How CNC Machining is used in Industry

As many industry insiders know, CNC machining is a widely used manufacturing technique that is becoming more popular by the day. This is down to the production method’s versatility and flexibility, which allows a vast array of components to be created on one of these computer controlled machines. In this article we will look at a number of different industries that use this technology.

First of all, the cars and trucks industries are both heavy users of CNC machining. A large amount of components in the average family hatchback is made using this process of computer aided design and manufacture. This can include everything from the metal interior switches, to the petrol filler caps, to individual precision crafted components of the engine. It is the engine where this advanced technology is most useful. In the last three to five years, car manufacturers have been going great lengths to ensure the fuel efficiency of their latest models, especially in the EU, where the Union has mandated a minimum fuel efficiency level for every manufacturer’s entire range. Precision parts are therefore required to ensure there is no fuel wastage. These components are specifically engineered to incredible levels of detail and uniformity, ensuring that engines run at maximum efficiency with minimal servicing. If you’ve recently bought a new car in the last three years, you’ll probably have noticed that the levels of CO2 emissions is noticeably lower than your last car. This is all thanks to the work of CNC machining!

Another important industry that uses this advanced technology is the telecoms industry. computer numerical controlled manufacturing is used to create the components found in the many telephony switchboxes across the word. These are essentially the arteries of the telephone and internet system, connecting the individual homes to the world wide web via the telephone exchange. Every day, millions of electrons pass through these components, which must be able to withstand changes in temperature and usage to ensure that your internet connection is not disrupted. CNC machining is a vital technology here, as without it, components would not be able to withstand the millions of hours of use they are subject to. Supposing these components were made with inferior technology, they would not be able to carry the same amount of data per second without failing regularly, which would result in higher costs, as engineers would need to be sent out regularly to fix the network. The result for the end user is that internet speeds have been able to increase dramatically over the last ten years, while typically, internet service blackouts have been declining across the board.

This is not limited to traditional landline phones or landline broadband, either. The world’s cellular networks also require precision made parts to make sure you get a strong phone signal, whether for 3G or 4G internet, or simply for calling your loved ones or a business prospect. Mobile phone networks are based on thousands of transmitters dotted around the country, each operating on a ‘cell’ - hence the name cellular phone network. These transmitters use CNC machining in everything from the individual components that make sure phone signals are not dropped, to the metal antenna of the transmitter, and even the enclosure of the unit itself.