The term CNC, Computer Numeric Control refers to a manufacturing process where machines are guided by computer programs. It is a form of artificial intelligence, and it has been in use since the 1940s when John. Parsons of MIT applied the first computer program to a manufacturing line to make aircraft panels.
In its simplest terms, a computer is used to create a program to guide the machine through the steps necessary to create a part or complete a task.
The program is then uploaded to a computer that is connected to the machine, the machine is started, and the task is completed with little or no further human intervention.
Many CNC machines are “Smart” machines and have their own control systems that allow an operator to input data directly to the machine.
EVDEN Enterprises, located in Ukiah, CA is a fully modern machine shop capable of creating complex components to exact specifications. They also provide services to clients in San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento.
All their equipment is completely modern by respected manufacturers, including Matsura, Nakamura, and Mori -SEIKI. You cannot make precision parts without precision equipment and EVDEN has spared no expense to have the most accurate and precise machines available.
A WIDE RANGE OF CAPABILITIES
EVDEN is able to produce one-off prototypes as well as long-run manufacturing. They can take your project from concept, through precision blueprinting to prototyping, and provide you with a finished product and specifications.
EVDEN will also do long-run production or provide everything you need if you have another manufacturer for production.
EXPERIENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
With over thirty years of experience, EVEDEN has been producing precision parts for a wide variety of industries, including tool and die making, and any industry requiring precision machine manufacturing.
Services include design, prototyping, engineering support as well as long and short-run manufacturing.
A wide variety of materials can be used depending on customer specifications, including stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, brass, and many others.
CNC systems have several advantages over conventional manufacturing processes that require manual setup for each operation.
The first is accuracy. If a drilling machine is to produce a steel bar 2cm thick and 2cm wide x 50 cm long, the machine will do so, and every piece will be accurate. If another part with different specifications is needed, the changeover is faster and easier. The advantage is that if the operator wants to return to the original program, he or she simply uploads a file, and the machine will produce the parts perfectly as it did the first time the program was loaded.
In a manufacturing process where there may be many operations, the set-up time can be significant. CNC allows a machine to change operations in less time than a conventional, manual setup process would take.
The real advantage of CNC technology is the ability to accomplish complex multiple tasks and to synchronize many machines in line to produce components. CNC also simplifies the ease with which manufacturing specifications can be changed.
SYNCHRONIZING MULTIPLE STATIONS
In operations where several machines or lines of machinery are used, one program can set up all the stations. Each station will conform to the same specifications, and the set-up time is a fraction of what would be needed in a conventional setup.
CNC technology cuts set up times and also enables repeatability. This is the ability to set up machines several times and each has been set up identical to the others.
Archiving of programs. Once a manufacturing run is completed, the program can be stored and retrieved months later and re-installed as it was originally.
Having specifications stored in a computer memory allows a manufacturer to have documentation of all plant operations. This eliminates manual files that would need to be retrieved for each production run
CNC Technology improves consistency and quality by allowing multiple workstations to follow identical programs.
REMOTE MACHINE SET UP
Because we are working with computers, engineers can design programs from offices that are remote from the actual manufacturing site. This enables an engineer in Minneapolis to program a machine in Akron.
All that is required is machines with “Smart” computer-aided capability that are able to receive remote setup instructions. A reliable and secure internet or internal intranet connection is required. A CNC machine that is able to receive remote setup instructions is also needed.
Remote programming allows faster response to changes in specifications.
Remote capability also enables teams in different locations to work on a project together.
INCREASED ACCURACY AND FLEXIBILITY
Along with the increased accuracy comes the flexibility to handle more complex operations. Machines that once performed single operations can now do several by simply reprogramming the cycle. This is because, unlike older machines that require manual setup, CNC technology minimizes the set-up time and effort.
An additional benefit to this flexibility and ease of setup is that one machine can now do the work of many.
Are CNC MACHINES COST EFFECTIVE?
This is always a prime consideration whenever equipment upgrades are being considered. There are several things to consider, and the first step is to analyze the current manufacturing costs of your manual operation.
What is the cost of maintenance and repair of your current machines?
What are your labor costs for skilled operators?
Estimate waste due to manual manufacturing defects.
Are you losing revenue due to the limitations of current manual processes? Often the answer is yes.
In most cases, this is a cost-effective decision because the increase in productivity and reduction in waste will offset the investment.
Be conservative in your estimates of increased revenue and cost reductions. It is easy to underestimate the true cost of the conversion and a good idea is to ask other shops if their conversion to automated processes was successful. Was the cost excessive? Were the advantages worth the time and expense?
THIS IS A BIG DECISION
CNC is becoming the way of the world in both small and large machine shop operations. The more labor costs rise and the increased competition for contracts make it vital that owners find the most cost-effective ways to produce quality parts.
If your current machines require replacement or repair due to age, it makes sense to go to CNC.
TRAINING AND RELATED COSTS
You will be making a considerable investment, and it is important to be sure you realize the expected financial returns.
Your success will depend on your ability to train your employees. Most machinery manufacturers have training programs. This is available whether you have several workers or if you are the sole proprietor.
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW WORLD!
This was not an easy decision but remaining competitive in the manufacturing business is always a challenge.
One thing you can depend on is support from the manufacturers, other business owners, and your own staff.
HOW TO CONTACT EVDEN
Call us at 707-462-2375 or visit us online at https://evden/cnc-lathes-ukiah-cal
Our address is:
EVDEN ENTERPRISES INC.
2000Wellmar Drive
Ukiah, CA 95482
