5 key factors for choosing the right CNC

Purchase of a numerically controlled centre for woodworking can be one of the most easily justifiable expenses in any furniture production workshop. To be truly cost-effective, Biesse and Accesoria Group specialists recommend five key factors when evaluating options and making a purchasing decision: return on investment, machine configuration, software, workflow and maintenance.

1. Return on investment

Calculating the cost-effectiveness of a machine involves several variables, but the most important factors are: immediate savings in effort and time, increased work volume through increased production capacity and flexibility, equipment efficiency in terms of repeatability and elimination of production defects. The high quality standard of the parts produced with a CNC is another essential factor to consider.

Once repetitiveness in the production process is reduced, human resources can be reallocated to other tasks that add value, such as taking on new customers or expanding the production line. A CNC router works "alone" in the 90% from time to time, with minimal supervision or unattended, making it the perfect choice for maximising staff skills.

2. Equipment configuration

You need to know what you want the machine to do, as the configuration of the equipment is determined by the operations it will do. Establish a set of parameters for the product you want to create and pass the information on to your sales consultant. This ensures you get the best machine recommendations that can produce the milestones your customers demand. Some examples of parameters are: minimum and maximum size of the parts, production method - for example, nesting or console, the type of material used from which the alternative grips result.

Depending on the specific requirements, there are different approaches to increasing output - another crucial factor in determining the equipment configuration. Typically, these methods involve different levels of automation, choosing simple conveyor belts or complex systems with robots and sorting stations.
Clear production requirements ensure a fair assessment of the feasibility of the investment. In some cases, the assessment may involve live demonstrations with similar machines or software simulations with a high level of accuracy when put into practice. While the sales consultant's role is to ask the right questions, the customer's role is to provide a concise and realistic description of the end product.

3. Software

The starting point for the operation of a CNC centre is the software program that tells the machine what action to take so that the results are consistent from the first mark produced to the last.

Like the physical hardware, the software program must have the ability to create the exact piece the end customer wants. Different software companies have different levels of knowledge, which is reflected in the working potential of the equipment. The software program should be as powerful as the hardware part of the CNC.

4. Workflow

It is recommended that when buying a CNC, you evaluate how it interacts with your existing equipment and processes. You should consider aspects as diverse as material logistics flow and compatibility between your current design software and the new CNC.

5. Maintenance process

For easy maintenance, it is recommended to take into account the following considerations: spare parts structure, spare parts availability, access to after-sales support: what type of support you get and for how long. State-of-the-art CNCs require little input from a technician to manage on-site maintenance. There are machines that automatically run the maintenance procedure or collaborate with the customer to perform the procedure in real time, which translates into reduced costs for the furniture manufacturer.

The 5 detailed issues answer the most common questions raised during the pre-purchase period.
In addition to doing your own research, we recommend confidently calling on the professionals on your sales team who are dedicated to helping manufacturers make informed purchasing decisions. Use this valuable, trusted, easily accessible and always available resource for a discussion on how investing in a CNC increases productivity and quality. Make an appointment with Accesoria specialists.