What are the advantages of CNC technology in on-site machining?

  • Numerical control technology makes it easier to achieve the stringent precision levels demanded in industries such as shipbuilding and energy, where on-site machining is normally used

Lagun Machine Tools manufactured its first universal milling machine in 1954. Since then, we have continued to invest in diversification and innovation in order to meet the new needs that have arisen in the market.

Therefore, one of the greatest achievements was the introduction of the computerised numerical control (CNC) system on our portable milling machines in 2013. This technology, based on the use of computers to control and monitor machine tool movements, led to the automation and precision of tasks that until then had been performed manually. CNC makes it possible to constantly monitor and adjust the speed and position of the cutting tool, as well as perform multiple operations on a part with minimal operator intervention during the machining process.

Thanks to the manufacture of our first portable CNC machine, Lagun Machine Tools was able to meet the level of precision required by some of our clients’ projects. Since then, in addition to manufacturing milling machines, we have specialised in the design and manufacture of portable CNC machines, essentially to meet the on-site machining needs of the shipbuilding and energy industries (wind power, hydroelectric, nuclear…). Due to the complexity and size of the parts, these sectors require this type of machining, as detailed in our article about on-site machining.

Precision and repeatability CNC

The main advantages of a portable CNC machine for on-site machining are precision and repeatability. Having computer programs to constantly control the position of the tool provides greater precision and repeatability compared to manually operated machines.

Another advantage of CNC technology is reduced downtime, as machining operations can be programmed before the part is placed.

On the other hand, incorporating CNC has provided a solution for on-site machining jobs with very tight tolerances or specific shapes, applications in which machining can only be carried out on portable machines with CNC technology.

For all these reasons, and based on our extensive experience, we can say that the use of CNC technology in portable machines has greatly favoured on-site machining work.

The advantage of extensive experience

A distinctive feature of Lagun Machine Tools‘ CNC portable machines is that we work according to the client’s needs, meaning that the machines are fully customisable, depending on the requirements and objectives of the projects.

In addition, we have significant knowledge in PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) development and installation of numerical controls.

This is clearly identified by the recent success story with Navantia, for whom we designed and manufactured a specific machine for on-site CNC machining, which addressed very specific and particular needs, with multiple machining operations and high precision.

This strengthens our position as the ideal partner for the manufacture of portable CNC machines suitable for all types of industries and projects.

If you need advice and develop this type of machine for your industry, contact our sales department