Digital technology is transforming how businesses operate across nearly every industry, and manufacturing is no exception.
By leveraging this technology in the manufacturing process, manufacturers are reducing risks from traditional methods and producing precision sheet metal parts faster and more effectively than ever before.
One of the ways they are doing this is through the use of Computer numerical control (CNC) machining. This process allows computers to control the movement and operation of machine tools. Reliable and highly efficient, this computer-driven technology enables manufacturers to produce accurate, consistent, and high-quality parts.
In this article, we break down how CNC machining accelerates production time and increases efficiency, saving time and money while delivering precise, high-quality parts.
What is CNC Machining?
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining refers to the production of metal parts and components using computer-controlled machines.
The CNC machining process uses pre-programmed software to direct the movement and operation of machinery, allowing for highly precise and repeatable cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping of metal parts.
CNC machining is widely used in metal manufacturing, delivering precision metal parts and components for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics.
CNC machining vs. manual machining
The most significant difference between CNC and manual machining is the required hands-on time. By leveraging automation, CNC machining can allow a single skilled operator to run several machining centers.
Manual machining is far more hands-on, requiring a trained worker to operate every machine. This means more hands and higher costs. CNC machining allows you to move faster with fewer operators reducing costs while improving efficiency.
The main advantages of CNC machining
Increased production speed and efficiency
Using computers to control the machines increases manufacturing speed and quality by automating the process. By using CNC machines, manufacturers can deliver quick results, which makes it easier to meet high demands.
Leveraging the CNC machine’s fastest setting, operators can be much more efficient during the machining process, taking advantage of the CNC machining speed to deliver more rapid, more efficient production.
Machines also don’t require breaks with the ability to run 24/7 and produce consistently precise parts for various industries. The speed of production CNC machining offers, coupled with its accuracy and minimal wastage, is why it’s become the preferred process for fast, efficient, scalable, and low-cost metal parts production.
Improved productivity
By relying on a computer-controlled system rather than manual effort and capabilities, CNC machining ensures higher productivity levels through automated, scalable manufacturing operations.
As well as optimizing cutting speed and order of operations, computer programs can also optimize material usage intelligently and efficiently.
Experience shows that using CNC technology during machining equals high volumes of products produced flawlessly every time. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, the CNC machining process helps to speed up fabrication to specific standards on a mass scale.
Scalability
CNC manufacturing allows shops like Pinnacle’s to scale production days easily, scaling from one part to hundreds quickly and seamlessly.
Manual processes and conventional machines are labor-intensive during fabrication and between setups.
Minimize wastage
By using digital computing and CAD/CAM software programs within the machining process, CNC technology provides precision and accuracy that leaves little room for waste.
Not only does this digital technology determine the best tool paths and finishing procedures for each product, it even goes as far as to determine cycle times. CNC simulation programs can also be used to determine the best machining techniques before cutting to reduce material wastage and internal scrap.
Reduced labor costs
Whether for low or high-volume production, CNC machining requires much less labor than traditional manual methods – substantially reducing labor costs and expenses.
As we mentioned earlier, by leveraging automation, CNC machining can allow a single skilled operator to run several machining centers by leveraging automation.
As a result, CNC machining offers substantially reduced labor costs and expenses. This doesn’t mean that workers aren’t needed, just that only experienced workers are required to supervise the manufacturing operations.
Improved safety
More than just improving production speed and precision, CNC machines also improve safety, creating a safer environment for workers.
Unlike traditional manual machine operation, which requires workers to be hands-on, operators of CNC machines get to work from a distance, often behind a guard or even a closed, transparent safety door.
With the process completely automated, a CNC machine operator is only required to interact with the machine to enter the operating code and for maintenance which removes the majority of risks associated with working with cutting, drilling, and milling machinery.
The power of computer-driven precision
With CNC machining, precision sheet metal parts are produced faster, more accurately, and reliably than ever. Manufacturing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness have improved significantly as a result.
With more than 50 years of experience, Pinnacle Precision is shaping the future in medical, energy, aircraft, and entertainment. Industry leaders in CNC machining, we seamlessly blend expertise with experience to consistently deliver accurate, on-time parts.
