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Top 6 Advantages of CNC Machining

Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Lean Manufacturing (167-slide PowerPoint presentation). In this Lean Manufacturing presentation, we explore the Lean philosophy, which is rooted in the Toyota Production System (TPS). Lean aims to enhance customer value by optimizing processes and eliminating waste, ultimately increasing productivity and value with fewer resources. A key [read more]

Also, if you are interested in becoming an expert on Supply Chain Management (SCM), take a look at Flevy's Supply Chain Management (SCM) Frameworks offering here. This is a curated collection of best practice frameworks based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. By learning and applying these concepts, you can you stay ahead of the curve. Full details here.

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The newest technology in manufacturing parts is the computer numerical control (CNC), which has replaced the traditional methods of manually operated machines, lathes, and vertical millers. CNC machining is preferred for its high precision, as small as 0.0001 units between parts. Their mode of operation is through advanced manufacturing technology, removing material from a block using different cutting tools to get the desired design.

With that said, you should now think of manufacturing your machine parts, whether it’s for aerospace, automobiles, or other engineering works, using a CNC machining service. You’re assured of precision, long-term durability, quality, and high tolerance. In addition, you can benefit from the speed of production due to the automation of technology. You only need to send your CAD files to a CNC manufacturer, and they’ll produce the kind of products you need depending on your specifications.

Types Of CNC Machining

  • Turning: This type of manufacturing mounts your parts on a rotating holder and removes material using stationary cutting objects to create axially symmetric final products.
  • Milling: These CNC machines are among the most popular. They have in-built tools for cutting and drilling. They develop and convert specific programs composed of numbers and letters to route and move the spindle differently.
  • Router: It’s a machine similar to the CNC mill but used to design softer materials. They’ve low precision compared to CNC mills.
  • Laser: They’re designed to cut across rigid materials with a highly focused laser. A laser cutting service is costly compared to CNC Plasma cutters of the exact specifications.
  • Waterjet: Just as the name implies, these cutters use high-pressure water jets to cut materials. It’s preferred for materials that can melt when subjected to high temperatures, such as aluminum and plastic.

Advantages Of CNC Machining

There are several advantages that manufacturers can get from CNC machines. Here’s a list of them:

1. High Accuracy and Zero Defects

CNC machines are computer-controlled and programmed. As a result, they can operate autonomously without human intervention. Thus, they’re error-free during the manufacture of parts. Manufacturing accuracy ensures that there are no defects with the product. Once the operation inputs have been entered into the computer, they’re immutable unless someone changes them deliberately. Furthermore, CNC machines can operate for many hours without compromising quality or breaking down.

2. Efficient and Fast Production

CNC machines can work at the necessary speed to meet your manufacturing demand for all manufacturers. You only need to set it at your desired rate. In addition, they can work 24/7 without breaking. This ensures that your productivity is maintained at the optimum with minimal wastage of resources. Even with the extended operating hours, the quality and accuracy of the machine aren’t affected.

3. Improved Operator Safety

Since CNC machines are automated, they can function without the need for an operator. The isolation of the operator from the machine increases human safety. Possible accidents related to life or limb injury are highly reduced. Most recent CNC machines are highly intelligent to the extent that they can change their tools automatically.

Even when there are changes of design to be produced, you can change the software in motion without coming into contact with the machine. The operator can thus monitor production remotely. In most cases, they can limit themselves to supervising the software execution and reactive or preventive maintenance to avert breakdowns. 4

4. Low Power Consumption

Industries such as aerospace, oil, natural gas, automotive, and petrochemicals are considered energy-intensive. However, the introduction of CNC machines can help them manage their power consumption levels within a cost-effective range. In addition, CNC machines conserve any energy losses from improper or poor planning, which further helps save energy.

5. Low Material Wastage

With CNC machines, you can cut the exact measurements of your products from your materials by taking advantage of the precision level of the machines to ensure that there’s no wastage of materials. The installed precision software is a big saver for your production materials. Your CAD model can deliver results with the first cycle without the need for trial and error.

6. Reduced Production Costs

CNC machines significantly lower production costs of components. The reduced material wastage helps improve scalability and efficiency. In addition, the low level of power consumption saves on costs. Besides, it offloads financial liabilities that may arise from accidents due to the safety they provide. Accidents from CNC machines hardly happen. All the advantages of CNC machines contribute to low production costs in one way or another.

Final Thoughts

CNC machining is a game-changer in the production of components. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way of manufacturing your products, deploying CNC machines is your best bet. In addition, you’ll benefit from their high precision level, reduced material wastage, speedy production, and improved safety.

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Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of Supply Chain activities. It also captures the management of the flow of goods and services.

In February of 2020, COVID-19 disrupted—and in many cases halted—global Supply Chains, revealing just how fragile they have become. By April, many countries experienced declines of over 40% in domestic and international trade.

COVID-19 has likewise changed how Supply Chain Executives approach and think about SCM. In the pre-COVID-19 era of globalization, the objective was to be Lean and Cost-effective. In the post-COVID-19 world, companies must now focus on making their Supply Chains Resilient, Agile, and Smart. Additional trends include Digitization, Sustainability, and Manufacturing Reshoring.

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About Shane Avron

Shane Avron is a freelance writer, specializing in business, general management, enterprise software, and digital technologies. In addition to Flevy, Shane's articles have appeared in Huffington Post, Forbes Magazine, among other business journals.


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