CNC Machining
Reinvention of the Hammer
Throughout history man has constantly designed new ways to reinvent the hammer. The hammer has been mated with a chisel, follewed by a saw, then later evolved to more complex machines like the mill or lathe. With the development of computers came a process to automate machines. This process is known as Computer Numeric Control, or CNC. It uses a series of numbers to create a movement along multiple axies on a mill or lathe. These machines are the driving force behind today's manufacturing abilites. They are quicker and more efficient than manual machines, more accurate, and create jobs. CNC machines are the future of manufacturing.
While some critics may argue a Computer Numeric Controlled machine to be too costly, the machine will produce more money than its cost in a short time. CNC machines are quicker and more efficient than manual machines. The speed of a CNC machine cannot be replicated by even the best manual machine operator. A manual mill can only travel around six to twelve inches per minute while a common, inexpensive CNC mill can travel around five hundred inches per minute(CNCCookbook). Most machines are completely automated, meaning a program can be set to run and be left as long as it may take to make as many parts as desired with a feed of new material being constantly fed into the machine. The machine operators will then be left to do other jobs within the shop thus being more efficient. Complete automation also minimizes the time the machine isn't running to boost production. The speed of these machines opens the door for a business to widen their market and mass produce. Mass production would increase both profit and market. Therefore, using automated machining will greatly improve the speed and efficiency of production.
Some technologically challenged machinists believe these machines are to hard too program. On the other hand, when programmed correctly a CNC machine's accuracy
Throughout history man has constantly designed new ways to reinvent the hammer. The hammer has been mated with a chisel, follewed by a saw, then later evolved to more complex machines like the mill or lathe. With the development of computers came a process to automate machines. This process is known as Computer Numeric Control, or CNC. It uses a series of numbers to create a movement along multiple axies on a mill or lathe. These machines are the driving force behind today's manufacturing abilites. They are quicker and more efficient than manual machines, more accurate, and create jobs. CNC machines are the future of manufacturing.
While some critics may argue a Computer Numeric Controlled machine to be too costly, the machine will produce more money than its cost in a short time. CNC machines are quicker and more efficient than manual machines. The speed of a CNC machine cannot be replicated by even the best manual machine operator. A manual mill can only travel around six to twelve inches per minute while a common, inexpensive CNC mill can travel around five hundred inches per minute(CNCCookbook). Most machines are completely automated, meaning a program can be set to run and be left as long as it may take to make as many parts as desired with a feed of new material being constantly fed into the machine. The machine operators will then be left to do other jobs within the shop thus being more efficient. Complete automation also minimizes the time the machine isn't running to boost production. The speed of these machines opens the door for a business to widen their market and mass produce. Mass production would increase both profit and market. Therefore, using automated machining will greatly improve the speed and efficiency of production.
Some technologically challenged machinists believe these machines are to hard too program. On the other hand, when programmed correctly a CNC machine's accuracy