Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines offer a versatile means to easily create or modify manufacturing materials. Rather than relying on manually controlled systems, computer-run machinery is also incredibly efficient at whatever job they are programmed to do. We explore the most common applications of CNC machines today.
Wood Manufacturing and Carving
Wood manufacturing uses CNC-driven tools for cutting, milling, and grinding wood products into readily usable materials for builders. This allows raw wood products to be more easily modified according to whatever size or shape the project needs. CNC can also be used for smaller-scale wood carving as well. There are several reasons to choose machine carving over hand carving, not least of which is the precision applied to make consistently striking wood carvings.
Metal Fabrication
The applications of CNC machines affect so many industries that fabricate metal products. Electronic parts are one of its widest-reaching applications. These parts go into all consumer electronics, and industries utilizing CNC production include aerospace, medical, and the military.
Engraving
Instead of engraving something by hand, engraving can benefit from CNC capabilities too. There are CNC devices that use lasers to engrave custom features onto hard surfaces, such as wood, leather, plastic, and metal. This can be used to readily identify materials but also to add an artistic design.
3D Modeling
When CNC is not used for direct manufacturing, it can create models to improve production. CNC technology is often employed to create 3D models to successfully prototype designs and even reverse-engineer parts, so you can move forward with manufacturing what you need.
Instrument Manufacturing
Like with other precision manufacturing jobs, CNC also proves useful for carefully crafting the perfect instrument. Depending on manufacturing precision, how you make an instrument directly impacts how it sounds. Relying on the consistency of CNC makes this manufacturing process easier. Violins and guitars are two popular CNC-made instruments.
While these are the more common uses for CNC technology, there are endless possibilities for CNC applications.
