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Introduction to CNC Technology
Every day, manufacturers are turning to
automation in order to meet their profitability goals, and their
success rate is amazing. Manufacturing shops all over the world are
considering the purchase of a CNC Router, and most start out
thinking, “I’d love to automate, but I can’t afford it.” Looking at
what Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Routers have already done
for so many existing and emerging industries, you simply cannot
afford not to consider the inherent advantages of automation.
Most CNC router systems consist of a
motorized XYZ router table, a control unit, computer, and
programming software. The advantages gained from using a CNC Router
are the same for most applications that were previously completed by
hand: greater accuracy and faster cycle times. This type of
automation has a high repeatability, and thus greatly increases a
manufacturer’s yield and consistency.
CNC automation enables you to design a
part on your PC, and then reproduce that design quickly and easily
using the router. There are three basic steps to this process.
First, a computer image is generated, typically through a CAD
program. Second, a CAM program translates the geometry of the CAD
drawing and cutter compensations to output a toolpath. And lastly,
the toolpath is converted to a manufacturing programming language
(i.e., G-Code) used to communicate with the CNC Router to produce
the part.
The addition of a CNC Router allows a
shop to take on projects that might not have been considered either
feasible or economical using manual techniques. The fact is, the
initial investment is usually relatively small seeing how a CNC
router completely revolutionizes manufacturing. It is not uncommon
for a Techno customer to obtain a return on investment in less then
six months or even in one job.
Craftsmen of any industry know that
their work will only be as good as the tools used in the design and
manufacturing process. Likewise, any professional knows that the
quality of the product is what makes or breaks a reputation. A shop
that utilizes better tools gives themselves the best chance of
increasing production and profits. In fact, the history of the
industrial revolution has been the same history of the development
of better, more affordable tools. Currently, the CNC “tools” of
automation are well within the budgets of small to mid-sized shops
and realistically are becoming necessary to stay competitive in
today’s markets.
When the decision to automate has been
made, and the search begins for what CNC Router to invest in, there
are several important aspects to consider. The end result of CNC
Router design and construction should be greater than the sum of its
parts. The quality of a CNC Router's components, in addition to the
history and reputation of the company, should be weighed heavily
during the buying process. This introductory technical section will
cover vital aspects to the buying process, such as: cnc components,
spindle options, vacuum hold-down. dust collection, coolant systems,
reverse engineering, 4th axis rotary and cad/cam
software; items which, when looking to purchase a CNC Router, should
be considered without exception. However, the first topic to be
considered is the router itself.
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