Often when a CNC machine is doing its job, it’s throwing metal chips, coolant, and creating noise that can be heard across the entire shop.
That’s more than just an inconvenience. It’s a safety issue, a cleanliness problem, and a source of distraction. CNC machine enclosures give you control over that space again.
In this article, we’ll cover what CNC machine enclosures are, their main benefits, and where they’re most commonly used.
What Are CNC Machine Enclosures and Why Do They Matter?
A CNC machine enclosure is a structure that surrounds and protects a CNC machine. It creates a barrier between the machine and the rest of the work area, whether that’s in a warehouse, factory, or somewhere else entirely. The CNC machine enclosure can help reduce noise, keep out dust, and lower the risk of accidents. It can also help keep the area the right temperature or humidity.
In general, CNC machine enclosures can be custom-built or modular. Modular enclosures, like the ones made by Allied Modular, are built off-site and put together quickly on the shop floor. They’re also easy to move or change later if your layout changes.
What Are the Main Benefits of CNC Machine Enclosures?
Businesses create CNC enclosures because they provide a lot of benefits to workshops and factories. Here are a few of the top advantages:
1. Safety
CNC machines are known to move fast, and cut hard materials. Sparks or chips can fly, and the parts of CNC machines can move quickly. A robust enclosure ensures that all the dangerous are contained, which prevents unnecessary injuries. Workers can even watch through clear panels without needing to get in harm’s way.
2. Less Noise
CNCs can get loud, especially in large and open areas. Machine enclosures help block out sound so that employees can better concentrate and communicate with one another. In some cases, adding enclosures helps reduce hearing protection requirements.
3. Cleaner Surrounding Areas
Finally, CNC machines often throw off dust, metal chips, coolant, and other debris. Adding an enclosure will help you catch most of that before it reaches the surrounding area. That means less sweeping for your team, less wiping of nearby machines, and a better-looking space overall.
Where Are CNC Machine Enclosures Most Used?
CNC machine enclosures are used in a wide range of industries with various requirements. Here are a few common industries that use them:
- Aerospace: Keeps chips and dust away from parts and helps create a clean machining space.
- Automotive: Helps create special zones for machines and robotics.
- Electronics: Creates semi-cleanroom environments, and can also reduce static and airborne particles during precision machining.
- Industrial/Manufacturing: Helps reduce noise, trap debris, and separate special equipment from the rest of the shop.
The Bottom Line
CNC machine enclosures help make shops safer, quieter, and cleaner. They are easy to set up, simple to adjust, and built to last for a long time. If you want to control noise, mess, and safety, modular CNC enclosures are the way to go.
Interested in setting up machine enclosures at your shop? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular for a quote on new buildouts:
FAQs About CNC Machine Enclosures
1. Can a CNC enclosure be added to an existing machine?
Yes, absolutely. CNC machine enclosures can be added to existing machines on your shop floor. Modular systems are especially good for retrofitting because they will not require any major changes to your setup.
2. Are ventilation or cooling systems included in CNC enclosures?
Not always by default, but they can certainly be added. If your machine generates heat or if you’re enclosing multiple, ventilation or HVAC systems can easily be integrated.
3. Can CNC machine enclosures be expanded or reconfigured later?
Yes, of course, and this is one of the best advantages of using modular for machine enclosures. You can remove, reposition, or add panels as your layout changes or when more equipment is added.
