No matter what kind of metalworking you do, you can greatly increase your productivity by upgrading to a Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) system. Adding CNC automation greatly increases the accuracy of various machining tools, as well as their job speed. If you want to increase your production capability without risking the quality of your work, consider adding a CNC system.
What Kind of Machines Can Be Computer Controlled?
There are several types of tools that can be controlled by a computer program—lathes are one of the most common. A lathe is a machining tool that performs an action, such as drilling, cutting, or sanding, while simultaneously rotating the workpiece. Lathes are commonly used in woodworking and metalworking, and sometimes glassmaking. Because lathes are able to quickly make highly precise cuts or drills, they are essential to any machining shop. Adding computer control can make a lathe even more useful.
Mills are another commonly used machining tool that can be improved by computer control. A mill works by combining a set of rotary cutters with the action of feeding the workpiece at an angle to the tool’s axis. Mills are extremely useful for a variety of machining operations, and a CNC mill is a necessary part of any most machining shops.
Buying a CNC Machine
The term “CNC machine” can actually refer to two different things. It can mean a standalone controller that is attached to a machining tool to give it CNC capabilities. It can also be a generalised term referring to a Computer Numerical Controlled milling machine. A CNC milling machine is also sometimes called a machining centre.
If you are looking into upgrading the machining tools in your shop or manufacturing centre, you can find several types of CNC machines for sale. The first thing to do is determine which type of CNC machine you want to buy. For example, if your primary machining jobs are performed by mills, you may want to invest in a computer controlled mill. On the other hand, if you use both lathes and mills, you may want to buy a controller accessory that will allow both types of machines to be computerised.
A CNC milling machine is extremely useful for many applications. Computer controlled machines are usually vertical mills that move the spindle vertically along the Z-axis. Some CNC mills allow even more degrees of freedom by adding axes beyond the typical three—XYZ. These are called multiaxis machines and they require computer control as they are far too complex for most operators to use successfully.
If your shop uses lathes or other machining tools in addition to mills, you may want to choose a CNC controller instead of buying both CNC mills and CNC lathes. A controller can be attached to various metalworking machines to give the ability of computer control. Buying an extremely versatile controller allows the operators of all your machining tools to drastically increase productivity and accuracy. The other advantage of a standalone controller is the price point. Because it is less expensive than buying a CNC mill or lathe, it’s perfect for smaller shops with tighter budgets. A computerised controller allows even small niche workshops to improve their production.