Precision machining has completely changed the way industries and businesses function globally. As of now, it holds 70% of the global machining market, and this impressive statistic is primarily due to the numerous advantages it offers. If your business is yet to adapt to the changing technological advances, then there’s a lot you’re missing out on.
This article covers the benefits of precision manufacturing. But before getting into the specifics, it’s crucial that you understand what precision machining entails.
What is Precision Manufacturing?
Precision manufacturing describes the process of removing material from a sheet or block of material to form desired shapes. Unlike in the early days when hammers and blades were used to fabricate parts, precision manufacturing relies on computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut parts to exact specifications.
Precision machining is finding ever-increasing application in our modern world. It is now being used in the aerospace industry to create manifolds, bushings, and landing gear parts. It also plays a significant role in the medical field, where there is a need for precision parts, such as implants, prostheses, and orthotic devices.
So, what makes precision manufacturing so important, and why is there so much hype around it?
Here are 4 Important Benefits of Precision Manufacturing
Benefit No. 1: Lower Cost and Tighter Tolerance
The demand for complex custom parts with tight tolerance continues to rise across a wide range of industries. Precision CNC machining tools can guarantee tolerances as close as +/- 0.0005” on milled features and +/- 0.0001” on turned parts.
If you’re looking to rely on conventional machining methods to uphold these tolerances, then be ready to pay through the nose. Only precision manufacturing technologies allow you to create complex parts and achieve tight tolerances at affordable prices. It cuts down the labor expenses common in injection molding or casting processes and ensures high-quality parts.
(Related Post: How Well do You Understand Precision, Tolerances, and CNC Machining Accuracy?)
Benefit No. 2: Fast production
Precision manufacturing is among the fastest machining methods available today. Unlike the conventional machining methods that rely on human control, precision machining relies on 3D CAD models, specialized software (for example, G-code), and advanced machining equipment to create custom parts.
This means you can create parts in a matter of days, whereas conventional machining methods might take weeks or even months. What’s more? Precision manufacturing eliminates human error and ensures that parts remain consistent at all times.
Benefit No. 3: Compatible with a Wide Range of Materials
Different materials pose different challenges to product designers during machining operations. For example, titanium has poor machinability due to its low thermal conductivity, high chemical reactivity, and high hardness at elevated temperatures. Although stainless steel parts are easier to machine than titanium, conventional machining methods usually alter the parts’ quality.
Precision machining is compatible with a wide range of materials. Whether you’re looking to machine titanium, stainless steel, tool steel, structural steel, copper alloy, plastics, or aluminum alloy parts, precision machining equipment will have no problem handling these materials.
(Related Post: CNC Machining Materials: Making the Best Choice for Your Project)
Benefit No. 4: Easier Testing and Prototyping
Prototyping is a staple in most manufacturing processes. It allows product designers to test products, identify potential design flaws and prevent costly mistakes down the road. Without it, many industries may not have reached their technological levels today. However, when it comes to testing prototypes, you need a fast and reliable machining method.
Injection molding or conventional casting might seem to be good options, but how do you implement design changes based on your test results? You will have to create a new mold before new designs can be created and tested. This causes delays and significantly affects lead times.
Precision machining offers rapid prototyping capabilities. You only need to modify 3D CAD models, and the precision machining equipment will create new designs in little to no time.
Even with the numerous benefits precision manufacturing offers, a lot can go wrong if you work with the wrong manufacturer. There have been numerous horror stories about low-quality and unusable parts as well as costly manufacturing services.
Gensun Precision Machining is a leading precision machining company located in China. Our expert engineers and technicians are helping businesses create high-quality and precise parts using advanced manufacturing equipment. We also have a team of quality control experts, and our production facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality.
Request a quote today to get your project started.
