Which of the following is a major benefit of CNC machines?

CNC machines provide a major benefit of consistent precision and repeatability, which is crucial for manufacturing processes. This capability allows them to produce parts that are uniform in dimensions and quality, regardless of the production volume or machine usage duration. The automation provided by CNC technology minimizes human error, ensuring that each part produced adheres strictly to the specified dimensions and tolerances. As a result, manufacturers can achieve higher quality control and less variability in their outputs.

This level of precision is particularly important in industries that demand tight tolerances, such as aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and high-performance automotive sectors. Additionally, the repeatability of CNC machines means that once a program has been written and tested, the same specifications can be used repeatedly to produce identical components, leading to efficient mass production and less rework or scrap generation.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the advantages of CNC technology. Increased labor requirements, limiting design options, and higher waste generation could be seen as drawbacks rather than benefits, as these factors tend to be associated with traditional manufacturing methods that are less automated and require more manual input.