CNC equipment is common to both woodworking and metal manufacturing industries. Milling machines, in particular, can be found in both areas of production. Machining centers perform various functions for woodworking including face, contour, and slot milling. CNC milling machines are a more specialized piece of equipment designed for milling functions only. Other examples of more specialized equipment include CNC drill and tap centers or lathes.
Routers perform similar processes in woodworking in addition to drilling. Combination devices are also available in the woodworking industry, and you might currently use a manual form of these devices in your shop or factory. Manual devices work great if you are producing small quantities each day; however, they are less sufficient when your business expands to high production numbers. CNC equipment is beneficial in these scenarios.
CNC Machine: Gaining Cost Benefits through Used Equipment
A milling machine is designed for use on solid materials. Spindle operation may be horizontal or vertical. Manual devices can either be mounted on a bench or room sized. Pieces are not held stationary, instead it moves outward toward the cutter. Cutting actions occur with the tip and sides of the mill cutter, and these movements require precise control through the use of ground slides, technology, or ground screws.
In the past, traditional equipment found in manufacturing facilities was manually operated. Today, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) devices are another option for your facility. A CNC machine can perform simple and complex milling operations without the margin for error commonly experienced with manual operation. Simple processes may include slot cutting or drilling. Contouring is a more complex task made possible with this equipment.
CNC machining centers are typically vertical mills that move the spindle along a Z-axis vertically. This expands mill application to flat-surface engraving and other processes. Horizontal mills are also available in CNC form. Multi-axis machines are the most advanced mechanisms, offering two more axes on top of the typical XYZ coordinates. Horizontal machines include another axis for asymmetric rotation and enhanced turning. The B axis manages tool tilting. If all axes are used together, you can implement highly complicated designs. The available designs often depend on the skill of the computer operator. CAM programs make it easier to obtain full use of all axes. You can acquire a second-hand CNC machine to reduce the purchasing expense.
CNC milling machines are a common piece of industry machinery. This makes it easy to find used equipment for your facility. Used milling devices can provide multiple benefits to your company; one of those is providing a significant decrease in initial purchasing costs. CNC versions are far more rigid, meaning they provide precise drilling and cutting that will drastically improve cutting speed. You will also experience a significant reduction in waste. These devices are quite accurate, can perform difficult drilling functions, and maintain material quality.
If your business manufactures woodworking products, the previously mentioned equipment is a cost worthy investment. RT Machine Company offers many used models that may be the addition your facility needs to advance production and boost quality.
