Manufacturing Management

Jun 29, 2023

Promoted Content: CNC machining is one area in our world that we know will always be affected by upcoming technology and advancements. It is, therefore, important for those working within this industry to keep up to date with these developments and to keep an open mind when thinking of cobots (collaborative robots) and the way in which they can support the CNC machining process.

So what are the latest developments within CNC machining? Let’s take a look.

Advancements in CNC Machining:

Precision

Precision is an inevitable result of the technological advancements our world faces. CNC machining is now known to be more accurate in that it is equipped with advanced sensors and control systems. These systems allow for precision and better reliability.

Precision and accuracy are especially important in industries where even the slightest of variation in size can make a world of difference. Industries such as these include aerospace, medical and defence.

Sustainability

Everywhere we look, we see that our world is striving to be more environmentally conscious and ‘green’. The same goes for CNC machining and manufacturing. It is because of this that the CNC machining industry is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint.

Eco-friendly materials are now being used more regularly, and energy-efficient CNC machines. The result of this will be a world where waste is reduced and where the overall environmental impact is limited as much as possible. Some CNC machines are now using energy-efficient motors or drives as well as advanced control systems that optimise the machining process, which minimises the use of energy.

Additionally, in the hopes of limiting waste, some CNC machines are now being filled with recyclable coolant that can be reused or use cutting tools that can be sharpened and reused instead of being replaced straight away. It is clear to see that there is always scope for being creative when it comes to sustainability.

Use of alternative materials

Equally, there is a growing demand for alternative types of materials to be used within the CNC machining industry where more light-weight materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRPs). This is especially useful within aerospace as the weight of the aircraft is reduced, which, in turn, reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency.

Automation

Another trend within the CNC machining industry is the use of automation in order to facilitate efficient manufacturing. Costs can be reduced by using automation as certain tasks can be accurately performed in a quicker manner than were previously done manually.

Equally, manufacturing processes can be adapted and changed according to consumer demands and needs.

There has been a significant increase in global manufacturing, and according to United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the global manufacturing production of goods increased by 9.4% in 2021. It is safe to say that automation has a role to play in this.

For more information on excellent machine performance, contact Ward CNC.