasma. Its penetration power is comparatively very high. So, the working gas is converted into a plasma jet in the CNC machine and then moves out from the machine cuts the metal into the desired shape. 

CNC Plasma cutting machine Applications

CNC plasma cutting machine is widely used to cut metal smoothly. This machine can be used in Metal cabinet cutting, Metal sign making, metal tools making, anything which is a metal can be cut more accurately in plasma cutting machine.

Pros

1. Wide cutting area
2. Fast and efficient
3. High accuracy
4. Requires No Labor cost.
5. Automated and easy to access.

Cons

1. Difficult to cut more than 20mm of the plate. If its is requires higher power of plasma.
2. Expensive machines.

Please See this YouTube video for the practical learning.

These 5 types of CNC machines are the commonly used computer-controlled machine in the world. There are few kinds of other CNC machines such as CNC press brake machine, CNC EDM machine, CNC waterjet plastic engraving machine, CNC stone engraving machine, CNC jewellery engraving machine, CNC swiss machine, CNC etching machine, etc. These are the subcategory of the five types we mentioned above. Based on different uses and specifications, these CNC machines differ from the standards.  In this article, we tried to make a summary of each of the tools. Later on, we will elaborately discuss them, their working principle, configuration, and specifications. We will bring the best knowledge of the CNC machines. Stay with us and learn more.