Precision Machined Shops – What They Are, How They Work & The Benefits of Using Them
With the market becoming increasingly competitive, manufacturers need something out of the box to stand out amongst the crowd. The best way to do so is by producing high-quality products in a relatively short amount of time.
That’s what a precision machine shop can do for you. But what is it, and what advantages can you gain from it? To discover that, read this blog till the end.
What are precision machine shops?
A precision machine shop uses CNC equipment to shape raw materials into precise parts having the exact specifications. Precision machining is essentially a subtractive manufacturing process involving a high-end cutting tool controlled by a CNC machine.
In our daily life, we see many products that were manufactured using CNC machining. Some typical examples are automobiles, toys, and medical devices. If a product comprises multiple small parts, manufacturing these parts will need a high degree of precision to ensure they fit together well.
Such precision in shape and dimensions can be obtained in precision machine shops. However, before using precision CNC machining for fabrication, CAD or CAM programs must be used to design an exact 3D model of the required tool or product.
How do they work?
To make you understand the working of these machines, here’s the step-by-step procedure that we follow for the fabrication of products in our precision machine shop:
1. Getting the CAM model ready
To start, we create a graphical model of the required product using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. However, CNC machines can’t interpret such a model. That’s why this CAD model must be converted into a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) model.
For that purpose, we insert the CAD model in the CAM software, and the model gets converted into CAM format. CAM software uses G and M codes. The former controls the coordinates, while the latter controls the auxiliary functions of the machine.
2. Selecting a cutting equipment
To start, we create a graphical model of the required product using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. However, CNC machines can’t interpret such a model. That’s why this CAD model must be converted into a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) model.
3. Setting and Executing the Machine
In this step, we get the CNC machine ready to start the job. It involves calibrating the machine and mounting the raw material on it. Also, we make sure to check if all the clamps are properly tightened.
Once the setup is done, the next step is to execute the machine. Most CNC machines provide the option of adjusting different parameters on the monitor screen. After adjusting them as per the requirements, we run the program to kickstart the precision machining process.
4. Winding Up
Once the manufacturing process gets completed, we remove the workpiece from the precision machine. If there’s a need for polishing or grinding to give a finishing touch, we send it for these secondary processes.
But, these are usually not required for a product manufactured using a CNC precision machine.
The benefits of using precision shops
Precision machine shops offer numerous benefits in the fabrication of materials. Underlying are the top 6 benefits that make them a hard-to-leave option:
1. Quick Turnaround Time
Precision machining is one of the fastest manufacturing methods going around. The production of parts that can take weeks or even months using conventional methods can be done in days using this CNC machining technology.
2. Reduced Cost
One of the finest benefits of working with a precision shop is that it helps save a great deal of money. The reduced cost is due to the minimal labor efforts, less wastage, and no need for finishing processes.
3. Tight Tolerances
The demand for complex mechanical parts is rising day by day across several industries. The only way to obtain the required ultra-high accuracy for such products is by availing of CNC machining services.
A precision machine shop can offer tolerances of up to ±0.0005 inches for CNC milling features. Whereas for the turned parts, the tolerances can be as low as ±0.0001 inches.
4. Less Scrap Wastage
Being a subtractive process, precision machining has the potential to produce an excess amount of waste material as manual methods do. However, due to the use of advanced technology, it minimizes material loss. Hence, the profitability is improved while maintaining quality.
5. Easier Prototyping
The rapid prototyping feature of a precision machine makes it a hot choice for manufacturers. For any changes in design, all we need to do is to make changes in the CAD file, and the machine will create a new design in a flash.
6. Can Work With a Vast Range of Materials
Precision machining is capable of dealing with a wide variety of raw materials like steel, titanium, aluminium, wood, bronze, graphite, etc. In contrast, conventional machinery is limited to dealing with only a few types of materials.
Conclusion
Summing up, a precision machine shop is used for creating complex parts with fine accuracy. Using CAD models, a precision machine cuts and shapes the material according to the required specifications.
Partnering with a CNC machine shop offers you some amazing benefits to stand tall amongst your competitors.
Worthy Hardware is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company,including CNC machining services,CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services and stamping services.Call us +86-76989919645 or email us [email protected] for more discounts for your projects.