report
Disadvantages
Advantages
CNC machines are more expensive than manually operated machines, although costs are slowly coming down.
CNC machines can be used continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and only need to be switched off for occasional maintenance.
The CNC machine operator only needs basic training and skills, enough to supervise several machines. In years gone by, engineers needed years of training to operate centre lathes, milling machines and other manually operated machines. This means many of the old skills are been lost.
CNC machines are programmed with a design which can then be manufactured hundreds or even thousands of times. Each manufactured product will be exactly the same.
Less workers are required to operate CNC machines compared to manually operated machines. Investment in CNC machines can lead to unemployment.
Less skilled/trained people can operate CNCs unlike manual lathes / milling machines etc.. which need skilled engineers.
CNC machines can be updated by improving the software used to drive the machines
Training in the use of CNCs is available through the use of ‘virtual software’. This is software that allows the operator to practice using the CNC machine on the screen of a computer. The software is similar to a computer game.
CNC machines can be programmed by advanced design software such as Pro/DESKTOP®, enabling the manufacture of products that cannot be made by manual machines, even those used by skilled designers / engineers.
Modern design software allows the designer to simulate the manufacture of his/her idea. There is no need to make a prototype or a model. This saves time and money.
One person can supervise many CNC machines as once they are programmed they can usually be left to work by themselves. Sometimes only the cutting tools need replacing occasionally.
A skilled engineer can make the same component many times. However, if each component is carefully studied, each one will vary
Advantages
CNC machines are more expensive than manually operated machines, although costs are slowly coming down.
CNC machines can be used continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and only need to be switched off for occasional maintenance.
The CNC machine operator only needs basic training and skills, enough to supervise several machines. In years gone by, engineers needed years of training to operate centre lathes, milling machines and other manually operated machines. This means many of the old skills are been lost.
CNC machines are programmed with a design which can then be manufactured hundreds or even thousands of times. Each manufactured product will be exactly the same.
Less workers are required to operate CNC machines compared to manually operated machines. Investment in CNC machines can lead to unemployment.
Less skilled/trained people can operate CNCs unlike manual lathes / milling machines etc.. which need skilled engineers.
CNC machines can be updated by improving the software used to drive the machines
Training in the use of CNCs is available through the use of ‘virtual software’. This is software that allows the operator to practice using the CNC machine on the screen of a computer. The software is similar to a computer game.
CNC machines can be programmed by advanced design software such as Pro/DESKTOP®, enabling the manufacture of products that cannot be made by manual machines, even those used by skilled designers / engineers.
Modern design software allows the designer to simulate the manufacture of his/her idea. There is no need to make a prototype or a model. This saves time and money.
One person can supervise many CNC machines as once they are programmed they can usually be left to work by themselves. Sometimes only the cutting tools need replacing occasionally.
A skilled engineer can make the same component many times. However, if each component is carefully studied, each one will vary