CNC machine tools are the general term for working machines that can complete the processing of metal blank parts into the required shape in terms of dimensional accuracy and geometric accuracy under digital control. CNC machine tools are usually composed of control systems, servo systems, detection systems, mechanical transmission systems and other auxiliary systems.
Development status
CNC machine tools are the mainstream equipment in the contemporary machinery manufacturing industry. The development of domestic CNC machine tools has experienced 30 years of ups and downs. It has entered the mature stage from the growth stage. It can provide more than 1,500 types of CNC machine tools to the market, covering super-heavy machine tools, high-precision machine tools, special processing machine tools, forging equipment, cutting-edge high-tech machine tools and other fields. The product types can keep pace with Japan, Germany, Italy, the United States and other countries. Especially in the fields of five-axis linkage CNC machine tools, CNC super-heavy machine tools, vertical and horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, and CNC gear processing machine tools, some technologies have reached the world’s advanced level.
Among them, the five-axis linkage CNC machine tool is one of the commanding heights of CNC machine tool technology. The five-axis linkage CNC machine tool integrates computer control, high-performance servo drive and precision machining technology. It is used for efficient, precise and automated machining of complex curved surfaces. It is a key processing equipment urgently needed by civil industries and military departments such as power generation, shipbuilding, aerospace, molds, and high-precision instruments.
The variety of domestic five-axis linkage CNC machine tools is increasing day by day. The five-axis linkage machining center, five-axis CNC milling machine, five-axis gantry milling machine, and five-axis floor-standing milling and boring machine that are restricted for export to China by international giants have all been successfully developed in China, changing the monopoly of international giants on the CNC machine tool industry.
Existing problems
Due to the relatively backward technical level and industrial foundation of China, the performance, level and controllability of CNC machine tools are still far behind those of industrially developed countries, especially the controllability of CNC systems. The CNC industry has not yet been truly formed. Therefore, accelerating the engineering and commercialization of CNC systems and building and improving CNC machine tools and CNC industries as soon as possible has become the current top priority.
Lack of core technology
Data show that the core technology of CNC machine tools – CNC system, consists of display, controller servo, servo motor and various switches and sensors, 90% of which need to be imported from abroad in China.
Obvious gap between national brands and international brands
An early spot check revealed that among various brands of CNC machine tools, users’ attention to CNC machine tool brands such as Europe, Japan, the United States, South Korea and Taiwan has accounted for more than 60% of the entire market. The gap in brand awareness has led users to be more willing to give more opportunities to some powerful players in the overseas CNC machine tool industry when choosing processing equipment.
Development trend
High speed
With the rapid development of industries such as automobiles, national defense, aviation, and aerospace, as well as the application of new materials such as aluminum alloys, the requirements for high-speed processing of CNC machine tools are getting higher and higher.
High precision
The requirements for the accuracy of CNC machine tools are no longer limited to static geometric accuracy. The motion accuracy, thermal deformation, and monitoring and compensation of vibration of machine tools are increasingly valued.
Functional Complexity
The meaning of compound machine tools is to realize or complete as many elements as possible from blank to finished product processing on one machine tool. The emergence of compound machine tools reduces the auxiliary time of workpiece loading and unloading, replacement and adjustment of tools, as well as the errors generated in the intermediate process, improves the processing accuracy of parts, shortens the product manufacturing cycle, improves production efficiency and the market responsiveness of manufacturers, and has obvious advantages over the traditional production method with dispersed processes.
Intelligent Control
With the development of artificial intelligence technology, in order to meet the development needs of flexible production and manufacturing automation in the manufacturing industry, the intelligence level of CNC machine tools is constantly improving.
