Machining is one other very important work method in the loose mix of processes under the traditional craft of woodworking (that included metalworking later as well). These work methods are lathe-making, machining, cutting, milling, routing, grinding, and drilling. Question: What is CNC? How does it relate to woodworking and its work processes like machining, for instance?
CNC means Computer Numerical Control, a method used in modern woodworking and other production work where a computer program controls the action of the machines used in all the work aspects.
CNC Machining
It is the general term used on work processes that use machines to perform tasks that require high accuracy, precision, efficiency and are mostly repetitive in nature.
CNC machining is mostly required in industries that need milling, woodworking, drilling, polishing, anodizing, grinding and including high powered cutting that features such devices as plasma, water-jet, or oxy-fuel propellants and lasers.
Lately, companies combine several CNC machines into one fabrication unit called a “cell.” These independent cell groups are then used to create complex processes controlled only by a single software application
Usually, this type of work process (CNC machining) is needed as the type of processes in your manufacturing business gets heavier and becomes more complex and sophisticated for actual human or manual interference.
Advantages
Weighed against the initial costs, CNC machining saves the business money and time because of the quality of the finished products. They help decrease the amount of human manual labor and intervention from employees.
Basically, the main advantage of CNC machining is the improved accuracy, efficiency, productivity and overall safety. Operators are less at risk because human interaction is decreased.
Many applications of CNC machining have the machines operating unmanned for significant periods of time. The software automatically stops operations and asks for human help only in cases of errors and other problems.
Benefits
The most obvious of all the benefits is cost savings. The system delivers efficient services where wastage is decreased or virtually eliminated outright.
The ability of the system to detect errors and deficiencies assures quality. Operations are halted right away. This improves efficiency in the optimum use of raw materials.
Another big factor is the overall speed in projects completion or delivery of finished products. Products that take multiple steps to produce are now quickly finished. This translates into savings in time and money and consequently increases profits.
The top consideration, of course, is the ratio of safety. Since the entire machining is automated, the operator is kept out of harm’s way and assures his safety. Aside from keeping him alive (which is priceless), the high cost factor in cases of accidents and deaths are minimized and drastically reduced.
Future outlook
Aside from being employed by big manufacturing concerns, many people build and run their own CNC machining and woodworking shops. This should create more refinements in the future.
CNC Woodworking certainly had expanded itself more and more and had opened up a whole new vista of possibilities not only in the creative area (high quality and exquisite products) but also in the business side of things (more profits).
