Precision machining is a process which involves the use of computers to control machine tools in order to provide maximum precise measurements. It is precision machining that produces a great number of small and large objects that people commonly use in their everyday life. Every complex piece that makes up an object needs a certain level of machinists skills. Similarly, a machine or a tool that has been worn down will oftentimes require grooving or welding by a precision machinist. Today precision machining has reached into every industry and technology – from custom automotive tools and surgical bone drilling devices, to the production of aircraft aluminum alloys.
Quality precision machining involves the ability to follow exceptionally specific blueprints that are made by CAM or CAD programs like TurboCAD and AutoCAD. The software can help produce complex 3D diagrams or outlines that are needed in order to produce an object, a tool or a machine. The blueprints have to be adhered with great attention to ensure that the product keeps its integrity. Although most precision machining companies work with some forms of CAM/CAD programs, in the initial phases of the designing, oftentimes they still work with hand-drawn sketches.
Precision machining services are used on a great variety of materials among which the most common ones are bronze, steel, graphite, plastics and glass. The number of precision machining tools that are used greatly depends on the materials that will be used as well as on the size of the project. For this purpose, it may be used a combination of lathes, miling machines, grinders, saws, drill presses and even high-speed robotics. For example, the woodwork tool-making industry may use photo chemical etching and miling processes, while the aerospace industry on the other hand, may use high-velocity machining. Moreover,very often precision machining requires the programming of CNC devices and this means they are computer numerically controlled. The CNC device enables for exact dimensions to be followed throughout the running of a product.
In order to operate CNC precision machines, besides computer basic skills, operators need to have at least basic knowledge in industrial arts, mechanical drafting as well as in mathematics. CNC precision machining services provide numerous benefits. This type of machining is more precise than manual and it can be used time and time again following the same exact measurements. With CNC machining one can produce very complex shapes that are impossible to produce with manual machining.