Why Mechanical Processing Cannot Rely Solely on Image References

Using images as references for machining in factories presents certain limitations and challenges. While images can provide valuable information for some simple tasks, relying solely on them for complex machining is impractical. Here’s a detailed analysis:

1. Two-Dimensional Limitations of Images: Machining typically involves precise dimensions and shapes in three-dimensional space. Images, especially ordinary two-dimensional ones, cannot fully represent all features of a three-dimensional object. Even high-resolution images fail to provide accurate information about depth, angles, and spatial relationships. Consequently, factories may encounter dimensional and shape inaccuracies due to the lack of depth information when relying on images for machining.
2. Lack of Precise Dimensions and Tolerances: Machining requires high precision, often necessitating clear dimension annotations and tolerance ranges. Images usually cannot directly provide these crucial details. Even if dimensions are annotated on an image, scaling, resolution, or shooting angles may cause size distortion. Without accurate dimensions and tolerances, it is challenging for factories to ensure that the machined parts meet design requirements.
3. Difficulty in Expressing Complex Shapes and Internal Structures: Many mechanical parts are not only complex in shape but also have internal structures and functional requirements. Such complex features are difficult to convey clearly through two-dimensional images. For example, details such as internal holes, grooves, and threads often need to be accurately described through sectional views, local enlargement views, and detailed drawings. These details are usually hard to display in ordinary images, preventing factories from fully understanding and machining the parts.
4. Lack of Standardization: Machining needs to follow a series of engineering standards and specifications, including material selection, heat treatment requirements, and surface treatment methods. This standardized information is typically contained in detailed engineering drawings and technical documents, rarely in images. For instance, a simple part might involve multiple materials and various surface treatment methods, which need to be clearly annotated in design drawings and process documents, not just in an image.
5. Subjectivity and Variability of Images: Image capturing and presentation are susceptible to subjective factors. For example, shooting angle, lighting conditions, resolution, and different shooting equipment can affect the presentation effect and information transmission of images. The same part may appear differently in different images, making it difficult for factories to unify standards for machining. Additionally, images are easily modified and edited, increasing the risk of unreliable information.
6. Lack of Machining Process Information: Machining involves not just creating the shape of an object but also complex processing procedures such as casting, forging, cutting, grinding, and welding. The selection and control of these processes are crucial to the quality of the final product. Images cannot provide detailed information about these processes, making it difficult for factories to develop appropriate machining process plans.
7. Challenges of Digitalization and Intelligence: Modern machining increasingly relies on digital and intelligent technologies such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. These technologies require accurate 3D models and detailed process parameters for programming and control. Images cannot be directly used in these digital technologies, necessitating the conversion of image information into 3D models and machining parameters, thereby increasing workload and the potential for errors.

Conclusion

In summary, relying solely on images for machining references in factories presents numerous limitations and challenges. The two-dimensional limitations of images, lack of precise dimensions and tolerance information, difficulty in expressing complex shapes and internal structures, lack of standardization, subjectivity and variability of images, lack of machining process information, and challenges of digitalization and intelligence all lead to problems during machining, affecting the quality and precision of parts.

Therefore, factories typically depend on detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and process documents for machining, as these documents provide comprehensive, accurate, and standardized information, ensuring controllability in the machining process and quality of the final product. If images must be used as references, it is recommended to supplement and verify them with detailed drawings and technical documents to ensure machining accuracy and reliability.