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
Using CNC machines generates a series of benefits that are very important for the efficient running of any modern workshop business. The increasing demands in the metalworking sector call for fast production combined with precise workpiece geometry, something that can only be achieved through the use of CNC machines.
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. Automated tools such as CNC machines can run all day and all night long, all year round with only occasional stops for maintenance purposes. Human operators, on the other hand, need frequent breaks for their work to remain accurate and can only work for certain periods of time.
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. CNCs that feature "live" tools can materialize items that pose a challenge to even the most experienced machinists out there.
7. A multi-tasking CNC can produce an item that otherwise would require processing from various different machines. This can streamline the production of a demanding item and dramatically drop its production times.
Potential Issues
Although CNCs offer such great benefits to workshops, they also bring some hindrances that are important enough and require serious 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 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. 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
Using CNC machines generates a series of benefits that are very important for the efficient running of any modern workshop business. The increasing demands in the metalworking sector call for fast production combined with precise workpiece geometry, something that can only be achieved through the use of CNC machines.
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. Automated tools such as CNC machines can run all day and all night long, all year round with only occasional stops for maintenance purposes. Human operators, on the other hand, need frequent breaks for their work to remain accurate and can only work for certain periods of time.
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. CNCs that feature "live" tools can materialize items that pose a challenge to even the most experienced machinists out there.
7. A multi-tasking CNC can produce an item that otherwise would require processing from various different machines. This can streamline the production of a demanding item and dramatically drop its production times.
Potential Issues
Although CNCs offer such great benefits to workshops, they also bring some hindrances that are important enough and require serious 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 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. 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 machining tools. Learn more on their website about their cnc machines for sale, including lathes, deep hole drilling machines, horizontal boring machines and more!
0 التعليقات:
إرسال تعليق