High performance CNC custom machining: the secret to dramatically reduced lead times

In today's highly competitive manufacturing industry, high performance CNC custom machining to reduce the lead time is extremely important. This is not only related to the production efficiency and cost control of enterprises, but also directly affects their competitiveness and survival and development in the market.

In terms of importance, shorter lead times can meet the increasingly urgent needs of customers. In many industries, such as aerospace, automotive and medical, the need for precision components is often urgent and cannot be delayed. Timely delivery of high-quality custom machined parts helps to keep the production line running smoothly and avoid production stagnation and economic losses due to parts shortages.

In a research sense, exploring ways to shorten the delivery cycle for high-performance CNC custom machining will help drive technological innovation and process optimization throughout the manufacturing industry. Through in-depth research, new design concepts, processing techniques and management strategies can be found to improve production efficiency and product quality.

For example, studies have found that simplifying part design, reducing the number of setup times, and optimizing tool paths can significantly reduce machining time. At the same time, standardized design and material selection can reduce preparation and procurement time. In addition, testing and optimization with advanced simulation software can identify potential problems before actual production, and solve them in advance, further reducing the lead time.

To sum up, high-efficiency CNC custom machining to shorten the delivery cycle, whether it is for the actual production and operation of the enterprise, or for the development and progress of the entire manufacturing industry, has the importance and far-reaching research significance that can not be ignored.

(1) Design complexity

Design complexity is one of the important factors affecting the lead time of high performance CNC custom machining. Complex designs often require more processing steps and operations, which increases processing time. For example, parts with complex geometry, fine construction, or high precision requirements may require multiple clamping, tool adjustments, and reprogramming, which will undoubtedly extend the lead time. In addition, the complex design may also put forward higher requirements for the planning of the tool path and the selection of cutting parameters, increasing the difficulty of programming and debugging.

(2) Production process

Efficient and rational production processes are essential to shorten the lead time. If there is unreasonable place in the production process, such as poor connection between the processes, improper deployment of equipment or unreasonable processing sequence, it will lead to a waste of time. For example, after the completion of a process, if the time to wait for the next process is too long, or the conversion of equipment between different processes takes too much time, it will increase the entire processing time.

(3) Material selection

The choice of materials can also significantly affect the lead time. Some materials have better cutting performance and processing characteristics, and can be processed in a short time, while some special materials may require special processing techniques and tools, thereby extending the processing time. For example, materials with higher hardness wear tools faster during machining, requiring frequent tool changes, which increases the pause time during machining. At the same time, the availability of materials can also have an impact on the delivery cycle, which can also lead to delivery delays if the supply of selected materials is unstable or takes a long time to purchase.

(1) Optimize the design scheme

Simplifying the design is a key step in shortening the lead time. By removing unnecessary features and complex structures, machining processes and operations can be significantly reduced. For example, avoiding excessive surfaces and complex cavity designs can reduce programming difficulty and processing time. At the same time, the modular design concept is used to decompose complex parts into several simple modules, which are assembled after processing respectively, which can effectively improve production efficiency.

(2) Standardization of production factors

In CNC custom machining, there are significant advantages to using standard tools, materials and processes. Standard tools are easy to obtain, stable in performance, and reduce tool selection and debugging time. The supply of standard materials is usually adequate, easy to purchase, and can be quickly put into production. In addition, standardizing the process reduces learning costs for operators, improves consistency and stability in production, and significantly reduces preparation time.

(3) Advanced tool and path planning

Optimizing tool and path planning is essential to improve machining efficiency. Choosing the right tool material and geometry can adapt to different processing materials and working conditions. The use of advanced CAM software to generate efficient tool paths, avoiding idle tool travel and repeated cutting, can significantly reduce machining time. For example, the use of dynamic milling technology can improve cutting efficiency while reducing tool wear.

(4) Reasonable arrangement of the production process

Reasonable production process planning can effectively reduce the waiting time. Optimize the process connection to ensure that the next process can be started quickly after the completion of the previous process to avoid idle equipment. Using batch processing, similar parts are processed centrally, reducing the number of tool changes and equipment adjustments. At the same time, according to the actual situation of equipment and personnel, reasonable allocation of processing tasks to improve the overall production efficiency.

(5) Intelligent supply chain management

Intelligent supply chain management plays an important role in reducing the lead time. By monitoring raw material inventory and demand in real time, it is possible to ensure timely supply of raw materials and avoid production stagnation due to lack of materials. Use big data analysis to predict market demand, achieve accurate procurement, reduce inventory overstocking, and reduce costs. In addition, smart supply chains can optimize logistics distribution routes, improve transportation efficiency, and further shorten delivery cycles.

(1) Successful practice of science and technology

A technology for many enterprises to provide efficient CNC custom machining services. For example, producing everything from critical mechanical parts to aesthetically pleasing parts for B Automotive provides cost-effective manufacturing methods during the prototyping and production stages, reducing the communication burden and production time. Manufacture the most difficult parts for C Technical University's tunneling champion excavators, ensuring delivery time and quality within strict deadlines. Producing parts for surgical robots developed by Company D, utilizing a large supplier network ensures flexible production and low inventory for the team. Provide E company with one-stop on-demand manufacturing services, greatly reducing the time to market. Building an electric motorcycle subframe for F enables design innovation and fast delivery. Producing mountain bike rack components for Company G, solving material shortages and supply chain problems, significantly reducing delivery times.

(2) Transformation of A1 Company

A1, as a company in the field of media communication and security technology, faced the problem that the manufacturing process was not suitable for small batch production when producing outdoor enclosures for xx cameras. By using the FX20, an industrial-grade 3D printer, they were able to print multiple components on a single printing bed, greatly reducing costs and speeding up production, reducing the lead time from four weeks to two days and significantly reducing production costs.

(3) A2 company's innovation breakthrough

A2, an industrial equipment manufacturer, has been relying on traditional CNC machining technology, with high processing costs and long lead times. After installing Desktop Metal's Shop System metal binder jet 3D printer, the delivery time was reduced by up to 80%, and inventory management was simplified, which successfully reduced the delivery time of some parts, and was able to complete tasks that used to require multiple steps in one go. And parts inventory was reduced by about 50 percent.

(4) A3 electrical optimization measures

At A3 Electric in Wuhan, engineers in the engineering and equipment departments were limited by supply chain problems. With the introduction of RAYSHAPE's Shape 1 3D printer, the production cycle has been reduced from around 5 days to less than 3 hours, parts processing costs have been significantly reduced, engineer satisfaction has been increased, collaboration efficiency has been improved, and line management has been made easier.

(1) Technology integration and innovation

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the future high-efficiency CNC custom machining will more deeply integrate artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of things and other cutting-edge technologies. For example, the processing process is optimized in real time through artificial intelligence algorithms, and the processing parameters are automatically adjusted according to dynamic factors such as material characteristics and tool wear, further improving the processing efficiency and accuracy. Use big data to analyze historical processing data to predict potential problems and optimize designs ahead of time, reducing unnecessary rework and delays.

(2) Application expansion of additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing technology is expected to be more widely used in the future, complementing traditional material reduction manufacturing. It enables the integration of complex structures, reduces the number of parts and assembly links, and significantly reduces the lead time. At the same time, the development of new materials will provide more possibilities for additive manufacturing to meet the special requirements of different industries for the performance of parts.

(3) Green manufacturing and sustainable development

The increasing popularity of the concept of environmental protection will promote the development of CNC custom machining in the direction of green manufacturing. Optimize energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption and waste emissions during processing. The use of recyclable materials and sustainable production processes not only complies with environmental regulations, but also helps to enhance the corporate image and enhance market competitiveness.

(4) Collaborative manufacturing and supply chain optimization

Strengthen cooperation between upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain to achieve real-time information sharing and seamless docking. Accelerate delivery by building a digital supply chain platform that accurately forecasts demand, optimizes inventory management, and reduces inventory overruns of raw materials and finished products.

(5) Personnel training and skill upgrading

Cultivate high-quality talents with interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation ability to adapt to the development needs of future CNC custom machining. Carry out targeted training courses to improve the operator's mastery of new technology and application ability, and provide human support for further shortening the delivery cycle.

Honscn has unique advantages in the field of CNC custom machining. With advanced technology and innovative strategies, we can optimize design solutions and simplify complex operations. Standardize production factors and reduce preparation time. Improve efficiency with advanced tools and path planning, rationalize processes and intelligently manage supply chains to dramatically reduce lead times.Get a quote