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Showing posts from September, 2021

CNC Machining Vs. 3D Printing – What Do You Prefer?

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CNC Machining is not a new technology, but 3D printing is . Over the years, 3D printed objects have gained popularity among technology addicts and novices. This new technology has a lot to offer and is making its presence felt in various production environments.  All this doesn’t mean that CNC machining is losing its charm. This post discusses the strengths of both technologies –   CNC machining   and 3D printing, and how they add value to the manufacturing facility .  4 Major Differences between CNC Machining and 3D Printing The following differences between the two machining styles will help you understand their benefits in various manufacturing environments. 1. Additive vs. Subtractive Manufacturing:  The major difference between a 3D printer and a CNC machine is their opposite processes. How? o   A CNC machine is fed with a huge material mass, where it is subtracted to create the desired part. o   A 3D printer follows an additive process, where a part is built by precise addition

Differences between robots and CNC Machines

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CNC machines are widely accepted as producing more accurate results than robots. Robot accuracies can be improved by calibration however, the accuracies of CNC machining can be fractions of a micron, as opposed to robots, the accuracies of which are acknowledged as 100s of a micron.  The stiffness of axes is another key difference between CNC machines and robots. CNC machines have a higher stiffness in all axes, for more robust manufacturing, as opposed to robots that have a lower stiffness.  Technical advancements in recent years in Computer Aided Design have to lead to a new approach to CNC machining, which enables a wider adoption for robots to be implemented in aiding the finishing or machining applications. Spindle manufacturers, for example, a key part of CNC machines , are now providing high speed motorised spindles that are specifically designed for robotic machining, which features:  Lightweight construction (to minimise payload stress) Minimised risk of contamination threats

Top 8 Industrial Manufacturing Blogs

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The   industrial manufacturing industry   may not be the first industry you think of when you hear the phrase “interesting and sought after content.” Industrial manufacturers themselves might be the first to admit their line of work is niche and not always of wide interest to the general public.  Which makes the following list even more impressive: We put together the top eight best industrial manufacturing blogs currently publishing content. TOP 8 BEST INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING BLOGS The following blogs vary in many ways, but they all have one thing in common: They generally offer the most interesting, innovative, and thought-provoking content from a wide variety of industry thought leaders. Get your bookmark tool ready and let’s dive in. 1. MANUFACTURING BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MBT is an offshoot of the bigger Manufacturing.net blog. While the parent blog is a great resource with excellent content, we’ve chosen MBT specifically for this list due to its longstanding readership (the magaz

Best Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your CNC Machine Tools

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  Why CNC Machine Tool Maintenance is Needed CNC machine tools are not just durable heavy-duty performers – they also need to be extremely accurate to excel in their machining roles on your factory shop-floor. Machine tools like lathes, milling machines, and multi-axis machining centres often perform multiple machining tasks. Many of these cutting, shaping and drilling tasks are highly complicated, and require specially designed software and hardware to execute.  They require long uninterrupted periods of production to suit the unique manufacturing needs of factories – often these stretch for days and nights. Because of the high levels of performance and long hours of operating and cutting needed for different metal parts and components, regular and preventive maintenance is needed. This will help your CNC machine tool to last longer, remain serviceable for a longer time frame, while maintaining the accuracy and quality of your machined parts. The Benefits of Regular Maintenance for

Tips for Using Industrial Robotics in a CNC Machine Shop in 2021

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At some point, we all need some help with the   heavy lifting . In the world of CNC machining , that can mean  robots  to lift, position, and pack metal castings, some weighing hundreds of pounds. It also means less physical and mental stress on employees, the most valued asset of any machine shop. Working alongside a robot can  improve operator productivity  by taking on repetitive, physically demanding work.  Smart manufacturers  use robots to increase speed, enhance efficiency, and drive repeatability, which leads to better quality. Labor Shortage Challenges Currently, U.S. manufacturing is in a well-publicized labor shortage. That’s forced the hands of many CNC machine shops to find new ways to  automate processes . For example, a project that involves highly repeatable machining (lots of loading, lifting, and other tasks at which robots excel) is a candidate for  robotics  because of the labor crunch. Is it easier for a CNC machine shop to add 8 people or 4 robots? It depends on