What is CNC？What are advantages and disadvantages?

With the development of the economy, factories are becoming more and more industrialized. Many factories have already used CNC machining for operations. CNC machining is a new processing technology. Its main task is to program processing programs and convert original manual work into computer programming. It can be done according to the technology. Any products and parts can be directly processed automatically through pre-programmed programs. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of CNC machining? Here is our sharing:

1. Advantages of CNC machining:

a. CNC can automatically process
CNC machining usually refers to precision machining controlled by computer numbers. Therefore, it can be controlled through the program instructions of the CNC machine tool, and the entire processing process is automatically performed according to the program instructions. The high degree of automation of machine tools greatly reduces the labor intensity of workers.
Currently, many CNC machine tools can run unattended throughout the entire machining cycle, freeing up operators to do other tasks. This brings several side benefits to CNC users, including reduced operator fatigue, fewer errors due to human error, and consistent and predictable machining times for each workpiece.

b. High CNC machining precision
The second major advantage of CNC technology is the consistency and accuracy of workpieces. Typical accuracy of today’s CNC machine tools has reached two thousandths to four thousandths of an inch or 0.05 to 0.10 mm, with repeatability close to or better than eight thousandths of an inch or 0.02 mm. This means that once a program is validated, it can easily produce two, ten or a thousand identical parts with the same accuracy and consistency. Mass production can be achieved and product quality is easy to control.

c. CNC processing has strong flexibility
Since these machines are run by computer programs, running different artifacts is as simple as loading different programs. This also brings another benefit, namely fast conversion. Because these machines are so easy to set up and run, and programs can be easily loaded, their setup time is very short.

d. CNC processing efficiency is high
CNC machining can carry out multi-coordinate linkage and can process complex zero points. When the shape and size of the part need to be changed, only the CNC program needs to be changed, saving production preparation time.

e. It can process complex profiles that are difficult to process with conventional methods, and can even process some unobservable processing parts.

6. In the case of multi-variety and small batch production, the production efficiency is higher, which can reduce the time of production preparation, machine tool adjustment and process inspection, and reduce the cutting time due to the use of the optimal cutting amount.

2. Disadvantages of CNC machining

a. High technical requirements for operators and machine maintenance personnel

b. CNC machining routes are difficult to control and are not as intuitive as ordinary machine tools.

c. The purchase cost of machine tool equipment is relatively expensive.

The above advantages and disadvantages of CNC machining are shared here. CNC machining can greatly reduce the number of tooling. Even when processing parts with complex shapes, complex tooling is not required. If you want to change the size or shape of the part, you only need to Just change the processing program of the part.