Wood carving has been around for centuries as a form of art, creating timeless objects that are cherished and valued. Any type of wooden sculpture from decorative bas-reliefs on miniature pieces to life-sized figures fall under the umbrella of wood carving as an art form. When discussing their trade, woodcarvers explain about the equipment they use, the types of wood they carve, and the different carving techniques. Carving knives, such as whittling knives, chip carving knives, and hook knives, are the most fundamental instruments that were used by wood carvers.
With the advent of technology, many tools which were once only possible by hand are now being replaced by computer numerical control wood carving machines. This has allowed the wood carving industry to grow and prosper in a way that only hand carving techniques couldn't. In today’s era of technology, woodcarvers are preferring CNC carving machines for designing because it saves time and gives more precision.
Basically CNC carving, as the name suggests, is a machine that works according to a computer software. Manufacturers prefer CNC Wood carving designs because it is more detailed and intricate than conventional wood carving. Thanks to the rise of computer numerical control (CNC) wood carving machines, wood carvers can now create beautiful carvings quickly and efficiently.
There are numerous other advantages to CNC wood carving over hand wood carving. Let's dig a little deeper into those with this blog.
Difference Between CNC Carving and Traditional Wood Carving
Parameters | CNC Wood Carving | Hand (Traditional) Wood Carving |
---|---|---|
Accuracy |
More accurate as it requires a digital template |
Less accurate because it requires human labour |
Error |
Zero error |
Possibility of error |
Time |
Less time because it is done by machine |
It takes a lot of time |
Labour Required |
Minimal labour, maximum output |
No labour limitation but output is limited |
Advantages of CNC Wood Carving Over Hand Wood Carving
- Because CNC machines are autonomous and use a digital template, human error is essentially eliminated, resulting in excellent accuracy. The software offers a complete workflow, allowing it to correctly carry out repetitive commands. This is not possible in the case of hand wood carving.
- When combined with cutting-edge design software, CNC machines deliver results that manual machines cannot replicate. The devices can manufacture a wide range of forms, sizes, and textures.
- Less employees are needed to complete production activities using CNC machining. Several of the autonomous CNC machines can be operated by a single experienced operator and they can be programmed with the required designs by a single programmer. A manual machine needs at least one trained operator per machine, as well as typically a group supervisor.
- Efficiency, speed, specialisation, accuracy, and less work hours all contribute to the success of your company. The lower costs can then be utilised to gain a competitive edge and invest in expanding the business. Making more or saving more money is one of the well-known benefits of CNC machining.
- A safe environment for workers comes with a quick production process and reliable products. The operators of conventional-manual lathes, drills, punches, and other tools come into direct touch with the equipment, but the operators of CNC machines work at a distance from the sharp tools.
- The G-code based software will automatically update itself as needed, and CNC machines typically only need a little light cleaning and periodic minimal servicing of the cutting tools. Since none of the routine maintenance requires specialised assistance, money can be saved.
- Precision, high output, & improved efficiency are qualities that modern industry demands, and CNC machining provides that easily. The human components of the manufacturing line that are prone to error are replaced by CNC machines. This makes it possible to produce the high-quality results that contemporary industries require.
- CNC goes above and beyond what humans are capable of. The equipment enables manufacturers to produce unique goods they previously could only imagine. Furthermore, the use of complex geometry in CNC machining can result in lighter and more robust products.