Metalworking is one of the oldest industries in history, with some historians dating its roots back to 8700 BC. Of course, there have been significant tech-based advancements over the last 10,000 years, with most of them introduced in the previous few decades.
One of the more impactful advancements in machining and fabrication is computer numerical control (CNC) technology, which has revolutionized how engineers design and build metal parts and components. Thanks to this technology’s ability to improve product quality, streamline the fabrication process, and deliver products faster, OEMs can benefit from several money-saving advantages they couldn’t before.
Here are some of the ways that CNC technology at Arrow Off-Road helps optimize our customers’ costs:
Automated Manufacturing Processes
Remember when machinists had to look at paper drawings, do manual measurements, and slowly and meticulously fabricate the metal part? If you don’t, you’re lucky. Although this manual process was the standard practice for centuries, it was slow, time-consuming, and increased the risk of human error.
Enter CNC machines with automated technology that create parts based on pre-programmed instructions carried out by computers. With the CNC machine executing the same instructions throughout the production run, there is no chance of deviation in quality or design, saving the manufacturer money by optimizing material usage. Additionally, the machine can run 24/7 with minimal human intervention, which cuts down on labour costs.
Enhanced Design Accuracy With CNC Technology
Of course, the instructions mentioned above don’t just magically appear in your CNC machine’s memory banks. They’re sent to the CNC machine via CAD software, the gold standard in 3D design technology and used by leading engineers in many different industries.
CAD software helps engineers create designs down to the most minute detail, enabling CNC machines to produce accurate, to-spec parts with incredibly tightest tolerances and remarkable repeatability, helping manufacturers save money on R&D time, production delays due to inaccuracies, and eliminating material waste.
Faster Time To Market
Staying competitive is critical to any business’s success. An important component of keeping ahead of competitors is getting products to market as fast as possible without compromising quality. This is especially true in a marketplace where immediacy is fast becoming a prime expectation of consumers.
With CNC technology’s ability to automate processes, there will be little to no production downtime as computers don’t need to take breaks, eat lunch, or go home for the weekend. Fabrication can run around the clock, allowing OEMs to get their products to their customers faster and giving them a profit-boosting competitive edge.
Read More: How Supply Chain Challenges Can Effect The Metalworking Industry
Increased Manufacturing Flexibility Thanks To CNC Technology
Remember that old saying about having to go back to the drawing board? Consumer expectations can change at any time, forcing manufacturers to flip the page and begin making changes to a product that was a hit only a month ago. Sometimes, these changes, however small, could take weeks to formulate and send to production.
That’s all changed with CNC technology. When you need to stay on top of new trends, you just need to get your engineering team to revise the original design using CAD. Your new, improved design will be fed to the CNC machines for production in significantly less time than before, saving you money in reduced R&D time, keeping your products aligned with consumer demand, and increasing profits.
Better Tool Maintenance
As much as technology has evolved, we haven’t yet developed a machining tool that never wears down. Traditionally, when a tool breaks, it would mean stopping production suddenly so it can be replaced. The resulting delay can be costly to manufacturers in terms of machine downtime, lost productivity, and expensive repairs.
However, CNC machines can virtually eliminate unplanned work stoppages. The system is able to integrate with sensors and real-time tool monitoring systems that can detect and report potential tool wear and tear long before there’s a risk of breakdown. This proactive approach to tool maintenance reduces the risk of delayed production due to machine failure, optimizing overall cost savings.
Arrow Off-Road: High-Tech Solutions For Better Quality Products
Our roots in metalworking go back to 1923, when our forefathers started a tradition of embracing technology to help make better quality products for our customers. One hundred and one years later, we’re still innovating our processes with advancements such as CNC machining to ensure our customers can optimize their costs while still getting products of unparalleled quality.
This approach has helped us become a global leader in off-road machining, fabrication, and assembly solutions, and we’re not stopping now!
Get A Project Quote From Arrow Off-Road For Your Next Design And Fabrication Project
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