The Ups And Downs Of Converting From Manual To CNC Tools
Posted on: 18 July 2016
If you've been looking at computer numeric control (CNC) tools, wondering if you should take the plunge and convert your manual workshop into one that is computerized, you've got to consider both long- and short-term effects. Converting will certainly make your workshop seem more modern, but whether or not that is a good thing for you depends on what you're willing to do and how much you want the advantages it could bring.
Added Cost
A short-term effect that could seem daunting is the initial cost. You're looking at potentially thousands of dollars in upgrade costs (the exact amount would vary depending on how much you bought new, what you could get used, and how extensive your upgrade would be). If you run a big business, you could eat those costs while waiting for profits to fill in the gap in your bank account, but if you run a small business or are a hobbyist builder, the cost could seem prohibitive. But keep looking at all the angles because you could find the cost is worth it.
Now You've Got a Computer in the Mix
In addition to all the machinery you had, now you have a computer to deal with. That means more and specialized repairs might be needed eventually, ones that you can't do yourself. If you are dedicated to the DIY route, this could be a difficult aspect of upgrading. At the same time, though, the newer technology would likely last longer than the old machines you have now. It could turn out that adding the computer and spending the money actually save you money in the long run.
Productivity Goes Up
Because you've got a computer controlling the tools, now, productivity can increase substantially. You don't have to take as many breaks yourself, and if you have workers, they won't have to take as many breaks -- you still want them to take breaks, of course! But you and your workers won't have to stop to stretch every few minutes, for example, if you have computers controlling the tools. The machines can also work faster, producing more products.
Accuracy Goes Up
Since a computer is controlling the movements of the tools, you also get better accuracy when trying to reproduce a product several times. There's something to be said for handmade products, but if you're going for a certain look that you want reproduced exactly, a computer and CNC tools are the way to go. The increased accuracy and productivity could help your profits, repaying the initial conversion costs quickly.
Take a look at the tools you use most and the tools that give you the greatest amount of hassle when you use them manually. These are likely to be the best candidates for conversion to CNC use. Contact a business, such as Sharp Tech Inc., for more information.
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