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Advantages of CNC machine tools
(1) Strong adaptability
Adaptability is the so-called flexibility, which refers to the ability of CNC machine tools to adapt to changes in production objects. When you change the processing parts on a CNC machine tool, you only need to recompile the program and input the new program to process the new parts. You do not need to change the hardware of the mechanical or control components, and the system completes the production process automatically. This provides great convenience for the single-piece and small-batch production of complex structural parts and the trial production of new products. Strong adaptability is the outstanding advantage of CNC machine tools and the main reason for the production and rapid development of CNC machine tools.
(2) High accuracy and stable quality
CNC machine tools process instructions in digital form, minimizing human error and typically requiring no operator intervention. Engineers design these machines with high accuracy and rigidity, achieving worktable movement precision of 0.01 to 0.0001 mm. CNC devices compensate for feed transmission and lead screw errors, and high-end models use grating rulers for closed-loop control. Processing accuracy has improved from ±0.01 mm to ±0.005 mm or better, with positioning accuracy reaching ±0.002 mm to ±0.005 mm since the early 1990s. CNC machines feature high rigidity and thermal stability, enhancing consistency and stability in part production and improving the product qualification rate.
(3) High production efficiency
The time required for part processing mainly includes maneuvering time and auxiliary time. The spindle speed and feed rate range of CNC machine tools is broader than that of ordinary machine tools, allowing for the selection of the most favorable cutting parameters for each machining process. Since CNC machine tools have good structural rigidity, they allow for high-power cutting with large cutting volumes, which improves the cutting efficiency of CNC machine tools and saves maneuvering time. The moving parts of CNC machine tools have fast idle travel speeds, short workpiece clamping time, and automatic tool replacement, which greatly reduces auxiliary time compared to general machine tools.
When replacing the processed parts, CNC machine tools almost do not need to readjust the machine tool, saving time for part installation and adjustment. The processing quality of CNC machine tools is stable. Generally, only the first piece inspection and sampling inspection of key dimensions between processes are performed, thus saving downtime inspection time. When processing on a machining center machine tool, one machine tool can achieve continuous processing of multiple processes, and the improvement of production efficiency is more significant.
(4) It can achieve complex movements
Ordinary machine tools make it difficult or impossible to achieve the movement of curves or surfaces with a trajectory of more than three times, such as spatial surfaces such as propellers and turbine blades; while CNC machine tools can achieve almost any trajectory movement and process spatial surfaces of any shape, which is suitable for the processing of complex and special-shaped parts.
(5) Good economic benefits
Although CNC machine tools are expensive, the equipment depreciation cost allocated to each part during processing is high. However, in the case of single-piece and small-batch production, the use of CNC machine tools can save marking time, adjustment, processing, and inspection time, and direct production costs. CNC machine tool processing parts generally do not require the manufacture of special fixtures, saving process equipment costs. CNC machine tools have stable processing accuracy, reduce scrap rates, and further reduce production costs. In addition, CNC machine tools can achieve multiple uses of one machine, saving factory area and factory construction investment. Therefore, the use of CNC machine tools can achieve good economic benefits.
(6) It is conducive to the modernization of production management
CNC machine tools use digital information and standard codes to process and transmit information, especially the use of computer control on CNC machine tools, which lays the foundation for the integration of computer-aided design, manufacturing, and management.
As important equipment in modern manufacturing, CNC machine tools provide strong guarantees for enterprises to improve production efficiency and product quality with their high precision, versatility, and automation. With the continuous advancement of technology, CNC machine tools will play a role in more fields and promote the manufacturing industry to a new era of intelligence.
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