Tag : automation manufacturing

cad cam

Recent Improvements of CAD CAM Software in Manufacturing

The capabilities of CAD CAM software has greatly improved over the recent years, thanks to faster multicore and embedded processors backed by cloud-based innovations. Manufacturing firms are hard-pressed to keep up with the competitive advances in CNC machining, with each day introducing a new tool path creation, new software for simulation, multi-task machining, and CNC automation tools.

In terms of quality assurance, CAD CAM is fast moving into the footprint of surface finish measurements and part inspection. Parts design has also seen an integration of FEA capabilities for testing and predicting how different materials machined on prototypes will actually perform. Here are some of the recent improvements of CAD/CAM software in manufacturing:

Five-axis Machining

Five-axis machining has seen new capabilities with the introduction of new CAD CAM software solutions. They come with a broad range of 5-axis strategies that enhance roughing and finishing, improved point distribution, faster calculation periods, and simpler data management capabilities. The new roughing strategy now incorporates CNC machining (through a curve or line orientation) and programming based on a reference surface. The developers have put in massive smoothing algorithms to enhance more even point distribution as well as subtle vectors moving. Manufacturers can also avoid costly and time-consuming reworks on parts by utilizing the higher quality surface finishes.

Advanced Milling and Mill-turn Machines

Many US manufacturing firms have introduced a new functionality to enhance simultaneous 4 and 5-axis milling using the latest mill-turn machines. The technology has improved drilling methodologies to automatically find and machine holes on conical and cylindrical faces.

The advanced mill/turn machines have brought enormous improvements in productivity for many manufacturing firms in the USA. New software allows businesses to optimize their investment by availing the full range of 4 and 5-axis cycles in the CNC manufacturing process. Currently, more mold and die users are beginning to utilize 5-axis machining as the costs of such machines continuously drop.

Multi-axis CNC Software

The new multi-axis functionality and tool paths for hard milling and HSM have greatly improved CNC machining. The updated machining software brings a new dimension to the improved multi-axis tool hence providing customized and streamlined interface that can be fine-tuned to different applications like turbine blades and impellers. The same technology has now been introduced in many US manufacturing schools and mechanical engineering institutions to further advance the skill.

Advanced 3-D simulation Capabilities

US manufacturing companies have demonstrated various full-machine simulation modules that aim to provide photorealistic 3D models of cnc machine tools in operation. Based on 3-D solid models, the simulations can help manufacturers pinpoint potential collisions and errors in complex turn-mills with multitasking capabilities or Swiss-type turn-mills.

The new simulation modules offer improved collision detection and error-checking functionalities hence allowing manufacturers to perform more robust simulations than what is currently offered by CAM suppliers. Now, the simulated machine models can incorporate machine specific tool holders to ensure early detection of collisions on the user’s PC.

Summary

With global competitive pressures facing the manufacturing industry, mechanical engineering institutions, US manufacturing firms, and mechanical engineering schools are working overtime to produce the highest-quality finished parts by forming partnerships with machine tool programmers to develop workpieces that need little to no rework. Five-axis machining, advanced 3-D simulation, and cnc automation are some of the technology advances opening up new capabilities in manufacturing in USA.

American Manufacturing

How do US Manufacturers Compare to Overseas Manufacturers?

Labor and production costs stop many American manufacturers from producing products for American consumption. Outsourcing component production or even whole products to overseas manufacturers has saved a lot of money for American manufacturers. But has it? A few strong points show that American Manufacturing compares better to overseas manufacturers.

The Problem

The original reason CNC manufacturing, for example, was outsourced overseas was that wages were lower. So many people needing jobs meant that if someone quit, there were twenty more who could fill the job. Since the foreign workers work for pennies per hour or per day, U.S. manufacturing more or less dried up.

For instance, let’s say mechanical engineering expert Joe Brown has designed a better home automation thermostat. Imagine a Singapore factory has been upgraded for CNC machining to produce the components of the thermostat. Since Singapore workers only make pennies per hour or per day, do they have the necessary incentive to ship quality merchandise?

What Was The Result?

American manufacturers have, for the most part, wanted to save money from the beginning. Over the years, however, some hard truths have come back to bite American manufacturers. A pennies wage isn’t the only criteria by which American manufacturing versus overseas manufacturing is judged.

What Are The Factors?

American schools are the best, bar none. This means that people all over the world trust graduates of mechanical engineering schools and U. S. manufacturing schools. Just ask anyone who uses Apple products, drives a Chevy and orders anything from Amazon on an American-made computer.

There are other factors highlighting the negatives of overseas manufacturing, such as:

-Shipping and handling charges have risen

-When ships remain in foreign ports, for reasons only the foreign country understands

-When merchandise sits at American Customs for weeks awaiting clearance

-It takes weeks and months for a ship to get from the foreign country to America. Meanwhile, the
manufacturer has no product to sell

-Smaller production runs are possible overseas, but shipping costs would be prohibitive

 

The Plus Side

Manufacturing in the USA has its advantages. The light has been shed on these advantages, giving American manufacturers the option of re-shoring or bringing manufacturing back home. Some of those advantages are:

-America jealously guards her intellectual rights. Manufacturers won’t worry about their designs being
stolen

-Safety standards, labor standards, and a healthy work environment ensure workers have incentive to
produce a quality

-A big rig transporting Mr. Brown’s product in days hands down beats a ship taking weeks or months to
arrive

-Manufacturing disasters like the one in Bangladesh many years ago don’t happen in America. American
manufacturers won’t have to explain to the buying public why its factory collapsed and killed thousands
of people

-American manufacturers have the flexibility to meet new production runs for increased sales

The Realization

One of those hard truths concerns having no inventory while product is in transport. The need for close proximity sourcing has become evident to American manufacturers. As a result, some companies are bringing manufacturing jobs home. While they’re on their way, the manufacturers are using nearby sources to keep product coming.

American manufacturing has come to the realization that in outsourcing to overseas manufacturers versus domestic manufacturing, there’s no place like home.

US Manufacturing

7 Reasons Why US Manufacturing is Important

Considering the current scolding regarding the importance of the US manufacturing industry, there have been critics who have tried to discredit the benefits associated with manufacturing in the current transformational age. However, their arguments are not right considering these seven benefits associated with US manufacturing.

Manufacturing enables Creation of Strong Middle-class Jobs.

Regardless of the claims from critics that manufacturing jobs are unpleasant, they, in fact, have not been to a modern machine shop as these offer a good work environment and a dependable source of income for many American families. Furthermore, most of them come with irresistible perks such as good health insurance, 401k plans and short term disability for its employees. Also, despite the fact that all jobs are good depending on personal preferences, some higher positions even pay up to $80,000-$100,000+ per year!

Manufacturing Creates Jobs

With a relatively high unemployment rate particularly among the youth, expansion of the US manufacturing industry has gone a long way in providing the much-needed jobs. Now, trade schools offer a 2-4 year education in Precision Machining. This is a good starting point if you are interested in manufacturing and machining. Unlike other positions that require high qualifications, entry level manufacturing jobs do not require such specialized skills and can absorb anyone willing to learn (although some schooling is a plus and will help the employee move up in the company). With schooling and on the job training, anyone with a passion in manufacturing can fit into the industry.

Manufacturing creates National Wealth

Buying and consuming imported goods will only make the country poorer since there will be no foreign income. However, by manufacturing products which can be sold locally and internationally, the nation’s economy becomes stronger since there will be foreign cash.

Factories/ Machine Shops are now Safer than before

The current American factories are very safe now and those interested in the industry should not be worried to work in this type of setting. Rarely are their incidences of safety breach or accidents with proper training and shop safety. Also, with the recent embracement of the worker safety policy countrywide, the possible safety incidences are continually being suppressed.

U.S. Industries are very clean

Compared to other countries where waste products are directed in rivers and other water bodies, American factories a very clean and are even getting cleaner. The waste produced in US manufacturing industries is treated and recycled to ensure that it does not harm the environment. As such, the world will be a healthier place if people bought more goods from the U.S. compared to other countries.

Workers with good jobs are healthy

Jobs in the US manufacturing industry are in most cases physically taxing. Whereas this may be seen as a negative, it is, in fact, good for the employee’s health as working in manufacturing also doubles up as exercise. Machinists are on their feet all day, constantly moving around. As a result, earning money and remaining healthy go hand in hand.

Manufacturing research leads to creative ideas

The US manufacturing industry contributes to approximately 75% of the private sector development and research. The mind-blowing innovations from the U.S. manufacturers keep the country competitive in the global platform hence making it an economic powerhouse.

In a nutshell, if taken alone, the manufacturing industry is the ninth largest economy in the world. As such, critics need to reevaluate their stand about the U.S. manufacturing industry.

OEM Manufacturing

7 Incredibly Simple Hacks of Highly Successful leaders in Manufacturing

OEM manufacturing in the USA has changed continuously over the years, partially because of the significant technological advances. However, some of the core secrets of successful manufacturers remain constant. Consider the following incredibly simple hacks from highly successful leaders in manufacturing to achieve greater heights.

#1. Embrace the technology

Technology plays a significant role in the success of all businesses. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the latest tech innovations. One example of the technology that should be integrated is CNC automation. You can install robots to perform repetitive tasks and increase production while reducing costs. This will help your business to be leaner and more efficient.

#2. Reinvest in the business

Whether your firm utilizes expansive CNC machining or small hand tools, the equipment condition is vital in manufacturing operations. A successful manufacturer reinvests into the industry’s heart (the machinery that keeps it functional). Thus, Re-examine the servicing schedules and ensure that the machinery is performing at optimal levels. Avoid scheduling for maintenance only when the equipment fails or when they are not in use.

#3. Focus on service

Successful leaders in OEM manufacturing develop excellent levels of customer service to build loyalty. They field service queries from retailers or distributors when products are delayed or defective. Besides, they’re ready to answer to customers whenever faulty products enter the market. It is therefore essential that every CNC manufacturing firm makes a point of maintaining high service standards and evaluate service performance regularly.

#4. Have the right team at your disposal

Pay close attention to the people you hire in your manufacturing business because they can either make or break it. Besides being from the US manufacturing schools, you ought to figure out just how passionate a person is about working for the company. In addition, you should hire mechanical engineering professional staff from formal and certified mechanical engineering schools.

#5. Retain the best

Employee retention is crucial to ensuring manufacturing efficiency. While most workers view an employee benefits program as an incentive to remain on the job, the package can be an excellent source of motivation. If your employees aren’t motivated, production slows down, and your manufacturing firm might falter.

#6. Continuous improvement

For successful OEM manufacturing, you should view improvements in its entirety. Most manufacturers focus on improvements that entail the processes or products, and yet this is only one portion. To be devoted to development, evaluate every portion of the business because all parts make up a whole. For instance, you can consider offering safety training on the frequently changing regulations to keep your workers up to date with the latest trends.


#7. Communication

Successful OEM manufacturing firms value meaningful communication. That includes keeping employees updated on the procedures and products as well as having an open line for them to express their concerns. Regular meetings can be an excellent means of making sure that the employees get the information they require to carry out their tasks correctly. Furthermore, utilize technology to quickly bring them up-to-date with any developing changes. Correspondingly, supervisors should be available to the workers. If the employees can’t discuss safety concerns or improvement ideas, you might be missing on a wealth of information.

Bottom Line

As the global manufacturing sector grows, successful in-house operations rest on fundamental factors– keeping productivity up, morale high, and costs low. By paying attention to the above great tips, you can yield global dominance and be an example of how US manufacturing is remarkably resilient in the increasingly competitive economy.

At Tag Team, we pride ourselves on machining components for virtually all industries OEMs. With over thirty years expertise, our ability to collaborate with engineers in developing prototypes allows us to produce high-quality components at lower costs.

For more information, call us today at 303-841-5697 for a free quote!

automation

What is Powering the New Manufacturing Plants?

CNC manufacturing is evolving at a rate that is faster than anticipated. Today, regardless of whether the source of power is wind, water, gas, solar, or steam, automation procedures and the latest technologies in CNC machining are essential in manufacturing industries. Here is a detailed view of what powers new manufacturing plants:

Water Power

This kind of power sources requires different turbines which as designed to produce efficient power in water power plants. When it comes to machining in these facilities, speed and accuracy are essential. Water can only generate productive electricity if it is made to flow at high speed, meaning that turbines with have not been appropriately reinforced can crack under pressure.

Wind Power

Whenever wind energy is used, the plant needs to have superior performance capabilities. Wind power, when used for mechanical engineering processes, for instance, requires gears and systems that are not only precise but also very efficient. The equipment needs to be highly flexible, and it also needs to react to the slightest changes in wind pressure without compromising the performance of the power plant.

Across all the states in the US, there are more than 500 manufacturing plants that manufacture equipment used to generate wind power. There is a lot of demand in the sector by manufacturing facilities.

Steam and Gas

Geothermal power stations use these forms of forms of energy to generate power. Steam and gas power comes with a lot of pressure, so the manufacturing processes using these resources for energy need to have turbines and equipment that can remain functional even when subjected to high stress and tension.

Gas, being a non-renewable source of power, is not as popular as the renewable sources. Manufacturing companies, however, still use gas because of its speed and efficiency in producing electricity.

Solar

Solar energy is the most efficient source of power currently in use in USA manufacturing. All countries around the world, and even in manufacturing schools, solar power is perfecting processes that have been in existence for years.

Manufacturing in the USA and the rest of the world is quickly embracing CNC automation procedures. To power these plants and these processes, companies are moving towards better power sources. Wind, water, solar, and steam are just some of them, but these four are the best and most efficient sources of power for new manufacturing plants.

The most manufacturing in the world today is done in China eve through for a time, the United States held the number one position. The US, however, still holds the number position when it comes to providing quality manufacturing processes.

Monitoring the Environment

Power generation needs to be by the laws of the environment. Power plants, in sourcing for ways of energy generation, need to be wary of the effects that they have on nature and the well-being of the people around them. Using natural sources of power like wind, water, and solar is best as they have minimum effects on the environment.

These energy sources are also renewable, meaning that manufacturing plants can reduce wasted during their processes. Although some plants still use non-renewable sources that are harmful to the environment, manufacturing processes, technologies and automation are making it much easier for these companies to switch to sources of power that do more good than harm to the surrounding areas.

3D printer

3D Printers – Are they a viable option in manufacturing yet?

While developments in 3D printing (also called additive manufacturing) become increasingly sophisticated, debate continues as to whether the technology will truly be viable for manufacturing–  and when and at what cost.  Skeptics point to 3D printer limitations– primarily its price tag and concerns about the quality of assembled items, since the technology has been used mostly for small parts and prototypes.  It may not be a practical option for most businesses at present.  But with improvements constantly in the works, it’s likely just a matter of time before this versatile capability transforms the manufacturing industry.

Endless Possibilities

The technology is already showing promise in construction and spare parts production.  China and Dubai boast printed concrete houses and an office, respectively.  This rapidly-evolving innovation has the capacity to build parts more efficiently than current methods do, as businesses would be able to either print items on-site or contract with a nearby third-party to do it, saving time and shipping costs.

Industry leaders anticipate that 3D printer sales will grow considerably over the next five years, revolutionizing every industry impacted by it, creating a host of benefits and possibilities.

Added Value

While the cost of a 3D printer currently totals $1 million or more, rapid growth in the industry is expected to lower the cost, making it a viable option for increasing numbers of businesses.

Lower costs and faster production times could eventually make a 3D printer more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing methods.  Even when companies have to spend more up-front to utilize the technology, that investment will quickly pay for itself, especially as manufacturers can shift production from a made-to-stock basis to a made-on-demand basis.

Additionally, 3D printing reduces the cost of raw materials.  For example, traditional production of parts made of various metals requires that these materials be melted down.  After a part is created, scrap materials must be reclaimed, often at considerable cost.  Additive manufacturing is precise enough to use minimum amounts of raw material, leading to lowered costs and less waste.

Because it requires minimal set-up time, 3D printing expedites production.  As the technology becomes more widely available, it may replace the traditional assembly line.  With 3D printing, parts can be produced without halting operations between phases of production for reprogramming devices or swapping out tools and materials.  Manufacturers will be able to fill orders more quickly.  Furthermore, they’ll have the choice of either lowering prices to challenge their competitors, or charging the same amount while reaping a larger profit.

As the 3D printing industry grows, new competitors are expected to arrive on the scene, introducing more creative applications for the technology.  Additive manufacturing is currently out-of-reach for most businesses, and its widespread uses are still highly theoretical.  At one time, the same could be said for computers, yet today they’re commonplace and have proven indispensable in every sector of business and society.   Additive manufacturing is likely to follow a similar course, but at a much faster pace.

Call Tag Team Manufacturing today. 303-841-5697

robotic automation

The Top Industries that are Hot Right Now

With time, the demand for certain goods and services has been changing. This mainly depends on the level of technology and the fashion taste of the population. Back in the 1940s, being a doctor would have been the hottest thing one would be. Back then people were still discovering cures for different diseases like tuberculosis.

In today’s world however, the traditional professions like teaching and being a physician are not entirely marketable or on high demand on their own. With technological advancement, a good doctor is the one who uses technology to his advantage. Thus the most sought after businesses to start or work in are the manufacturing and automation industries.

They include;

Manufacturing of Drones

The use of drones has rapidly increased with countries from all over the world granting private individuals and companies the right to use the drones privately. Amazon is one of the biggest firms that is looking to take its business operations to another level using drones. The demand for drones is only going to increase.

It is easy to start a company manufacturing drones since the human skill needed is not very complicated. Employees with good IT and programming skills will be useful. The market for the drones is also wide and vast including their use in the military, commercial industries, recreational purposes, and most recently for transport in Dubai.

Robotic Automation in Manufacturing 

China emerged one of the best in manufacturing robots. The artificially intelligent machines are used by most industries to lower the cost of operations and hiring human labor. They also increase the efficiency of a factory and increases productivity. A Chinese company in Dongguan emerged the world’s first fully automated factory.

Better use of robotic automation has also been realized and using robots to supplement human labor is now the in-thing. Commonly known as “cobotics”, this industry is taking robot manufacturing to an all new level. People will now accept and appreciate even more the need for robots in a firm.

Biometric Scanning Software Production

With increased security threats and high fraud rates in the world, security measures have been updated greatly. To access a given institution, one needs an authentic form of verification and identification. Most government departments are already using fingerprints, eye, and facial recognition software to identify people and grant or deny access to certain areas.

The technology is now being adopted by most private sectors including the hospital for patient data records. To come up with this software, a team of well skilled and experienced programmers will be needed.

Artificial Intelligence Sector 

This is a wide sector that designs and Implements systems that are self-reliable. With no or minimum human supervision, the machines operate effectively. An example of such is the autonomous cars that Google, Uber and other companies are looking to fully use on the roads in the near future. With the increased campaign in favor of the artificially intelligent devices, the future is very bright for the sector.

These are just but a few of the top industries taking over the market right now. As technological advancements continue to penetrate almost all industries, more top industries can be expected to emerge.

manufacturing technology

New Manufacturing Technology Means Greater Value for Customers

The Factory of the Future, as it has come to be called, is all about lean manufacturing. One of the most important components of lean manufacturing is incorporating the latest and best manufacturing technology, including machining tools and robotic manufacturing.

At the moment, probably in part because they’re leery of another economic downturn, U.S. manufacturers have been slow to embrace many of the improvements now available. This is a mistake because these advances—and many more that are just down the road—make for faster, more durable, more precise and far more productive tools. At Tag Team Manufacturing, we believe these factors together translate into greater customer satisfaction.

Taking Advantage of Today’s New Tools

Incorporating faster, longer-lasting tools doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. So the cost of doing business doesn’t have to go up. In fact, the new technology can increase both productivity and quality, giving customers more for their money.

How does this work? The new technology can be implemented easily and inexpensively. Programming manufacturing machinery is simplified, resulting in:

• Reduced production times and greater production accuracy

• Reduced cross-training of operators and programmers

• Greater flexibility in operations, so one piece of equipment can perform a variety of functions

All these advantages reduce our costs and, consequently, costs to our customers without in any way compromising quality. This combination of lower cost and higher quality results in greater value.

The technological advances affect just about every aspect of the manufacturing process. They improve every step, from product design through production and even packaging. Each component of the process, including human and machine, is able to communicate more quickly and more accurately, creating an integration that greatly increases coordination and efficiency.

We at Tag Team Manufacturing look every day for ways to improve our lean manufacturing processes and so move closer to the Factory of the Future. We can see ahead to innovations that are on the horizon. What does the future look like?

The Tools of Tomorrow

What’s ahead in manufacturing technology tools looks great for both manufacturers like us and our customers. Our challenge is to meet the demand for value from our customers. This challenge will be met with:

• Machining that delivers ever more precisely and efficiently made products
• Software capable of increasingly sophisticated operations
• Shorter production time

So we’re looking at software and hardware on the road to greater and greater value. The progression includes further development of things like:

Source ( characters / words)

NTN Technical Review No. 74 (2006) http://advancedmanufacturing.org/advances-cnc-technology http://www.manufacturing.net/article/2012/02/10-trends-manufacturing-technologies http://www.industryweek.com/manufacturing-day/fast-forward-factory-future?page=1

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• Multifunctional machining tools that increase accuracy and reduce machining time while, at the same time, being able to produce products with more complicated shapes

• Control hardware and software that costs less but offers “intelligent” functions that turn information into more efficient and precise production

Not all advances in manufacturing technology apply to the work Tag Team Manufacturing does. But we’re keeping our eye on every improvement to make sure we deliver the best value to our customers.

manufacturing automation

Making Every Component Once and Making It Correctly  

Your clients require, indeed demand, quality and minute accuracy in the parts you provide for them, as well as timely delivery. And you try to do your best to provide that for them, because the future of your business depends on it.

That’s why you have to have suppliers that can deliver every time, the first time. And that’s what Tag Team Manufacturing can do for you.

The Cutting Edge Of CNC Manufacturing

When you need quality machining, Tag Team Manufacturing is your go to source. We are devotees of the cutting edge of manufacturing automation technology. It’s what we do. We utilize current technology, including robotics, to produce the perfect OEM part, with continuing and consistent quality. We represent the future of CNC manufacturing.

The secret to our success is our highly qualified team of professional machinists, quality inspectors, and finishers. We only hire the best, people who not only understand the intricacies of CNC manufacturing automation and business processes, but who also understand the technology behind it all that makes it work. That’s a hard order to fill, but we’ve put together a team that is second to none in the industry. They combine their knowledge and expertise together into a highly coordinated whole to provide you with the high quality OEM parts you need to keep your business running at the peak of success, and your customers happy.

Superior Quality Management

Tag Team Manufacturing utilizes a sophisticated and highly effective Quality Management System that is fully compliant with the guidelines of ISO 9001, ensuring that our products meet all customer requirements consistently. We do this using a variety of advanced software and manufacturing automation.

Our E2 software system comprehensively tracks every phase of the manufacturing process, and clients can log into the system to check the status of their order at anytime.

The automated coordinate measuring machine (CMM) constantly checks to make sure parts have been manufactured with the required tolerances, and a report showing key measurements can be generated for the client and submitted upon delivery if desired.

These, in conjunction with the MasterCam CAD/CAM CNC programming software, and the SmartScope Flash 200 automatic measuring system, ensure the highest quality parts achievable by current technology, with much less scrap and at a lower per-piece cost.

Excellent Customer Service Is A High Priority At Tag Team Manufacturing

Customer service is more than just manufacturing the highest quality parts at the lowest cost, delivering them on schedule, and being available to consult and answer questions at any time. It also means protecting a client’s documents, digital files, parts, and all intellectual property with the highest level of security 24/7, both inside and outside the facility, and providing near flawless document control. We go to great lengths to provide the best customer service we possibly can, because we care about our clients, and our reputation within the industry.

We believe Tag Team Manufacturing is your best choice for CNC manufacturing. Let us show you what we can do for your business. Call us at 303-841-5697 or contact us online for more information.

modern manufacturing

The Role Of CNC Automation In Modern Manufacturing

No business can survive without adopting the most advanced technologies, and in manufacturing, there are few devices more important than CNC machines. CNC, or Computer Numerical Control, manufacturing involves operating lathes, mills, drills, and other devices from a single computer. Manufacturers program the computer with precise instructions for the products they want to make; the machines can then manufacture those products without any additional input. CNC devices dramatically improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and have thus become a mainstay of modern manufacturing.

The CNC revolution is only beginning, and with each year manufacturers develop new, more effective ways to use this technology.

Advantages Of CNC Automation

CNC automation has a wide range of benefits for the manufacturing process, including:

• Consistency

    1. – Other than needing occasional downtime for maintenance and repair, CNC machines can perform the same job exactly the same way 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

• Volume

    1. – A CNC machine can produce the same product over and over again, thousands of times. All of the products will be identical to each other, eliminating the chance of mistakes after the programming stage.

• Intricacy

    1. – A CNC machine can follow any programmed instruction down to the most intimate detail. This allows manufacturers to create products with much more precise designs than manual devices or older forms of automation could achieve.

• Efficiency

    1. – The precision of CNC machines also means that they can use every material presented as efficiently as possible, dramatically reducing waste and thus the cost of production.

• Safety

    1. – CNC machines represent complete manufacturing automation; the operator never has to touch the materials being used. As such, it is ideal for manufacturing tasks that involve extreme temperatures, toxic or corrosive materials, or other factors that would place human operators at risk.

• Speed

    1. – CNC devices combine multiple steps in the modern manufacturing process, dramatically reducing the amount of time it takes to finish production.

• Simplicity

    1. – Whereas other forms of manufacturing automation require skilled operators, a CNC machine requires a relatively low level of skill to use. Under ordinary conditions, a single operator can also supervise multiple machines at the same time, leading to lower labor costs.

 

    Compared to these advantages, the only significant disadvantage of CNC automation is the high up-front cost. By improving efficiency, reducing waste, and preventing mistakes, CNC machines quickly make up for their initial prices, providing long-term savings for manufacturers in a wide range of industries.

What Comes Next? The Future Of CNC Automation

The CNC revolution is only beginning, and with each year manufacturers develop new, more effective ways to use this technology. At present, experts are focused on ways to integrate CNC machines with with the robots used to move and pack finished goods. Doing so will streamline the manufacturing process, reducing waste and increasing simplicity. A single control panel may one day be enough to direct an entire manufacturing operation.

Another key development is the advent of the CNC 3D printer, which has made this type of manufacturing available to smaller businesses and even individuals. As these devices fall in price and grow in complexity, CNC manufacturing will become increasingly personalized and decentralized.

To learn more about modern manufacturing, robotics, and other hallmarks of manufacturing automation, contact Tag Team Manufacturing today.