The Advantages of CNC Machine Automation

Learn about how the CNC sector is applying automation and make sure that the supplier you choose doesn&#;t overlook the advantages of automated CNC.

Goto LECN to know more.

And the numbers don&#;t lie. Reports as recent as indicate that the global industrial automation market will grow to USD$395.09 billion by .

turning to modern technologies like CNC machine automation to meet these new challenges.

To lower operational costs while maintaining high productivity, many CNC machining organizations are moving away from conventional machining and

We already know manufacturing facilities are in a constant uphill battle against rising production costs, higher customer demands, and stronger competition from the market. Add to that a fragile supply chain, unpredictable geopolitical events, a looming recession &#; and it&#;s clear why companies need reliable manufacturing they can count on.

What Is the Role of Automation in CNC Machining?

Automation ensures economical long-term production with consistent quality standards, especially if the factory produces large batch sizes. But even smaller batch sizes benefit from automation, thanks to its high degree of accuracy no matter how complicated the final product is.

CNC machines come in many forms. Some are involved in milling, injection molding, and plasma cutting and can use materials ranging from heavy metals to plastics. Such a varying environment sounds like a difficult field for automation to take hold. However, recent advances in technology and techniques have rendered today&#;s automation solutions flexible enough to apply themselves to most CNC workflows.

Automation involves using robotic solutions to complete tasks that the company would otherwise allocate to skilled workers operating manual machines. Even in complicated CNC procedures, automation allows the factory to continue running with minimal human intervention.

What Advantages Do Automated CNC Machines Bring?

The benefits of CNC automation extend beyond the factory floor and help out downstream processes as well, culminating in a better experience for clients. Manufacturing

facilities that adopt these solutions see a return on their investments within a few years in the form of more satisfied clients and stronger sales.

Why is CNC automation so vital to success nowadays? The advantages below tell the whole story.

Increased Production Output

Because it runs independent of human intervention, automation maximizes the uptime of the machines. A factory might even run 24 hours a day for 7 days a week without any breaks or off-hours. Automation either increases production capacity for large batches of the product or economically handles multiple runs of small batches.

Some companies even automate other tasks like loading in the right workpieces and managing pallet storage. CNC automation solutions can execute multiple tasks like these simultaneously. The result is a complete network of machines working together to automate the entire production line.

Some studies even report that machine shops using robotic automation produce 47% more parts an hour than ones that don&#;t.

Quality Assurance and Excellence

Automation solutions also boast consistency. Impervious to fatigue or human error, these solutions always provide high-quality work for high-precision tasks like injection molding. They allow machines to pick up, transfer, and orient delicate parts gently while protecting painted or polished parts from damage.

In response to rising expectations from customers in this sector, it&#;s no wonder why the CNC machining market embraces automation.

Less Room for Errors

An automated CNC machine matches your exact specifications with incredible precision

 every time. Skilled operators use convenient menus and user interfaces to program the correct design parameters and precisely schedule machining tasks.

Operators can also save those parameters to memory. Even if the facility suspends a machining

project temporarily, it can pick it back up immediately with no loss in design fidelity.

Automation also helps manage resources so that specific tools or raw materials don&#;t run out in the middle of production.

Cost Reduction

All these benefits won&#;t cost you a fortune; they&#;ll likely contribute to better pricing for the customer since operating costs are now lower.

Factories optimize how they use their machinery in the long term. Because automation keeps machines running continuously and decreases idle time, facilities don&#;t have to spend as much on tooling investments and can afford to buy fewer machines in general, which saves space on the factory floor.

The cost reduction also extends to personnel expenditures. Facilities replacing their manual machining processes allow employees to focus on other aspects of the job instead. And in the face of potential worker shortages, these companies also have more leverage by allowing one machine operator to handle multiple CNC production lines simultaneously.

It&#;s worth noting, though, that many companies using automation end up hiring more staff anyway when they can afford to scale up operations accordingly.

Don&#;t forget about reduced waste. More precise cuts mean the production line produces less waste per piece.

These savings, on top of increased yield, render automation a &#;no-brainer&#; solution, even in the face of market pressure and the cost of raw materials. That return on investment also comes swiftly, thanks to robotic automation&#;s fast deployment time.

Safer Working Environments

Compliance is always a factor when deciding on third-party partnerships. If one of your suppliers faces a workplace injury, the incident also reflects badly on your business.

The most common sources of workplace injury in machining factories are long-term repetitive tasks and lifting heavy objects. An automated CNC machining facility is a safer one as a result since automation systems replace many of the less safe aspects of production.

An operator takes on more fulfilling strategic and managerial tasks while the machines cover the &#;heavy&#; work on the factory floor. This setup keeps human employees away from toxic or abrasive substances and potentially dangerous byproducts like heat and sparks. At most, employees will only be responsible for temporary routine maintenance.

Higher Employee Morale

Staff morale will likewise go up as a result of automation. Employees no longer need to spend time on tedious tasks and can focus on career advancement and providing valuable service to their production lines. If employee satisfaction rises, the facility&#;s general productivity and reliability rises with it.

And the fears that automation will result in fewer jobs in the future are largely unfounded. An OECD report shows us that employment will still rise even as automation takes hold in many industries.

Streamlined Operations

It&#;s possible to automate not only production but also downstream processing. CNC factories can now move the finished products into place on stacks or pallets immediately, creating a buffer that accelerates the manufacturing line.

Are you interested in learning more about cnc automatic production line supplier? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Automated CNC machines will operate in a network, handling almost the entire process autonomously. Suppliers can then prepare shipments for their customers more quickly than ever.

Adaptability

Whereas human employees might need training if the factory&#;s procedures change, machine automation quickly picks up on new parameters. This benefit comes with a variety of use cases.

• Quick adaptation to new parameters.

  If you ever send in an unfamiliar job request or non-standard specifications, all it takes is a bit of reprogramming to get started on the right foot.

• Integrating additional steps. Integrating auxiliary processes into an automated production line&#;such as washing, marking, and applying finishes&#;is also easier.

• More specific orders. Instead of working exclusively on large, bulk orders, facilities can now work on smaller batches on-demand for more detailed orders.

CNC machining companies also won&#;t have to outsource as many tasks now, thanks to the adaptability of automation.

Generating Valuable Insights

Manufacturers have an opportunity to excel in their production processes through data collection and analysis. Sensors around the factory capture and analyze live data on each CNC machine&#;s performance.

Instead of suffering a breakdown in the middle of an important order, the facility can predict problems ahead of time and proactively address them.

Better Contract Terms

There are numerous advantages to a more streamlined manufacturing process, including enhanced cost-savings and boosted productivity. As machining parts become more economical, vendors are able to purchase more, improving their ability to scale and upsell their own products and services.

Negotiating better contract pricing is also an option now that facilities use automation to determine exact expenditures and production timelines.

Time to read: 6 min

Introduction

The concept of and applications for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining are mainstream in modern manufacturing and are used to make products in a range of sizes & varying dimensions. However, production CNC machining is volume-dependent. 

Mastering CNC production entails learning how to efficiently utilize a CNC machine to produce large quantities of components. This article is a comprehensive guide that covers the many types of CNC production machining and details the best cnc machining services offered by Fictiv for scaling CNC machining production conveniently.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining is a computerized manufacturing technique that relies on pre-programmed code and software capabilities to regulate how cnc machines operate, including grinders, cnc lathes, cnc mills, and turning machines. Each of these machines can be used for cutting, shaping, and fabricating components for both prototypes and finished products. CNC machinists create a diverse array of metal and plastic components during CNC machining operations, blending their skills in mechanical systems, mathematics, and an expert understanding of technical drawings.

What Is CNC Production Machining, and How Is It Different from CNC Machining?

CNC production machining leverages multi-axis CNC machines to achieve high-volume production with tight tolerances, superior dimensional accuracy, plus high quality and reliability within the production deadlines. CNC production machining is a more sophisticated, elaborate, and high-volume manufacturing process than standard CNC machining. 

CNC machining parts for production emphasizes precision, elimination of internal scrap, and enhanced product quality and throughput, to boost both the bottom line and customer satisfaction.

What Are the Different Types of CNC Production Machining?

1. Low-Volume CNC Machining

Low-volume CNC machining refers to a type of facility that focuses on fully produced components in limited quantities. The description generally applies to fewer than ten up to one thousand parts in most cases. Low-volume (aka small-batch) CNC machining is gaining in popularity because:

• It fills the gap between the original product design concept and the scaled production of prototypes
• It reduces costs 
• It&#;s available to more companies in the early stages of product development
• It performs well for products with short lifecycles
• It makes it relatively easy to customize designs

2. High-Volume CNC Machining

High-volume or large-scale CNC machining is employed for mass-scale, high-quality material production for a thousand parts or more. This is the optimal production method for many businesses because it allows them to cut costs while still obtaining an abundant supply of parts. High-volume CNC machining is a widely-employed production technique due to its lower cost, reduced labor dependency, and greater accessibility.

3. Custom or Prototype CNC Machining

Custom or prototype CNC machining is typically employed for smaller quantities during new product development (NPD). New CNC machining and custom manufacturing technology have enabled customers to leverage CNC machining for prototyping. This means that CNC-machined prototypes can be made earlier in the design process, which provides functional prototypes with the same look, feel, and function as the final product. 

In addition, CNC machining is a popular choice for custom part manufacturing. The same modern advances that make CNC machining a good choice for prototyping also make it a good fit for custom part manufacturing. CNC machining is an affordable option for custom and prototype machined parts. 

What Are the Benefits of CNC Production Machining?

Some key advantages of CNC machining for production include:

1. Improved Productivity

CNC production machining increases productivity since it relies more upon a computer-operated system than upon manual effort and capabilities &#; it ensures higher productivity levels through automated, comprehensive manufacturing operations running at scale. Computer programs are also able to optimize things like cutting speed, order of operations, and material usage in a way that is highly intelligent and productive.

Here are some tips to increase the productivity of your CNC machining process and improve the productivity of CNC machining when outsourcing CNC parts: 

• For complex CNC machined parts, consider machining only a few faces of the raw material to prevent additional fixturing steps and additional time required for the machining process. 
• If you&#;re doing your own CNC milling, consider utilizing a high-pressure coolant system or coatings for tooling/tool holders to prolong the life of your tooling. 
• Improve production line organization from raw materials to final inspection by employing techniques such as kanban, 6S, or lean manufacturing. Although they seem like huge undertakings to implement, these methodologies will pay off and can be broken down into a series of smaller projects. 
• Follow design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback to increase the productivity of your CNC part manufacturing. Machining experts can provide tips that&#;ll reduce the amount of time it takes to machine your parts and save you time and money.

2. Minimum Material Wastage

Using CAD/CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software programs, CNC technology enhances production machining by determining the most effective tool paths, finishing procedures, and cycle times per a given product&#;s requirements. CNC simulation programs also help determine the best machining techniques before utilizing various machine tools for cutting to reduce material wastage and internal scrap.

If your goal is to use materials efficiently and reduce waste, consider a sustainable approach to CNC machining to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. A Deloitte survey found that 89% of executives agree there is a global climate emergency, so a sustainable approach will make your customers happy while boosting your bottom line. 

3. Less Manpower

CNC machining is much less labor-intensive than manual production methods, whether for high or low-volume production. As a result, the labor costs and expenses of CNC machining are substantially reduced. This doesn&#;t mean that workers aren&#;t needed, just that only experienced workers are required to supervise the manufacturing operations.

There are also some design techniques to reduce the amount of manpower needed to manufacture your CNC parts: 

• Swap complex assemblies for single components. Can the parts be machined from a single stock of material instead of assembled?
• Reduce the complexity of fixturing required for your parts as this reduces the manpower required to set up and fixture your parts. 
• Reduce manufacturing steps wherever possible to reduce the amount of processing your CNC parts require. 
• Smaller runs and custom parts cost more in manpower, so machine larger quantities to reduce per-part costs. 

Pro-tip: Check out our CNC Machining Design Guide for more tips on reducing your parts&#; complexity. 

4. Increased Profitability

Continuous, repeatable machining operations are a key feature of CNC machines that greatly increase output. Also, the CNC machining technique is a low-oversight method of manufacturing. The machines can work without pausing for breaks or double-checking dimensions for accuracy.

Both low and high-volume production methods make the most of this quality and leverage CNC machining&#;s economic benefits to expand their operations. Some in-built features that make CNC machining more cost effective than conventional techniques include:

• CNC machines don&#;t require multiple types of equipment or switching between tools, which allows a swift transition between machining processes. The time spent setting up is decreased and throughput is increased.
• Several sensors built into CNC machines contribute to increased precision and reliability. Using this data, the machining process can be acclimated to produce higher-quality components while saving on costs.

As a result, precise CNC machine shops can shorten their product delivery lead times and save money on labor costs, which makes them more competitive in the market and boosts revenue and profitability. 

Which Industries Can Benefit the Most from CNC Machining for Production?

The precision and consistency of CNC manufacturing allow for the mass production of almost identical, high-quality components for industries that have stringent accuracy standards:

• Automotive &#; Machining extruded metal into gearboxes, cylinder blocks, axles, valves, and other components fot the automotive industry
• Aerospace &#; Machining fuel access panels, fuel flow components, and landing gear components
• Medical &#; Surgical instruments, orthotics, electronic housings, and implants fot the medical industry
• Robotics &#; The robotics industry has stringent standards for the accuracy and precision of manufactured parts, making CNC machines indispensable due to their capability to comply with tighter tolerances. 
• Consumer products &#; CNC machining is efficient for designing, developing, prototyping, and manufacturing consumer products like toys, household appliances, consumer electronics, packaging prototypes, and more. 

Conclusion

As you can see, CNC production machining can boost your company&#;s bottom line by producing more, at a higher quality, with fewer workers. So, now is the time to evolve your business and leverage CNC production machining to the fullest.

And Fictiv can help you do it.

For all your custom CNC part manufacturing needs, Fictiv has you covered. We&#;re experts at machining any CNC parts in a variety of materials, and we simplify custom part sourcing with intelligent, streamlined, automated workflows. Fictiv is your operating system for custom manufacturing that makes part procurement faster, easier, and more efficient. 

In other words, Fictiv lets engineers, like you, engineer. Create an account and upload your part to see what our instant quote process, design for manufacturability feedback, and intelligent platform can do for you. Our CNC machining service can create your parts in as little as 2 days!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit shaft bespoke machine factory.