1. Personal injury: CNC routers are powerful machines that can pose a significant risk of personal injury to individuals who operate them. The fast-moving cutting bits or tools used in CNC routers can cause serious cuts, lacerations, or even amputations if proper safety measures are not taken.
2. Material waste: CNC routers rely heavily on computer-controlled instructions to complete their cutting jobs. Any errors in programming, inaccurate measurements or inaccuracies during machine setup can result in wasted materials and time. This can lead to significant costs for businesses and individuals using CNC routers for digital fabrication projects.
3. Machine failure: CNC routers rely on motors, gears, belts, and other mechanical parts that can wear out over time, leading to machine failure. In addition, power surges, electrical issues, and other technical problems can damage or disrupt the operation of a CNC router, rendering it useless and costing businesses time and money.
4. Cybersecurity risks: CNC routers are often connected to computer networks, which increases the risk of cyber-attacks. Hackers can potentially access and control CNC routers, causing them to malfunction or even pose physical harm to those around them. It is essential to take adequate cybersecurity measures to protect CNC routers from such attacks.
5. Lack of versatility: While CNC routers are highly versatile, they may not be suitable for all types of digital fabrication projects. For instance, CNC routers may not be the best tool for intricate, high-precision projects that require hand-finishing. Fabricators need to understand the capabilities of CNC routers and select the right tool for each project.
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