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at a computer to operate a CNC machine

Mass Production: Manual Milling or CNC Milling?

If you’ve ever experienced or had a look at mass production or milling operations, you will know that it takes a lot of effort, commitment, logical thinking, and efficient equipment to establish a successful production unit. Furthermore, you’ll have also encountered the terms manual milling or CNC milling in mass production. Manual milling machines are suited to specific tasks and have their shortcomings.

On the other hand, CNC milling machines found in industrial workshops are innovative equipment that provides greater accuracy and gets work done in a reduced timeframe. There is a common argument amongst milling operators as to which method is better for mass production. Let’s look at the various advantages of both methods.

Advantages of CNC Milling

CNC milling is a technologically advanced machining method, especially in batch productions and manufacturing complex components. There are various advantages of CNC milling. Some of them are listed below.

  • Quality Precision: CNC milling offers greater precision than other methods because it is operated by a computer program. All the requirements are fed in, and the machine follows it exactly, which results in high precision in mass production.
  • High Turnover: CNC milling is known for producing large quantities of components in a shorter timeframe; therefore, it is preferred by many when it comes to batch production.
  • Reduced Margin of Error and Complex Solutions: As CNC milling relies on a computer program for its operation, there are reduced chances of an error occurring because there is no human labor involved. Furthermore, CNC milling also helps to produce complex components in bulk.
  • Continuous Operations: You don’t need to hire much labor to operate CNC machines because they are self-sufficient. They can produce huge quantities of products 24/7. All you need is some supervision to see if everything is okay. This is an advantage for industries as they are not reliant on manual labor for their production output when they employ CNC machines to do the work.

Advantages of Manual Milling

Even though CNC milling has a lot of advantages over its manual counterpart, it still has some advantages which are why it is widely used in industries. Some of the benefits are listed below:

  • Cost-Effective: This is one huge advantage that manual milling has over CNC. Manual milling machines are much cheaper than CNC machines which is why many industries still prefer them. Small workshops and industries that put a greater emphasis on cost savings and work on a tight budget use manual machining.
  • Small Complex Objects: If you want to create a small yet complex object, then manual machining is the way to go. It is great for products that require fine-tuning and extensive repair work.
A CNC drilling machine

Project Specifications Should Be Considered

Specific project requirements will determine the need for manual or CNC milling machines. If you want to create many products promptly, then opt for CNC machines. On the other hand, if you want complex parts with a lot of detailing and fine work, then manual machining will help you more.

As mentioned, if you want the best quality equipment for mass production, then CNC milling machines are the way to go. If you’re looking for CNC and manual turning, then check out MD Design & Automation.

We provide the best CNC machining in Wisconsin. Our combined experience of over 100 years helps us to deliver high-quality, on-demand products through our CNC machining services. We also provide CNC prototyping, Cnc and manual turning, jig grinding, jig and fixture design manufacturing, Cad model and prints, cmm inspection wisconsin and CNC grinding services in Wisconsin.   

Contact us now or request a quote for your project.

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