scope:

This commercial item description (CID) covers computer numerical control (CNC) multi-axis, single-spindle, single-column, vertical machining centers intended for accurately and repeatedly shaping workpieces (i.e., raw blocks of materials) by the subtractive manufacturing material machining processes. CNC is in reference to a computer-controlled system able to programmatically command and control servomotors, facilitating various movements and functions of machine axes. Machining process examples described herein are drilling, reaming, tapping, threading, counterboring, countersinking, pocketing, squaring, stepping, plain milling, angular milling, face milling, contouring, profiling, gear hobbling and boring.

The equipment identified herein shall be manufactured in the United States of America.

CNC milling is an automated machine process used to manufacture engineering parts by selectively and progressively removing material from a workpiece. Material removal (milling) occurs via use of a rotating multi-point cutting tool and computerized controls (i.e., CNC). Parts manufactured via CNC milling are most practical via use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. CAD enables development and design of a part. CAM programs are used to generate manufacturing tool paths and to automate the manufacturing processes; CAM converts the CAD model into an executable CNC program (.NC) for machine use. This results in CNC manufacturing (machine control), instructing (via "G-code") the machine to execute the job in order to manufacture a physical part.

G-code, per Electronic Industries Association (EIA) SAE RS-274, is required as the programming language; it describes geometric paths using a simple command structure of the letter "G" followed by a numeric value.

Multi-axis, as identified herein, represents three through five axis as per the following:

3 axis: The workpiece remains in the same position while the cutting tool operates along the X (left to right movement), Y (front to back movement) Z (up and down movement) plane to trim away material.

4 axis: The workpiece is machined in the same manner as with a three axis machine, but has an added 180 degree rotational movement capability around a single axis (example: Y axes). This is considered the fourth Axis. The axis can be either set to continually move/rotate and/or incrementally rotate/hold/lock into position during milling. The addition of a fourth axis allows a workpiece to be flipped over (180 degrees), so the machine can remove material from the bottom side.

5 Axis: The workpiece can be automatically be manipulated/adjusted from five sides at one time. The machine operates similar to a four axis mill but with an additional rotational axis so that two axis have the capability to rotate the piece up to 180 degrees at once. Application supports complex components (ex: cast parts). Requires greater CNC programming preparation time to facilitate complex rotatory movement, but allows one workpiece to be worked on all five sides during one operation.