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
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. 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. CNC machinery can deliver high levels of repeatability as the exact same design can be produced over and over again for an almost unlimited number of times.
4. While human operators need frequent breaks and can only work for a certain period of time, CNCs know no limits as to how long they can keep producing items without stopping. Apart from short periods of maintenance, CNCs can work day and night without any problem.
5. Items that require extensive measuring and accurate dimensioning take a lot of manufacturing time for a machinist no matter how many of those were produced in the past. CNCs, however, can quickly produce the same item countless times and without any geometrical deviations among the produced pieces.
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.
Possible Drawbacks
As advantageous as CNC machine tools may be, there are certainly some possible drawbacks that should be considered before buying one.
1. First and foremost, there is the cost. A modern CNC machine can cost a lot depending on its technical features and capabilities. This cost of acquisition is constantly dropping as open source software to control CNCs is made available and production of CNC parts increases, but it still remains on the high side.
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
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. 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. CNC machinery can deliver high levels of repeatability as the exact same design can be produced over and over again for an almost unlimited number of times.
4. While human operators need frequent breaks and can only work for a certain period of time, CNCs know no limits as to how long they can keep producing items without stopping. Apart from short periods of maintenance, CNCs can work day and night without any problem.
5. Items that require extensive measuring and accurate dimensioning take a lot of manufacturing time for a machinist no matter how many of those were produced in the past. CNCs, however, can quickly produce the same item countless times and without any geometrical deviations among the produced pieces.
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.
Possible Drawbacks
As advantageous as CNC machine tools may be, there are certainly some possible drawbacks that should be considered before buying one.
1. First and foremost, there is the cost. A modern CNC machine can cost a lot depending on its technical features and capabilities. This cost of acquisition is constantly dropping as open source software to control CNCs is made available and production of CNC parts increases, but it still remains on the high side.
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, boring machines and more!
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire