There is no doubt that CNC machines are expensive and use a lot of electricity when they are in production run. However, during mass production the productivity gains more than offset the cost of machine and the workers or CNC specialists.
Whether you are choosing a lathe, a mill, or a router, or even all three for your mass production, your initial cost will be more than repaid by your savings and the value that these machine will create for your company.
At Unison Tek Co Ltd, we have done the math so you don’t have to. We offer as much or more than 35% cost savings compared to your local suppliers!
Time to read: 6 min
The concept of and applications for CNC machining are mainstream in modern manufacturing and are used to make products in a range of sizes & varying dimensions. However, CNC machining for production is volume-dependent.
Mastering CNC production entails learning how to efficiently utilize a CNC machine to produce large quantities of components. This article is a comprehensive guide that covers the many types of CNC production machining and details the best solutions offered by Fictiv for scaling CNC machining production conveniently.
CNC machining is a computerized manufacturing technique that relies on pre-programmed code and software capabilities to regulate the operation of machinery, including grinders, lathes, and turning machines. Each of these machines can be used for cutting, shaping, and fabricating components for both prototypes and finished products. CNC machinists create a diverse array of metal and plastic components by blending their skills in mechanical systems, mathematics, and an expert understanding of technical drawings.
CNC production machining leverages a CNC machine to achieve high-volume production with tight tolerances, superior dimensional accuracy, plus high quality and reliability within the production deadlines. CNC production machining is a more sophisticated, elaborate, and high-volume manufacturing process than standard CNC machining.
CNC machining parts for production emphasizes precision, elimination of internal scrap, and enhanced product quality and throughput, to boost both the bottom line and customer satisfaction.
Low-volume CNC machining refers to a type of facility that focuses on fully produced components in limited quantities. The description generally applies to fewer than ten up to one thousand parts in most cases. Low-volume (aka small-batch) CNC machining is gaining in popularity because:
High-volume or large-scale CNC machining is employed for mass-scale, high-quality material production for a thousand parts or more. This is the optimal production method for many businesses because it allows them to cut costs while still obtaining an abundant supply of parts. High-volume CNC machining is a widely-employed production technique due to its lower cost, reduced labor dependency, and greater accessibility.
Custom or prototype CNC machining is typically employed for smaller quantities during new product development (NPD). New CNC machining and custom manufacturing technology have enabled customers to leverage CNC machining for prototyping. This means that CNC-machined prototypes can be made earlier in the design process, which provides functional prototypes with the same look, feel, and function as the final product.
In addition, CNC machining is a popular choice for custom part manufacturing. The same modern advances that make CNC machining a good choice for prototyping also make it a good fit for custom part manufacturing. CNC machining is an affordable option for custom and prototype machined parts.
Some key advantages of CNC machining for production include:
CNC production machining increases productivity since it relies more upon a computer-operated system than upon manual effort and capabilities — it ensures higher productivity levels through automated, comprehensive manufacturing operations running at scale. Computer programs are also able to optimize things like cutting speed, order of operations, and material usage in a way that is highly intelligent and productive.
Here are some tips to increase the productivity of your CNC machining process and improve the productivity of CNC machining when outsourcing CNC parts:
Using CAD/CAM software programs, CNC technology enhances production machining by determining the most effective tool paths, finishing procedures, and cycle times per a given product’s requirements. CNC simulation programs also help determine the best machining techniques before cutting to reduce material wastage and internal scrap.
If your goal is to use materials efficiently and reduce waste, consider a sustainable approach to CNC machining to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. A 2022 Deloitte survey found that 89% of executives agree there is a global climate emergency, so a sustainable approach will make your customers happy while boosting your bottom line.
CNC machining is much less labor-intensive than manual production methods, whether for high or low-volume production. As a result, the labor costs and expenses of CNC machining are substantially reduced. This doesn’t mean that workers aren’t needed, just that only experienced workers are required to supervise the manufacturing operations.
There are also some design techniques to reduce the amount of manpower needed to manufacture your CNC parts:
Pro-tip: Check out our CNC Machining Design Guide for more tips on reducing your parts’ complexity.
Continuous, repeatable machining operations are a key feature of CNC machines that greatly increase output. Also, the CNC machining technique is a low-oversight method of manufacturing. The machines can work without pausing for breaks or double-checking dimensions for accuracy.
Both low and high-volume production methods make the most of this quality and leverage CNC machining’s economic benefits to expand their operations. Some in-built features that make CNC machining more cost effective than conventional techniques include:
As a result, precise CNC machine shops can shorten their product delivery lead times and save money on labor costs, which makes them more competitive in the market and boosts revenue and profitability.
The precision and consistency of CNC machining allow for the mass production of almost identical, high-quality components for industries that have stringent accuracy standards:
As you can see, CNC production machining can boost your company’s bottom line by producing more, at a higher quality, with fewer workers. So, now is the time to evolve your business and leverage CNC production machining to the fullest.
And Fictiv can help you do it.
For all your custom CNC part manufacturing needs, Fictiv has you covered. We’re experts at machining any CNC parts in a variety of materials, and we simplify custom part sourcing with intelligent, streamlined, automated workflows. Fictiv is your operating system for custom manufacturing that makes part procurement faster, easier, and more efficient.
In other words, Fictiv lets engineers, like you, engineer. Create an account and upload your part to see what our instant quote process, design for manufacturability feedback, and intelligent platform can do for you. Our CNC machining service can create your parts in as little as 2 days!
Are you interested in learning more about custom plastic molding, china plastic moulding dies, china motor part mold? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!