Coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes, speeds, and other dimensions, CNC machining centers are the workhorses of the precision engineering and manufacturing industry. Equipped with varying degrees of software and automation, they can help to significantly improve the efficiency of your machining processes and ultimately the quality of your parts.
The challenge, however, comes in selecting the right machine for your company. With so many factors to consider, how do you narrow down to the most critical factors?

A useful checklist from PRATIC CNC for you to start with.

1.Current machine tool set-up and operators experience

First, consider the current machine set-up at your factory and how much experience the engineers/operators have in using CNC machine tools.
If you already have existing machines, you should evaluate if they are still appropriate for the manufacturing purposes, find out what the gaps are, assess your machine life span, and evaluate the cost effectiveness of replacing an existing machine with a newer higher performing one.
Second, the expertise and proficiency of operators play a critical role. Generally speaking, more highly automated smart machines require less human intervention than simpler machine tools with limited functions.

2. Parts difficulty and complexity

One of the greatest challenges in CNC machining is the complexity and precision of the parts to be produced.
Parts for automotive, defense, aerospace or medical industries may require advanced machines, where various spindles are available, capable of maneuvering, cutting, boring and shaping parts controlled through multiple axis or tools. Examples of these machines include 3 to 5-Axis Machining Centers and 2 to 8-Axis Turning Centers. They allow one, two or even Multi-spindle (mass production) designs.
From standard to highly complex jobs or for batch production, you may consider either Horizontal or Vertical CNC Machining centers with 2 to 5 controlled axes or Gantry-type Milling Machines with 3 to 5 controlled axes.

3.Materials to be machined

CNC machining centers are capable of working on virtually most materials, for metals including aluminum, copper, mould steel or hardened steel, titanium and Inconel. The material to be machined will influence the machine design and the spindle to be selected, as well as the levels of performance, durability, load bearing and precision that can be realized. Physical properties and optimum cutting conditions of the material will also influence on factors such as the maximum spindle speed, peak spindle motor power and maximum spindle motor torque needed.
 
4.Linear motion (LM) guide ways or Box guide ways

Next, you need to consider if you should choose a CNC Machine tool using the linear guide (LM)) way system or the stronger and more rigid box guide way design.
There are four main factors you need to consider here: speed, rigidity, load carrying capacity,tool life.
Machines that are built with LM guide ways tend to be faster but more suitable for lighter-duty applications, machines with box guide ways are more rigid, have less vibration, and are capable of taking on heavier cuts on large parts. However, these are normally slower than those with LM guide ways.

In choosing between the two, it is useful to ask yourself the following questions:

*What will the material to be cut be?
*How much damping of vibrations is needed?
*What are the desired cutting feed rates?
*What are the expected and required tool life?

5. Types of CNC control system

You need to also match your choice with the selection of the most practical CNC controls. This will not only depend on the levels of automation but include the number of axis to be controlled as well as the manual interventions needed during the production process.
You should go beyond choosing the nice and big screen for your CNC control, and consider the following important factors: reliability of the CNC control, effectiveness, Software stability, user friendliness.

6.Cost

In order to determine this, you need to consider both your fixed costs and variable costs:
- Fixed costs: Initial capital investment, depreciation of machine, loan interest (if any)
- Variable and long-term costs: Material cost, manpower costs, tooling costs, maintenance and servicing costs, spare parts costs.
Note that choosing the machine fit your current budget and also the operation cost in the long run to enjoy butther production effectiveness and factory profitability.
 
7. Available space at factory

Last, but certainly not least, you will need to consider how much space you have in your shop floor to accommodate the new machines.
Naturally, this varies from industry to industry, and may include the following factors:
- Maximize utilization of available floor space
- Minimize the movement of workers from machine to machine
- Material flow and space for movement of materials from point to point
- Increase productivity