CNC machining, which involves performing tasks like cutting, boring, and drilling with computer control and automation, can provide much greater accuracy than conventional machining.
With other benefits of CNC machines, such as high-quality machining and no need for individual machine operators, CNC machinery has become a favorable option for prototyping and production within the automotive industry.
Production has been increasing in the industry in recent years thanks to CNC machine tools’ high precision, excellent consistency, high degree of automation, and low labor requirements.
And the short mechanical transmission chain leads to high production efficiency. Let us take a closer look at how CNC machining is increasing production in the automotive industry.
Part Production Time Is Increased with CNC Machinery
From crafting single body frames to die-casting various components, CNC machine tools are responsible for producing a wide array of automotive parts. Components for suspensions, caps for bearings, and carburetor housing are all manufactured using CNC tools and techniques.
CNC machining is able to produce small parts in extremely fine and accurate detail and carry out consistent manufacturing with ease, which means rapid production has become possible. And with only one person needed to oversee several machines, costs are saved.
Costs can be further reduced by purchasing second-hand CNC machines that are in full working order. Find out more about the types of CNC machines available by checking out this pre-owned CNC machinery directory.
Due to the fact that so many parts can be made with CNC machining, production is increased and automotive companies can now cater to the growing customer demand for vehicles. Here are just a few of the parts that are being produced more quickly thanks to CNC machines:
- Gears and shafts in a vehicle’s gearbox are often manufactured by CNC machines. CNC techniques like milling and turning are used to create reliable, consistent, and accurate gears and shafts that transmit power in the most efficient way possible.
- Headlights and interior lighting can be manufactured by machining polymethyl methacrylate with CNC tools in a fast and efficient way, which helps to increase the production of prototypes as well as finished vehicles.
- The hypoid gears in the central axle of the drive axle are often machined with CNC tools because the highest level of precision is needed.
A Closer Look at How CNC Machining Increases Production
There are three key elements of CNC machining that increase production: speed, precision, and consistency. Whatever parts are being manufactured with CNC tools in the automotive industry, of which there are many, it is these three elements that have revolutionized the production processes and sped up operations.
Speed
To gain an increase in production, processes must be sped up. Because the manufacturing operations are automatically performed via computer instruction, the production process happens quickly and continuously.
And because no human operators are required, there is no issue regarding the human error that can arise from things like fatigue. While some conventional machining processes can be faster than CNC machining in some instances, they are not able to have both the fastness and consistency of CNC machine tools.
Precision
As mentioned above, there is no room for human error when you use a CNC machine. And because a computer code is instructing the machine, it means every single part that is made is exactly the same.
That high level of precision is crucial for manufacturing in the automotive industry. CNC machines deliver the highest level of accuracy possible, so there is never a pause in production.
Consistency
The same goes for consistency. Because the automotive industry manufactures massive volumes, companies need to ensure every part produced is consistent. CNC machining makes sure of that. Consistent parts can be repeatedly manufactured 24/7. Therefore, it is simple to increase productivity.