With constant advances in manufacturing, many companies are now looking to use AI to further improve their production process and enhance productivity. This software is better equipped to assist CNC machines to further streamline their processes and improve their operations. This article introduces you to the benefits of integrating artificial intelligence with online CNC machining services and provides you with typical limitations to expect when working with these devices.
The Benefits of Using AI in Conjunction With CNC Machines
Artificial intelligence is already influencing the manufacturing sector with the numerous benefits it has to offer. The main benefit of using AI in a manufacturing company involves streamlining the production process, enhancing productivity, and improving efficiency. It may also be used to improve safety during parts fabrication.
1. Enhance Machine Optimization
Besides being able to diagnose a problem, leading to a reduction in machine downtime and improved productivity, AI-operated CNC machines are equipped with better-sophisticated capabilities. These machines can analyze data and modify device settings to optimize machining. For example, if a slight increase in pressure improves turning or any other CNC operation without diminishing the cutting tools, the AI will automatically induce such modifications.
In addition, the AI may also analyze other intricate details, such as the tool path – the route by which the cutting tool passes in a material or the cutting angle between the cutting teeth and a workpiece. With such info, the AI is equipped with enough data to optimize the machining process without exerting too much on the device or affecting the machine’s durability.
2. Reduction in Machine Downtime
Like any industrial equipment, CNC machines may lose some of their functionalities, such as parts developing faults or wear and tear affecting parts, leading to loss of calibration, etc. Should any of these happen, the machines become less effective for fabricating components requiring high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances.
So, operators will have to repair these issues, resulting in the machines being unavailable for use – downtime. This will, in turn, affect productivity depending on the duration spent restoring the CNC device to optimum conditions. However, utilizing AI tech with CNC machines will equip the device to self-diagnose or even predict a problem before it occurs. This will make it easier for the technicians and operators to put the necessary precautions in place to optimize the device. Hence, machine downtime is drastically reduced, with a slight or no decrease in overall productivity.
3. Quality Control
This isn’t a major concern with CNC machines, as the devices can make machine parts with impeccable accuracy, even for large-volume production. However, equipping CNC machines with AI software like Autodesk FeatureCAM will further ensure impeccable repeatability and reproducibility. The software monitors the machining process and verifies each step, ensuring that all specifications are followed. Wherever there is a need for modifications on machine setup, the AI makes necessary adjustments. The result is high precision, accuracy and consistency, as well as the satisfaction of all customers’ requirements.
Potential Challenges With Implementing AI Into Manufacturing
Besides the various benefits of integrating AI tech into manufacturing, industries may experience some difficulties as they intend to adopt AI.
1. Shortage of AI Professionals
Operating AI projects, companies will require the services of experienced data scientists, BI analysts, software engineers, SMEs, etc. However, there still needs to be more experienced personnel for hire to operate these AI-enhanced CNC machines.
2. Access to Quality Data
To fully optimize the benefits of AI in manufacturing, industries need to prioritize obtaining quality data that the software can act upon. This is quite challenging, as much data available in manufacturing plants is biased, redundant, and error-prone.
3. Trust
Indeed AI’s ability to make real-time decisions to adjust a manufacturing process leading to improved productivity, is top-notch. Yet, trust and transparency issues exist, especially among operators with inadequate data science knowledge. Many technicians still feel the need to do things the old fashion way; instead of trusting the AI to analyze the data and carry out its operations.
Examples of How AI Is Currently Being Used in the Industry
Most manufacturing companies are yet to adopt AI for manufacturing; however, some industries utilize this tech for their different activities. Below are examples of how AI is currently used in manufacturing industries.
- Predictive analysis on when to maintain their machines to ensure proper management toward extending the device lifespan
- Quality assurance and validation of the production process ensure that the product meets all requirements.
- Forecast demand to allow industries to plan a suitable supply chain to sustain market needs.
- Automation of the manufacturing process and linking of multiple devices for seamless production
- Using computer vision to inspect the manufactured product, ensuring it is up to standard.
Conclusion
The use of AI for CNC machining is still relatively new. However, with non-stop technological advancements, the tech will become more sophisticated and suitable for making real-time decisions that directly influence manufacturing. The future of online CNC machining is one where AI software is connected to the CNC machines. It will integrate with multiple machines, monitor the machining process, detect and correct design faults automatically, and optimize each device for better efficiency.
Indeed one of the benefits of CNC machining is its less dependence on human influence. However, integrating AI tech into the CNC machining process can further reduce the need for human CNC operators and technicians, enhancing the process’s precision and accuracy.
Join our list
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.
Thank you for signup. A Confirmation Email has been sent to your Email Address.
Something went wrong.
