CNC Millwork

How CNC Benefits Commercial Millwork

What is CNC? CNC stand for Computerized Numerical Control. CNC machines are used to create high-precision parts with a variety of materials including metal, wood, plastics and more. In the millwork industry CNC machining allows companies to produce parts for products such as casework, countertops, trim, and panels with an efficiency that cannot be matched by using hand tools. Did you know that CNC millwork machines can provide tolerances as precise as 0.001 inches and can operate as much as 10 times faster than using manual tools and jigs?

CNC machining began during World War 2. There was a need for complex, precise, and efficient machined parts that drove the development of CNC machining. During this time CNC machines were rudimentary and were just numeric control machines. These machines were programmed with punch tape and were the predecessors of today’s modern CNC machines. The two individuals that are considered the pioneers to modern CNC machining are John T. Parson and Frank L. Stulen. In collaboration with MIT, Parson’s and Stulen’s work was recognized by the United State Air Force to make helicopter blades. Did you know that the first CNC machine was a modified Cincinnati “Hydrotel” milling machine (see picture below)?

Most millwork companies use 3 axis CNC machines. This means that the cutting tool moves along three primary axes. The three axes are referred to as the X, Y, and Z. The X axis moves left to right, The Y axis moves front to back, and the Z axis moves up and down. The three axes provide the ability to create a two-dimensional product. Some companies, such as Giffin Interior have invested in 5 axis CNC machining. With a 5 axis CNC machine there are also an A and B axis. The A axis rotates around the X axis and the B axis rotates around the Y axis. This provides the ability to produce complex 3-dimensional parts in one process.

At the heart of CNC machining is the programming of the machines. For the millwork industry, engineers program the machines using software such as Autodesk Fusion, Mastercam and more. This software translates drawings into “G Code” so that the machine can “understand” the instructions This enables the millwork company to schedule manufacturing, reduce waste and ensure that parts are fabricated in the correct order that they will be needed for assembly. CNC machining can also help ensure that millwork products produced can meet requirements such as AWI QCP standards.

How does CNC machining benefit modern commercial millwork projects? With the schedule and size of most modern commercial projects it would be impossible to meet final completion dates and quality requirements needed in today’s high paced construction industry. The right CNC machines provide accurate milling at a pace that cannot be matched by hand tools. CNC machines reduces waste and cost by increasing efficiency for millwork projects.

Giffin Interior has invested in the appropriate CNC technology for since 1980. We evaluate the needs of our customers and how we can meet those needs. Some of those needs that never change are quality, cost, and schedule. With the appropriate use of CNC machining, we have been able to provide the highest quality at the best cost and provide the millwork in schedule. Our most recent investment in CNC machining is a 5 axis CNC machine. This investment enables Giffin Interior to provide the same high-quality 3-dimensional millwork more efficiently compared to using hand tools and jigs.