CNC Machine Advantages: 5 benefits of investing in CNC Machining

Since the 1940s, when John T. Parsons first came up with the concept of Numerical Control (NC), machining technology has constantly evolved. Now, if there’s a manufacturing task to perform, it’s a safe bet there’s a CNC machine that will do the job faultlessly. The advantages of CNC machining are manifold. Here are some benefits of investing in CNC solutions for your facility.   

The Advantages of CNC Machining

Precision and accuracy  

One of the main benefits of using a CNC machine for manufacturing is that it can achieve high levels of precision. 

In fact, it’s possible to produce parts with tolerances as low as ±0.02 mm.  

The advantages of this include the ability to quickly machine multiple complex and intricate workpieces to an extremely high standard. CNC machining also gives a better quality finish than other manufacturing methods.  

Industries such as the aerospace and medical sectors rely on the precision of CNC machining to produce high-tolerance components for things like landing gears and human joint replacements.   

Unlike manual processes, using a CNC machine to manufacture your precision parts allows for repeatability, so you can produce multiple workpieces to the exact same high standard over and over again.  

Once set up correctly, a CNC machine will accurately reproduce upwards of 1,000 identical units without the need for human intervention. As a result, this reduces operator hours and improves the reliability of your parts, eliminating errors and cutting down on waste material.  

Versatility and flexibility  

It’s possible to manufacture virtually any part using a CNC machine. Their incredible range of setups coupled with their interchangeable tooling options means that with a bit of research and clever investing, you can dramatically upscale and broaden your offering almost overnight.  

The use of quick-generation G-code means CNC machines can be reprogrammed relatively quickly to produce different parts; some simple parts can be programmed in just a few minutes.  

Once input, you can store all your programming within the software, so that you can produce many different parts on demand.  

Easy access to various tooling options means you can increase the functionality of a single machine or even exchange tooling between multiple compatible machines, saving both time and money.

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness 

Nothing matches the speed and efficiency of a CNC machine for precision part manufacturing. The development of 5-axis machines means some CNC setups can even machine multiple sides of the same workpiece simultaneously.  

Not only that, but CNC machining also produces less waste material, requires less power, uses fewer operator hours, and results in fewer errors than other manufacturing techniques, making it more streamline, efficient, and cost-effective.  

This is partly due to the simulation function available with many CNC software packages, which generates a virtual rendering of a program’s output before it’s put into production, so you can make the necessary adjustments without wasting costly time, energy, and materials. 

Health and Safety  

Operating a CNC machine has several advantages over other types of manufacturing regarding user safety. The improved safety features on a CNC machine include the use of a screen or cabinet to protect the operator from moving parts and chips when the machine is in use. Some cabinets are also soundproofed to guard operators against hearing damage.  

CNC machines performing subtractive manufacturing tasks use extraction to ensure any harmful particles are removed from the shopfloor environment. The use of coolants prevents moving parts from overheating, reducing the risk of contact with hot swarf and washing away chips.