Guide to CNC Machinery News and Trends

Use CNC machinery news and trends to your advantage in the machine shop

By Denise Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read articles about CNC machinery news and trends

Many articles are technical white papers that explain in detail new equipment and uses. It is possible, however, to find articles that have a more practical slant.

I recommend: Manufacturingtalk has a number of articles about CNC machinery, as well as highlights on new CNC equipment from leading CNC manufacturers. You can also explore the links to find an extensive selection of other articles on computer numerical control machinery. Modern Machine Shop offers information about computer numerical control equipment in its library of articles.

Sign up for periodical newsletters about CNC equipment

Many websites offer free newsletters to keep you informed of CNC machinery news and trends. While some of the newsletters may be little more than a sales pitch from a CNC machinery supplier, other newsletters provide valuable information about trends within the industry.

I recommend: Look on the Pro CNC website for CNC machine information. You can find news and trends here, but also tips to make working with your CNC equipment easier. The CNC Concepts newsletter provides information about CNC machinery that can be helpful for instructors as well as businessmen. Its newsletter combines mathematical theory of operating CNC machinery with practical news and trends.

Find blogs about CNC equipment

Some blogs provide technical information about new CNC machinery, while others focus on operational information. Either type of information is good to have and can help you stay on top of news within the CNC industry.

I recommend: Read CNC Machines to follow CNC machinery news and trends. The CNC Forum has a blog that features CNC machine manufacturers as well as news about computer numerical control machines.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your shop foreman and technician also have access to CNC machinery news and trends. They may be able use the information in a different manner than you do as a businessperson. Where you look at your finished product, the technician and foreman may look at the steps of completing the project and find shortcuts that can also save you money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify the type of CNC machinery you need for your business

Research suppliers of CNC machinery online to see who sells it used. Look at the online catalogs of various CNC manufacturers and sellers to determine which products best fit your company's needs.

I recommend: To see pictures and descriptions of CNC equipment, review the product catalog at Foremost Machinery Corporation. LOCATOR Services, Inc. searches across the entire country for information about CNC machinery for resale. Search for the specific CNC equipment you need, or search for a specific dealer by name or location.

Compare different used CNC machinery suppliers

Look for variations in purchase prices, warranties, payment options, repair services and shipping and installation practices.

I recommend: Premier Equipment, Inc. offers quotes and financing information online. CNC Locator of Texas and CNC Electornics specialize in used replacement parts for all major CNC manufacturers' brands like General Electric and Bendix.

Inspect CNC machinery yourself before final purchase

Computer numerical control machinery is too expensive and the repairs too costly to be purchasing items you haven't physically seen. If you aren't very knowledgeable about CNC equipment, get a qualified technician to inspect the machine for you.

I recommend: ABL Technology offers a list of service contacts around the country. CNC machine manufacturers like Fanuc Robotics have repair service technicians available specific to their products.

Learn to fix your own CNC equipment

Becoming a certified CNC technician yourself or promoting an employee to the job will save you money in the future not having to pay enormous labor fees and travel expenses. Used CNC machines may need a bit more TLC than new equipment and paying a contractor can become costly.

I recommend: Tooling University LLC offers online classes with a yearly subscription and lets you take a trial class for free. CNC Concepts Inc. provides a list of schools nationwide that offer in-class technician training.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're not an expert on computer numerical control machinery, it is safer to look at purchasing 'refurbished' CNC equipment, rather than 'used.' Refurbished products have been inspected, cleaned, repaired and repainted and usually carry a warranty to cover any reconditioning.

Guide to Making the Most of CNC Machinery

Keep your computer numerical control machinery in top operating condition

By Denise Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Acquire information about computer numerical control machinery

Even if you don't run the equipment in your shop, it's important that you have a working knowledge of what the equipment is capable of doing. Once you have that knowledge, you are will understand more ways of making the most of CNC machinery.

I recommend: CNC Concepts has a good article that explains computer numerical control machinery. Applied Robotics has an informative article about what not to do with CNC equipment in your shop. If you practice its advice, you are going to find making the most of CNC machinery is an easy task in your business.

Find out more about safety and maintenance of CNC equipment

Each type of CNC machinery has its own special safety issues. Mandate safe use of your machines at all times. This includes maintenance of safety guards that come as part of the machinery.

I recommend: The article from TechnologyStudent.com points out that while computer numerical control machines come with more safeguards than a manual machine, it’s still possible to override some safety features. Be sure no one in your shop has that capability. Since a computer runs computer numerical control equipment, it stands to reason you can also do technical maintenance on a computer. Find out how at Automation.com.

Keep operator's manuals for your CNC machinery in the shop

Make copies of the manuals and put them in binders near the equipment. Store the original manuals in a file in the office.

I recommend: You can find maintenance manuals for CNC machinery from Fryer Machine Systems. MachineToolHelp.com also offers maintenance manuals from leading CNC machine manufacturers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you have someone in your shop that expresses an interest in learning CNC machinery maintenance procedures, it may be a wise investment for you to send this person for specialized training. This is a good way to avoid costly service calls from the CNC manufacturer.