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.
Advantages of CNC Machine Tools
There are many and important benefits that stem from the utilization of CNC machines in a workshop. Most are in regard to the production abilities, work quality, geometry detail and financial profit.
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. CNCs are able to produce many items of the exact same design, without dimensional and geometrical deviations. Human operators, on the other hand, can't achieve such high levels of consistency no matter their skills or experience.
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. Depending on its geometry, a design may require extensive and constant measuring during the processing. CNC production rates don't get affected by this factor at all.
6. Some workpieces are very difficult or even impossible to produce by traditional machines due to technical limitations. CNCs with "live" tools can be proved invaluable in such cases.
7. Another possible benefit is the streamlining of workpieces manufacturing using multi-tasking CNCs. This is due to the fact that multi-tasking machines can combine various milling and cutting processes that would otherwise require the mounting of the workpiece on various different machines.
Possible Drawbacks
Although CNCs offer such great benefits to workshops, they also bring some hindrances that are important enough and require serious consideration.
1. The increased cost of acquisition of those automated machines is the main suspensive factor. The expected median profit and ROI must be carefully considered before buying a CNC. This high cost though is gradually decreasing as open source software tools are made available.
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. Last, there is always the possibility of a miscalibrated CNC or misaligned workpiece table that can lead to the production of a large number of defective items before this wrongful operation is noticed.
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.
Advantages of CNC Machine Tools
There are many and important benefits that stem from the utilization of CNC machines in a workshop. Most are in regard to the production abilities, work quality, geometry detail and financial profit.
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. CNCs are able to produce many items of the exact same design, without dimensional and geometrical deviations. Human operators, on the other hand, can't achieve such high levels of consistency no matter their skills or experience.
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. Depending on its geometry, a design may require extensive and constant measuring during the processing. CNC production rates don't get affected by this factor at all.
6. Some workpieces are very difficult or even impossible to produce by traditional machines due to technical limitations. CNCs with "live" tools can be proved invaluable in such cases.
7. Another possible benefit is the streamlining of workpieces manufacturing using multi-tasking CNCs. This is due to the fact that multi-tasking machines can combine various milling and cutting processes that would otherwise require the mounting of the workpiece on various different machines.
Possible Drawbacks
Although CNCs offer such great benefits to workshops, they also bring some hindrances that are important enough and require serious consideration.
1. The increased cost of acquisition of those automated machines is the main suspensive factor. The expected median profit and ROI must be carefully considered before buying a CNC. This high cost though is gradually decreasing as open source software tools are made available.
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. Last, there is always the possibility of a miscalibrated CNC or misaligned workpiece table that can lead to the production of a large number of defective items before this wrongful operation is noticed.
About the Author:
Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. offers many options in 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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