Importance of Precision Manufacturing
Precision machining has revolutionized the way industries and businesses operate around the world. As of now, it accounts for 70% of the global machining market, an impressive statistic that is largely attributed to the numerous advantages it offers. If your business has not yet adapted to the ever-changing technological advancements, then you are missing out on a lot of opportunities. This article covers the benefits of precision manufacturing. But before getting into the specifics, you must first understand what precision machining means.
1.What is precision manufacturing?
Precision manufacturing refers to the process of removing material from a sheet or block of material to form the desired shape. Unlike the early days of using hammers and blades to make parts, precision manufacturing relies on computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut parts to exact specifications.
Precision machining is increasingly being used in today’s world. It is currently used in the aerospace industry to make manifolds, bushings, and landing gear components. It also plays an important role in the medical field, which requires precision parts such as implants, prosthetics, and orthotics. So, why is precision manufacturing so important? Why is it so hyped?
2.Here are 4 important benefits of precision manufacturing
Advantage 1: Lower costs and tighter tolerances
The demand for complex, custom parts with tight tolerances is growing across industries. Precision CNC machining tools guarantee tolerances as close as +/- 0.0005 inches for milled features and as close as +/- 0.0001 inches for turned parts.
If you rely on traditional machining methods to maintain these tolerances, be prepared to pay a high price. Only precision manufacturing technology can allow you to manufacture complex parts and achieve tight tolerances at an affordable price. It reduces the labor expenses commonly seen in injection molding or casting processes and ensures high quality of parts.
Advantage 2: Fast Production Speed
Precision manufacturing is one of the fastest machining methods available today. Unlike traditional machining methods that rely on human control, precision machining relies on 3D CAD models, specialized software (such as G-code), and advanced machining equipment to create custom parts.
This means you can manufacture parts in a few days, while traditional machining methods may take weeks or even months. What’s more? Precision manufacturing eliminates human errors and ensures that parts are always consistent.
Advantage 3: Compatible with multiple materials
Different materials present different challenges to product designers during machining. For example, titanium is difficult to machine due to its low thermal conductivity, high chemical reactivity, and high hardness at high temperatures. While stainless steel parts are easier to machine than titanium, traditional machining methods often alter the quality of the part.
Precision machining is compatible with a wide range of materials. Whether you are machining titanium, stainless steel, tool steel, structural steel, copper alloy, plastic or aluminum alloy parts, precision machining equipment can handle these materials with ease.
Advantage 4: Easier Testing and Prototyping
Prototyping is an essential part of most manufacturing processes. It allows product designers to test products, identify potential design flaws and prevent costly mistakes later. Without prototyping, many industries might not be able to reach today’s technological level. However, when testing prototypes, you need a fast and reliable processing method.
Injection molding or traditional casting seem to be good choices, but how do you implement design changes based on test results? You must create a new mold before you can create and test the new design. This causes delays and seriously affects delivery time. Precision machining provides rapid prototyping capabilities. You only need to modify the 3D CAD model, and the precision machining equipment will create a new design in a very short time.
Despite the many advantages of precision manufacturing, many things can go wrong if you work with the wrong manufacturer. There are countless horror stories about low-quality and unusable parts and expensive manufacturing services.