As a company that has been working in the engineering field for over 40 years, we understand that it can be daunting for a manufacturer to understand the different types of machinery and what they can offer them as a customer.

To save valuable time and money, it is essential that the correct machine is used to manufacture products as each one is different and is used for a different purpose.

At McGreevy Engineering, our processes feature two main pieces of machinery – a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine and a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Each machine manufactures state-of-the-art products but work in very different ways. Below we have broken down a little bit about each machine and how each one can help to meet your needs and requirements as a customer.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine

In basic terms, a CNC machine is operated via a numerical code which is then programmed into the computer’s software. Our engineers will create a 2D or 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) image of what the product will look like, which is then translated into a code for the machine to carry out the manufacturing process in real life. In essence, something similar to how a robot might operate!

Once the CAD image has been created and the numerical code has been programmed into the machine, the process is fully automated. This means that using a CNC machine guarantees consistency across your products and pinpoint accuracy that may be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve by the human hand.

Due to the consistency and accuracy provided by CNC machines, they’re most commonly used to create parts for the aerospace and automotive sectors as well as manufacturing products made from wood or plastic.

Working in these particular sectors means that these products will often have specific requirements and CNC machines have the capability to utilise other tools and components which will be useful for our customers.

These additional components may include:

·         Laser cutters

·         Glass cutters

·         Embroidery machines

·         Foam cutters

·         Cylindrical grinders

·         Wire bending machines

Part of the reason why our engineers value our CNC machine so highly is that products can be created, regardless of how complex, accurately, on time and in full.

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

No matter what sector you service or what part you need, establishing accurate geometric dimensions is extremely important. Traditionally, this would have been done by hand using tools although thankfully, engineering has evolved exponentially over the last few years, and we now have a CMM machine which can help us to gather dimensions.

A CMM machine works by using coordinate technology to measure the dimensions of a particular part along the X, Y and Z axes and depending on the machine, it can also record the measured data as well.

Using a CMM machine has many benefits including speed and accuracy and can repeatedly measure parts better than the more traditional method of doing it by hand. Reducing the chances of human error means that accuracy is almost guaranteed and productivity can be improved which will save our customers’ time and money throughout the entire manufacturing process.

CMM machines are most typically used to measure three dimensional parts for various sectors, objects such as prototypes and to measure differences between drawings.

It’s not difficult to see why our skilled engineers enjoy working with our CNC and CMM machines as they guarantee quality which is what we’re all about here at McGreevy Engineering.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our team about a project, contact us by calling: 028 9044 8755 or email: [email protected].