If you are new to the world of CNC machines or want to get information on the latest happenings in the CNC industry then you definitely need to be a part of the CNC machining zone. You can use various methods to seek out like-minded people that have advice to offer or need advice and can stay connected to the world of CNC machines.
Different methods to stay in touch You can subscribe to newsletters if you are a member of any association related to the CNC industry. This will help you to get the latest news in your industry. With the advent of the Internet it is also possible to search for various websites that offer a forum for like-minded people to come together to exchange their views on each aspect of the CNC industry, be it on CNC lathes, CNC routers, CNC engravers, CNC cutters or even on accessories such as spindles, chucks, etc. Training methods, programming, upgrading and expert advice on niggling problems can also be discussed on a real-time basis.
Various modes of extracting information in the CNC machining zone In addition to participating in blogs and receiving online newsletters over the Internet, you can also watch videos of various CNC machines and their functions, such as the 4 or 5 axis CNC lathes, CNC pipe bending machines, etc. You can also download e-books from various websites that offer invaluable advice and tips on various types of CNC machines in great detail. Many online zones also offer vital links to other sites that could help in the procurement or maintenance of CNC machines.
Participate in online forums One of the best methods of gaining knowledge about your industry is to participate in online forums. You can post your queries or narrate specific problems related to your CNC machine and get responses from various quarters. This could help you to view various solutions and choose the one that suits your specific situation. As time goes by, you can also offer advice to fellow members and also enhance your name in the CNC industry as an expert.
Use the CNC machining zone to procure machines, material and manpower You can save a lot on manufacturing and recurring costs by using the CNC machining zone to procure the right types of CNC machines and raw materials to make your production much more cost-efficient. You can also look for talented workers in this zone that can help run your machine at peak efficiency. You can now locate molds, cast-iron, stainless steel or aluminum blocks, support blocks, controllers, motors, etc without any difficulty. You can also outsource certain aspects of your work if you do not have the required resources, thus helping you to complete your orders without indulging in heavy investments or failing to complete your work on time.
You are certain to benefit by entering the CNC machining zone since other members of your industry could willingly help you out of your cutting, milling or grinding problems. You will also be able to locate new suppliers, clients and meet new people that can help your business to attain a cutting edge in these tough and competitive times.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a common technique that is contemporarily utilized in the metalworking industry. As opposed to conventional machines, CNC machining makes use of computerized systems which facilitate superior output in complicated shapes for a range of materials. A renowned example is the CNC milling machine.
Why CNC machining stands out?
Previous machines which were known as numerical control machines (NC) located their positions via G-codes. These G-codes were manipulated manually by the user unlike in CNC machining whereby this task is computerized. In the most recent versions known as the parametric program, logical commands have been fixed in a manner that they can work together with these G-codes. This modified version allows users to regulate and manipulate system parameters effortlessly.
Benefits of using CNC machines:
The improvement in technology used in the manufacturing of these machines has brought about a number of benefits.
These include the following:
- There is improved speed, accuracy, productivity and efficiency of tasks - They significantly reduce the incidents of accidents since computerized systems minimize the contact between the tools and the user. This makes the metalworking process a more comfortable undertaking.
CNC Milling Machines:
CNC milling machines function by using a computerized system to transmit signals to a stepper motor controller. This system instructs the stepper motor on the direction to follow and the number of steps it is supposed to take. The motor is linked to the drive mechanism of the mill in the X, Y and Z axes. Some CNC milling machines are known to utilize a servo motor as a replacement for the stepper motor. They have below mentioned advantages:
- Metals can be cut at higher rates - Servo motors have a feedback loop which enables the machine to accurately resume to its initial position.
How to find the best CNC milling machines?
These machines have become essential in very many facets of life especially in the running of our businesses. The purchasing of this machines entail that you have to find the right kind of supplier or dealer. The following are tips to assist you in identifying the most ideal place where the machines can be obtained from:
- Check the quality of the milling machine. Visit online forums to get information on the available brands in the market and the most reliable brands according to customer reviews.
- Choose a supplier or dealer with professional staff and highly skilled personnel to repair your milling machine if it breaks down - If you are looking for a cost cutting option, some suppliers deal with second hand milling machines so, pursue such options.
Maintaining your CNC milling machine:
Once you have your milling machine purchased, some important tips can be followed to keep it in top condition. These machines are usually maintained by a set up process. This includes the below procedures:
- Wipe the table to the T-holder to keep it free it from fragments and rust.
- Place its vise down and tighten it with bolts. Straighten the vices using an indicator - Place every tool into collects and ensure they are safely locked.
- Set the collets into the changer of the tool as per to the manual of the machine.
- Confirm if the machine "knows" where it ought to stop. This is to guarantee that the machine makes an accurate cut. - Set the spindle on the zero point then ignite the machine again on the X and Y axes - Next, locate the Z point by lowering the spindle to the top of material. This point will be used as a reference in cutting other materials.
This simple setting up process guarantees that the CNC machining machine works efficiently for years on end. This process is to be repeated whenever the machine is heavily used.

PETALING JAYA: Low-profile Datuk Gan Kim Huat is consolidating his businesses in two listed companies, SKP Resources Bhd and Tecnic Group Bhd, in a move that will pave the way for the establishment of a major plastic parts manufacturer.
Yesterday, the share prices of SKP and Tecnic climbed to all-time highs of 71 sen and RM5.08, respectively, before both stocks were suspended, "pending a material announcement".
It is learnt that the merger and acquisition exercise could involve cash and the issuance of new SKP shares.
Gan and his family own about 67% in SKP and 69% in Tecnic, formerly known as STS Tecnic Bhd.
"It's a move that the Gan family has been looking at for some time to create an entity with economies of scale. A merger can be synergistic for the two companies, which can lead to accretive earnings going forward," said a source.
SKP, which has been on expansion mode over the past few years, is in the business of manufacturing plastic parts and components, contract manufacturing, precision mould making, the sub-assembly of electronic and electrical equipment and other secondary processes.
For the financial year ended March 31, 2013 (FY13), British electrical appliance brand Dyson contributed 55% to SKP's total sales.
According to SKP's website, its other clients include Hewlett-Packard, Sharp, Flextronics and Pioneer.
Tecnic, meanwhile, is involved in plastic moulding design and fabrication, plastic injection and blow moulding for the automotive, electrical and electronic sectors as well as industrial consumable products. It counts Valeo, Sharp, Panasonic, Denso, Suzuki, Proton and Perodua as its clients.
SKP and Tecnic had cash and cash equivalents of RM19.4mil and RM25.7mil, respectively, as at June 30. However, SKP has seen a higher trading volume in recent months, while Tecnic is a relatively tightly held stock.
In an earlier note, RHB Research said SKP could achieve a two-year earnings compounded annual growth rate of 57.9% on the back of a 75% expansion in capacity to cater to increasing orders from Dyson.
SKP has a new plant in Senai, Johor, which is slated for completion next month and achieve full-scale operations by FY17, Kenanga Research said in a separate report.
The research house noted that SKP's stronger order-book, underpinned by orders from Dyson to manufacture two new product lines for vacuum cleaners and fans, will provide earnings visibility for the next few years.
"The new products are next-generation appliances that will be able to fetch higher margins and contribute to the group's earnings. We understand that a major part of the group's new plant will cater to the production of the two new products," it added.
SKP jumped 10.5 sen to 71 sen, with 38.37 million shares being traded.
Tecnic rose 31 sen, or 6.5%, to RM5.08, with 219,500 shares changing hands.

DETROIT-Executives from four auto parts companies said Tuesday that they don't expect widespread fallout from a shortage of a key ingredient in plastic resin following a factory explosion.Officials with Delphi Automotive, Illinois Tool Works, AK Steel and Parker Hannifin said during conference calls to discuss their companies' earnings that a shortage of PA-12 shouldn't disrupt their operations.Automakers and parts companies have been scrambling to find substitutes since a factory in Germany that makes much of the world's supply of the ingredient suspended production after it exploded in March.The resin is used in hundreds of parts. It's most critical in fuel and brake lines because it can carry gasoline and other fluids without deteriorating.Companies that make fuel lines, brake lines and connectors have been worried they will run out of PA-12 and they may have to stop shipments to automakers and larger parts suppliers. One key fuel line maker, TI Automotive, warned last week that the auto production interruptions are likely in the next few weeks. TI and a trade group of suppliers held an industrywide meeting last week to look at the remaining supply of PA-12 and encourage faster testing of alternatives.But Rodney O'Neal, CEO of Delphi, one of the largest parts suppliers, said he sees little impact on Delphi or auto production."I don't see this as a crisis in terms of tremendous downtime at all for anyone around the world," O'Neal said. He said the auto industry is addressing the problem quickly and with flexibility.Delphi, a Troy, Mich., supplier of audio systems, fuel pumps, wiring connectors and other items, uses PA-12 in a small number of parts and has lined up substitutes, O'Neal said."We believe there's enough inventory in the channel right now to handle this," John Brooklier, vice president of investor relations for Illinois Tool Works, told investors on a separate call Tuesday. He said the Glenview, Ill., maker of metal and plastic parts such as door handles uses little PA-12 but is watching the impact on auto companies.At AK Steel, CEO James Wainscott said customers are telling the company that any shortage is likely to be a challenge mostly for European automakers in the U.S.The West Chester, Ohio, company, he said, was concerned about the problem until the last day or so."There may be some trickle-lower effect here, but we don't look for that to be a great concern," Wainscott told investors.Automakers say the issue hasn't interrupted production thus far. The shortage was caused by a March 31 explosion at Evonik Industries' plant. The factory supplied at least a quarter of the world's PA-12, and about 70 percent of a chemical that's used by other companies to make resin. Evonik has said the plant will be out of operation for at least three months.At Parker Hannifin, a maker of valves, filters, pumps and hoses, CEO Donald Washkewicz said his company isn't in the fuel line business but does use PA-12, also known as nylon-12, in air brake tubing and other parts. The Cleveland-based company, he said, has been using alternate materials."We're able to keep our customers out of trouble," Washkewicz said.But Washkewicz said the shortage could drive up the cost of raw materials used to make plastic parts.Few plastics can do what PA-12 does. The chemical doesn't absorb as much moisture as other plastics and will stand up to carrying gasoline, brake fluid and other hydrocarbon liquids. Sadhan Jana, a professor of polymer engineering at the University of Akron in Ohio, said he knows of no other plastic as as durable as PA-12.Any substitute would have to go through rigorous testing to make sure it would work for a specific automotive part, Jana says. Those tests could take months.Automakers and suppliers are close to agreeing on a fast-track process for testing replacements.The Automotive Industry Action Group, a nonprofit trade group, said Monday that General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Group, Honda Motor Co., Hyundai-Kia, Volkswagen AG and their suppliers, are expected to finalize new testing standards next week. The agreement would reduce the interim approval process for new materials to three weeks from the current eight weeks or longer.AIAG said the group feels confident it can shorten the testing time because alternative resins are already well known and previous testing has accurately predicted real-world performance.