During the production phase of the CNC machining process, computer-controlled machines are used. Machining, cutting, milling, CNC turning, or any other process plays an important role in high-precision products. Products derived from CNC machining are used in the aviation, automotive, construction, door and window, external panel processing, and other industries. It is obvious that faster processing will result in the production of a larger quantity of product in a shorter time. This fully meets the high demands of customers, and the delivery of products is not delayed. The overall production costs are also reduced, as time is the most valuable resource in any production process, so let's see what can be done to make the most of this efficient process. In the following article, we also answer about what determines the deadline for the execution of the order and CNC services. Welcome!
Proper Planning
The speed of production depends on the choice of the appropriate processing method and several other factors. First, the size and structure of the material added to the process and the product should be taken into account. When creating a plan, it should be noted that more complex and larger products will require a more detailed plan. On the other hand, you should also have good resistance points. In fact, stronger resistance requires equally precise planning, regardless of whether the order includes making parts or involves machining.
Several factors at once
Performing simultaneous machining operations on stainless steel, or any other product, helps to accelerate the CNC machining process. By carrying out multiple operations at the same time, the total machining time can be reduced and productivity increased. However, this can be challenging and requires careful planning and coordination. With proper preparation, concurrent machining can be successfully performed, and CNC machining processes can be improved.
Workshop organization and the speed of CNC machining
The deadline for completing the order depends on the management of the production plant. As a boss, you should design the management of the production plant like a machine. To do this, create an appropriate organizational chart to ensure everything works correctly. Before starting work on the CNC machine, prepare parts and tools for processing in a specific order. If you classify them correctly, you will find that the processing process is shorter and easier.
The right team and the speed of CNC order execution
Working on a CNC machine is an experience that requires attention to detail. Therefore, it is important to train all team members involved in the CNC machining process. Due to such a detailed process, fast, smooth, and efficient operation is inevitable. To achieve this, it is expected that the level of knowledge of the team members operating the machine will be sufficient. A well-trained and professionally prepared team will also increase productivity, which will translate into the speed of completing the CNC order.
Machine renovation and its maintenance
The execution time of the order is also influenced by properly maintained equipment. Practice makes perfect. Remember that everything that increases activity during work will eventually wear out. But it's up to you to stop it! If you regularly maintain your CNC center, you will be able to use it longer. Every CNC machine without technical problems positively affects the machining process and the speed of order execution. If we ensure regular maintenance, we minimize the risk of machine breakdown. As a result, technical problems are minimized and there is no drop in performance. Since production is not interrupted and products leave the line on time, customer satisfaction significantly increases! Any wear and tear effects resulting from operation are prevented at the source. This allows to maintain the CNC machining process at a high level of performance.
Production Workflow
Companies engaged in CNC production should start by analyzing the entire production process, from application discovery to part execution, to identify time-saving opportunities in order to improve the CNC order completion time. Fast and efficient production is as important as purchasing the latest software or applying the best metrological practices, as well as optimizing workflow. Engineers should challenge their product teams to identify waste or inefficiency in existing processes and enable them to make changes. This may include simultaneous execution of some tasks, elimination of manually performed activities, and increased internal communication to reduce rework. Speed and efficiency become second nature to a company that analyzes its production process and wants to improve the order completion time.
IoT to change cycle times
Manufacturers and product teams know that shortening the cycle time is key to accelerating CNC machining. If a manufacturer can shorten each cycle by 4 seconds when ordering 1000 pieces, this translates to over an hour of production time. Manufacturers usually calculate cycle time by dividing the theoretical machining time by the number of parts made, but this calculation may not be accurate enough. Engineers can more accurately calculate cycle times using data collected in real time from IoT sensors. After examining the data and discovering how fast the machine really runs, engineers may find that they can save valuable time simply by reformatting the program
How to improve the order completion time?
Below we present the best tips that will help improve the order completion time.
- Use high-quality tools, tool holders and fasteners
- Use the right type of coolant
- Properly set the cutting speed
- Use the right type of oil
- Proper preparation of processing indicators is important,
- Ensure precise selection of cutting format
- Reduce cycle time
- Decrease setup time
- Shorten tool change time
- start process planning
In works performed on CNC machines, the balance of time and costs is the key to efficiency. Remember that when CNC machines are idle, they consume a lot of resources without return and increase costs. In this case, maximizing the use of the machine is simple — keep all machines working at full capacity. 5-axis CNC machines best accelerate the process, as they reduce the time of manual positioning of parts. In addition, 5-axis machines usually have larger tool magazines and require fewer manual tool changes. They can also improve quality by reducing the risk of human errors, while increasing accuracy and repeatability.
Summary
CNC machining is already a fast manufacturing process, but engineers can introduce a few simple changes into their operational procedures to speed up the order fulfillment time. Options such as running machines at full capacity and using IoT devices to inform about maintenance decisions and calculate more accurate cycle times, help manufacturers maximize their equipment, increasing productivity, speeding up time to market, and saving valuable money. Cutting, welding, threading, or other activities should be done professionally and taking into account the above factors. This allows stainless steel and other types of structures to be made faster and more accurately.