A CNC router benefits private woodworkers in the same ways it benefits companies: by offering topnotch cutting accuracy, great production capacity, and hands-free operation. However, trends in CNC routing change faster for companies than they do for individuals. Whether a company uses used CNC woodworking machines or the latest models, it should stay abreast of the trends in CNC production centers – practices that can help it save money, improve work quality, and realize the best ROI from its equipment investments.
Emerging Trends
Over the past decade, several important trends have emerged in computer-controlled production centers across the globe, particularly:
- The need for faster equipment
- The need for elite equipment for small businesses
- Using computer-controlled equipment to reduce labor costs
In the early 1970s, the invention of computer-controlled equipment dramatically increased production speed. Instead of requiring the assistance of an operator, a computer-controlled router is automatically controlled by software. In addition to making the movements of the machine fast, the software expedites the production process by practically eliminating manual labor. The more units a company needs to sell, the more production it needs from its CNC stations. In an increasingly global economy, where national sales borders are quickly disappearing, look for the need for faster equipment to spur the production of even faster computer-controlled equipment.
A woodshop is often considered the first phase of a woodworking business, but this is not always true. Some businesses prefer to have a small, efficient operation instead of taking on the burdens of a big workforce. Nevertheless, these outfits still strive for a production rate normally achieved by larger operations. This means the market for an industrial grade CNC router is not limited to big production centers. Small-scale operations are ready to invest in elite equipment, too, even if they have to buy used CNC woodworking machines to get it.
Using computer-controlled equipment to reduce labor costs is an obvious concern of big production centers. Unlike conventional equipment, computer-controlled equipment does not require an operator at every equipment station. In fact, one operator often simultaneously controls multiple stations. While no company likes sacrificing human resources to improve the bottom line, computer-controlled equipment has ushered in a new, minimalist staffing trend at many big companies. Considering payroll is the biggest expense for most businesses, letting a machine do most of the work is a major cost saving opportunity.
Getting Quality, Affordable Equipment
Most companies make a significant investment to acquire a CNC router. To save money, many buyers consider purchasing used CNC woodworking machines. An excellent value when purchased from a reputable dealer, pre-owned woodworking equipment equips companies with the necessary production capacity without breaking the equipment budget.
At RT Machine, we mitigate the cost of woodworking equipment by offering a broad selection of pre-owned hardware. Unlike some sellers of pre-owned CNC equipment, our owned equipment is expertly inspected, reconditioned, and tested prior to being sold. If a company needs computer-controlled equipment for its production center, RT Machine is the place to acquire it affordably.
