/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
10
pitfalls to avoid when purchasing your CNC router.
A
CNC router is one of the most expensive investments a sign shop can make. Yet no matter how thorough the purchasing due diligence may be— with all the appropriate and applicable questions seemingly answered—a number of thorny issues can still pop up. These represent a virtual list of the top vulnerabilities that lie in wait for business owners and can result in unnecessary expense and the loss of time and materials for the business. It’s important for decision makers to know what these pitfalls are and how to avoid them.
Photos: (opposite page) sean busher/rite lite signs; (this page) kdf.
Changing Technology’s Impact on the Sign Builder CNC router technology has existed for decades, and like most technologies, it continues to evolve at a rapid pace. As a result, sometimes changes can occur during a lengthy purchasing process. By the time the decision is rendered, a newly purchased router may be quite capable of providing controls that are currently needed but may be less likely to adapt to future requirements. Innovative engineering has changed the capabilities of CNC routers. The same is true on the tool side with advances in casting, new materials, and construction. Perhaps the most powerful change impacting routers and tools is the former’s transition into an Internet-controlled device. These are control technologies that enable a manufacturer and a support entity to access a device practically
signshop.com
anywhere on the planet. The days of lengthy, time-consuming and sometimes confusing phone-based walk-through troubleshooting processes are being eliminated. Businesses, recognizing the benefits of connectivity, are looking to instant Internet communications support systems to reduce production, training, and maintenance time and labor costs. But it’s not just the Internet that’s changing the work model. The technology inside the machinery has grown exponentially “smarter” and more robust, offering more streamlined and possible growth-producing functions. All of these advances have resulted in router costs that benefit buyers. In other
words, similar to many other facets of technology, innovation is driving down the costs of purchasing and operating this equipment. Even in this buyers’ marketplace, there will be some apprehension for sign builders pondering the purchase of their first CNC router. It can be jarring for businesses that have relied on standard cutting tools and printers for years. A router is, after all, a machine tool, and workers are probably inexperienced in its use. Issues may occur with the router and cutting tools for aluminum, acrylic, and other materials. Business owners understand the need for training but worry about sufficient time for employees to fully understand
January 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
31