The One With The American Renaissance Part 3
This part will focus on CNC machining and the manner in which CNC machinery utilization and consumption is an indicator of industrial growth.
PART E: The Age Of CNC Machines
Section 1: What Are CNC Machines?
CNC(Computer Numerical Control) Machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. Theoretically, any manufacturing equipment can be operated by CNC Machinery if it is appropriately programmed and designed. However at the moment the process only extends to lathes, mills and a few other such machinery.
Under CNC Machining, a computer program has to be customized for the required machine and the program is fed into the machines via the CNC programming language which is known as G Code.
The advantage of CNC Machining lies in the fact that by using it, the computer can control any and all required features as per the requirements specified. This enables the mass production of complex machinery and shapes which would otherwise be impossibly difficult to produce by manual means. Moreover all of the produced machinery would be of the same shape, size and complexity. This process of mass production provides a humongous boost to the manufacturing sector in a two fold manner as it provides an avenue for the mass production of identical goods and as it reduces costs by minimizing human labour. Thus the major difference between CNC Machining and regular machining as operated by a human is that under CNC machining, zero user interference is needed once the process is initiated.
Section 2: Consumption of CNC Machining As A Metric To Measure Productivity
As mentioned earlier, the usage of 3-D printing as a method for mass production of machinery and goods is not feasible owing to the steep costs. For instance while the average industrial grade 3-D printer costs $30,000 and much more to use and maintain, most CNC machines cost around $10,000-$20,000 and are much cheaper to maintain- although some complex machinery might require more expensive devices.
So the essence is that most firms and production services utilize CNC machinery for the mass production of their goods. Thus the consumption and utilization of CNC Machines can be used as a metric to measure productivity.
Section 3: Trends In The United States
The graph above illustrates the amount spent by industries located in the US on CNC machines by year and clearly the emerging trend is that the number of CNC machines being utilized, in the US, is rising with the passage of time. This is a clear indicator of the rising productivity of US based industries as explained in the previous section.
Another promising factor is that most of these machines are being consumed and utilized by small-scale industries, businesses and start-ups. This is an indicator of the rising interest in the manufacture and production sector among the general public. This signals the coming of an era where US based industries will reclaim the pole position in production from China and dominate the manufacturing sector once again.
Section 4: CNC Machine Dealers
This section caters to those who have vested production interests in the form of industries, small-scale firms or personal ones.
The major CNC machine dealers in the US include:
- Knox Machinery
- Kent CNC
- Romi USA
- Haas Automation
- Milltronics USA
They provide CNC machines at rates cheaper
than their competitors and several of them provide maintenance services for the same as well.
However obtaining a used CNC machine is more feasible particularly if the vested interests are of a personal nature or if the machine is to be used by a small-scale firm. This not only reduces the investment required in the setting up of such a business but can also help in reducing the sales tax to be paid and the carbon footprint of the firm.
In the market for used CNC machinery, CNCMachines.net is the best as it provides a wide variety of used CNC machines which can be used for the operation of all types of machinery to be used in industry. Moreover it facilitates an easy transaction without unnecessary hassle. Thus for a small-scale industry, firm or manufacturer, CNCMachines.net is the place to fulfil all of your CNC machine needs!!
PART F: For Extra Reading
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