CNC machining is a computerized system that controls the production process of various machines or parts. This all process owes to the use of electricity, and thus the significant cost includes electricity bills. However, there are other manufacturing, raw material, and storage costs. It is essential to minimize production costs to make the product commercially viable and fair. You can get detailed information regarding CNC machining from ddprototype’s page. Following are some tips for reducing the cost of CNC machining.
Choose raw materials according to the need of the process:
Various machines or parts require different types of materials in manufacturing. If there is a production of aerospace parts, fine quality steel, which could be durable, will be required. Automotive parts also require steel as sub-parts for a complete structure. But aluminum is cheaper than steel and can be used instead of steel. However, if you need a medical machine, it must require stainless steel, which is expensive. So, some raw materials can be costly, and their costs need to be adjusted in the manufacturing process.
Try to use cheaper alternatives such as raw materials to reduce the overall cost.
Reduce the machine’s working hours:
The more the machines will work during the manufacturing process, they will. Thus, this may increase the factory overheads, including the machine’s maintenance, electricity, and other indirect costs. If the raw material is rigid, it will require more working hours for processing. So, purchasing suitable raw materials and switching machines off during non-working hours is essential. This will save electricity units, and you can achieve budgeted costs for your prototypes.
Create simple designs:
Scientists should choose simple designs and patterns with less angular folding to create new prototypes. To bear minimum costs, avoid deep cavities in machine parts and features with high aspect ratios. If the budgets are low, making thick walls of prototypes will reduce the machine’s working time, decreasing the cost. If sharp interiors are unnecessary for a device, avoid making sharp edges while maintaining the radius.
If complex texts are unnecessary, try to avoid them as much as possible. It is better to print the text on the desired part of the machine. Building icons on the samples of machines will increase the working time and load on the CNC machine.
Use standard instruments:
The length and width of the instruments while CNC machining should be of standard size. The standard size will help reduce the tool change frequency and speed up the CNC machining process.
For example, the thread and tap size used in this process affect the machine’s processing time. The depth of the thread should be less than the diameter of the bore. If the thread is long, it may require special instruments and will increase the tapping time.
Balance the quantity and finishing:
If a large amount of product is manufactured, it makes the process commercial and economical. While manufacturing a single prototype unit, costs might be exceptionally high. In this case, all the costs and overheads will be capitalized in the cost of a single unit. When production involves batches of a particular product, the process becomes viable. In addition, it is necessary to minimize the Finishing costs of polishing, heat treatment and anodizing by using less expensive techniques.
