The CNC machining process has its advantages and disadvantages. In general, most of the pros and cons are not industry-specific. However, some qualities may have a greater impact on an application due to the combination of cost, quality and time requirements, the following are the advantages and disadvantages offered by CNC machining:
Advantage:
Accuracy and High Precision: CNC machining allows precise control of cutting tools, resulting in parts with tight tolerances and excellent repeatability.
Fast Production: CNC machines can run at high speeds, allowing parts to be produced faster.
Enhanced Capabilities: CNC machining ensures consistent quality, which is essential for consumption. Excellent for product or mass production.
Complex Designs: CNC machines can be programmed to produce a wide variety of parts. From simple to complex shapes, everything is possible with the right design considerations and processing methods.
Consistency and low human error: CNC machining ensures consistent quality, which is excellent for consumer goods or high-volume production.
Cost Effective: CNC machining is cost effective for high volume production. Larger production runs take advantage of economies of scale to lower the total cost per piece, which is what the industry needs.
Increased safety: CNC machines are much safer than manual machines. Often, operators control the machines from another room, which keeps them safe from debris, heat and other threats.
Reduced maintenance requirements: Since most processes are automated, they are optimized to perform consistently without any intervention. This reduces overall maintenance requirements.
Shortcoming:
High initial cost: CNC machines are quite expensive. Also, there are many types of them and most of their operations are not interchangeable. Thus making capital needs very important for SMEs.
Highly Trained Operators Needed: Unlike traditional machines, CNC operators require extensive training to start working. This means they are in greater demand and require higher wages.
Increased material waste in some cases: While highly efficient, certain CNC operations may waste more material than manual processes. In many cases, however, the precision, repeatability, and efficiency they offer may outweigh this disadvantage.
