If you are in the manufacturing industry, you may be wondering what can be the best investment that can help you scale up your business?
Just like any business, maintaining and scaling up a manufacturing company can be challenging. These types of companies, to maintain efficiency, must quantify and organize everything, reduce waste materials, strengthen supply base, engage workers, and proactively manage equipment.
Nevertheless, the exciting thing about manufacturing businesses, especially in today’s world, is that they are generally comprised of machines, computers, robots, and humans that all work in a particular manner to create a product. And when we talk about magnifying your business, the emphasis goes on the word machines.
The functions of all the machines are to reduce human effort and increase efficiency. However, most of the devices depend on the human mind when it comes to crucial decisions. That said, the fundamental problem with these machines is the possible errors caused due to manual operation. Precisely because of this, the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine emerged. CNC machines can perform desired services without human intervention. They have high accuracy and can avoid any accidents. But what exactly are CNC machines? Are they worthy of investment? Are they suitable for your business? If you want to know the answer to these questions and a lot more, just read on!
What are CNC machines and CNC milling?
Computer numerical control machines are machines where both the tool and work-piece are controlled with the help of a numerical (computer) program. Specifically, with a Computer-Aided Design, a 3-D design of the desired object is created. Later, with the help of Computer-Aided Manufacturing, this design is turned into reality. Without these two processes, the complete CNC machining will not be possible.
There are different types of CNC machines – Lathe Machines, Milling Machines, Lasers, Grinding Units, Welding Machines, and Winding Machines. Milling machines are among the most popular since they are compatible with a broad range of materials and surfaces and can help improve overall efficiency. The process employs computerized controls and rotating multipoint cutting tools to progressively remove material from the work-piece and produce a custom-designed part or product.
What can you make with a CNC (milling) machine?
CNC milling machines are very versatile. They are often used to achieve flat surfaces, but can also be used in the production of products with irregular surfaces. Many manufacturers use them to drill, bore, cut gears, and produce holes. During the process, the cutters rotate to remove the material from the work-piece on both small and large objects.
These machines support the production of numerous complex parts required in dozens of industries, especially the ones that need custom-created parts for specific uses. Precisely, the ability to accurately design and create pieces with a computer makes CNC machining indispensable for many enterprises. Everything from the medical field to transportation and more relies heavily on machining parts.
They can use different techniques to work with the materials the sector requires for building the required parts. The milling process requires basic equipment. This equipment consists of milling machines, work-piece, fixture, and cutter. The most crucial segment in the process of milling is the necessary machinery. There are different types of milling. The routers can be horizontal, vertical, or universal, depending on the tool orientation. The special milling types, on the other hand, include circular, copiers, gantry, or movable bridge. Depending on the number of axes, the routers can be three, four, and five-axis.
CNC (milling) machines can be quite costly, and the size of the machine, configuration, options will generally make the most difference in the end price. However, if this type of investment is too much for you to handle, you can use professional CNC milling services to fill your orders. This way, someone else will handle all your CNC milling projects smoothly, and you can focus on bringing your product to market.
Is a CNC (milling) machine suitable for my business?
As we already mentioned, CNC machines can make any desired part if perfectly designed. The combination of functional programming run by the electricity and electronic sensors, powered to the mechanical elements, gives companies the wanted output. CNC machines are mostly used for the production of industrial, automotive, machinery, telecommunications, and other electrical and electronic components. They are also used in the production of artillery and naval parts, aerospace and military equipment, mining, but also in the coloring sector and the food and beverage industries.
Furthermore, the process of milling can be performed on work-pieces from a variety of materials, including most metals and plastics. Most commonly, the method is used on aluminum, brass, magnesium, nickel, steel, thermoset plastics, titanium, and zinc.
Final Thoughts
If you are using manual machines, and you are ready for an upgrade, or you are just getting into machining for the very first time, you should definitely consider CNC machining. This type of equipment has excellent tolerance, precision, and offers quick processing. Its ability to create parts out of multiple types of materials beyond metal and wood makes CNC processes a preferred option for those sectors that require customized components.
Everything from insulating cases to medical devices and more are among the products machinists can produce to the customer’s specifications. So, if you want to increase your business efficiency and multiply your production numbers, investing in CNC machining is the right thing to do.
Naturally, when it comes to small production, you can use CNC services, but when volume matters, choose a company with the capability for large-order machining.
