CNC machines have come a long way from being human-controlled milling machines born out of a collaboration between John Parsons and Frank L. Stulen to being totally automated, multi-functional CNC machines that can perform all kinds of machining jobs in just one setup. Modern machines are more advanced, efficient, accurate, and have tighter tolerances, but they are also somewhat costly. The price tag gets justified by the benefits the multifunction CNC machines bring to their customers. If you are also a CNC machine shop owner and planning to get a new machine for your shop, then buying a multifunction CNC can be your best choice. Want to know why? Let’s get that discovered.
What are Multifunction CNC machines?
Multifunction CNC machines are the ones that can do different kinds of machining operations in just one setup without any need to change setups for doing different tasks. These machines can give you the best results without any manual intervention, helping you to reduce the probability of human error. Moreover, these machines make the whole manufacturing process more efficient and reduce wastage. In a single machine, you will be able to carry out different tasks like turning, drilling, and milling, reducing the investment cost needed for buying different machines.
Key benefits of multifunction CNC machines:
Multifunction CNC machines are highly beneficial for machining shops for different reasons. So, let’s unpack the advantages that these machines offer:
- Better precision and accuracy: The main benefit of the technology of CNC machines is the precision and accuracy that it brings to manufacturing, which was not previously possible with manual efforts. You will be able to achieve unmatched precision, quality, and repeatability with the help of multifunction CNC machines. These machines eliminate the probable human errors by reducing the need for manual intervention during machining.
Multifunction CNC machines are capable of producing parts in one continuous cycle, while making parts that are more precise, more concentric, and better aligned. The surface finish quality is also better with these machines due to the tangential approach to machining. Each operation is performed under a consistent and controlled accuracy, helping to maintain a proper geometrical accuracy, due to which one will be able to produce identical parts repeatedly while achieving the tightest of tolerances. This high repeatability is very important for making parts for industries where safety is of concern, like aerospace, defense, or medical. - Better productivity and shorter downtimes: If you are worried about high cycle time, high downtime, and decreased productivity of your machining shop, then getting a multifunction CNC machine can be your best solution. The biggest benefit of these machines is their “done in one” philosophy, you don’t need to spend any time setting up different machines or tools, you don’t have to worry about the time being wasted due to human intervention, everything is getting done at one flow, drastically reducing your cycle time.
According to research, multi tasking CNC machines can help in reducing production time by 50%. The downtime also decreases as machines don’t have to wait for operators to change the setup or start the next operation; it continues to do that without any manual efforts. This is a huge advantage you can have as a manufacturer in current times, as rapid prototyping and faster turnaround times are one of the biggest differentiating factors now. - Cost reduction and ROI: Every business needs to focus on reducing costs and getting ROI as soon as possible. So when you buy a multifunction CNC machine, you get rid of the cost of buying different machines for one job. Also, these machines help you in reducing the labour cost, as you don’t need a lot of operators to do the manual machining. You just need some skilled operators to do the programming and get the machine ready at the start; the rest of the job will be done by the machine itself.
The total cost per finished part comes down to a low headcount of operators and also a lower risk of fault in maintaining the accuracy and tolerance while machining, which further helps you to supply the best quality materials to your clients or customers, helping you earn ROI faster. - Flexibility and versatility in machining: The ability of the multifunction CNC machines to produce different kinds of components through one machine makes it easier for shop owners to work on and produce different kinds of products. Manufacturers can easily do different kinds of complex machining work in one machine without going through extensive retooling and machine reconfiguration.
This flexibility of the multipurpose CNC machines is great for prototyping, as you need to do complex work at high speed and continuously retest until you get the perfect one, so that job can easily be done by these machines. The ability to adapt quickly to new styles of machining and new product types of these machines will help you get a competitive advantage in the machining business. - Optimized utilization of floor space: If you are renting your floor space, then you can definitely save costs with the help of multifunction machines, as you won’t need more space for multiple machines. Also, if you want to get the best earnings with a limited machining area, then these machines also become your best option.
Optimizing the shop floor layout will help you with better material flow, better ergonomics, and more places to expand your machining capabilities. In total, it helps in creating a less cluttered and cleaner work environment, which feels good for everyone. - Superior quality control: The multifunction CNC machines are also great in terms of quality control, with one setup, you get to achieve optimal quality at once without worrying about multiple setups and the threats related to human intervention. The variability is lower, which leads to a lower chance of defects and better repeatability.
Most of the modern multifunction CNC machines include automated part probing and inspection routines, which help to detect errors beforehand and then get them resolved. You also have a traceable workflow as the system logs machining parameters, tool usage, and performance, which is important for industries like medical and aerospace.
Challenges and Limitations of Multifunction CNC Machines:
But the whole process of buying multifunctional CNC machines and operating them for your business is not that easy of a job because you are going to face some challenges. Let’s know those challenges and how you can overcome them:
- High upfront cost: The first major hurdle that you face when you buy a multifunction CNC machine is the high initial investment cost, which can be a barrier for small businesses. You can solve this by buying used hand machines or taking some financing help if you are sure of being able to return them.
- Complexity: Multifunction CNC machines are very complex to use; they need complex programming for proper toolpath generation and machining. So either you will have to hire operators with deep knowledge, or you will have to get trained from the best to operate these machines.
- ROI planning: When you buy such costly machines, you also need to make sure that you can get the fruits of it. So, before you make the purchase, make sure to have a proper roadmap about how you are going to earn proper revenue with the machines to get a proper ROI as quickly as possible.
Difference Between Multifunction CNC machines and Traditional CNC Machines:
Here’s a detailed comparison between traditional CNC machines and the modern CNC machines so that you can make the right decision:
| Aspect | Multifunction CNC Machines | Traditional CNC Machines |
| Setups Required | Single setup for multiple tasks | Multiple setups for each process |
| Labor Involvement | Minimal, often automated | High, manual intervention needed |
| Precision | Extremely high, repeatable | Variable, depends on operator |
| Production Speed | Fast, high throughput | Slower, with more downtime |
| Space Requirements | Compact, fewer machines needed | Large, multiple machines required |
| Flexibility | Highly adaptable, easy to retool | Less flexible, time-consuming |
| Cost-per-Part | Lower, especially for complex parts | Higher, due to more labor/handling |
| Error Rate | Low, due to automation | Higher, manual errors possible |
Conclusion:
Buying a CNC machine is a financially strategic decision that you need to take after doing proper calculations, and this is applicable more for multifunction CNC machines because they are more costly than traditional machines. But these machines also come with some great features and benefits, so the price tags get justified, too. If you are looking for CNC machines and want an affordable one, then you can check our collection of used CNC machines under $25,000.
