How Much Human Involvement Is There in CNC Manufacturing?
Posted on: 24 May 2022
One of the main selling points of computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing is the reduction in human-caused errors and the increased speed of automatic, computer-guided cutting. This is also one of the sticking points for people who are still not sure about the process, even though it's been in use for years, because not having a human in control of the process seems like an invitation for trouble. CNC manufacturing, however, is not fully automated. There is still human involvement that helps ensure the products that the system produces are within tolerance, and that helps troubleshoot the system when something goes wrong.
Humans Program the Computers
First, humans are the ones entering the data to program the computer that will handle the cutting. This does not mean that you need to have a computer science degree to work a CNC machine; they're much more user-friendly than that. But the computer won't come up with the designs on its own, and the data has to be programmed in by someone who understands machining. If you're thinking of replacing some manual machining with CNC, you'll still need machinists to ensure the data and design are executed correctly.
Humans Troubleshoot Machinery and Product Problems
CNC machining is known for accuracy, but the system is only as good as its mechanical parts. Sometimes products do not turn out as they should, the machinery jams or something else happens. You'll need human workers to troubleshoot what's going on and trace it back to the source of the problem. The computer will not know that anything is wrong; it's simply cutting as it was programmed to do. But your human workers are the ones who will be able to spot the cause of the problem.
But Humans Do Not Guide the Cutting
The real difference with CNC manufacturing is that humans aren't guiding any of the cutting mechanisms. These mechanisms respond solely to the commands of the computer, which has specific instructions. Because there is no human error in the cutting itself, products will turn out looking remarkably consistent.
For companies that still want humans involved in the machining process, CNC machining offers a nice combination of automation and speed and supervision and ingenuity. If you have a company make products for you using CNC machining, you'll get quality products cut to your precise specifications without the worry that the machines will go wildly off course. To learn more about CNC manufacturing, contact a local service.
Share