CNC Machining Benefits Business Big Time: Here’s How

Do you want your business to work more efficiently? How do better product quality and less overhead sound to you? If you love the sound of that, you’ll love the many CNC machining benefits.

Most businesses in the plastic and metal fabrication industries understand that a CNC machine plays an integral role in the engineering and planning of a product. These machines help engineers and designers make components you can find in your automobile, smartphone, or farms!

With a need for so many different components, metal and plastic fabricators need a quick and efficient way to produce their products. This is where CNC machines step in. They can fabricate almost any component, regardless of how complex the shape or size.

Could your company benefit from adding (or updating) a CNC machine? Then you must check out these CNC machining benefits.

What Is CNC Machining?

A CNC or computer numerical control machine came to life in 1958. Today, it’s the glue between a computer and your fabrication equipment. This machine takes the computer code from your designs and translates them for a lathe, router, or grinder to understand.

The CNC machine requires specialized software, such as CAD or CAM, to map out the design for the fabrication equipment. The CNC console uses a G-code, the most popular programming language for CNC design and manufacturing.

Basic CNC machines work by using an X and Y axis to engineer the product. More advanced machines can use up to 5 such as the 5 axis CNC machine.

An advanced machine like this can move the product up, down, and turn the material. You’ll be able to work on all sides of the material to create complex products.

The software allows you to control and automate the location, speed, coordination, and feed rate of the tools. This allows a single person to do the work of multiple workers. A CNC machine is imperative for businesses in an industry with a high demand for metal and plastic components.

But CNC machines offer many more benefits than complex design and automation.

Simple and Versatile

CNC machines make creating multiple products fast and easy. A single engineer controls the computer through CAD software to craft hundreds of components. They set the instructions in the program, connect the proper tools, and allow the machines to work automatically.

There’s no need to hire an entire warehouse of engineers to saw, drill, and mill each individual component.

You can also run CNC machines around the clock. You’ll achieve greater output with fewer costs.

CNC machines are extremely versatile. Advanced machines let you create any shape or design you need. A single machine can create anything from car parts to home fixtures.

CNC Machines Are Efficient

Compared to traditional manual labor, CNC machining in business is more efficient. It allows you to create the most complex components.

It’s challenging, almost impossible, for most engineers to manually create a complex 3D component. The process is risky and can result in an inconsistent product.

There are over 20 cutting and molding chores CNC machines can complete. Here’s a look at the most common:

  • Drill
  • Cut
  • Bore
  • Engrave
  • Face
  • Texture
  • Thread
  • Turn
  • Lathe
  • Weld
  • Stamp
  • Shape
  • Contour
  • Groove
  • Knurl
  • Shear
  • Mill
  • Punch

Engineers can create almost anything with CNC machines. Creating complex and challenging designs can become a relatively easy process with CNC machinery. You’ll be able to produce more components for more customers in any industry.

Less Manual Labor

Manual labor is inefficient and time-consuming. While it’s becoming an art form for some items, most fabrication businesses don’t have the time nor the demand to create handmade items.

CNC machining in business cuts the need for manual labor. Businesses don’t only have a greater output, they can create a greater number of different components for different clients. This opportunity is far more difficult and costly with manual labor.

Multiple CNC machines also allow businesses to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Product Consistency

Consistency is a must for any business in manufacturing. Especially those creating parts for automobiles, medical equipment, computers, and other sophisticated technology.

With manual labor, there’s a greater risk of inconsistency in components. Human error can cost a business valuable time and money. 

The computer technology used in CNC machining ensures every component and product is the same. There’s far less risk for human error and inaccuracy.

Customers love having consistency with their products. The more consistent your product, the more customers you’ll retain.

CNC Machines Help With Scalability

CNC machines can grow with your business. The need for scalability is a growing concern for many fabricators and manufacturers. No one wants to invest in technology that can’t scale to a business’s growing demand.

Adding CNC machines to your business lets you create more products in less time. You’ll have the flexibility to work on multiple products at the same time without having to hire an entire team of engineers. A skilled operator can work several CNC machines at the same time boosting your product output.

Cost-Efficient

One of the many business benefits of CNC machining is it cuts overhead and saves money. What business doesn’t like the sound of that?

The most apparent money-saving CNC machining benefits include greater efficiency and product quality. There’s less room for mistakes and inconsistency. More of your product will get into your customers’ hands versus the trash.

With CNC machining, you don’t need to hire and train a large team of engineers to create your products. You won’t have to add more employees to payroll and offer insurance or other benefits. Hiring fewer employees saves you money.

CNC machining results in less waste as these machines optimize the use of raw materials. Your business will be able to create more products out of your materials. In turn, you’ll save money and receive a greater return on investment (ROI).

While advanced CNC machines have a greater upfront cost, they’re well worth the investment.

An Endless Number of Uses

CNC machining in business allows companies to create far more components than they ever imagined. This allows manufacturing businesses to expand their client pool or specialize in a niche industry.

CNC machining is necessary for creating products for other industries including:

  • Agriculture
  • Automotive
  • Feed and beverage
  • Electronics
  • Health and medical
  • Firearms
  • Printing
  • Transportation
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Electric
  • Military
  • Jewelry & Crafts

Any industry that requires some form of metal or plastic tools and equipment will need the help of a CNC machining manufacturer.

CNC machining works well for creating quick life-like prototypes of your product. This allows you to test it before manufacturing the final product.

Safe to Use

Using CNC machining to create products makes for a safer working environment. CNC operators work a safe distance from the power tools making them less likely to experience an accident.

Operators using conventional power tools must work directly with the saw, drill, lathe, or other equipment. This poses an increased safety risk. Accidents, particularly injury, slow down your output and can cost your business money for health services and compensation.

By creating a safer work environment, CNC machines will save your business time, money, and headache.

Easy Maintenance

Performing regular maintenance is necessary if you want your equipment to continue running smoothly. Most businesses, however, don’t want to invest in machines that require constant extensive maintenance.

The good news is CNC machines are simple to care for. The G-code in the software automatically updates as needed. The only item you need to worry about is the cutting or drilling equipment. This equipment will need occasional cleaning and blade or bit replacement.

General maintenance like this is easy to do without the help of a professional. Your operators can handle this maintenance which saves you more time and money.

Retain Designs

You can upload and store your product designs in the CNC machining software. A master file in the software keeps your designs untouched from any changes you or another operator might make. Of course, having a back up of your design on an external hard drive is never a bad idea.

You can also choose and fabricate different versions of a design as-needed. A useful feature for those in the prototyping phase of their product.

Potential CNC Machining Disadvantages

Despite these fantastic CNC machining benefits, CNC machines don’t fit every business. Business producing a high volume of products will benefit the most. There are, however, many smaller businesses that have benefited from the efficiency of CNC machining.

The cost is another consideration as CNC machines are not the cheapest manufacturing option. The price of the machines can be prohibitive. But these machines will improve efficiency, long-term costs, and client retention over time.

Some laborers have concerns about manual labor jobs becoming obsolete. However, operating CNC machining is a growing career field that offers competitive pay and opportunity.

Enjoy CNC Machining Benefits Today!

Growing fabrication and manufacturing businesses are taking advantage of CNC machining benefits. Do you want to improve your business’s efficiency and output? Give CNC machining a try at your business today.

Check out our latest Business Resources articles to learn more great tips on how to grow your business.