Manufacturing is a critical part of the U.S. economy, contributing $2.89 trillion in value and representing 10.3% of U.S. GDP in 2023. Manufacturing employs over 12.5 million people, accounting for about 60% of U.S. exports. Manufacturing is driven by innovation. As Yannick Schilly, CEO of Altix Consulting, stated, “Never before in the history of mankind has the pace of innovation and technological acceleration been faster than it is today.” Cynthia Fanning, GM of GE Dishwasher Products, said, “To be competitive, we have to look for every opportunity to improve efficiencies and productivity while increasing quality.” For these reasons, many industries and manufacturers today choose CNC machining.
What is CNC Machining?
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is a widely and increasingly used manufacturing process that utilizes pre-programmed software to control the movement of a wide range of complex factory tools and machinery. These tools are used to cut, shape, and create different parts and prototypes using a range of materials, including various types of metal and plastic, to produce high-quality commercial products.
The most common types of CNC machines are CNC milling machines, CNC routers, CNC lathes, CNC plasma cutters, CNC electric discharge machines, and CNC laser cutters. The wide range of production capabilities is one reason manufacturers choose CNC machining.
The Industries that Choose CNC Machining
Many industries choose CNC machining, including aerospace, automotive, medical devices, military and defense, industrial machinery, energy, marine, oil and gas, and agriculture.
Why Choose CNC Machining?
Industries and individual manufacturers choose CNC machining to achieve these advantages:
- High precision and improved accuracy without the constant supervision and hands-on needs of traditional manufacturing processes. CNC machines can produce tolerances as small as 0.004 mm while creating complex parts.
- Endurance and high productivity. Compared to traditional manufacturing, which operates only while workers are present, CNC machines can function 24/7/365. A machine can be set for as long as necessary to produce the required quantity of parts. Additionally, CNC machines feature scalabilityhttps://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/scalability.asp, allowing for small orders and quick production changes.
- Higher production speed while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and minimizing material waste.
- Versatile capabilities. CNC machines have multiple tools that can be swapped out during the machining process.
- CNC machines have sophisticated software that can produce complex shapes and even the most complex parts, which can be highly customized.
- A wide range of materials can be utilized.
- There is less dependability on human labor, so there are fewer human errors.
- CNC machining and milling can produce digital simulations of prototypes to check a program’s accuracy before going into production.
- Lower production costs.
Choose a Highly Regarded CNC Machining Company
Contact Components By Design, based in Charlotte, NC. Components By Design, Inc. has over 15 years of experience with CNC routers and CAD / CAM software and exists to help your complex projects become simple. We offer a complete range of CNC routing services. From simple parts to complicated 3D machining, we can take on any project to add value to your product. We are experienced in machining parts from panel material and solid wood, PVC extruded sheets, acrylics, aluminum, and solid surfaces. Our CNC solutions are well-suited for cabinet makers, architectural woodworkers, building suppliers, sign makers, plastic fabricators, and more. If you can think it, we can make it.