Milling machines, whether CNC or manually operated, will always be present in the machining and manufacturing landscapes. In the past, most milling machines are run by engineers. Nowadays, most of these machines are no longer manned, and instead, they can operate independently with computer-numerical control technology.
These CNC milling machines have several advantages over traditional milling tools. If you want to know more why many operators are shifting to CNC milling, you have to read in this article. We will discuss the benefits of choosing them over the traditional machining process.
1. Improved Safety
We all know that all milling machines have sharp tools to cut materials like plastic, metal, or wood to the designed outcome. These sharp tools can pose a serious risk of operators getting injured in a conventional milling machine. With reiterations, operators are at further risks when working in a milling machine, especially if their attention dithers even for just a second.
With CNC milling machines, this threat is entirely gone. The reason is that operators will no longer work on the machine on a hands-on level. The CNC software guides the movements of these machines as its brain. The only time that the operator will be at risk is when they are changing worn-out cutting tools.
2. Delivers High Quality Results
Because CNC milling machines are automated, you can expect nothing less on their results. It gives them a clear advantage over traditional milling processes as you can achieve a high level of accuracy and repeatability when using this manufacturing method.
When we talk about accuracy, it means that the piece produced by the machine is close if not exact to the specifications. Because the more accurate the part is, the more likely this component will fall within the accepted tolerable range. On the other hand, repeatability is also another essential factor in choosing a manufacturing method. It means that the machine can make the product over a hundred or thousand times in the same dimensions and precision.
The controlled nature of sophisticated CNC milling machines can deliver much better results when it comes to repeatability and accuracy compared with the rest. Using conventional devices will be prone to inconsistencies because the quality of the produced parts is dependent on the operator’s skill. It will be more costly since the rejects will be higher.
3. Lower Costs of Labor
As we have repeatedly mentioned in the article, you will not need operators to run the CNC milling machines. Instead, the desired cuts are programmed into a code, and when this code is ready, the CNC software of the machine will translate it to machine instructions. The machine will carry out the instructions independently. You can have a single programmer handling different machines at the same time, even if the machines have different functions.
Another way how CNC machines cut operational costs is with its streamlined processes. There is no time wasted in setting up and completing the cuts because you don’t need operators to set the tools necessary for your desired cuts. Instead, all these time-consuming steps are removed in CNC milling. It reduces the amount of time the staff has to spend on one task.
CNC milling rotary burrs*
4. Improved Efficiency
Most CNC milling machines are designed to work continuously, giving the manufacturers greater efficiency. The machine is only switched off during repair and maintenance, which does not happen quite often. There is also no warm-up time for the machine, and it can be turned on for use at any time.
As CNC technology progresses, most high precision CNC machines have incorporated idea simulation. In these machines, there is no need for prototypes. Once it is programmed, it can produce the replicas right away with the same precision in the reiterations. These machines are five times faster than your traditional machines.
5. Versatility
The manufacturing process calls for different materials all the time. It may require the use of plastic, metal, or wood. It can be challenging for traditional machines, but CNC milling machines allow manufacturers to work on these different materials with the same efficiency and quality. Because of its versatility, it will enable the operators to multi-task and make various products at the same time.
6. Future-Proofing the Business
The use of computer-based programs in the manufacturing industry is here to stay. And the CNC milling machine is way ahead. It allows the integration of new design software to improve its production by fifty percent and will continue to do so in the future. We have already seen its capability to design and program fast tool paths for more efficiency, and its improvements will not stop.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of CNC milling machines revolutionized the manufacturing industry. It improves how parts are made in a fraction of the time it will take using conventional tooling. If you want to enhance your production capabilities, enhance your profitability, lower the operating costs, and retain more customers, we suggest that you make the big switch to CNC milling now.
Reference
*Image from https://www.mnbprecision.com