Purchasing a new CNC machining centre can be an enjoyable offer. With each passing year, the rate and technology advance considerably. In spite of the attractiveness of CNC machines available in sculptured housings and exciting color schemes, the final analysis of a woodworking company may simply be influenced if a careful plan is laid out for achieving the most from the machine.
Deciding the purpose
The first step is to figure out how the new machine will be used. For example, since machining centers can route as well as drill, consider whether you want both. Also, identify if you'll need to drill horizontally for dowels, grooves for backs and routes for shelf standards.
Document the construction techniques that are used and all of the hardware that's needed. Care should be used to make sure that the CNC machine is ready for the job to be executed. There should be satisfactory tool shafts so that different drills may be employed, otherwise, the construction strategy must be modified to scale back the tool diameters.
Also, decide whether the woodworking plan needs entire sheets to be cut on the router, or if cutting is on a saw and the machining is to be done on a router. For nesting, a special table will be necessary and also a forceful vacuum to hold the parts prepared. Since nesting machines cannot drill horizontally, a stand-alone machine could be needed. It is critical to understand the maximum part size and check out if it will fit on the router bed previously as a large amount of machining centers are engineered to machine a 24" deep gable only.
Time-saving concerns
The subsequent important point for a woodworker is to consider ergonomics. Which CNC machine will basically save the most time? What number of work sections does the machine have? Is there a satisfactorily large tool chamber that may forestall downtime while crucial cutters are being loaded? Also, does the CNC machine cut back the amount of material handling needed or eliminate a future process to be carried out? It also should be able to simply load parts to the machine and unload them also. Special aggregate heads should enable a woodworker to automate operations that were formerly being done by hand.
Factoring productiveness gains
Eventually, consideration should be given to overall efficiency. The CNC machine should be easily programmable from the office, instead of on the store floor as it idles. The current software should additionally be compatible with the CNC machine to avoid needing to use an extra post-processor. Before purchasing the machine, an understanding should be reached with the seller to provide instruction at a dedicated training centre, so that production staff can start to use the machine in the shortest time achievable.
Also, make sure that that seller has a rep for providing wonderful support. At some particular point all machines are probably going to break down, and a CNC machine is no different. The support shouldn't be restricted to fixing just the gears and bearings but also the software. Ideally, ask for a dedicated service boss to be assigned to your woodworking company.
Always recall that purchasing a new CNC machine isn't an end point to resolving all problems, but part of the business plan. Getting the right machine needs planning and focus. Make sure that your selection of CNC machine fits in with your business plan, is easy to use and incorporates fantastic seller support. The result will be worth the cost.