Which Metalworking Process Is Best?

Want to know what kind of metalworking equipment to buy? We compare the efficiency, precision, and costs of two common types of equipment, and give you the real data you need to make an informed decision.The content includes equipment performance analysis, operating techniques, and suitable application scenarios. It is particularly suitable for small- and medium-sized processing plants and small businesses to refer to.

Why is equipment selection so important?

Friends in the metal processing business know that if you don't choose the right equipment, you can waste material or even delay your schedule.Recently, I received many letters asking, "Small factories have limited budgets. Should they buy traditional hydraulic presses or new CNC machines?" To give a reliable answer, I went directly to a cooperative workshop to do a comparison.

Background information on the survey.

The test used 304 stainless steel, which is the most commonly used type, and the thickness was standardized at 5 mm.The two machines were respectively a 3-year-old hydraulic press (Machine A) and a CNC laser cutting machine (Machine B) that had just been installed.To ensure a fair competition, the operators are all veterans with over 10 years of experience.

The first round was a speed contest.

For example, machine A can produce 50 standard parts in 42 minutes, but the operator has to change the mold manually during the process.The B model is fully automatic, and takes 26 minutes from start to finish, although it takes five minutes to warm up.If the order is small and urgent, the hydraulic press has the advantage, but if the order is large and long-term, the numerical control machine has the advantage.

The second round is for accuracy.

When 10 samples were measured with a vernier caliper, the error of machine A was about ± 0.3 mm, and the edges had slight burrs.Machine B can control the cutting to within plus or minus 0.1 mm, and the cuts are so smooth they reflect light.In terms of precision parts, this is a huge difference.

How should the costs be calculated?

Machine A uses three kilowatt-hours of electricity per hour, while machine B uses eight.But the CNC machines save two hours a day in manual setup time, and can take on three to five more orders a month.If orders are steady, the difference in cost can be made up in two years.

That's the private advice of a master.

The price of the machine is not the only thing to consider," says Lee, who has been at the job for 20 years, wiping oil from his hands. "If you're just making ordinary window and door fittings, then a hydraulic press is enough.But when you get an order for automobile parts or precision molds, you grit your teeth and upgrade your equipment.I'm not a bad person, so why should I be afraid?

Your actual situation is most important.

Finally, a word of advice for those just starting out: It's best to start out using a second-hand hydraulic press. When orders start to pile up, then it's time to think about CNC equipment.The equipment may be powerful, but a small firm has to weigh the cost of the extra NT $ 2,000 per month maintenance.Next time, I'll see if I can test the consumption of different brands of supplies. If you want to see a review, just say so!