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Besides its primary functions, a CNC router can do other jobs using tools such as planers and panel saws. Often, it produces better results using the least amount of time and labor. Yet, one thing that causes businesses to think twice before acquiring one is its cost. However, considering its benefits, CNC machines are worth the investment.

How CNC Compares to Manual Machining

These are the advantages of using CNC machines:

• Versatile and Consistent: CNC machines are widely used in many industries. One of the main reasons is the precise parts fabrication that comes at lower costs and reduced labor time.
• Efficiency and Reliability: A CNC router runs through a computer, and one skilled operator can run several CNC machines. Through automation, it can fabricate parts for hours without a change in precision or quality. More importantly, they are not prone to human errors.
• Low Maintenance and Scrap: CNC machining needs fewer operators, but its production capacity is much higher than manual machining. Even better is that it requires less maintenance. Because the machining process is more accurate, there are also fewer scraps. This, of course, cuts down labor time and production costs.
• Workplace Safety: Compared to manual machines, CNC machines are safer to operate. An operator would have to handle manual machines physically, but that is not the case with CNC machines because they run automatically. Less physical contact means fewer risks and liabilities in the workplace.

CNC technology certainly offers many advantages that help companies be more competitive. There are additional circumstances in which manual machines are necessary. For example, they are cheaper and suitable for new and small operations with limited budgets.

How CNC Routers Cut Labor Time

The best way to illustrate how using CNC routers helps reduce labor time is to look at Tuscarora Plastics Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of custom molded products in the United States.

• Less Labor Time: Before using a CNC router, Tuscarora Plastics cut prototypes of its molded foam products using manual labor and tools. Even with skilled laborers, this process takes several hours. CNC machines, meanwhile, automate much of the process. As a result, it takes only one to four hours to program, set up, and cut prototypes.
• More Efficient Labor Force: CNC routers need workers to load the materials, such as expanded foam plastic materials used for fabrication and to remove finished prototypes. Hence, Tuscarora Plastics no longer needs to hire more human prototype fabricators. Once the CNC machining process starts, they can assign the operator to do other jobs.
• Ease of Programming: Tuscarora Plastics designs new foam parts using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. Once done, they can easily and quickly export the model to the CNC router. So, creating and exporting detailed instructions (G-code) to drive CNC machines helps the company save time because the prototype makers no longer need to create drawings.

Higher Productivity and Quality Level with Less Labor Time

For Tuscarora Plastics and many other companies, using CNC routers to fabricate foam prototypes has more than paid off their initial investments. For instance, the efficient use of labor and shorter production time led to lower costs, resulting in more competitive pricing and better profit margins.

Prototypes fabricated by CNC machines are also of higher quality, which is critical when pitching to potential customers. CAMaster can help you create better samples to secure more contracts. More importantly, their high-quality machinery, hardware, and software can tremendously improve your fabrication capacity with consistently high-quality levels.

For more information on how the Stinger and Cobra CNC routers can improve your company’s productivity and efficiency, call 1-866-405-7688 or visit this page for general inquiries or request a quote.