Custom Precision Machining allows precision parts machining plants to produce complex parts and assemblies precisely and efficiently according to customer needs and drawings. "Lights out" machining is one way that precision parts processing plants can further increase their productivity and efficiency. Lights out machining is a technique used by some manufacturers and machining companies that, if done successfully, can offer many benefits. Here we take a look at what "lights out" machining is, how does it affect the machining process and final product, and is it suitable for custom precision machining?
What is lights out processing? Lights out machining is a method used by precision machining factories to increase productivity and reduce costs. It refers to the operation of automated processes and mechanical functions with minimal human input. Since automated processes do not require human supervision or control, they continue outside working hours or even overnight; hence the term "lights out". Machines can continue to work to generate higher output even after human workers and employees go home.
Lights out "How does the machining work? Today, as automated equipment continues to proliferate and reduce costs, technologies that allow "lights out" processing are becoming more readily available and usable. Machining processes and machine functions can be fully automated, allowing production to continue without human presence. In precision machining, human input may be required to create designs and adjust settings on machines. However, in order to produce multiple products of the same workpiece, there is no need for constant employee attention, so precision machining can remain unattended outside of working hours.
Because certain precision machines can operate without operator attention, a typical machine that can run lights out must have a bar feeder or multiple trays. Some models of machines can run when the company's normal operations are off, and the lights are usually off. This is the whole process of lights out production
Benefits of Lights Out "Processing Since "lights out" processing can continue production without human operation, there are many benefits.
Lights-out machining means the machine can continue to run longer without a human being to operate it, 24 hours a day if necessary. This can greatly increase the productivity and output of the machine. While the number of machines on site may be limited, keeping them running for longer can still improve productivity.
In addition, there is no need to pay labor costs to workers during the lights-out process, so the relative production cost is reduced.
Where possible, longer-running jobs for repetitive machining can be completed during lights-out hours. This frees up manpower for workers to do shorter, more complex jobs on the go. This approach reduces labor costs, which in turn makes your project more cost-effective.
Lights out machining can help handle longer finishing operations when the machine is unattended, saving labor time for other jobs. This type of machining can also handle most of the machining while leaving critical tolerances to the human operator.
Is lights-out machining suitable for custom precision machining? Lights out machining provides significant benefits to precision machining plants that can also be passed on to customers. However, lights-out machining is more than just leaving the machine on overnight, it requires careful planning and organization. It's not suitable for all businesses.
In my eyes, lights-out processing is the trend of the times, and all precision processing factories should seize this trend and strive to improve their own capabilities. Although, it seems, custom parts generally have the characteristics of small batches, high processing difficulties and relatively high profits, which make custom parts seem unsuitable for lights-out production. However, there are also large batches of customized parts. As long as the customized parts precision processing factory also retains a few lights-out production lines, then this rare opportunity can be seized and high-quality customers can be obtained.
