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. 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. While lathe and turning center operators need to practice for years before they start producing high quality and fidelity workpieces, CNC can deliver top notch results from day one. The supervisors need a minimum technical training that doesn't require much time or resources.
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. 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.
Some Drawbacks of CNC Equipment
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. Another negative effect is the steady decline of the need to actually calculate and put the machinist engineering skill into practice. This quickly leads to the decay of the skills of expert employees working in a workshop.
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. 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. While lathe and turning center operators need to practice for years before they start producing high quality and fidelity workpieces, CNC can deliver top notch results from day one. The supervisors need a minimum technical training that doesn't require much time or resources.
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. 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.
Some Drawbacks of CNC Equipment
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. Another negative effect is the steady decline of the need to actually calculate and put the machinist engineering skill into practice. This quickly leads to the decay of the skills of expert employees working in a workshop.
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, gun drilling machines, boring machines and more!
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