CNC machining advantages and disadvantages

With the advent of technology, modern methods are used for carrying out the manufacturing process so as to get accurate, precision and specific dimension products. CNC machines are used in many manufacturing unit to make the production process seamless and deliver precision products.

Computer numeric control machines – CNC  are costlier as compared to the traditional machines but provide best outcome. The entire production process is automated by means of the effective computer control system. A pre—programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery.

CNC machining services come with many advantages and few disadvantages that include:

Advantages:

1. CNC machines can be used continuously for 24 hour a day, 365 days a year and only need to be switched off for occasional maintenance. However when traditional machines are operated with man power, where one cannot expect to get 24 hours service. With CNC machines bulk production can be done in no time and the time line of production can be well maintained.
    
2. CNC machines are programmed with a design that can then be manufactured for umpteen numbers of times and each manufactured product will exactly have same precision and dimension.
    
3. Less skilled and trained people can operate CNC machines unlike manual lathes where you require skilled personnel and engineers for operating machines. A layman cannot operate CNC machines without proper knowledge and skills.
    
4. CNC machining services makes use of computer aided programs for carrying out the manufacturing process. The operator has to just program the machine just once to get the desired output. CNC machine can perfectly replicate the design irrespective of order quantities.
    
5. One of the main benefits of CNC machines is that they provide you with uniformity in layouts and designs. It is important to note that using traditional machines even the most skilled technicians would produce and design components that would vary slightly. With CNC machines each part is a perfect match to the exact specifications of the prototype.
    
6. CNC machines need few technicians to execute the production tasks. However, only a skilled operator can run various CNC machines simultaneously. On the other hand a manual machine needs a minimum of one skilled operator along with a supervisor. So it is evident that CNC machines help the company to save on manpower costs.
    
7. Hassle free maintenance: CNC machines can facilitate hassle free maintenance which exudes practicality. It just requires minor adjustments in the form of light cleaning and changing the cutting implements. However traditional machines require regular maintenance for their seamless operations.

Disadvantages:
 

1. Makes manual skills obsolete: CNC machines make manual skills obsolete. It creates unemployment as the task of manual laborers is done by CNC machine alone.
2. CNC machines are very costly beyond and the reach of many small and medium scale manufacturers. 
3. With popularity of CNC machining, there has been a gradual decline in the demand of manual machine operators. This can lead to loss of skills that have been preserved for long.

In a nut shell CNC machines are the integral part of the industry and you can perform tasks with better efficiency and within the given timeline. Also, you can maintain the quality required by the customers.