CNC machines are incredibly versatile machines that allow you to machine complex parts or simple parts. If you’re wondering what you can make with a CNC machine, the possibilities are almost endless. Asking what you can make with a CNC machine is like asking what you can cook with a knife, there are so many ways to answer the question! We’ll outline the basic uses of CNC machines and how they machine different parts, as well as some of the most common things machinists will make with CNC machines!
Machining is the act of taking a material, and cutting and manipulating it into something usable. You can read our blog, What, Exactly, Is Machining, to learn more!
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means that the CNC machine uses a computer to perfectly machine the items, rather than relying on a person. CNC machines allow you to machine incredibly complicated and small details, consistently and efficiently. CNC Machines use AutoCAD drawings to follow a design perfectly.
Industrial Items You Can Make with a CNC Machine
CNC machines are widely used in the industrial and manufacturing world. CNC machines are used to mass produce different parts and materials in order to ensure that every part is exactly the same. Industrial CNC machining is one of Condor Machinery’s specialties, but we also complete projects that are for people’s enjoyment or just a single part to do a task.
A few industries that use CNC machines are: Medical Industry, Transportation Industry, Oil and Gas Industry, and the Electronics Industry. There are many other industries that use CNC machines, but these are a few well known ones!
Medical Industry Uses for CNC Machines
The medical industry uses CNC machines all the time! Medical professionals need parts for their tools and electronics, as well as things like implants and orthotics. The medical industry requires absolute precision, that’s why they rely on CNC machines! Things you can make with a CNC machine for the medical industry include:
- Screws and plates for broken bones
- Implants and orthotics
- Equipment for research or medical machines
- Sterile packaging and FDA approved design
- Medical instruments like scalpels and clamps.
- And much more!
Transportation Industry Uses for CNC Machines
The transportation industry is an incredibly important industry, and making sure that the vessels that are getting items from one place to the other are in top shape is paramount! The transportation industry requires parts that are consistent and can be trusted, and it’s important that everything designed can last for long periods of time. Some of the items that are made with a CNC machine for the transportation industry include:
- Vehicle parts such as wheel bearings, screws, engine parts, brakes
- Passenger vehicles
- Freight trains
- Special designs for 18-wheelers
- Shipping vessels
- Much more
Oil and Gas Industry Uses for CNC Machines
Considering the Oil and Gas industry is so prevalent in Alberta, CNC machines are well used in this industry! CNC machines are used to machine parts for all aspects of the oil and gas industry, from pipelines to refineries, to safety, and more! The oil and gas industry utilizes the precision and mass production capabilities of CNC machines. Here are a few examples of items created by CNC machines:
- Drill bits
- Hand tools
- Valves
- Pistons
- Pins
- Cylinders
- Turbine plates
- Seals
- Compressor parts
- And much much more!
Electronics Industry Uses for CNC Machines
The electronics industry requires a lot of small parts working together. If there are any errors, it can cause the entire machine to malfunction, that’s why the electronics industry uses CNC machines to ensure that everything is as accurate as possible. Some items that are made by CNC machines in the electronics industry include:
- Electrical insulation
- Audio components
- Adapters and couplings
- Mounting hardware
- Radio frequency shielding
- And more!
Practical Items You Can Make with a CNC Machine
Using a CNC machine isn’t just about creating parts and tools for industries. CNC machines are used predominantly for industrial settings due to their accuracy, and industrial work tends to have the greatest need for precision. However, there are still some uses for CNC machines that are practical. Here are some examples of common items that use CNC machining:
- Custom engraving
- Bottle openers
- Bike pedals
- Custom car parts
- Custom attachments
- Key chains
- Salt and pepper shakers
- flashlights
- Much more!
Fun Things You Can Make with a CNC Machine
CNC machines are also used to make fun items, whether they are decorative pieces for your home, or interesting gadgets, CNC machines can also be used to make items just for the fun of it! For example:
- Coasters
- Lamp shades
- Custom chess sets
- Board games and toys
- Whistles
- Guitar bodies
- Engravings for your wall
- Jewelry
- And much more!
There’s so much that can be made with CNC machines! This blog only covers a small amount of the different industries that use CNC machines and the different things you can make with a CNC machine. Condor Machinery is Edmonton’s go-to machine shop! Our talented team of machinists can help you with any project you bring forward! Whether you need industrial parts or are looking to custom machine something for your home, Condor is Edmonton’s best machine shop, and our CNC technicians will ensure your project is completed perfectly!