CNC machining, which stands for Computer Numerical Control machining, is a modern manufacturing method that is used to control machine tools. The computer controlled process is used to manufacture plastic as well as metal tools. In order to produce tools using CNC machining, you first need to create a CAD drawing in 2D or 3D. This CAD drawing is then loaded into a computer in the form of a code, called the G code. CNC machines require the G code in order to control the various aspects of product design. An operator then handles the machine to produce the said tools.
There are advantages as well as disadvantages to CNC machining. Let’s look at the advantages of this modern manufacturing process first.
- You can run them constantly
Compared to manual machines, the CNC mills can be run constantly for days and months on end. This helps to improve productivity, and hence, keeps the production cost down.
- It is precise
CNC machining is computer controlled. Most CNC machines allow you to control every feature of a product down to the very last detailed. Thus, you can make really precise tools with the help of CNC machining. Since everything is computer controlled, every tool made is uniform and exactly as required. You can even update your CNC machines easily to add new features to it from time to time.
You need fewer people
Since computer handles most of the tasks associated with cutting tools, you need lesser number of people to operate the machines. Thus, the operating expenses in running a CNC machining business are not much. Usually, a couple of operators are enough to run and maintain a CNC machine.
While advantages of CNC machining are huge, it does come with its set of disadvantages too.
Here are some cons of CNC machining that you must look at:
- It is expensive
Compared to manual machines, CNC machines are expensive. Thus, the cost of setting up a CNC mill can be significantly higher, compared to installing manual machines for cutting tools.
- Trained labor is needed
Since computers need to be handled in CNC machining, trained labor is needed to oversee the task. Skilled labor is more expensive than unskilled labor, which can push up your manufacturing costs. These automated machines also require an upgrade of software from time to time, which adds to the operating expenses.
- There can be limitations to customizations
With CNC machines, software controls the process of cutting metal and plastic. In certain cases, this might prove to be a restriction when it comes to customizing tools. However, such cases are few and far in between.
When you look at the overall picture, the pros of CNC machining far outweigh its cons. If you are smart about your business strategy, setting up a successful CNC mill shouldn’t be too much trouble. Just make sure you invest in quality tools to begin with. Thus, you need to have quality cutters made from carbide or HSS, clamping kits, a good misting set up, and a set of parallels, among other things. It is also important that you know how to operate MIDI before you start thinking seriously about CNC machining.
Invest in quality products, and gather the right team in order to find success. A CNC operator should have good knowledge of AutoCAD and G-Code. He should also be well versed with maintaining these automated machines, which is essential for reliability and productivity. The progress of CNC machining has made it extremely popular in several small-scale and large-scale industries and it is also used for a large-scale production of goods.
These are the above mentioned information of CNC machining that will help you to control the various aspects of product design easily. Visit this link if you want to know more about CNC machining.