Understand the Pros and Cons of CNC Machining for Your Production Needs
06 January 2022Manufacturers nowadays have a lot of options in generating different types of parts and products. One option that they can utilise is computer numerical control (CNC) machining.
CNC machining is a type of machining process that relies on pre-programmed computer software to effectively move machining tools and machines such as lathes, mills, and grinders. Through CNC machining, three-dimensional cutting operations can be easily conducted by manufacturers.
More and more production lines these days are adopting CNC machining thanks to the benefits it brings. However, it still carries some limitations that industries should know about. Before utilising CNC machining for your production needs, here are some of its pros and cons that you should understand.
Pros of CNC Machining
CNC machining carries a lot of benefits that can help meet your production needs. Some of its benefits are as follows:
- Continuous Operations– One of the benefits of CNC machining is that it can carry out continuous operations. Unlike manual machining, CNC machining can easily conduct processes for very long hours, even if the employees are on a break. By sending the necessary prompts to the software, the tools and machines are expected to operate properly and safely.
- Precise Results – Another benefit of CNC machining is that it can yield precise results. Projects that need tight tolerances can benefit from the high precision processes that CNC machines often provide. No matter how intricate the specifications are, CNC machining can conveniently come up with precise results, making it useful for a lot of industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
- Versatile Applications– Since CNC machining can handle and control a wide array of tools and machines, you can expect it to be extremely versatile. Through CNC machining, you can easily create parts and products that are made from plastics, metals, and other popular materials. It can also handle materials that may possess different stress resistance, heat tolerance, and design tolerance.
- Access to Prototypes – With manual machining, the generation of simulated models or prototypes can already take a lot of resources, particularly time and money. CNC machining, on the other hand, can provide your needed simulated models or prototypes physically or virtually. It can even generate prototypes that only showcase specific parts of a product.
Cons of CNC Machining
Even though CNC machining boasts these astonishing benefits, it still has some limitations and drawbacks that you should know. Some of them are the following:
- Added Expenses– One of the drawbacks of CNC machining is that it can cost you some money. Investing in CNC machining can be truly expensive since most of its processes are automated. Additionally, it can also be expensive as it truly prioritises accuracy and precision. Some things that you can do to keep its costs down are to increase the tolerances and to keep the project simple.
- Operational Mistakes– Another drawback of CNC machining is that it can still yield some operational mistakes. Even though the processes of CNC machining are automated, operators may still commit some mistakes that can affect the results of the operations. To avoid these mistakes, you must work with a shop that has reliable and experienced personnel.
To know more about CNC machining, you can call us at Kinetic Engineering.
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