Why are some CNC shops more successful than others? There could be many reasons why an individual shop fails or succeeds, but what are the common denominators among higher performing CNC shops? Surveys conducted by Gardner Research help us understand what highly successful shops are doing to grow by twice the national average with gross sales 20% higher.
- More Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC). More than half of the higher performing CNC shops have Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC). By eliminating much of the part handling associated with Vertical Machining Centers (VMC), these shops can greatly improve productivity, depending on the type of work performed. A study by The University of Michigan found that the average VMC utilization, as measured by spindle run time, is only 25% versus 85% for Horizontal Machining Centers.
- Use of multitasking CNC machines. 48% of the higher performing shops use mill-turn machines versus just 29% for other shops. The ability to reduce part handling and operator time leads to greater productivity.
- Ability to perform more sophisticated machining. Top shops had more 5-axis machining capability than others, and 60% perform high-speed machining versus 46%. Not only does 5-axis machining enable the higher performing shops to compete for more demanding work, they also save considerable setup time and the cost of special tooling and fixtures.
- Use of advanced fixtures. The more successful shops report median setup times of 2 hours while others report 3-hour median setup times. One reason for the savings is that 63% use quick-change workholding devices to easily change parts while maintaining accurate positioning.
- More in-line measurement. More top shops apply the concept of in-process measuring by using on-machine probes (43%) than their counterparts (27%) to reduce post inspection time and to enable Statistical Process Control (SPC).
- Continuous Improvement. The more successful CNC shops continuously look for new and better ways to machine parts. They are early adopters of new technologies and upgrades to existing equipment.
- Emphasis on education. The higher performing CNC shops are more likely to invest in employee training to maximize the productivity of their equipment investment, and to become more capable of employing new machining methods.
Of course the kind of equipment you need depends on the operations you perform now and what you hope to achieve in the future. Your Torrance Haas Factory Outlet can help you determine whether your best investment is in a VMC, HMC or 5-axis machine so you can become a higher performing CNC shop. Learn more by calling (310) 381-0750, email: jphillips@haasfactoryoutlet.com, or visit www.haasfactoryoutlet.com.