Computer numerical control (CNC) machines are revered for their ability to cut wood with remarkable accuracy and speed. However, the cost of CNC technology makes them a purchase that should be considered carefully. If you currently use manual woodworking machines and are considering upgrading to CNC machinery, consider the benefits and drawbacks of wood CNC machines in terms of purchase price, maintenance cost, cutting accuracy, production time, and production capacity before you make a purchase.
Repair and Maintenance Cost
Repair and maintenance cost is another area where computer-controlled machinery costs more than manual machinery. Although the labor for servicing a manual router and servicing a CNC router is roughly the same, parts for the latter are usually more expensive. Another reason why CNC repair and maintenance costs more than repairing and maintaining manual machines is that the former is often outsourced to specialists instead of performed in-house.
Cutting Accuracy
There is no comparison between the cutting accuracy of computer-controlled machinery and the cutting accuracy of manual machinery; the former is clearly superior. A computer controlled cutting mechanism essentially eliminates human error, resulting in less rework. Also, wood CNC machines can cut intricate designs that manual routers simply cannot perform. To get the same intricacy you receive from a computer-controlled router, you would have to work by hand.
Production Time
CNC machinery is superior to manual machinery in terms of production time. Because it cuts with superior speed, accuracy, and repeatability, it is the best choice for operations that mass-produce work pieces or finished products. To match the production time of a single industrial CNC machine, you would need to hire four to six workers to operate manual machines, which makes no sense in terms of production cost.
Production Capacity
CNC machinery’s superior production speed defines its elite production capacity. Perhaps best known for their cutting intricacy, the production capacity of computer-controlled machinery is the reason why most woodworkers use them in place of manual machinery. If your production demand for pieces that involve routing or milling is steadily increasing, using computer-controlled equipment will eventually be necessary.
Do You Need CNC Machinery?
If so, RT Machine is here to help. At RT Machine, we offer new and used wood CNC machines for commercial woodworking. If we do not have the machine you need in stock, we can locate it by searching machine inventories across the globe, and have it shipped to your location. For over ten years, RT Machine has sold new and used woodworking machinery to discriminating woodworkers. Call us today to get the machines you need.
