Reliability of lights out in precision machining

Don't get us wrong - we're not saying it's impossible to do lights-out in CNC precision machining. But it does need to bring together and listen to all stakeholders and providers at the planning stage to ensure you have:

The perfect material

Proper part size and geometry

Cpk on the device ≥1.67

The tolerances are not so strict that 99.9999% process reliability is not feasible

Even the most accurate machinations struggle to provide one-in-a million reliability in cutting tools, bar loaders, coolant transport, and tight tolerances. However, if all these conditions are met, lights out production can be found.

For example, in metal cutting, we might test which machines, tools, and materials will achieve the specified results during the dimming process. Alternatively, we could test a semi-lights-out process, in which we program the machine to produce additional parts, not during continuous night operations, but for an additional half-shift after work.

Please contact us at zhang@pride-cnc.com