CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are automated machine tools that are operated by an electronic control unit that reads commands from a storage medium. These machines can be lathes, milling centers, drillers, cutters, multitasking turning centers with "live" tools or other metal processing tools such as plasma or water jet cutters.
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.
Key Benefits
The list of benefits that derives from using CNC machine tools is long, and every entry is significant for any workshop that strives to remain profitable while offering high production rates and workpiece standards.
1. CNCs relieve workshop owners from employing an adequate number of machinists to fulfill the production needs. Only a minimum number of employees is required to monitor the operation of those automated machines.
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. CNC machinery can deliver high levels of repeatability as the exact same design can be produced over and over again for an almost unlimited number of times.
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. Workpieces that require demanding multi-hour processing and vigorous dimension measurements can be produced much quicker when using a CNC as dimensions are accurately achieved without the need for measurements.
6. A CNC with "live" tools can produce items that even skilled and experienced machinists find impossible to materialize.
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
As advantageous as CNC machine tools may be, there are certainly some possible drawbacks that should be considered before buying one.
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. Another issue for consideration is the technical stupefaction that workshops who work with CNCs naturally witness. Employees are no longer required to do any mathematical or engineering calculations and are only limited to monitoring the CNCs operation.
3. CNC machines may produce a large number of wrong pieces before a supervisor notices and stops them. This can happen due to misalignments or bad calibration.
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.
Key Benefits
The list of benefits that derives from using CNC machine tools is long, and every entry is significant for any workshop that strives to remain profitable while offering high production rates and workpiece standards.
1. CNCs relieve workshop owners from employing an adequate number of machinists to fulfill the production needs. Only a minimum number of employees is required to monitor the operation of those automated machines.
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. CNC machinery can deliver high levels of repeatability as the exact same design can be produced over and over again for an almost unlimited number of times.
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. Workpieces that require demanding multi-hour processing and vigorous dimension measurements can be produced much quicker when using a CNC as dimensions are accurately achieved without the need for measurements.
6. A CNC with "live" tools can produce items that even skilled and experienced machinists find impossible to materialize.
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
As advantageous as CNC machine tools may be, there are certainly some possible drawbacks that should be considered before buying one.
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. Another issue for consideration is the technical stupefaction that workshops who work with CNCs naturally witness. Employees are no longer required to do any mathematical or engineering calculations and are only limited to monitoring the CNCs operation.
3. CNC machines may produce a large number of wrong pieces before a supervisor notices and stops them. This can happen due to misalignments or bad calibration.
About the Author:
Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. offers many options in cnc machining tools. Learn more on their website about their machine tools for sale, including lathes, gun drilling machines, horizontal boring machines and more!
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