Any OEM interested in outsourcing machining services or contract machining needs to consider all the possible options available. While machining has historically been done manually with the need for people to load the raw material into the machining centers and remove completed parts, this is rapidly changing and offering significant benefits for OEMs.
Many of the top machining services have moved from manual loading and unloading of equipment to robot loading of CNC machines. The combination of complete computer control for the entire process does initially cost money to install and configure, but once in place, the machining company has a top return on investment and can offer highly competitive rates for machining.
Lower Costs for the Machining Company
The major cost saving for robot loading of CNC machines is the ability to eliminate the human labor factor. The machining company can then look at extended hours of operation, as the robotic systems can work around the clock with perfect precision.
This added work time and the ability for machine to machine transfer eliminates time off of every part produced. This translates to higher volume production in the shop, another factor in reducing the cost per part to the OEM.
Greater Accuracy and Precision of Workpiece Placement
By using robot loading of CNC machines, there is virtually no variation in how the material is placed in the equipment. This means enhanced quality control, greater precision with each part, and the ability to offer tighter tolerances, all of which benefit the OEM.
Limited Production Downtime
As a benefit to both the machining service as well as the OEM, the use of robotics can be very instrumental in reducing unscheduled downtime. In eliminating this issue, orders can be completed to precise schedules, allowing for shorter order turnaround without any sacrifice of quality or precision machining.