Computer Numerical Control, or CNC machines, are metal processing tools of high accuracy that base their operation on commands given by their main computer unit. CNCs can be various types of processing machines such as turning and milling centers, drilling machines, lathes and multitasking turning centers. Some more modern implementations include automated plasma and water jet cutters too.
The commands given to the cutting head are of positioning nature, but they can also regulate the rotation speed, use of cutting oils, or workpiece movement on a rotating index table. For this reason, there are no manual controlled wheels or levers at all. The commands can be either stored in an electronic medium connected to the CNC computer or automatically generate a sequence of commands based on a given 3D model exported from CAD software.
Main Advantages
Using CNC machines generates a series of benefits that are very important for the efficient running of any modern workshop business. The increasing demands in the metalworking sector call for fast production combined with precise workpiece geometry, something that can only be achieved through the use of CNC machines.
1. As CNC machines run by themselves, workshops can dismiss most of their current personnel and keep only supervising staff.
2. CNC supervisors only need a minimum of technical training to cope with their responsibilities while machinists of the past required extended periods of practice before they could become productive.
3. Automated CNCs can produce many items of the same design featuring high-fidelity and repeatability.
4. There is no limit as to how long a CNC machine can run without stopping, other than the maintenance sessions. Automated machines of this kind don't need breaks or rest periods and they keep their production rates the same, no matter their continuous operating hours.
5. Items that require extensive measuring and accurate dimensioning take a lot of manufacturing time for a machinist no matter how many of those were produced in the past. CNCs, however, can quickly produce the same item countless times and without any geometrical deviations among the produced pieces.
6. CNCs that feature "live" tools can materialize items that pose a challenge to even the most experienced machinists out there.
7. Multi-tasking CNCs combine tools and processing techniques from various machines, making it possible for items that would otherwise pass from a series of processing in different machines to be produced in one. This decreases the production times for such items and eventually increases a workshop's efficiency.
Possible Drawbacks
Nothing comes without drawbacks, though, and CNC machines are no exception to this rule either. Here are some hindering factors for consideration:
1. The most obvious drawback of CNCs is their acquisition cost. CNCs will only offer a quick return of investment for workshops that are expected to gross tens of thousands per month. The good news though is that CNCs are gradually becoming cheaper.
2. Secondly, there is the lack of engineering and calculative skills in a workshop. As the need for those is eliminated by the CNC machine's automated nature, workshops may slowly become incapacitated in regards to the technical abilities of the personnel.
3. There is a chance that a CNC is badly calibrated or the workpiece bed gets somehow misaligned. This can lead to countless of defective items before someone notices.
The commands given to the cutting head are of positioning nature, but they can also regulate the rotation speed, use of cutting oils, or workpiece movement on a rotating index table. For this reason, there are no manual controlled wheels or levers at all. The commands can be either stored in an electronic medium connected to the CNC computer or automatically generate a sequence of commands based on a given 3D model exported from CAD software.
Main Advantages
Using CNC machines generates a series of benefits that are very important for the efficient running of any modern workshop business. The increasing demands in the metalworking sector call for fast production combined with precise workpiece geometry, something that can only be achieved through the use of CNC machines.
1. As CNC machines run by themselves, workshops can dismiss most of their current personnel and keep only supervising staff.
2. CNC supervisors only need a minimum of technical training to cope with their responsibilities while machinists of the past required extended periods of practice before they could become productive.
3. Automated CNCs can produce many items of the same design featuring high-fidelity and repeatability.
4. There is no limit as to how long a CNC machine can run without stopping, other than the maintenance sessions. Automated machines of this kind don't need breaks or rest periods and they keep their production rates the same, no matter their continuous operating hours.
5. Items that require extensive measuring and accurate dimensioning take a lot of manufacturing time for a machinist no matter how many of those were produced in the past. CNCs, however, can quickly produce the same item countless times and without any geometrical deviations among the produced pieces.
6. CNCs that feature "live" tools can materialize items that pose a challenge to even the most experienced machinists out there.
7. Multi-tasking CNCs combine tools and processing techniques from various machines, making it possible for items that would otherwise pass from a series of processing in different machines to be produced in one. This decreases the production times for such items and eventually increases a workshop's efficiency.
Possible Drawbacks
Nothing comes without drawbacks, though, and CNC machines are no exception to this rule either. Here are some hindering factors for consideration:
1. The most obvious drawback of CNCs is their acquisition cost. CNCs will only offer a quick return of investment for workshops that are expected to gross tens of thousands per month. The good news though is that CNCs are gradually becoming cheaper.
2. Secondly, there is the lack of engineering and calculative skills in a workshop. As the need for those is eliminated by the CNC machine's automated nature, workshops may slowly become incapacitated in regards to the technical abilities of the personnel.
3. There is a chance that a CNC is badly calibrated or the workpiece bed gets somehow misaligned. This can lead to countless of defective items before someone notices.
About the Author:
Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. offers a wide range of CNC machines. Learn more on their website about their machine tools for sale, including lathes, deep hole drilling machines, boring machines and more!
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