Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Economic Benefits of CNC Machining




CNC Machining versus conventional machining 


Conventional machining requires a skilled operator to manipulate the machine tool handwheels to produce a determined component. The Operator has to examine the drawing many times, during the operation, to determine the dimensions that apply and must decide by how much each handwheel must be turned to produce the desired result.            
Many conventional machine tools have speeds and feeds governed by mechanical design features such as fixed-speed gearboxes. Thus the choice of feed or speed is a compromise depending on the gear ratios built into the machine tool.
By contrast, CNC machine offer complete control of all axes, under optimum cutting conditions. Extremely short set-up times are possible since standard tooling is all that is required. The good accuracy and repeat ability of the components produced by CNC machines enables a greater uniformity of production. The quality of finished job is no longer under the control of the operator but under the control of a computer-run part program. 

Adopting CNC

CNC provides for an automated approach to manufacturing. To change from one type of component to another requires only a minimum amount of set-up time and the provision of a part program. The main reasons to adopting CNC can be listed as follows:
·         CNC provides flexible automation, adaptable to many differing requirements, and changeovers from one job to another are rapid.
·         The Investment of time in producing part programs can be realised many times over since repeat orders require no additional work.
·         CNC offers reduced downtime, early production start-up, uniformity of production, minimum machining times, and less scrap and re-work.
·         CNC can reduce labor costs.

Turning CNC Machined

Drawback of CNC

The biggest single limitation is probably the initial high capital cost of the equipment itself and its sub sequence installation. CNC equipment is also high technology equipment and will require maintenance of the different nature to that conventional machine tool.
The introduction of CNC machine will inevitably lead to the loss of existing conventional machines and their operators. Resistance to change may further hamper the introduction of CNC. Planned alternatives for those members of the workforce unable to make the transition into CNC operation must be carefully considered. 

CNC Machining Sydney