Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have come a long way in standardizing the manufacturing process. The CNC purchase is an investment that will cost you thousands of dollars. The right CNC Manufacturing Equipment can make your processes fast and efficient, but you need to make sure you’re selecting the machine that will best meet your needs. Here are some factors to consider.
What is the Weight?
The iron cast is the best option for tough jobs. It also has the heaviest weight. Depending on your needs, you may choose a CNC machine that’s made of aluminum or polymer composite, which will handle lighter tasks.
Can You Program Your CNC?
The CNC is a powerful resource for your manufacturing process, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to use it. Make sure you purchase a CNC that meets your technical requirements. If the CNC operations really seem Greek to you, consider a model that has conversational programming. Or, you can consider training to better understand CNC programming.
What is the Maximum Radius?
The work radius determines the size of the material that you can cut. The right CNC Manufacturing Equipment should be able to easily accommodate your projects without hassle or delay.
What is the Speed?
The feed rate is the speed at which the CNC machine cuts materials as part of your manufacturing process. The feed rate will vary depending on whether you’re cutting aluminum, wood, etc. It’s important to understand how the feed rate directly correlates to the wear-and-tear on your machine, as well as the finish and quality of your product.
How Much Power Does the CNC Consume?
Depending on the CNC Manufacturing Equipment, you may need to adjust the power in your shop. While it’s not an impossible task to update the shop to accommodate the power requirements, it’s best to plan so you won’t be surprised or delayed in implementing your new machine.
What About Spare Parts?
An important consideration when you select your CNC machine is the ready availability of spare parts. There will come a time when you will need to repair your CNC machine. If the parts are already difficult to find and procure, you’ll have an even harder time in the future. The goal is to make sure you don’t experience unavoidable downtime and inconvenience for your team and for your clients.
Purchasing a CNC machine is a big decision. It’s not something you should jump into without carefully considering you’re the solutions that should best meet your needs. Call CNC Tools at 713-748-9870 or visit their site to learn more.
