Skip to content 
Why Choose CNC Production Machining?
CNC (computer numerical control) machining is a versatile, subtractive manufacturing process for producing precise and accurate parts. It is a modern manufacturing approach that uses pre-programmed code and software capabilities to guide machinery operations such as CNC turning machines, CNC lathes, CNC routers, CNC milling machines, plasma cutters, and electric discharge machines.
CNC machinists use each machine to cut, shape, and fabricate components for various prototypes and final products from different plastics, metals, wood and ceramics. Understanding CNC production machining is essential since it is entirely different.
Production CNC machining is a more advanced, elaborate, and large-scale manufacturing process than standard CNC machining. CNC machining parts for production prioritizes precision, improves quality and reliability, eliminates internal scrap, and optimizes product quality and outputs to enhance the bottom line and customer satisfaction. To stay relevant in the manufacturing landscape, you must understand the different steps to using a CNC machine, whether you have a CNC machine to handle your project or outsourcing.
CNC machining for production depends on volumes or quantities. It is categorized into low-volume CNC machining, high-volume CNC production machining, and custom or prototype CNC machining. As their name implies, it is easy to guess the meaning of these approaches. However, there is more to these approaches than the names imply. We will explain these types of CNC production machining and their benefits below:
Custom or Prototype CNC Machining
Prototype or custom parts CNC machining is a reliable and efficient process that enables the efficient production of custom parts or prototypes in smaller quantities during new product development (NPD). Modern CNC machining and custom manufacturing technology allow different business owners to leverage prototype CNC machining to make precise and highly accurate prototypes in the design process to achieve functional prototypes with the exact fit, form, and function of the finished product.
Besides, CNC technology is a widely embraced choice for custom parts production in different industries. The same technological advancement that makes CNC machining ideal for prototyping is the same that makes it a perfect choice for custom parts manufacturing. The CNC machining process is cost-effective for creating custom and prototype machined parts with superior quality and tight tolerances.
Low Volume Machining
Low-volume production, sometimes called small batch CNC machining, involves producing parts in small quantities, usually between fewer than ten to one thousand pieces. Aside from bridging the gap between prototypes and mass production, this CNC manufacturing process has gained more popularity due to its numerous advantages, including cost reduction, ease of changing design, and increased access to emerging markets, and it is ideal for making products with short life cycles.
High-Volume CNC Machining
High-volume or large-scale CNC machining is a standard process that helps to create parts and components in large amounts. This CNC machining approach is the perfect choice for many businesses because it reduces required labor and production costs per part while maintaining product quality.
Advantages of Production CNC machining
Some of the expected benefits of the production CNC machining process include:
High Profitability
CNC machines are famous for their continuous, repeatable machining operations capabilities, contributing significantly to increased throughput. Since CNC machining is a low-oversight manufacturing process, CNC machines can operate without taking breaks or inspecting the dimensions for accuracy. Low- and high-volume manufacturing alike exploit this unique attribute and leverage the economic advantages of CNC machining to expand their respective operations. Moreover, CNC machining is more cost-effective than traditional methods due to some in-built features, including:
- CNC machine sensors that help increase precision and reliability. These sensors aid the machining process’s acclimatization to create superior-quality components while reducing production costs.
- These machines don’t use multiple types of equipment or require switching between tools. Hence, it facilitates a seamless transition between machining processes, reduces machine setup time, and increases outputs.
Consequently, precision CNC machine shops can reduce the lead time for their product delivery, save labor costs, remain more competitive in the market, and increase revenue and profitability.
Increased Productivity
Since Production CNC machining utilizes a computer-operated system instead of manual effort and capabilities, it increases productivity considerably. This automated, extensive manufacturing operations running at scales ensures higher productivity levels. The computer programs optimize other machining variables, including cutting speed, raw material usage, and order of operation, intelligently and productively.
However, below are some of the expert tips to improve the productivity of CNC machining when you outsource your CNC–machined parts:
- Adhere to design for manufacturability (DfM) analysis to optimize your CNC part manufacturing productivity levels.
- Consider machining only a few sides of the bar stock of material to avoid further fixturing procedures and extended machining time when creating CNC-machined parts with complex geometries. Also, a CNC lathe machine should be used when producing high volumes with highly complex designs.
- Employ techniques like lean manufacturing, 6S, or kanban to improve production line organization, from acquisition of raw materials to final inspection. Although this might seem tedious, implementing these methodologies can be beneficial, and you can break down these techniques into smaller projects.
- When handling your CNC machining project, consider using a high-pressure coolant system or coatings for tool holders to ensure extended machine tools’ lifespan.
Less Manual Labor
Unlike traditional manual methods, CNC machining is labor-intensive for low- or high-volume production. As such, there is a substantial reduction in labor costs and other CNC machining expenses. It means that only experienced workers are needed to supervise the manufacturing operations, not that workers aren’t required. Here are some design techniques to lessen the needed amount of manpower for manufacturing your CNC parts:
- Experts advise machining in high volumes to reduce cost per part since smaller runs and custom parts can cost more human resources.
- Substitute complex assemblies for single components if the parts can be machined from a single stock of material instead of an assembly.
- Reduce manufacturing procedures where possible to reduce the required amount for CNC parts processing.
- Reduce the workforce needed to set up and fixture your CNC parts by reducing the complexity of the fixturing required.
Minimum Material Wastage
With CAD/CAM software programs, CNC technology improves production machining by predicting the most effective tool paths, finishing options, and cycle times based on a given product’s requirements. Besides, CNC simulation programs help identify the ideal machining methods to reduce material wastage and internal scrap rates before the operation begins. Experts recommend employing a more sustainable approach to CNC machining to minimize the adverse impact of climate change if you intend to use materials effectively and curb wastage.
Industry Application of Production CNC Machining Process
Due to the precision and consistency of the CNC machining production process, manufacturers across industries can produce large quantities of almost identical, high-quality parts for different applications with strict accuracy standards. These industries include:
- Consumer Products: Production CNC machining aids efficient designing, developing, prototyping, and mass production of consumer goods, including household appliances, toys, packaging prototypes, and consumer electronics.
- Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, manufacturers use CNC machining techniques to machine precise fuel panels, landing gear components, and fuel flow components.
- Automotive: Manufacturers in the automotive industry fabricate extruded metal materials into gearboxes, valves, axles, cylinder blocks, and other car parts.
- Medical: Medical parts manufacturers rely on CNC machining production to create precise parts and components that meet stringent industry standards, such as surgical instruments, bodily implants, orthotics, and electronic housings.
- Robotics: Manufacturers in the robotics industry leverage CNC production machining to meet strict standards for the accuracy and precision of machined parts. CNC machines are indispensable for robot manufacturing because they meet very tight tolerances.
Best Practices When Outsourcing Production CNC Machining
Before outsourcing your production CNC machining to a company like AT Machining, there are various things to consider. Here, we will discuss some of these critical things that will prepare you for CNC manufacturing operations:
Standard Production Process
The standard CNC machining methods are straightforward and relatively easy to understand. In this section, we’ll explore the different processes involved in CNC production machining:
- Design a CAD Model
The first step in the processes used in CNC production machining is to create a CAD (computer-aided design) file. CAD files are in 2D or 3D format and are made with CAD software. The CAD software allows engineers to design each part of the intended products with the most accurate technical specifications.
- Translate the CAD File to a CNC Program
You must input the CAD file into a CNC system software after designing. The CNC program analyses the CAD file to derive the necessary programming codes to run the machining operation. There are different codes in CNC machining operations. The G- and M-codes are typical machine command codes used in CNC machine programming. While the G-code (Geometric code) controls the machine’s geometric functions, the M-codes dictate the CNC machine’s non-geometric functions.
- CNC Machine Setup
The CNC machine setup involves preparing the machine for operation. Whether you are using a low- or high-volume process will determine the machine setup. Turning machines, grinding machines, and milling machines are typical machines used in CNC machining. A reliable CNC production machining services provider must have skilled engineers and machine operators with the necessary experience and expertise.
- Perform the Operation
Having put everything in place, you can begin the machining operation. The CNC program will control all the machine’s operations, guiding its performance to achieve desired outcomes.
Design and Material Optimization
In general, understanding how best to optimize the design based on the available machining material helps to achieve the best design. We will explore some of the tips on how to improve the design of your parts according to the material properties below:
- Make Simple Design
Simplifying the CAD file of a part in the design phase can prevent unnecessary complications in your machining process. Also, design simplification can reduce the required machining time by eliminating other disadvantages. It is best to avoid unnecessary part features that might result in additional machining processes.
- Use Standard Hole Size
Experts advise using a standard hole size for easy operations when drilling a hole in a workpiece. It ultimately helps save time and ensure high accuracy and precision.
- Avoid Small and Complex Features and Texts
When your products require features like markings and text, it is best to avoid tiny ones. Machining smaller text or features can increase the complexity of operation and production costs. Instead, using larger texts or markings is recommended when marking your products.
- Use the Right Wall Thickness
CNC machining tools often subject the workpiece to considerable pressure during operations. As a result, it would help to choose the right wall thickness for your parts since extremely thin walls can easily break, resulting in failure. Additionally, the wall thickness of the machined part must not be too thick since it can cause tool hang, fracture, and deflection.
Required Volume and Lead Time
The quantity of the to-be product and lead time are other notable considerations when you outsource your CNC production machining project. Most modern CNC machining services suppliers can handle low- and high-volume CNC machining. However, the CNC software’s level of sophistication, how up-to-date the machines are, and their operational capability determine the lead time of your machining project. Understanding the production CNC machining process and identifying the company that can offer it will help achieve the best production volumes and quality outcomes at a reasonable lead time.
Conclusion
Production CNC machining efficiently boosts the bottom line for businesses by making more products of higher quality with reduced manual labor. However, it is crucial to understand how to evolve your business and leverage production CNC machining to the maximum extent before outsourcing your project to the market today.
With AT-Machining, you can prevent long waits for your design verification and achieve the best manufacturing services. We assure you of the best production and customer services you seek. Our experts understand the best machining techniques, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, die casting, on-demand production, rapid prototyping, and injection molding. With our ISO 9001:2015 certification, trust our experienced engineers and machine operators to deliver high-quality machined parts in low- or high volumes. Upload your CAD files today for instant quotation and DfM analysis.
