Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have become a popular solution for small businesses due to their accuracy, flexibility, and safety. Besides, they also allow manufacturers to create complex shapes and designs with high-level precision.
However, the quality, speed, and uniformity of output all depend on the type of machine. Different CNC machines have different features. This article will equip you with the right knowledge to make an informed decision when buying a CNC machine for your small business.
Factors to Consider When Buying a CNC Machine for Small Business
Having looked at these various types of CNC machines, you can already tell that choosing the suitable one for your small business would be a daunting task for a beginner like yourself. But we’ve compiled these easy tips to help you make an informed choice.
Here are some factors to consider:
Work Area
The CNC machine’s work area is one of the most prominent considerations to factor in when buying one for your small business. You want one with a flexible work area that can allow you to work on industry-level large tasks, as well as smaller and complex tasks.
A CNC machine with a large work area can hold a larger workpiece, giving your small business the flexibility to shape and cut larger products.
A larger work area also helps your business achieve bulk production. Since it can accommodate multiple workpieces, you can produce several products simultaneously and increase business efficiency while reducing production time. This is an important consideration for projects that need bulk production fast.
CNC machines with larger work areas are more durable and have longer lifespans. This can be attributed to the fact that there’s less need to reposition the workpiece often. This significantly reduces the machine’s wear and tear.
For a small business that’s looking for a CNC machine with lower repair and maintenance costs and higher production efficiency, it makes sense to invest in a machine with a larger work area.
Material
Different CNC machines are suited for different materials and functions. The most suitable machine for aluminum or steel isn’t the best machine for wood or plastic.
For example, if your small business makes metal signs for clients, the machine you choose to carve signs isn’t the machine you’d choose if you own a woodworking business and you’re looking for a machine to mill furniture parts.
Always ask yourself these questions when choosing a suitable CNC machine for your workpiece materials:
- What types of products will I be producing?
- What materials will I be working with?
- What level of accuracy and precision is needed?
Tool Changer
Simple CNC machines for simple tasks are primarily made to work with one tool. However, more complex tasks require more than one tool. Manually changing the tool can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for a CNC business, especially if the machine is a slow-production one.
More advanced and complex CNC machines have automatic tool changers (ATCs) that help you seamlessly change the tool fast without having to stop production. The best thing about CNC machines with ATCs is that they don’t even require a manual operator to initiate the process.
While ATCs reduce downtime and increase the capacity of the CNC machine to work with multiple tools simultaneously, they can also change broken or worn tools.
An ATC can either be one of two types:
- A drum or disc-type changer (used for less than 30 tools)
- A chain or linear-type changer (used for more than 30 tools)
The main components of an ATC include the base, clamper or gripper arm, tool holder, support arm, and tool magazine (tool storage).
While there are many benefits of having a CNC machine with an ATC, such as efficiency, accuracy, versatility, and reliability, the machine also presents new challenges.
For example, the tool changer has to center and grip the tool easily. You also have to have a way to ensure that the process disengages itself.
Control Nature
CNC machines can either be hand-held or controlled through a control system. Handheld CNC machines give you or the operator 100% control over the machine as it cuts or shapes the workpiece. Most of these machines have some intelligent measures to make up for human errors. For example, some have real-time adjustments that ensure you make clean cuts.
On the other hand, system-controlled CNC machines are controlled by a control system in your computer. Some also have software installed on the machine, eliminating the need for a computer.
Since they offer more convenience and efficiency, CNC machines with pre-installed software are costlier than computer-controlled ones. This is because they come with in-built computers and storage.
Type of Motor
The type of motor a CNC machine uses is another important consideration since you want the motor to have similar acceleration and deceleration curves. The motors should also move the same way every time.
There are three types of motors to consider- hydraulic, servo, and stepper motors. Since hydraulic motors are less common, we’re left with servo and stepper motors.
Servo motors have high input energy, acceleration, speed, and power. These properties make this motor a good choice for heavy industrial machining. However, they’re costlier than stepper motors.
Stepper motors have a high degree of control since the computer must control the energy input with the scheduled feed rate. As such, they’re more suitable for woodwork and detailing work. They’re also cheaper, easier to understand, and don’t require tuning.
Type of CNC Software
CNC software instructs the machine on how to move the cutting or drilling tool, the shape or pattern to follow, and the speed at which to do so. As such, it’s important to choose the right CNC software for your business needs.
There are different types of CNC software. Every type is suitable for a specific type of machining task. Common CNC control software types include:
- 2-axis CNC software
- 2.5-axis CNC software
- 3-axis CNC software
- Multi-axis CNC software
Safety Features
CNC machines ought to to have various safety features to protect you and your operators from any harm. One safety feature to be on the lookout for is the Emergency Stop button (bright red in color). This button stops all operations immediately when pressed and comes in handy in case of any danger.
Another feature that comes with CNC machines is the safety interlock feature which stops the machine from carrying out any task if the doors or guards aren’t shut.
On top of that, the CNC software should have an over-travel protection feature that keeps the cutting tool from going beyond the limits of the machine.
Also, invest in a CNC machine with a cooling system. Besides cooling and lubricating the cutting tool, it also helps reduce the risk of fire due to the immense heat generated during regular CNC tasks.
Budget
It’s important to evaluate how much your small business can afford to buy a CNC machine. Keep in mind that there are different machines available for every price point. CNC machines can go from as low as $150 and all the way up to $500,000.
Keep in mind that your business needs determine the machine you’ll buy and how much you’ll need to spend. Generally, machines that are below $1000 may not be suitable for commercial projects. Lower-priced ones are ideal for enthusiasts doing it for pleasure.
For your small business, you may have to spend more on a commercial CNC machine.
Operator Skill Level
Determine the level of skill your operator has before purchasing the CNC machine. Every machine functions differently. The skills learned when operating one machine may not apply to another, especially if they come from different manufacturers.
However, there’s a way to go around this problem. You can get a universal CNC controller and use it on all your machines.
How to Choose a CNC Machine Supplier
Choosing a CNC machine for your small business and selecting a good supplier are two different things. Since there are many options for you to choose from, it might be overwhelming for you to select a CNC machine supplier. That’s why you need to take your time.
Follow these pointers when looking for a reliable CNC machine supplier:
Research Different Suppliers
There are different suppliers each offering different CNC machining solutions. While they may have good products with great features, you don’t want to get raw deal when it comes to after-sale support.
Conduct both online and offline research to compile a list of recommended CNC machine suppliers. You can then compare these suppliers
Check Supplier Support
The relationship between you and the supplier shouldn’t end after you’ve purchased the CNC machine. The supplier should provide support and training through comprehensive classes, how-to videos or blogs, tutorials, step-by-step guides on their product’s features, and many others.
Some suppliers may also have field technicians who visit their clients and help them adapt to their machines and conduct maintenance.
Check Customer Reviews
Customer reviews on social media and other review sites can help you understand how a supplier provides their services, whether their machines are reliable, and whether they’re worth your money.
3 Practical Tips for Small Businesses
Now that you’ve purchased the ideal CNC machine for your small business, how do you maximize efficiency and productivity?
Track the Machine’s Productivity
You must set a standard to evaluate the machine’s performance. This helps you to track its performance and know when its productivity is below the standard.
Low productivity could mean many things but frequently points towards a developing problem. You can use this as a sign to check for any issues and avoid future problems. CNC suppliers who offer predictive maintenance use this strategy.
Spot Common Issues
Most machines often have common weak points. You can identify common issues, calculate the associated costs, and purchase the needed spare parts beforehand. This helps you reduce downtime since you can replace broken parts immediately.
Evaluate Upgrade Needs
Some machines require certain software and hardware to maximize productivity. It’s important to consider these upgrades to estimate the total costs and plan accordingly. However, be sure to conduct in-depth research to be sure whether the upgrades are a worthy investment.
Conclusion
There are multiple types of CNC machines in the market for you to choose from for your small business. Every type of machine has its unique features and ideal applications. That’s why it’s important for you to first evaluate your business needs to make an informed decision.
If you’re looking for a reliable CNC machine spare parts provider, hmaking is your one-stop shop for custom parts across a variety of industries. We have a broad selection of metal alloys such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass, zinc, copper, and many others for you to choose from.