Circular CNC systems
Computer numerical control, or CNC, is the computer-controlled operation of machine tools that produce parts quickly and precisely in metal, plastic or wood. This factsheet from the Regional Transition Agenda Manufacturing Overijssel breaks down the material value, supply risk and circular revenue models of CNC systems.
What is a CNC system?
Computer numerical control is the computer-controlled operation of machine tools that produce parts quickly and precisely in metal, plastic or wood. The process drives a range of complex machines, from grinders and lathes to milling machines and routers. CNC machining executes three-dimensional cutting tasks from a single set of instructions.
Almost any material can be used in a CNC machine, depending on the application. Common materials include metals such as aluminium, brass, copper, steel and titanium, as well as wood, foam, fibreglass and plastics such as polypropylene.
Part of: the Regional Transition Agenda Circular Economy Overijssel, manufacturing industry · main project. Commissioned by: Province of Overijssel. Analysis: product footprint, material impact, supply risk and circular revenue models.
Product components
Five component groups together make up 95% of the total weight. Augers, drills, saws and other tools weigh the most and carry the highest value per tonne. IT plastics carry the largest share of eco-costs.
| Component | Weight | Value per tonne | Eco-costs per tonne | Share of eco-costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICT and telephony components | 15.00% | €965.85 | €166.02 | 23.24% |
| Control and steering systems | 5.00% | €321.95 | €40.79 | 5.71% |
| IT plastics | 25.00% | €375.00 | €226.81 | 31.75% |
| Augers, drills, saws and other tools | 50.00% | €2,118.50 | €216.22 | 30.26% |
| Hydraulic systems | 5.00% | €441.67 | €64.61 | 9.04% |
Environmental impact and supply risk
The highest environmental impact comes mainly from IT plastics and heavier steel components. Manganese also has a high impact. The precise impact depends on the application: laser cutters have different material requirements than grinders.
Gold, palladium and tin carry a high risk to supply security and business reputation. This sits mainly in the ICT components.
Critical material. Tin is on the EU list of critical materials. That makes supply security part of product strategy and design choices.
| Raw material | Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | high | high risk to supply security and reputation, mainly in the ICT components |
| Palladium | high | high risk to supply security and reputation |
| Tin | high | high risk, included on the EU list of critical materials |
Where is value retained?
The residual value of the end product is low after very long use, but a second-hand CNC machine can hold value for many years. Because innovation moves very fast in this product category, components remain valuable after the end product is written off. That makes component retention more valuable than material-level recycling.
The value-chain analysis compares the regional economic perspective by chain phase, from new materials to landfill.
| Chain phase | Regional economic perspective (€ millions) |
|---|---|
| Materials (virgin/new materials) | €153.76 |
| Components (new components) | €521.73 |
| Product | €1,359.00 |
| Reuse (product) | €951.30 |
| Repair (product) | €815.40 |
| Refurbish (product) | €679.50 |
| Remanufacture (secondary components in/for product) | €951.30 |
| Repurpose (components for or as another product) | €339.75 |
| Recycle (materials) | €53.81 |
| Landfill (lost) | €−153.76 |
Revenue models and scores
The lease model and the performance model apply best. In this sector, it is common practice to provide training for essential maintenance, teaching new operators the basics. Repair services are not yet part of current revenue models; component replacement could increase the potential for circular revenue models. Economic potential lies in service models and in component reuse.
Opportunities and points of attention for circularity:
- CNC systems score highly on both price and technical lifespan.
- A high degree of complexity, configured very specifically for one manufacturing process.
- The potential for sharing the product is relatively small.
- Component replacement could increase circular potential.
Product properties that support circularity, scored from 1 (low indication) to 5 (high indication):
| Product property | Score (1–5) |
|---|---|
| Technical lifespan | 5 |
| Price per unit | 5 |
| Predictability of demand | 4 |
| Frequency of use | 3 |
| Recyclability | 3 |
| Modularity | 3 |
| Product simplicity | 2 |
Further reading
This factsheet belongs to the main project on circular revenue models in the Overijssel manufacturing industry and connects to New Economy’s broader services around product footprint and circular design.
Insights from this project
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The residual value of the end product is low after very long use, but a second-hand CNC machine can hold value for many years and components remain valuable after write-off.
Gold, palladium and tin carry a high risk to supply security and reputation, mainly in the ICT components. Tin is on the EU list of critical materials.
The lease model and the performance model apply best. Service models and component reuse offer the most economic potential.
Augers, drills, saws and other tools make up 50% of the weight, with a value of €2,118.50 per tonne.
From factsheet to circular strategy
The analysis makes visible where material value, critical raw materials and revenue models converge. Product Footprint and circular design translate these insights into choices in design, procurement, service and reverse logistics.
View Product Footprint