CNC Software Trends in Woodworking

Computer-Numerically Controlled (CNC), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software is used in the woodworking industry to control a machine's movement, for instance a panel saw or a router. The instructions for controlling the machine are provided by a CAD module. This module is integrated with control software, or may exist as an independent application. In today's market high-end cabinet design packages are able to communicate with CNC machinery. Computerized manufacturing systems typically cost thousands of dollars. They are generally meant for industrial operations. Some cheaper systems have appeared in the market recently.

Besides mill work companies and high-volume furniture manufacturers, novices and master craftsmen have also embraced CNC technology. The number of possibilities and benefits that CNC provides cannot be ignored. Craftsmen have quickly realized that using CNC is crucial to ensure that a finished woodwork product is of the highest quality.

As a case in point, it is difficult to produce precise-fitting assemblies using conventional tools. However these can be easily created using CNC. Inlays, arches, and 3 Dimensional relief carvings can be cut easily and efficiently with the help of CNC technology. Time consuming designs or designs that are too complex to create with traditional woodworking tools can now be executed with a great degree of precision. Assemblies for knock-down furniture, for instance are very time consuming and require several templates and jigs. CNC replaces physical templates with digital versions which can be created in software. This provides the freedom to try out design and assemblies on a computer before actually cutting into the material.

It is easy to modify a design on the computer and adjust it to fit, or existing designs can be transformed into new products. Using the right software and hardware, existing 2D & 3D furniture parts can be converted to a digital format that is understood by CNC. The digital version of parts can then be transformed to produce a number of shapes and sizes for an original design. In this way a single furniture assembly becomes a complete furniture line!

Advantages of CNC in the Woodworking Market

CNC gives manufacturers the ability to quickly tailor products to suit a particular sector of the market thereby providing value-added services. For instance a manufacturer may produce a generic table as part of a furniture line selling at a given price point. By simply adding a 3D relief applique to the table with minimum effort the table can easily be sold for a premium. With a little bit of creativity, the manufacturer can easily provide customers with offerings that are elegant and unique, thereby adding to the company's bottom line.

The role of CNC in Crafts

Many people in crafts business are also taking advantage of the capabilities that CNC has to offer. They are using CNC to churn out high quality products, are able to produce better products for customers and are able to produce unique designs that their competitors cannot replicate by hand. Even if the craftsman uses CNC for shaping materials as the initial step or for unique decorative add-ons, the value added to the end product is immense. Also saving time during production leaves more time for creativity, so that the next product is even better than the last one.

Productivity gains through software integration

While CNC offers immense benefits on the production side, using automation software customer needs can be met more easily. The resulting cost reduction and increased productivity also reflects in a high return on investment, through increased profitability.

Such software integrates seamlessly with CNC, virtually eliminating manual operations. Further, the software is easy to learn, so manufacturers see rapid increases in productivity soon after implementation.

Besides automation, using software provides a significant advantage in tool pathing. By communicating with CAM the software automatically applies tool pathing. This significantly reduces the propensity for errors, and the inevitable time lags that come with the errors.

Analyzer Software of this kind can help provide information to make bar codes and labels also. On the labels a printed image of what the processed part will look like can be seen. In ad¬dition to the visual, there are dimensions as well. The advantage of this is that the wrong sized board will not be selected to make a part, and the CNC operator can validate what they are about to run through the machine, before any errors are made.

The move from manual to automation in the woodworking industry has helped tremendously in meeting customer expectations and improving profitability. The future looks even better. As more manufacturers embrace technology, the focus will shift from the actual production process to creating designs that are unique and have a distinct personality. A perfect win-win situation for the manufacturer and the customer.

Tamara Korremans
3D Analyzer Software
Twitter: @3danalyzer

Website: http://www.3danalyzersoftware.com

Blog: http://www.3danalyzersoftwareblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tamara_Korremans

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