Milling machines come in four operation modes: manual, automated mechanical, automated digital, and automated computer numerical control (CNC) operation. For woodworking companies that produce millwork in limited runs, a manually, mechanically, or digitally operated milling machine may be sufficient. But for companies that produce millwork at a high rate, machines with CNC control are needed. For companies whose products depend on fast, quality millwork, CNC milling machines have six advantages:
Improved Consistency
Because a computer program guides its actions, the cuts made by CNC milling machine have a higher degree of accuracy than those made by mechanical and digital machines, and especially manual ones. On long production runs, this improved consistency can be a significant money saver in terms of preventing waste pieces and rework. If your rate of milled waste pieces is high, a CNC machine could solve the problem.
Easier to produce complex pieces
The complex movements executed by CNC milling machines make it possible to produce pieces that could not be produced—or would be time consuming to produce—with manual, mechanical, or digital machines. Therefore, they allow you to produce a wider range of pieces, and produce them in a way that is feasible from a revenue standpoint.
Improved production rate
When the goal is to produce a high number of milled pieces each day, week, or month, a CNC milling machine is the option of choice. In addition to producing complex pieces at a high rate, a CNC machine also excels at producing rudimentary pieces, providing a single solution for improving the production rate of several types of millwork.
Reduced set up time
Some milling machines require extensive time for setup, which can make a series of short production runs especially time consuming. With a CNC machine, downtime between runs is significantly reduced due to the programmable features of the machine. The reduced setup time of CNC milling machines adds to their improved production rate, and also reduces human error that can result from manual setup.
Less machinist involvement
Many companies hire trained operators to run their CNC milling machine. However, the primary involvement of the operator is with the programming function, which reduces the human error and injuries associated with traditional milling machines. Operators may also perform maintenance and light repairs.
Less need for machine replacement
Growing companies that use manually, mechanically, or digitally operated milling equipment often need to upgrade to CNC equipment. Therefore, buying a CNC machine whose capacity anticipates the expected growth of your company could be far less expensive than buying a different type of milling machine every time your production rate increases.
RT Machine offers quality used milling machines
At RT Machine, we offer new and used woodworking machines in a variety of makes, production capacities, and price ranges, including CNC milling machines. If your current milling machine doesn’t meet your production needs, or needs replacement due to age, browse through our selection of new and used milling machines. If you can’t find the machine you need, take advantage of our machine locator service, which can locate woodworking machines for sale globally.
