FEATURES
CNC technology is capable of creating products with longer lifespans and higher technical standards .
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The tool can be changed in the background while the processing sequence is completed , facilitating time savings . Since most processing steps remove material in the form of chips , these chips are permanently vacuumed from the CNC machining centre during the process .
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
CNC technology has created and enabled new business opportunities , efficient products and safer environments . Coupled with this , it has produced products with longer lifespans and higher technical standards . Through CNC technology , the manufacturing operation can significantly achieve higher machining accuracies and speeds , thus reducing the frequency of defects and the risk of malfunctions .
Highly flexible , CNC machines use text or graphics-based reprogramming interfaces which can easily be modified to accommodate individual workshop needs and applications . CNC technology boasts a close link to the use of computeraided design ( CAD ) applications which are used to directly develop and implement unique programmes for the CNC machine at hand .
In an effort to meet market demand and cost pressures , wood processing operations are increasingly adopting CNC machinery . Venetta Dudley , owner of VVA CNC Machines , says CNC technology has tremendously reshaped the timber manufacturing sector .
“ CNC boasts many benefits in the timber industry – it has improved timber manufacturing production times . It not only offers higher accuracy levels , but also results in less waste creation and allows for staff to be taught a new skillset . CNC is great for repeatability of large projects as it
46 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 //