Why Progressive Sheet Metal Fabricators Are Turning to CNC Machining
The use of sheet metal in the construction world is widespread. Sheet metal is highly favoured for building lightweight yet durable structures such as roofing and gutters, HVAC ductwork and carports. Thanks to significant technological improvements in the equipment used to fabricate sheet metal, the use of this construction material at the moment is greater than in the past.
One type of technology that has had the biggest impact on sheet metal fabrication is CNC machining. Short for Computer Numerical Control machining, CNC machining involves controlling machining tools using computers. This advanced method of operating machining tools has introduced sheet metal fabricators to a new world of possibilities.
Continue reading on below to learn about some of the outstanding advantages that sheet metal fabricators using CNC machining are able to realise.
Greater manufacturing precision
As the metal manufacturing industry continues to become increasingly competitive, constantly striving for superior precision becomes essential for every modern metal manufacturer. CNC machining allows sheet metal fabricators to attain a higher level of precision than was ever possible in the past. CNC machining tools can produce intricate shapes and give clean finishes more accurately than when using manual machining tools. This is because CNC machining tools rely on pre-programmed commands keyed into a computer to produce specific sheet metal parts. For this reason, sheet metal fabricators can ensure the exact same quality of products is maintained throughout the manufacturing process.
Faster production speeds
As today's sheet metal manufacturers continue to have busier work schedules due to increased customer demand, it is becoming increasingly critical that they increase their production rates. CNC machining makes it possible for sheet metal workers to produce finished parts more rapidly than was possible traditionally.
Less wastage of raw material
Sheet metal is made from various types of metal including steel, aluminium, copper and brass. No matter the type of metal used as raw material for sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining helps to reduce material wastage considerably because the fabrication processes are designed to minimise material distortion. Because quality metal material does not come by cheaply, it is critical for sheet metal fabricators to make effective use of the material available to them.
Overall, CNC machining has greatly improved the efficiency of sheet metal fabrication. This explains why sheet metal fabricators are able to provide a wide range of products not only for the construction industry, but also for many other different industries, including mining, aviation, automotive, food and catering, pharmaceuticals, shipping, etc. If you want to take your sheet metal fabrication business to the next level, you should contemplate upgrading from traditional machining to CNC machining.
