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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
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. As CNC machines run by themselves, workshops can dismiss most of their current personnel and keep only supervising staff.
2. CNC supervisors only need a minimum of technical training to cope with their responsibilities while machinists of the past required extended periods of practice before they could become productive.
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. CNCs that feature "live" tools can materialize items that pose a challenge to even the most experienced machinists out there.
7. Multi-tasking CNCs combine tools and processing techniques from various machines, making it possible for items that would otherwise pass from a series of processing in different machines to be produced in one. This decreases the production times for such items and eventually increases a workshop's efficiency.
Possible Drawbacks
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. There is a chance that a CNC is badly calibrated or the workpiece bed gets somehow misaligned. This can lead to countless of defective items before someone notices.
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. As CNC machines run by themselves, workshops can dismiss most of their current personnel and keep only supervising staff.
2. CNC supervisors only need a minimum of technical training to cope with their responsibilities while machinists of the past required extended periods of practice before they could become productive.
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. CNCs that feature "live" tools can materialize items that pose a challenge to even the most experienced machinists out there.
7. Multi-tasking CNCs combine tools and processing techniques from various machines, making it possible for items that would otherwise pass from a series of processing in different machines to be produced in one. This decreases the production times for such items and eventually increases a workshop's efficiency.
Possible Drawbacks
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. There is a chance that a CNC is badly calibrated or the workpiece bed gets somehow misaligned. This can lead to countless of defective items before someone notices.
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, horizontal boring machines and more!
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