All You Need to Know About CNC Machining and Fasteners--cncmass.com(zinc die cast Hilda)

Introduction:
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, making it possible to produce intricate parts with precision. One vital aspect of CNC machining is fasteners, which play a significant role in holding assemblies together securely. In this article, we will explore the types of fasteners commonly used in CNC machining and their production processes.

Types of Fasteners Used in CNC Machining:

1. Screws:
Screws are widely used for fastening components in CNC machined products. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Common screw types include self-tapping screws, machine screws, socket head cap screws, and wood screws. The production process typically involves threading and shaping the shaft to create different screw heads such as flat, pan, or round.

2. Bolts:
Bolts are similar to screws but differ mainly in their purpose. While screws are used to attach objects permanently, bolts are employed when disassembly may be required. Bolts consist of a threaded shaft and a nut. The production process includes cutting and shaping the bolt's head, threading the shaft, and creating precise dimensions suitable for specific applications.

3. Nuts:
Nuts complement bolts by providing a secure fastening mechanism. Like screws and bolts, nuts also come in various forms such as hexagonal, square, and winged nuts. These are produced by cutting and shaping metal rods to form a cylindrical structure with internally threaded holes.

4. Washers:
Washers are essential components that help distribute loads and prevent damage to surfaces while tightening fasteners. Flat washers, split lock washers, and tooth lock washers are common variants. Washer production primarily involves using stamping machines to cut circular blanks from sheet metal followed by forming and finishing operations.

5. Rivets:
Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners that are useful for joining two or more parts together. They consist of a cylindrical shaft, known as the shank, and a head on one end. Rivets are installed by deforming the shank using heat or mechanical pressure to secure components. Common types include solid rivets, blind rivets, and tubular rivets.

6. Adhesive Fasteners:
In addition to mechanical fasteners, CNC machined products also utilize adhesive fasteners such as glue, tape, or epoxy. These adhesives provide strong bonding properties and are used when traditional fasteners cannot be employed due to design constraints or aesthetic considerations.

Production Process of Fasteners:

The production processes of fasteners generally involve various steps, including material selection, cutting, shaping, threading, finishing, and quality control measures.

1. Material Selection:
Fastener materials range from standard carbon steel to stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and even exotic alloys depending on the application requirements. The choice of material is crucial as it affects the fastener's strength, corrosion resistance, and other physical properties.

2. Cutting/Shaping:
Cutting machines like lathes, mills, or CNC turning centers are often used to create the initial shapes of fasteners. Processes like shearing, sawing, or punching may be employed, followed by machining operations to remove excess material and achieve desired dimensions.

3. Threading:
To create threaded fasteners, threading operations such as rolling or cutting threads onto the shaft are performed. This process ensures compatibility with corresponding nuts or objects to which they are attached.

4. Finishing:
Fasteners undergo surface treatments like coating or plating to improve their appearance and protect against corrosion. Coatings such as zinc, chrome, or nickel may be applied using electroplating techniques.

5. Quality Control:

Stringent quality control measures ensure that fasteners meet desired standards in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and functionality. Testing methods include non-destructive tests, hardness checks, and salt spray tests to assess corrosion resistance.

Conclusion:
Fasteners are an integral part of CNC machined products, providing reliable and secure connections. Understanding the types of fasteners used in CNC machining and their production processes is essential for manufacturing high-quality components. From screws and bolts to washers and adhesive fasteners, each type serves a specific purpose in joining assemblies together effectively. By employing advanced manufacturing techniques, precision in fabrication can be achieved, leading to durable and efficient CNC machine parts. CNC Milling