Category: Small Parts Manufacturing
-
CNC Milling vs. CNC Turning: Love Each Process Equally but Differently
When your children ask which child you love best, the typical response is that you love them equally but express it in different ways. The same sentiment goes for machine shop mills and lathes. CNC milling and CNC turning serve distinct roles in precision manufacturing, and each process supports different part functions based on geometry,…
-
Why a Machine Shop’s Depth Matters
Selecting the right machine shop is critical to a manufacturer’s ability to produce consistent, high-quality metal parts and assemblies. A manufacturer gains a significant advantage when a machine shop offers a broad range of CNC lathes, milling machines, Swiss turning machines, and complementary metalworking equipment. This level of capability supports flexibility, efficiency, and long-term production…
-
Motion Control Metal Parts Machining Moves the Industry Forward
There are several core principles to keep in mind when machining metal components for motion control systems. These machined parts directly determine the precision, reliability, and long-term performance of the equipment they support. Linear actuators, robotics assemblies, servo mechanisms, and automated positioning systems all rely on metal parts to deliver accuracy under demanding conditions. Careful…
-
What Quality Means – Defining Quality Machining in Manufacturing Processes
Everyone wants quality products. When the word quality is mentioned in a meeting, it is often generalized to the point where it has lost its meaning. What exactly is quality? Terms like quality, efficiency, effectiveness can all lose their power (another general word) since they have different definitions to different people. However, quality is taken…
-
Precision-First: 4 Key Machining Tips Every Aerospace Engineer Should Know
No one wants to fly on a plane where manufacturers and engineers cut corners. Precision isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity for aerospace parts manufacturing. As an aerospace engineer, the consequences of a flawed part can range from reduced fuel efficiency to catastrophic system failure. But when it comes to translating designs into finished…
-
Choose the Right Machine Shop for Your Metal Part Production Needs
What to know when selecting a part manufacturer Finding the right job shop is a lot like cooking a bowl of chili. Many ingredients can go into a chili recipe, but there are certain items you add to make it your own. Similarly, you find the right mix of services when selecting a machine shop…
-
Considerations for Selecting a Subassembly Manufacturing Partner
Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Machine Shop for Subassembly Manufacturing Imagine planning a major kitchen renovation: you wouldn’t hire someone who’s great at carpentry but has no clue how to handle plumbing or electrical work. You need a subassembly manufacturing crew that not only understands each individual task but also knows how to…
-
Exploring Metal Finishing Methods
A Summary of Metal Finishing Methods Common to Job Shops Metal finishing is a crucial step in manufacturing that enhances metal parts’ appearance, durability, and performance. CNC 5-axis machines offering various finishing methods are employed to achieve specific surface qualities, protect against corrosion, and prepare parts for aerospace and aviation parts, medical equipment, hydraulic manifolds,…
-
When to Consider Multi-Step Processes for Manufacturing Metal Parts
Multi-Step Processes for Manufacturing Complex Metal Parts If you are afraid of escalators, you should take steps to avoid them. However, manufacturers should never be afraid to incorporate multi-step processing for metal parts. Consider multi-step processing for metal parts under the following conditions: Multi-step processing is ideal when dealing with complex geometries, critical tolerances, challenging…
-
Going Steady With Highly Engineered Machine Parts
Top 8 tips for designing complex metal parts When your social media status for your manufactured products is “It’s Complicated”, you know you need a parts manufacturer who can handle the multiple facets of machining complex metal parts. Engineering highly machined parts requires careful consideration of design, material selection, and manufacturability to ensure optimal performance…