Computer Numerical Control manufacturing is a process in which CNC machines are pre-programmed with software that dictates the movement of the machinery.
A wide array of complex machinery can be controlled by the process, from CNC mills and lathes to CNC grinders and routers.
So, numerous three-dimensional cutting tasks can easily be completed with a single set of prompts.
CNC machines started to come into usage in the 1950s and they quickly became widely used by manufacturers over the following decades.
CNC technology has become increasingly important to the manufacturing industry. Here are the top reasons why it has revolutionized manufacturing so much.
CNC Technology Has Made Manufacturing Quicker, Cheaper, and More Efficient
Instead of one person operating one machine, CNC manufacturing involves just one person overseeing multiple machines while the machines automatically perform their tasks.
Therefore, it is easy to see just how much productivity in the manufacturing industry has been ramped up by using CNC technology.
The speed and efficiency of production are increased significantly with CNC machining, and that leads to greater scalability and higher revenue for manufacturing companies.
Also, fewer workers are needed, so companies are able to make significant savings on salaries.
It would be impossible to estimate how much time, effort, and money has been saved by companies over the years through the adoption of CNC machinery.
But one thing is for sure: large and small manufacturers alike have been able to dramatically increase their output and make more products available to their customers.
CNC Machining Enables a Higher Volume of Products to be Manufactured
Not only does CNC machining allow tasks to be performed more quickly. It also enables a higher volume of products to be manufactured.
Compared to both manual production and 3D printing, much higher volumes of items can be created with CNC machines.
While it is true that injection molding can outperform CNC machines in terms of manufacturing quantity, injection molding is costlier, modifications are often required, and not all manufacturing companies operate at the volumes needed to use injection molding.
So, CNC machining is usually the best choice for creating a high volume of products.
CNC Technology Ensures Product Quality, Accuracy, and Consistency
Speed? Check. Volume? Check.
Next, CNC technology has become increasingly important to manufacturing due to its ability to ensure consistent quality and accuracy in the products that are manufactured.
Prior to CNC technology, it was challenging for manufacturers to make multiple versions of one product that were exactly the same.
But with CNC machines, as long as you use the same program to create a product, you will get the same product time and time again.
That not only means manufacturing firms can create the same product on-site at one location. It also means manufacturers can use one program to create the exact same products at any location around the globe. In turn, that means they can get products delivered to clients faster.
The improved quality, accuracy, and consistency of products via the use of CNC technology really has revolutionized the abilities of manufacturers.
CNC Machinery Is Versatile
CNC machines are also very versatile. So, that is another reason why they have become increasingly important to manufacturers.
Many CNC machines can perform multiple tasks, which means manufacturers can essentially get several machines for the price of one.
There are all kinds of versatile CNC machines on the market, such as high-precision CNC gun drills, CNC plasma cutters, and CNC mills.
Furthermore, many CNC machines are able to operate on a number of different materials, such as metal, wood, glass, and hot-wire foam.
CNC Technology Has Helped to Make Workplaces Safer
Lastly, because the need for human operation is eliminated from CNC machining, CNC technology has made workplaces safer.
