Choosing the Right CNC Machine for Your Shop
Production can grow from a garage machine shop to an industrial space in a short time with finding your niche and booking a few key orders. If you are moving from manual machining to CNC machining or increasing the number of CNC machines you need to consider factors like skilled labour, storage, and a host of other things separate from the machine, itself, to set up a solid plan for operations to serve you now and move you into the future. Choosing the right CNC machine for your shop, however, is the key factor with a variety of considerations including cost, production needs, and machine specifications.
Machine Considerations
The investment in a new CNC machine is substantial so getting the longest life is a major consideration. Lifespan can be affected by several factors. The weight of the machine, for example, for tough cutting jobs is critical. Cast iron is a solid choice for durability. Life is also determined by maintenance, cutting speed, lubricants, and other operational choices. These maintenance factors are affected by a few key components.
Tool Repair and Replacement — When researching your new machine check for lead time on parts as well as cost and availability of cutting tools for replacement needs. Keeping a small inventory is generally helpful to keep production running.
Downtime — Keeping parts on hand is essential to avoid downtime, but there are always unexpected breakdowns. Work with a trusted partner who has knowledgeable phone support as well as quick in-person service when needed.
Speed — Both spindle speed and cutting speed offer a large spectrum of choice. Using these incorrectly can cause damage. Onsite training with purchase is offered by quality machine suppliers and this should be taken full advantage of.
Other considerations on machine choice include practical selections based on size and task.
Power Consumption — Check machine specifications to assess if you may need an increased power supply in your shop. The cost of a one-time upgrade, plus the monthly hydro rate should be weighed against the cost of the equipment compared to one with a lower power draw.
Worktable — Consider a working radius larger than your biggest part. This doesn’t limit new projects and keeps logistics of part production to a minimum with the excess area.
Machine size — Vertical machines take up less floor space than horizontal tables. The size of the cutting bed is important to the work you do, but machine size is a factor based on floor space. Sizing also needs to take into consideration the supporting gear needed to run the machine, any water or air-cooling systems, and raw material storage.
Specifications — Speed, material choice, and tolerances all establish the specifications of your new machine choice. If CNC machines are new to you, be sure to get a variety of inputs and work with a trusted source to determine stroke range, number of axes, spindle motor power, feed rate, and maximum tool length. These all determine the accuracy and speed at which you can perform tasks over the life of the machine.
