4 Fabrication Problems Solved By CNC Folders
Fabricators usually face different problems when they are working with different materials and equipment. This article discusses some of the fabrication problems that you would avoid by using CNC metal folding machines.
Tolerance Issues
Some fabricated products are normally returned by clients because those products exceeded the acceptable tolerances during their fabrication. This problem can be caused by several factors, such as human error during the process of loading sheet metal onto the folding machine. CNC folding machines help to eliminate this problem because the entire folding process is controlled automatically. Consequently, the automated system can make adjustments to the folding process so that the finished product has the tolerances that were specified when the part was designed.
Marks on Components
Components often have to undergo post-folding processing in order to remove any marks that were created as that component was being folded. Those marks can result from the effect of clamping tools as the material is turned during the cutting process. CNC folding avoids marking the material entirely. This is because the material does not move during the folding process. Instead, the folding machine moves in order to create different patterns or shapes in accordance with the product design that was fed into the computer controlling the folding equipment. Consequently, the component will be completed without developing any surface marks.
Missed Deadlines
Manual folding methods often cause fabricators to fail to meet the tight delivery deadlines set by clients. This is because so many things depend on workers. For example, workers will leave the fabrication shop once their work day comes to an end, whether a component is finished or not. Secondly, workers can slow down as they get tired. This reduction in productivity can affect completion rates. CNC folders can be programmed to work even when the fabrication shop has been closed at the end of the day. This makes it possible for products to be completed in time so that clients can receive them.
Damaged Products
Metal folding can sometimes cause flaws that compel a fabricator to waste a lot of materials during the fabrication of a component. For example, the sheet of metal can crack due to the use of excessive force in a bid to counter material spring-back. CNC folders calculate all the material attributes and design folding parameters to suit those attributes. This attention to detail produces blemish-free products that clients will be happy to receive.
Folding equipment has advanced greatly in order to find fixes to the numerous challenges that fabricators face as they work. You should therefore visit suppliers of CNC folding machines so that they can help you to select the upgrades that will help you to overcome the challenges that you are facing.