Precision is a crucial aspect of high-quality machining. It is key to delivering accurate products with tight tolerances and desirable surface finishes. Nearly every industry relies on CNC precision machining to create quality custom machined parts that meet requirements.
Let’s dive into the details of precision CNC machining and how it can benefit your project.
What Is CNC Precision Machining?
CNC precision machining refers to the use of Computer-Aided Manufacturing blueprints to shape raw material into desired products. It is a subtractive process involving the cutting excesses on various materials with different manufacturing processes.
Precision CNC machining is now an essential part of the manufacturing industry. This process often involves a collaboration between expert designers and professional engineers.
This is necessary to use advanced tools available for creating intricate parts with complex geometries. The tolerance standard of a typical CNC machine is +/- 0.005 in. (0.13mm). For CNC precision machining, it can be as low as +/-0.002 in. (0.051 mm) ~ ±.0002 in. (0.005mm).
If your project involves creating critical components for demanding applications, then precision machining is your way to go.
Types Of CNC Precision Machining Equipment
Precision CNC machining involves many different processes. Thus, there is the need for several pieces of equipment for quality work.
Some cases involve putting the tools on a single CNC machine. The machinist will only have to start and stop the machining process in such cases.
In other instances, the machinist has to place the tools on multiple CNC machines. In that case, they will need to move the material or workpiece from one machine to another.
Some of the CNC machines used for effective CNC precision machining include the following:
CNC Milling Machines
NC Milling is one of the precise machining processes involving removing excess materials from workpieces using rotary cutters. This manufacturing process involves using various types of mills. Examples of the mills are chamfer mills, helical mills, and end mills.
Computer numerical control enabled machines also include hand milling machines, universal milling machines, omniversal milling machines, and plain milling machines. These milling machines can have either horizontal or vertical orientations.
CNC Turning Machines
Turning is another precision CNC machining process involving the rotation of the workpiece next to a cutting tool. The cutting tool is often rotating single-point equipment.
CNC lathes are the most common tools for CNC turning processes. Examples of these lathes include engine lathes, engine-purpose lathes, and turret lathes. Other equipments used for turning are taper and straight turning tools, threads, and external grooves.
CNC Drilling Machines
Drilling involves using rotating drill bits for creating cylindrical holes in workpieces. The drill bits are multi-point tools to ensure precise machining.
Their designs also ensure that the chips off the raw material fall away from it. This way, you can be sure that the drilled holes are neat.
Common drill bits for CNC machining processes are:
- Spotting Drills – To make pilot or shallow holes.
- Screw Machine Drills – To produce holes that are not pilot holes.
- Peck Drills – They help reduce the number of chips from a workpiece.
- Chucking Reamers – To enlarge holes created previously.
- Drill Presses – They assist in customized drilling tasks.
Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Tools
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) uses sparks of electricity in a precision CNC machining process to get the desired product. A wire EDM setup includes the tooling electrode and the workpiece electrode.
A dielectric fluid separates these electrodes and subjects them to an electrical voltage. Some machinists refer to the process as spark machining, die sinking, wire erosion, or spark eroding. It is very effective in creating intricate parts for different applications.
The optimum sort of CNC machine you choose for your project will depend on the part’s complexity and shape, as well as the material. A cylindrical part, for example, is a good candidate for a CNC lathe because the cutting tool will make contact with the spinning workpiece. On the other hand, precision manufacturing is best for more complex parts with different geometries.
FAQs
Why is precision machining important?
CNC Precision machining helps create high-quality parts that meet tight tolerance requirements and stringent specifications. It is the best manufacturing technique using high-quality machining technologies to create top-notch components.
Furthermore, it is compatible with a wide range of materials, ranging from metals to plastics. Thus, it is useful for making parts for many industries, including medical, aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. Other benefits of precision machining are reduced labor costs and quicker turnaround times.
What is the tolerance AT Machining can reach?
Our standard machining tolerance for prototypes and full production is +/- 0.005 in. (0.13mm). However, we have standard precision and production machining tolerance for greater accuracy which can be up to +/-0.002 in. (0.051 mm) ~ ±.0002 in. (0.005mm).
However, our CNC machining services often achieve greater accuracy, depending on the material and part’s geometry. In this case, you have to ensure that we have every detail of your requirements. Kindly note these detailed requirements on your parts’ designs before uploading CAD files for quoting.
What does AT Machining need for a quotation?
Before starting any Precision CNC machining process, we require the intended product’s blueprint with CAD or CAM programs. This will give highly detailed 3D models of the product required by the machining process to replicate the component effectively.
We will also need the list of materials, quantity, and finish requests (if needed).
What type of design files does AT Machining accept for quotations?
Our CNC precision machining services require 3D and 2D drawings for an effective manufacturing process. For the 3D drawing, we would prefer STEP, IGES, or XT format.
For the 2D drawing, we would prefer PDF format including the tolerances with their dimensions, if possible.
Conclusion
CNC precision machining is one of the most effective techniques for manufacturing your custom-machined parts. It gives little room for error while producing parts that meet tight tolerance and complex specifications. It is a manufacturing process you should incorporate into your projects.
Contact us at Genesis-MFG today to learn more about how we can help with your unique production requirements. Our precision CNC machining services are second to none!
