CNC (Computer Numerical Control) has totally changed the landscape of production methods in almost every industry.
Thanks to CNC, businesses can produce workpieces in rapid time with maximum precision and a reduced need for manual labour, to meet ever-increasing demands.
But how does a CNC punching machine differ from other punch presses? Are they the considerable step-up most claim them to be, and can all production processes benefit from the addition of CNC?
At Cambridge Dynamics, we’re experts in the world of Computer Numerical Control, as well as stamping and punching processes of all kinds, meaning we’re always the team you should speak to if you need such technology in your business.
So if you’re asking yourself ‘what can CNC punching create?’ or if you have any other burning questions about using a CNC punch press or CNC tools, let’s dive a little deeper.
What is CNC punching?
In terms of the sheet metal manufacturing process, punch presses apply high pressure to a metal workpiece (sometimes referred to as ‘parent sheet metal’ depending on the application) that’s held in place by a robust and durable die to “punch” shapes out of the workpiece, to match the shape of the die. Stamp presses work similarly, though instead of punching holes in materials, they “stamp” shapes.
Punch processes are used to create sheet metal parts for car manufacture, electricals, medical tools and countless other applications, making it an essential production practice the world over.
Traditionally, punch presses and sheet metal work had been handled manually, with a physical worker needing to punch each individual shape into each workpiece, before replacing the punched material with the next piece.
However, in recent decades, technology has improved to the point where hundreds of these pieces can be produced per hour to an incredible degree of accuracy, without excessive labour. CNC is a prime example of such technology being used in computer-aided manufacturing.
CNC utilises specially created computer programs to speed up, automate and perfect much of the punching process, leading to vastly more impressive pieces in greater numbers.
How are CNC punch presses different to standard punch presses?
1) They can produce more intricate and complex punch creations
At face value, punching is quite a simple process. However, industries often need more intricate pieces with specifically formed shapes, holes and angles in their workpieces, depending on how they need to be applied.
These intricacies would formerly need to be crafted via hand tooling after the initial punch process was complete, but this was a time-consuming and costly endeavour. These pieces include things like hinges or embossing.
Thanks to the use of a CNC machine, many of these intricate pieces can be formed within the automated production process itself, without the need for workers to get involved in a more hands-on way.
As a result, CNC machines can save industries huge sums of time, money and manpower, and can produce CNC-punched pieces far faster than the alternative.
2) They can reduce material waste compared to older presses
One of the biggest causes of lost profits for businesses involved in the production of materials through punching and stamping processes is needing to discard poorly punched or stamped materials that are not fit for purpose.
Misalignment within the press itself, even in increments as small as millimetres, can ruin workpieces. If this is done on a large scale, with many pieces being produced in regular quantities, it can represent huge losses.
Luckily, another benefit of CNC punching is that the CNC program can control punch machines (and similar) with a staggering degree of accuracy that completely dwarfs the accuracy offered by traditional punch processes.
By doing away with outdated legacy technology within punching processes and replacing it with more efficient CNC-powered ones, those involved in production can retain acceptable stock levels and stick to targets.
3) They reduce expenditure due to increased automation
Automation technologies have increased significantly over the past couple of years, with millions being invested in the technology globally.
While traditional punching processes could not have been completed without prolonged input from manual workers, this need has been greatly reduced thanks to CNC.
Rather than needing to load and reload punch presses every time a new piece needs to be punched, CNC technologies can automate this process, while placing the workpieces on the die with an exceptional degree of accuracy, as we discussed earlier.
As a result, companies can reduce their reliance on in-house staff, boosting overall safety and cutting spending by reducing workforce sizes, if necessary.
Speak to Cambridge Dynamics for all your CNC punching needs
If your business could benefit from any of the above methods and technologies, or if you’re already knee-deep in CNC punching and stamping but need assistance to fine-tune your operations, Cambridge Dynamics is here for you.
With years of experience in the industry, we’re your ideal choice for everything related to industrial presses and Computer Numerical Control technologies.
Speak to a Cambridge Dynamics expert today to see how we could be of assistance.