What is Precision Machining?
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Precision machining refers to a group of subtractive manufacturing, or material removal, processes in which machines drill, cut, or otherwise remove material from a workpiece to create a part. It is usually done with computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines that are carefully programmed to make exact cuts and movements with specialized tools. This type of manufacturing allows for highly accurate individual parts and a high degree of precision from part to part.
Here, we’ll look at what precision machining is, the operations performed with it, and some of its many benefits and applications.
What is Precision Machining?
Precision machining is typically done with CNC machines, which allow for precise control over machining processes. Examples include milling, drilling, turning, cutting, routing, grinding, and others. A blank or workpiece is placed in the machine and specialized tools make cuts, drill, turn, or otherwise remove material from it based on a set of computerized directions. The machine is overseen by a skilled machinist or can be integrated with robots and other automation technology.
Because the positioning of blanks and movement of the tools is controlled by a computer program, each operation is performed with the same steps and parameters, to achieve the same dimensions and tolerances, over and over for a high degree of precision. This means there will be limited variation between parts. State-of-the-art tools for cutting and removing material from workpieces make it possible to create both complex and simple parts with a high degree of accuracy.
Benefits of Precision Machining
Precision machining offers numerous benefits for manufacturing and is widely used in many industries. Key advantages include:
- Quality & Accuracy: Due to its high degree of repeatability, precision machining enables consistent quality and accuracy in product manufacturing. This is especially important for parts and assemblies with tight tolerances, where even the smallest deviation can affect fit or performance. By using precision machining, manufacturers can produce high volumes of products with uniform quality, reducing waste and improving end user safety.
- Efficiency & Speed: CNC machines often outperform human manual labor in terms of speed, accuracy, and precision. Precision machining allows for faster setup and production with less downtime associated with worker fatigue, error, or injury. The result is faster turnaround times, lower labor costs, and quicker time to market.
- Streamlined Processes & Reduced Waste: Precision machining significantly reduces material waste by minimizing human error and optimizing workpiece positioning and material removal. This means blanks can be smaller and less scrap material is produced. By reducing waste, manufacturers can lower production costs and improve sustainability. Blanks are also loaded and removed efficiently cycle after cycle to save time. Integrating automation solutions, such as machine-tending robots and conveyance equipment, can further streamline operations.
- Workplace Safety: Using CNC machines enhances workplace safety by reducing manual cutting processes, repetitive motions, and worker fatigue, which can lead to errors or injury. In some cases, operators can be reassigned to more skill-intensive roles, such as CNC design and programming, improving overall job satisfaction.
Applications for Precision Machining
Precision machining is widely used in different industries, meeting many manufacturing requirements and challenges. Here are some notable applications:
- Aerospace. Components like aircraft turbines, engine blocks, landing gear, and structural airframe parts have tight tolerances and often use highly specialized materials. Multi-axis precision CNC machines like mills, lathes, and grinders are often used to create these parts.
- Automotive. Precision machined tooling and molds are used for stamped and injection molded components. CNC machines are also used to create gears, shafts, cylinders, and valves. High accuracy and precision improve part fit and function as well as driver safety.
- Medical. Medical devices, including surgical tools, dental drill guides, and joint replacement implants are often precision machined from biocompatible materials. It’s possible to achieve parts with sub-millimeter accuracy for improved patient safety and device functionality.
- Optics. Optical components, such as mirrors, lenses, filters, and prisms need extremely smooth surfaces and call for micron-level tolerances. Precision machining equipment shapes these materials to specifications for optimal light transmission and performance in optical systems.
- Electronics. Precision machining is used to create enclosures, connectors, and micro-scale features for semiconductors, consumer devices, and miniaturized electronics.
- Robotics. Robotic systems rely on precision machined components for articulated arm, joint, and end effector components. These parts must have excellent fit and function for the robot to move efficiently.
Fisher Barton’s Excellence in Precision Machining
Fisher Barton is a leader in precision machining for parts that require tight tolerances and complex geometries. Our Turning Center of Excellence includes several multi-axis, horizontal, and vertical turning machine stations for creating a range of parts in most metals and alloys, including aluminum, brass, bronze, Inconel, Monel, stainless steel, titanium, and more.
As a one-stop source for precision manufacturing, Fisher Barton has several capabilities in addition to precision turning and CNC machining. These include advanced coordinate measuring machine (CMM) verification and inspection, heat treating, grinding, surface engineering (e.g., thermal spray), mechanical/metallurgical testing, laser and waterjet cutting, permanent marking (e.g., engraving, etching), and on-site assembly.
Partner with Fisher Barton for Your Precision Machining Needs
Precision machining is an important manufacturing process for complex or critical parts used in many industries. Our experienced team of machinists and engineers is committed to excellence for all our customers and their projects. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered.
Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to get started.