There is often a dilemma that one faces when it comes to picking out the best solution for all your operations. With several 5-axis and multitasking machines that come equipped with multiple capabilities, it is often mind-boggling to find the best fit. The last thing you would want is to overspend on unnecessary equipment or invest in a certain technology that might not earn you the profit you wish to see.
The ultimate goal is to procure a machine that offers high performance, meets your needs and comes with the least operating and downtime cost. Here are a few factors to consider when it comes to machine tool supply:
Complexity
You need to evaluate how complex each of your parts is. Multitasking machines, as well as 5-axis machines, are equally complex in terms of their constitution. However, multitasking machines have the ability to take you one step further.
Space
You need to take into consideration the floor space that is available to you. You will also have to evaluate the amount of space the machine tool supply would take up. Machines that are multitasking that combines both milling and, for example, could reduce the amount of equipment that your facility would have to accommodate.
Cycle Time
In some cases, it might be necessary to decrease your cycle times. It is then that you would consider equipment that is easy to set up with shorter cycle time. This would result in you benefitting from the equipment that you procure.
Precision
If maximum part precision is what you seek, then you have to reconsider the type of parts that you would choose. 5-axis, as well as multitasking machines, provide high accuracy in terms of performance. It is of value to note, however, that multitasking reduces or nearly eliminates the inaccuracy that would surface when moving parts across multiple stations.
Access
If access to your workpiece is what you seek then a solution as simple as a single table machine could just be the solution that you seek. Through the entire machining process, it would be possible to access a workpiece.
Volume
Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration is the volume of the parts that you are producing. If you are producing a large volume of parts, then you might want to turn to a machine with pallet changing capabilities. This will not only increase your spindle utilization but also your overall productivity.
Also, another factor that would be needed to be taken into consideration is whether an automated manufacturing business is what you seek. In this case, you would find respite in a pre-engineered palletized manufacturing system.
So there you have it, machine tool supply basics for your every need. Do make sure that you take into consideration all these factors so that you get the maximum return on your investments.
