FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN EVALUATING THE PURCHASE AND USE OF NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE TOOLS.

The production of precision metal parts is one of the most expensive of manufacturing processes, yet cost reductions and productivity increases in this area have been slight. This apparent lack of large productivity increases exists while many precision metal cutting and forming methods are on the market and being continually improved. One of the methods presently available that offers great productivity improvement potential is the numerical control (NC) machine tool. It appears that there are many manufacturing facilities that could benefit from the use of NC machine tools. In view of this, an examination is made of the factors to be considered in the evaluation of purchase and use of NC machinery.