CNC (Computer Numerical Control) tools are essentially automated machines that are based on a main electronic processor for the positioning and spindling of their cutting or milling head. CNC machines may be lathes, milling centers, drillers, or multitasking turning centers that feature "live" tools. Some of the latest developments in the field also include plasma and 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.
Advantages of CNC Machine Tools
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. Workshops don't require as many employees as before to run efficiently, as one supervisor can monitor the proper operation of multiple CNC machines.
2. No extensive training is needed for the workshop employees to cope with their day to day duties, as opposed to the years of vigorous practice that was required by lathe and mill machinists in the past.
3. CNCs are able to produce many items of the exact same design, without dimensional and geometrical deviations. Human operators, on the other hand, can't achieve such high levels of consistency no matter their skills or experience.
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. A CNC with "live" tools can produce items that even skilled and experienced machinists find impossible to materialize.
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 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. 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.
Advantages of CNC Machine Tools
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. Workshops don't require as many employees as before to run efficiently, as one supervisor can monitor the proper operation of multiple CNC machines.
2. No extensive training is needed for the workshop employees to cope with their day to day duties, as opposed to the years of vigorous practice that was required by lathe and mill machinists in the past.
3. CNCs are able to produce many items of the exact same design, without dimensional and geometrical deviations. Human operators, on the other hand, can't achieve such high levels of consistency no matter their skills or experience.
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. A CNC with "live" tools can produce items that even skilled and experienced machinists find impossible to materialize.
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 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. 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 a wide range of CNC machines. Learn more on their website about their machine tools for sale, including lathes, deep hole drilling machines, boring machines and more!