Finding the best solution
Traditionally, cell-based manufacturing focuses on using a beam saw for cutting
and a machining center for boring, drilling, and grooving. Nested-based
manufacturing centers on a router as the primary tool. The series of matrices
below provide a general guideline to follow when researching the best
manufacturing solution for your shop.
Shop and Product Description
|
Considerations
|
CNC ROUTER
|
CNC MACHINING CENTER (M/C)
|
|
Available floor space
|
minimal
|
sufficient for large saw and machining center
|
|
Good saw in place
|
no
|
yes
|
|
Production level
|
40 - 70 sheets/shift
400 - 700 parts/shift
high production achieved with material handling
|
600 - 1200 parts/shift
85% efficiency average
45 sec/part
pendulum operation boosts efficiency
|
|
Stackable, consistent parts
|
no
|
yes
|
|
Predictable edge thickness
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Typical construction methods
|
groove, screw, RTA
(other methods supported off-line)
|
dowel, groove, screw, RTA, biscuit
|
Application
Both systems can perform all applications, but the matrix below helps weigh the
scale for which equipment is better suited for specific applications. For
example, four stars (****) indicates that the equipment in that column is very
well suited for the cross referenced application. On the other hand, one star
(*) would indicate that the equipment is not well-suited for the application.
|
APPLICATION
|
CNC ROUTER
|
CNC MACHINING CENTER
|
|
Commercial Casework
|
**
|
****
|
|
Custom Casework
|
***
|
**
|
|
Closet / Storage Systems
|
*
|
****
|
|
Store Fixtures
|
***
|
**
|
|
Work Surfaces
|
**
|
**
|
|
Architectural Millwork
|
***
|
**
|
|
Furniture Components
|
****
|
**
|
|
Solid Surface
|
***
|
**
|
Approach
Part of choosing the right manufacturing system for your shop is understanding
what you are comfortable with. This helps alleviate some of the stress when
initiating your new processes.
|
A CNC ROUTER may be for you if . . .
|
A CNC MACHINING CENTER may be for you if . . .
|
|
you employ operators, not carpenters.
|
you hire only skilled labor.
|
|
you need to start fresh with your complete manufacturing system.
|
you want to grow incrementally.
|
|
you are comfortable with computer systems.
|
computers are a necessary evil.
|
|
you like the idea of using one machine to do it all.
|
you have good equipment, but need to be more efficient with it.
|
|
you cannot fit another large piece of equipment in your existing floor space.
|
you have room to grow and want to use it more efficiently.
|
|
you want your machine to be a printer for your design software.
|
you want to be able to create parts right at the machine.
|
Next: An introduction to Nested-Based manufacturing.
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