It’s possible that you might have heard of CNC machines before. CNC, for anyone unaware, stands for Computer Numerical Control. Many different industries use CNC machining to produce various products and to complete a diverse task list.
The reason getting CNC machines makes sense is that you can mass-produce various items, and you can control a computer that takes care of the whole process for you. This makes injuries less likely since you can keep an entire workforce from having to spend time on a factory floor. You also don’t need as many employees, since generally, you only need a single well-trained individual to run a CNC machine.
Some companies utilize either a new or used CNC machine for sheet metal stamping. Others might use it as a waterjet or laser cutter. Still others may use it for welding, grinding, or as a milling machine.
However, there are other, more unconventional CNC machine uses, and we’ll detail a few of those right now. If you make any of these products, but you’re not using CNC machines yet, you might want to consider changing up your production methodology.
Item Holders
One reason why some companies don’t come up with as many things that they might create with their CNC machine is that they get stuck thinking that it can only mass-produce metal items. Many businesses will utilize these machines for industrial processes to create stamped metal products like some of those we just mentioned.
You can use other materials with CNC machines, though. For example, you can make item holders out of wood.
If you often misplace your keys, wallet, pens, sunglasses, and so forth, you might want to purchase a customized item holder. You can place it in your front hall or on your desk at home or at work. CNC machines can use wood to mass-produce these holders, and they look almost homemade as long as the company invests in quality wood like oak or cedar.
Car Badges
You might look at a high-end vehicle sometimes and wonder how the manufacturer creates the decals that go on the front or back. Motor vehicle companies usually call these decals “car badges.”
You can use a CNC machine to mass-produce them. The car company’s R and D department will come up with the logo and the materials and then pass that information on to you. You can stamp and cut thousands of these every day. If the car company likes your work, they might use you for this task exclusively.
Gates and Fences
You can also use the CNC machine to produce larger, more intricate pieces. Decorative fences and gates would be one example of that.
CNC machines and laser cutters can create pieces that look remarkably complex, but it’s actually not even all that challenging for them. If you want to partner with a home improvement company, you might create some gates, fences, doors, and screens that they’ll sell in their stores.
The metal items you use the CNC machine to create will be solid and unyielding, so you don’t sacrifice security when you make them visually appealing. If someone wants decorative gates or fences for their property to make it stand out, they’ll like these products.
Stamps
You can use your CNC machine to create stamp molds. Many sellers on Etsy or similar sites like to design stamps that they can then use on their products and feature in their packaging, particularly if they make gift items.
They might design the stamp that they want, and then you’ll create it for them. Some individuals even want personal stamps if they like to keep an old-fashioned correspondence through the mail, and they want their letters to stand out.
Nutcrackers
You might use your CNC machine to create beautiful, solid wood nutcrackers. You’ll sometimes see these for sale in grocery stores around the holidays, or you might notice them in gift catalogs.
Those who buy them can set them out around the holidays along with a mixed nut bowl. Their families and holiday guests will appreciate the precision-crafted nutcracker that goes so well with the rest of the décor.
As you can see, the more you consider what a CNC machine can do for you, the more valuable it becomes. Any time that you can design a metal or wood item, regardless of how complex it is, you can set the CNC machine to make as many of them as you might like.
