3 Benefits of Utilizing CNC Machining For Your Production Process
The modern factory was first invented, or at least credited, to the work of Richard Arkwright. Arkwright patented a water frame in 1769 before building the Cromford Mill, one of the first prototype manufacturing facilities as well as the first successful cotton-spinning factory on the planet.
Nearly 200 years after Arkwright would help to pioneer manufacturing warehouses, the world would be introduced to Computer Numerical Control Machining, otherwise known as CNC Machining.
Understanding CNC Machining
CNC Machining is a popular form of manufacturing relied upon for quick, accurate, and high-level material production. The process of CNC machining was brought to fruition by Richard Kegg in 1952 during a project in collaboration with MIT. Kegg and his team at MIT would work in concert to develop the Cincinnati Milacron Hydrotel, the first of many prominent pieces of CNC Machining technology. Now, decades later, that same model is utilized by manufacturing facilities around the world
CNC Machining can be accomplished in several different ways. With that being said, there are three core types of CNC machining to be made aware of.
- CNC Milling – This form of machining was brought to life by Richard Kegg. CNC Milling is a process that involves mounting and mixing with rotational cutting tools. Materials are cut and removed by the rotating tools to craft many shapes at a rapid pace.
- CNC Turning – CNC turning is a manufacturing process that involves bars of material held in place by a chuck. This material is turned by the chuck in a rotation whereupon it is fed into the tool until the desired shape has been crafted.
- EDM – Also known as Electrical Discharge Machining, EDM is a type of metal fabrication process that leans on electrical sparks to shape the targeted material. Typically, this involves voltage being released between two electrodes until an electric arc is produced.
3 Key Benefits to CNC Machining
If you are looking for a reason to add CNC machining processes to your manufacturing facility, you can take your pick. CNC machining took hold in the 50s and still exists to this day. There are a variety of reasons that warehouses are continuing to turn to professional CNC machining solutions, including the following three reasons.
- Highly Efficient – CNC Machining requires fewer steps in the production process, thus allowing for a quick turnaround on all production processing.
- Advanced Software – Put control into the hands of your computer. CNC machines use CAD software that provides a multitude of functions and options that other processes cannot match.
- Automated System – Fully automated systems mean that your operators don’t have to expose themselves to the job. Step back and watch over the machine from a safe distance as the process handles itself.
Working with CNC machining processes allows individuals to manipulate a variety of common and popular materials including aluminum, stainless steel, and brass among others.
