Only a few decades ago the business of precision machining was quite different compared to today’s standards. Yes, machines were used to produce parts and assemblies, but they required much more time and energy to operate. The process could be quite slow-moving at points and left room for error.
CNC production machining has changed all that and completely revolutionized the industry. Here are just some of the ways in which they’ve changed the landscape of precision machining:
Increased Efficiency
cnc production machining has made it possible to produce parts at a rate once unthinkable. A 100 percent run time was considered impossible, but that elusive number is closer than ever before for many shops thanks to the efficiency of the machines now being used and the creative planning of team members in terms of developing production strategies that maximize a machine’s potential.
Increased Precision
With such critical components at stake, there’s absolutely no room for error. The use of computers in production means that precision is practically guaranteed.
Increased Cost-Effectiveness
CNC machining has meant major cost savings across all stages of production. Modern machines are capable of performing multiple jobs, more quickly and precisely, in larger quantities. They make the production of low volume jobs more economical as well. Less room for error and a faster rate of production means a cost savings for the machine shop and a more efficient workforce leads to savings for the customer.
A Learning Curve
As with any great shift into a new era of doing business, the move to CNC machining was not an easy one for some. The technology used today has turned a machine’s operator into a computer whiz of sorts. After all, there is now programming to keep in mind, along with the operation of the machine. A shop’s team members need to be skilled not only in the ins and outs of a more complex machine but job processing methods, planning, and preparation.
While the amazing capabilities of CNC machines make it possible to work more efficiently than ever before, they do require a higher level of training and skill, and this presented a steep learning curve at first.
Considering that technology is advancing every year, it’s not unfathomable that even today’s high-tech CNC production machining will not match the capabilities of machines developed just a decade from now.
