CNC Machining Drives Product Design and Innovation

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is at the heart of modern manufacturing. It enables industries to push the boundaries of product design and innovation. By adding CNC capabilities to machine tools, it has increased the level of precision, repeatability, and flexibility for machined components. It significantly enhances the ability to create new products for many diverse markets. In aerospace the impact of CNC on product development is transformative, because of its’ multiple inherent advantages. CNC Machining Drives Product Design and Innovation.

Precision Coupled with Consistency

 One of the primary ways CNC machining drives innovation is through its ability to produce parts with higher levels of precision and repeat this precision from part to part. Prior to CNC using traditional machining methods, attaining precision was in large part reliant on operator skill level. Consistency from part-to-part was difficult because of the human variable. As the level of part complexity ascended the greater the chance of error. To overcome this, design had to be simplified, and allowable part tolerance had to be increased. CNC machines, however, with a reliance on very accurate CNC controllers and axis servos can not only achieve highly accurate dimensional tolerances, but it can also reproduce those accuracies with a high degree of repeatability. This allows for more complex design, accurate machining and possibilities for innovation.

Flexibility

CNC machining not only accelerates the design and prototyping phases but also plays a significant role in streamlining production. Today’s aerospace marketplace requires flexibility. CNC machine tools with multi-axis capabilities, multiple turrets/tool positions, and different levels of automation, enable contract manufacturers to quickly respond to customer machining needs. They can take digital models and convert them into machine programs which can then produce a machined product. This process can greatly reduce the time it takes to bring a new product to market, or make changes to existing products.

CNC machining is particularly well-suited for customization and small-batch production runs. It can more easily accommodate lower volumes without incurring high setup costs.  This quick turnaround makes shorter production lots more economically viable. The smaller lot size is becoming more common in many aerospace applications. It not only reduces inventory and the incumbent carrying costs, but also more easily facilitates design changes as they go through the production process.

Raw Materials

CNC supports a wide variety of raw materials. It can machine, aluminum, cold roll-hot roll steel, stainless steel, titanium, composites and some ceramics, etc. Cutting tools are a larger constraint than the CNC machine tool. The CNC with multiple controlled axes is almost infinitely variable for producing complex shapes, and there are few limitations to the raw materials to be machined. The designers can innovate by incorporating new materials into their products, improving functionality, sustainability, and performance. It gives them flexibility and room for innovation, as they adjust their products for maximum market efficiency.

 Wrap-Up

CNC machining has become a critical component of product innovation. It enables manufacturers to produce complex precision components, with a high degree of efficiency.   The ability to quickly respond to design updates and material changes have revolutionized aerospace machining. As technology continues to evolve, CNC machining’s role in driving innovation will continue to grow, opening new possibilities for product development and manufacturing proficiency. Intrex Aerospace with our continued investments in CNC machines is proud to be a part of this technology innovation.

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