CNC Machines vs. Robots
When something new enters the manufacturing scene, it always stirs up excitement. Lately, that “something” has been robots – the kind that perform sophisticated operations at a fraction of the time that other methods would. The dream of fully automating manufacturing is closer than ever before. Yet, with all the talk surrounding robots, AI, and a technological future, you could be mistaken for thinking that robots are the solution to all your manufacturing problems. The truth, as is often the case, is a little more nuanced. Robots have their place in the future of manufacturing – but so do CNC machines. Let’s get into the pros and cons.
What’s better: robots or CNC machines?
Like with any specialised equipment, there are pros and cons to the functionality of robots and CNC machines. While the former are relatively new, CNC machines have been around for decades, and as far as we can see, will continue to play a key role in factories of the future. Here’s where we see their strengths in relation to robots.
The CNC Machine advantage
CNC machines shine in two key areas: precision and scale processing. When we’re talking about fractions of a millimetre, machines like the CMS MX5 and others from the Advanced Materials range beat robots hands-down. They’re used in critical applications like aerospace and automotive manufacturing, where precision truly counts. Such CNCs have earned their place in those sectors, and they’re here to stay.
Robotic excellence
Robots are designed to tirelessly perform mechanical, repetitive tasks. That makes them perfect for applications such as drilling holes, creating cut-outs, and other “less fine” detail work where absolute precision isn’t required. Once these tasks are programmed in, robots will perform them at a much faster rate that a CNC would, speeding up the overall process.
Another area where robots are excellent is finishing. CMS’ spraying robots are one example of this, and well worth checking out!
Factories of the future
A few decades ago. factories were full of workers, manually operating machines. In today’s labour-starved manufacturing landscape, there are far fewer feet on the floor and many more machines. As factory owners strive for even greater efficiency, a new game of floor plan tetris with begin.
In this revised round, CNC machines run alongside robots, each being used to their maximum advantage. Automated lines ensure that the whole process flows smoothly and efficiently, with minimum human input. Yet, this picture isn’t one that every factory will share.
Some shops will continue to lean heavily on CNCs for fabrication. Others will have a robot/automated line/CNC machinery mixture that significantly raises productivity. There is no “standard setup” in either case. It’s all about finding the right technology to achieve production goals.
The only way to do that is to perform analyses and explore options, We’ll help you do both, with no strings attached.
Get in touch to book a meeting today.
