cnc machining

[rwk]

How much do u folks think cnc machining improved loading dies

 

[dgeesaman]

CNC does many things, but it does not automatically improve the quality of any machined product.

David

 

[Capt45]

I believe CNC'd dies are much superior to manual machined products.

 

[clowdis]

I don't think it helped quality and accuracy that much but it did help reloading companies hold the line on price as manual labor costs go up.

 

[Rustytigwire]

Cnc is repeatability.
Accuracy is with tooling and programming.
Button pusher job, or down right wizard like my brother.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

It depends on what you're making but generally speaking...a simple die for example, can be finished and ready for heat treat while a cnc programmer is still writing the program and the end product be identical for all intents an purposes.

Cnc is not about better accuracy, and generally is no better than manual at one off jobs. CNC can be and often is, less efficient than a manual machine. Where cnc shines is repeatability for production purposes and time saving. I can't say that I've ever walked into a shop that doesn't have both capabilities if they have cnc ability. Simply put, there's a place for both.

That said, the programs that cnc machines run on is greatly improved over what it use to be. It is getting closer to matching a manual machine and even better..on some one off parts. Also, they can maintain optimal feed rates even as the part changes shape and size, automatically. Better finishes and better tool life are where these come into play, again, generally. Spindle rpm can be programmed to change, for example, as you face off a 6 inch od piece, with the rpm going up as the cutter gets closer to the center of the workpiece....maintaining proper feed rate. That doesn't make the face of the part any flatter, though.

 

[Walt Krafft]

After running a cnc lathe as a tool maker for 20+ years, I can say they are fine for one offs. Programming for years has been very simple and capable at the machine. Rough and finish with the same program snippet using separate tools. Threading with a single line of code. Canned cycles and programs. Then let us add in live tooling for flats, bolt holes, and other formerly second operations. The only downside is the cost of the machine, the tooling, and finding the right person to run it.

 

[Toolbreaker]

In a nutshell, it's two different ways to accomplish the same task. It comes down to the guy doing (and thinking through) the job more than the machine.

 

[Larryh128]

How much do u folks think cnc machining improved loading dies

Like anything else, there are entry level machines and machines no gunsmith could ever hope to pay the interest on. Most are quite good but if you want to get into the best stuff, it starts at 100k and goes up. There is a big difference on how the machine holds up after being run 8 hrs straight. The better machines use a positive air supply on the chuck from inside out. Nothing gets into it. OR shouldn't. The lower end machines use greased bearing without positive air flow. You will hear the change if you try to run them 8+hrs straight. They need down time. Accuracy is outstanding on the upper end stuff. There is no doubt in my mind that CNC has not only improved dies but low end bolt guns as well. Good machines and tooling results in a $400 rifle that shoots better than a custom from 40 years ago.

 

[D-4297]

During the advancement process of CNC's in the 80's ; into the 90's , both Porsche and M-B did away with most of their "hand finishing" ( Manual finish machining ) Depts.. , thinking CNC's could become a great cost-saving device . Within five years , they realized their engines could not attain the maximum RPM's of the "Hand-finished" engines , and had to re-start a manual machining training program , to train a "New" generation of skilled manual machinists . Simply stated , Both CNC's and Manual Machining have a necessary place in our Techie world . And both are required . Many times ; to correct the errors of a poor program .