Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed a major shift in the high-tech field. From being just a ‘wanted aspect’, it has slowly become a necessity in our everyday lives. New-age technology has made everything more convenient and efficient, regardless of the industry involved.
The computer-aided revolution has made a large impact on the manufacturing world as well. Automated equipment has given us the ability to produce a more precise part in a much shorter time. While CNC machines date back to the late 1950s, they continue to evolve and enhancements are made on a continuous basis. Modern CNC lathes give the operator the ability to produce a part with milled and cross-drilled surfaces. Something that was unavailable just a short time ago.
How has this impacted us:
1. Reduced Human Efforts
CNC Machines have allowed us a more hands-off approach. Parts can be completed on one machine in one set-up with very little human intervention. Machines can now run lights out; 24 hours a day seven days a week. The equipment can be fed by robotic arms or magazines that hold multiple lengths of raw material. Human error has greatly decreased with the use of this high-tech equipment.
2. Increased Accuracy in Mass-Production
With these machines being handled by computer controls the chances of non-conforming parts being produced has been greatly reduced. If the machines are programmed correctly from the start and tool wear is monitored, the repeatability of conforming CNC machined parts should be over 99%. Gone are the days when each part was physically manipulated in a turret lathe or manual mill in hopes of achieving repeatability.
3. Complex Product Development
Multi-axis machines have allowed us to machine parts to greater tolerances and with more complex features. This is something that was very difficult to achieve just a short time ago.
4. Reliability
The equipment is ready to work every day with just the push of a few buttons. It rarely gets sick and only requires some maintenance and the occasional repair part. The machines are ready to work 24 hours a day. Machines today require much less human interaction and are able to produce parts faster and with more accuracy.
5. Highly Adaptable
CNC machines are amazingly accommodating. The machines will constantly evolve and new innovations will continue to be introduced. Today we can work with all types of metals and plastics in an efficient and accurate manner.
Types of CNC machines
Generally, there are six types of CNC machines, all used for different purposes and materials:
Milling Machines: Widely popular. In fact, they might even be the most popular type of CNC machine used today. Milling machines utilize rotary cutters to shape workpieces to perfection. They can be programmed to provide the required depth, angle and cutting direction.
CNC Lathes: A lathe is utilized to develop highly precise conical and spherical shaped parts. This particular machine uses turning centers wherein the cutting tool shaves off the excess material while the material is rotating on a spindle.
Drilling machines: CNC drills are highly advanced drilling machines where the speed of the drill and the depth to be drilled is handled by highly sophisticated computer programs.
Screw Machines: Screw machines are the advanced version of automated lathes. They are used to produce smaller yet complex machined parts for automotive, aerospace, medical and electrical hardware industries.
CNC Grinders: This type of machine utilizes a rotary wheel that abrades the material into the desired shape by repeatedly grinding it.
CNC Plasma Cutters: Plasma cutters uses plasma beam to cut the materials into 2D shapes.
Materials used by CNC machines
A CNC machine is highly versatile, utilizing almost every type of materials to produce some quality machined parts. From common materials like aluminum, copper to exotic alloys and wood, a CNC machine can handle them all. Here’s a list of the in-demand materials that MDA Ltd. Uses:
| Material Type | Properties |
| Brass | Highly durable and corrosion resistant |
| Aluminum | Lightweight, malleable, inexpensive |
| Steel | Economical, high strength, versatile |
| Industrial plastics | Versatile, lightweight |
| Phenolics | Heat resistant and durable |
| Copper | Corrosion resistant, versatile, conductor of heat |
| Stainless steel | Corrosion resistant |
| Alloy steel | Tensile, wear resistant |
| Plywood | Wear & tear resistant, dimensionally stable |
CNC machining has revolutionized the whole Manufacturing industry and it is still improving. It will be quite interesting to see where it can take us in the years to come.
Want to modernize your CNC operations? Contact us for a consultation on CNC integration, automation, or upgrading your shop floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trends are shaping the future of CNC in modern manufacturing?
Key trends include integration of automation and robotics, AI-driven toolpath optimization and predictive analytics, multi-axis and hybrid machining systems, IoT connectivity and real-time monitoring, and sustainability initiatives.
What are the main challenges when adopting CNC automation?
Major challenges include high upfront capital costs, complexity of integration with existing systems, lack of skilled personnel, maintenance overhead, and ensuring ROI. Effective change management and phased implementation help mitigate risk.
How does IoT / connectivity benefit CNC machining operations?
IoT enables real-time data collection from sensors for machine health, tool wear monitoring, process optimization, and predictive maintenance. This leads to reduced downtime, improved quality, and data-driven decision making.
Are hybrid CNC machines (additive + subtractive) becoming common?
Yes – hybrid machines that combine additive (3D printing) with subtractive (milling, turning) processes are gaining traction. They allow complex geometries, reduced material waste, and a more flexible manufacturing workflow.
How can manufacturers gradually modernize their CNC operations?
A phased approach works well: start with pilot automation or robotic load/unload, add connectivity and sensors for data feedback, upgrade to multi-axis or hybrid capabilities, and train staff. Monitoring ROI at each stage helps validate further investments.