Machining is an operation that is widely used around the world to create products people buy every day. It creates everything from small parts in clocks to components for the aerospace and medical industry. A machining company employs several tools to create these components.
For several years, machining companies have been turning from more traditional forms of machining to CNC or computer numerical control machining to improve their process. And there is a wide range of industries benefiting from this change. The following are some of the key benefits CNC offers over traditional machining methods.
Efficiency
Traditional machining services require that someone directly operate the machine. Each machine has to have its own machinist, which increases the amount of labor required.
With CNC machining, an operator sets the machine to work for the project but does not have to stay with the machine for the entire process. Instead, they can work on several machines, increasing the amount of work produced.
Consistency
Traditional machining relies on a machinist to control the machines. As such, it can be difficult to ensure all products are finished in a consistent manner.
CNC machining, on the other hand, is completed by a computer. Thanks to the automated process, CNC can produce the same quality across each product, ensuring greater consistency.
Safety
With traditional machining, a machinist has to work directly with the machine and the object. Though there are safety measures put in place, this direct contact still poses a risk to the machinist.
CNC machining services are different. While there is an operator ensuring the work is being done, that operator has no direct contact with the object or the tool while it’s being operated. Instead, they work from behind a transparent door or a guard.
Cost-Effectiveness
CNC is also considered a more cost-effective process for a few reasons. The first is because one operator can produce more work, lowering the number of labor hours needed. Second, machines can produce a greater number of products than humans in a set time frame.
Also, as CNC machines provide more consistent and precise work, there are fewer errors, which eliminates waste and reduces reworks. This makes CNC more beneficial for both the machining company and the customer as the lower costs trickle down.
Traditional machining is still a popular choice among many as it requires a skilled craftsman to complete. However, the benefits CNC machining offers to provide both the company and the client advantages that traditional machining can’t achieve.
