Numerical Control Machining is a comparatively new process in the machining sector that facilitates increased efficiency by employing higher automation levels. This is achieved by letting the computer’s controls carry out all the work. While computer controlled machines are relatively more complicated and expensive, through reducing error margins and cutting down on the workload, they quickly pay for themselves.
Today, computer numerical control machines are extensively employed in the manufacturing industry. The traditional machines like centre lathes, routers shaping machines, and vertical millers, which were previously only run by trained engineers have been replaced by machines run by CNC controls.
There are several types of advantages that accrue from installing CNC machines:
Improves Production Automation
Computer controlled machines can be run for hours or days without being attended, allowing personnel to do other types of tasks. This way, the business will need only a few operators and hence save on operating overheads.
By eliminating the need of an operator, factory safety is also boosted because in case of a mechanical jam or error, the operator will not near or be holding any type of tool; only the tool gets damaged in such a situation.
Because the machine will now not need to take breaks, works gets done faster and for longer hours. There is no need for human physical input; no need for paying workers overtime or risking sleepy operators getting injured due to fatigue.
Very Exact in Results
Even the keenest of human operators is bound to have minor variations in terms of finished results, whereas CNC controls will ensure exactly the same outcomes at each and every run. This becomes even more important during the current age of interchangeable and standardized parts. A single defective cut or tiny error could render an entire product or item totally unusable.
With computer controlled machines, all what is needed is the development of a single program that is inserted into the machine. The machine will toil away on its own to generate exact product replicas down to the smallest of measurements every time.
Offers Great Flexibility
While the human being is more trainable and more flexible, a CNC machine may be reprogrammed completely in just several hours to generate an entirely new and totally different product. Thus it becomes feasible to even revert back to old versions of your programs or even have new programs installed when different work pieces or products are required.
This is one aspect that accords the CNC machines a huge advantage compared to other types of machines. They can easily and quickly shift to the production of completely different items without requiring new parts installation or major key components overhaul. They are able to adapt to demand or new developments in the industry quickly.
Saves Time and Provides Simplicity
Try CNC controls effectively cuts down on the production lead times. This is because they can run continuously for 24 hours or even days needing only the occasional maintenance check. They enable the computer operator to implement improvements or needed changes with minimal delay or expense.
Once you learn how they run, computer numerical control machines are easy to manage. Advanced machine programming and control capabilities are now allowing extremely complex operations to be accomplished more easily.
Final Verdict
While the traditional manually operated machines required personnel who were highly skilled, computer controlled machines can virtually be operated by anyone and don’t require much training. Whether big, small or medium, all manufacturing industries can employ these units for boosting production, cutting down business over-head costs and greatly enhance profitability. This may also boost customer satisfaction and retention.