Tag : custom machined parts

Detail of aluminum machined parts, shiny surface.

Achieving Maximum Efficiency in Machining Tight Tolerance Parts

The best practices for precision manufacturing come from using computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining. CNC manufacturing uses high-speed, robot-driven machines and specialized cutting equipment in a custom machine shop. A machine shop for CNC manufacturing will have vertical and horizontal milling machines and lathes.

This CNC process can make custom machined parts to meet the exact specifications of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Besides precision manufacturing, a CNC machinist can perform prototype machining in preparation for full-run CNC manufacturing.

This is a guide to the best practices with practical tips on how to create designs, use prototype machining, and choose materials that result in the most cost-efficient custom machined parts produced by CNC machining.

It Starts With Superb Design

Before the machine shop work can begin, creating a precise computer-aided design (CAD) model is the first step. Then, the CAD model is loaded into computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. This creates the instructions that tell the robotic machines how to move in order to cut away material from a manufacturing blank in order to form the desired end result.

The instructions are very detailed and include the following:

· The tool paths that are necessary, based on the geometry of the finished part.

· How fast the cutting machine should move.

· How fast and in what direction to turn the materials stock and/or the cutting tool.

· The precise locations and how to move, based on a three- or five-axis coordinate system.

The computer controls of the machine doing the cutting work guide the movements on all three X, Y, and Z axis simultaneously, making complex cuts and detailed geometric patterns possible.

Choosing the Right Cutting Tool for the Design

A CNC lathe has a fixed cutting tool and the material stock rotates. A CNC mill is the opposite, With a mill, the tool rotates and the material stock is stationary. Using a CNC lathe produces a better result for complex cylindrical shapes.

If a part requires square features, these are better made using a CNC mill. If a round part has a square feature, then first the round geometry is produced on a CNC lathe and then the square features are cut with a CNC mill.

Part sizes are limited to the tool clearance of milling machines and the depth of the cuts possible. Lathe part size capability depends on the build space. A live tooling lathe combines CNC milling capability within the lathe, which is a beneficial tooling solution to increase the features that can be produced and reduce lead times.

Default Tolerances

Unless a customer provides specifications that include tolerances, the general permissible tolerance levels are plus or minus 0.005 inches for metal parts and plus or minus 0.010 inches for plastic parts. The walls of metal parts are a minimum of 0.030 inches thick. The walls of plastic parts are a minimum of 0.060 inches thick.

The best practice is to mill the finish to a maximum 125 micro-inches as measured by the root-mean-square (RMS) of the peaks and the valleys of the surface. Surface finish treatment is only applied if requested.

Tighter Tolerances

Very tight tolerances are possible that exceed the standard default tolerances. However, tighter tolerances result in added expense because a tighter tolerance may increase waste, require more fixturing, and/or additional measurement processes. Longer cycle times may be necessary to slow down the machining in order to achieve tighter tolerances. Therefore, tighter tolerances should only be specified when necessary to achieve critical design specifications.

Material Choices and Blank Size

Raw material selection is determined based on the part’s design, functionality, and cost limitations. There is usually a need for certain material characteristics such as chemical resistance, rigidity, thermal stability, heat treat-ability, hardness, and others.

The type of raw material used strongly influences the cost of the part. Plastics are preferred and are much less expensive. Plastics are a wise choice if the rigidity of metal is not needed. Metals that are softer, such as brass and aluminum, are easier to machine than stainless steel and carbon steel.

As a general rule, add 0.125 inches to the material size in all three directions of width, length, and depth. This is the necessary size of the material blank to be used for cutting. It is more cost effective to used standard material blanks if possible. For example, if a part can have the dimensions of 0.875 inches or less on each side, then a standard one-inch cube as the material blank can be used.

Part Complexity — Three-Axis vs. Five-Axis Machining

Two-axis cuts are the easiest and least costly. For a more contoured part, three-axis cutting is necessary with the cuts being made by the tool or blank moving simultaneously on the X., Y, and Z axis.

With five-axis machining more complex parts can be made in a cost-efficient way. In five-axis cutting, the tool and the blank move simultaneously around in five ways. Five-axis machining reduces the number of setups needed, achieves faster cutting speeds, uses better tool paths, and results in a better surface finish.

Fillets

A CNC milling machine (horizontal or vertical) makes interior vertical walls with a radius. It is a round tool, which spins at a high revolution per minute (RPM) that removes the blank material. This limits designs to allow for where radii occur.

Inside corner fillets are easier to make by using a radius that is non-standard. End mills need clearance to turn and to continue milling. By adding 0.02 inches to an internal radius, the cutter can turn slightly without having to stop. This reduces cost and results in better CNC parts. In general, the larger the radius the lower the cost.

Floor fillets are easier to machine if the floor radius is less than the corner radius. If the floor and wall radius is the same size, then it makes it challenging to remove the corner material. If the floor radius is somewhat smaller than the wall radius, then the same tool can be used to create a nice flow through the corner.

Undercuts

If a standard machining tool cannot reach an area, this creates an undercut region on a part. It is better to avoid the need for a special tool that would be required if the feature is not a standard dimension because a custom tool is expensive. A standard tool is less than half the cost of a custom tool. It is also important to make sure the undercut can be reached and is not too deep. A less shallow undercut is better.

Threads

To reduce costs, use standard thread sizes and the largest thread size possible. Small taps have a greater chance of breaking during production than larger ones do. Only specify the depth of the tap necessary because deep, threaded holes increase the cost of the part. A custom tool may be needed for very deep holes.

Surface Finishes

The standard milled finish is 125 RMS. With this finish, minor tools marks may be visible. Smoother finishes of 63 RMS, 32 RMS, or 16 RMS are possible, but they increase the processing time necessary to make the part.

A bead-blast finish creates a matte surface by blowing tiny glass beads under pressure at the surface. If the masking of some areas from the bead blasting is necessary, this adds to the expense.

A corrosion-resistant finish can be created by anodizing a metal part. This can be done with a transparent finish or in different colors (red, black, gold, etc.). This is a popular finish for aluminum parts. Hard-anodizing is also available that creates a thicker, wear-resistant surface layer.

A powder-coat paint finish is created by spraying on paint and then baking the painted part in an oven. This creates a very strong finish that is wear- and corrosion-resistant. It is more durable than regular paint. Many colors are available to create a nicely-finished look for a part.

Custom finishes are also available, at additional expense, such as plating or specialized chemical films.

Summary

By following these best practices as a guide, it is possible to get excellent results when working with Tag Team Manufacturing. This is a machine shop Denver has that can produce up to 50,000 components annually for Denver manufacturing and other locations. Contact Tag Team Manufacturing for a quote from the best Denver CNC machine shop.

Cutting of metal. Sparks fly from laser

How Laser Technology has made Manufacturing Easier

Highly precise and immense power in welding, laser technology has changed the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing over the years has demanded innovation, increased quality, and efficiency. As such, laser technology came in and revolutionized the manufacturing process. Precision manufacturing has become possible due to this technology. Its ability to transform and manipulate materials has made it ideal for computer, automobile and clothing industries. Laser technology has changed and made manufacturing easier. It is actually hard to see a consumer product that has not incorporated laser technology in its production. The continuous innovation and effort by scientists over the years has seen laser technology developed and perfected. From the development stage to the application in the field, laser technology has led to some social and economic benefits. Laser technology has led to the growth of the social economy with its development of natural science and technology.

Here are fields of manufacturing that laser technology is being used.

Laser Cutting

The traditional cutting techniques have not mastered the art of precision. The cost of cutting and the ensuing processing cost are high. Laser cutting is precise to the millimeter level and less costly. With the right incision by the CNC machinist, the cutting is smooth and precise. This eliminates the need for further processing. Laser cutting has many advantages over the traditional methods;

– It uses CNC programming hence the accuracy.
– There is no shear burr.
– The incision will have no mechanical stress.
– It has a very high utilization rate.
– Its repeatability is good.

Laser cutting has different categories;

Laser vaporization– it cuts through very thin metals and non-metal materials.

Laser melting cutting– used for non-oxidizable materials such as titanium

Laser oxygen cutting– used for easily oxidizable materials.

Laser and welding

Laser welding is a different and more efficient type of welding. The laser radiation energy diffuses through the material to melt it and form a special molt. Laser technology has been ideal in achieving spot welding, butt welding and seal welding in thin walls. Laser welding has many advantages that have changed the manufacturing industry for the better;

– Regulation of the heat means that damage caused by heat conduction is minimal.
– No damage and contamination since no electrodes are required.
– High-speed performance
– Depth weld ration can get to 10:1, especially for perforated welding.

Laser welding is used widely in industries like civil vehicle manufacturing. The use of laser welding and CNC manufacturing in the vehicle industry has not only increased efficiency, but also production.

Laser Engraving

Under a very high energy density controlled by a CNC machinist, the laser beams irradiate the surface of the material making it melt instantly. This leaves a marking on the surface with the intended logo or text. Its efficiency and the fast pace has made laser marking the most popular in advanced engraving globally. Laser engraving has high repeatability precision, no pollution, beautiful in design, and firm. With laser marking, it is easier to achieve the synchronized flight print in a production line.

Laser Heat Treatment

This is a surface heating technology. As such, a laser is used to heat the meat on the surface to make the heat treatment. This has led to the improvement of the metal’s oxidation resistance, wear and corrosion resistance, and prolonged service time.

Laser and packaging

Laser technology is used in the weakening of packs to give an easy to open opportunity, puncturing holes in vegetable packages for ‘breathing,’ and scribing. This shows how laser technology has made packaging industry work more effectively and efficiently.

Laser and quality control

Measuring the laser light dispersion reflected back from ball bearings can figure their roundness. This technology has proved to come in handy in managing quality in manufacturing of various items.

Laser and Semiconductors

Semiconductor manufacturing needs clean cutting of materials rapidly. Nothing fits this demand like laser technology. The ability to cut shapes to high precision while minimizing roughness on the surface makes them cut out for this work.

Laser Rapid Prototyping Technology

With the increase in integration of the global market process, competition has intensified. The speed at which consumer products are produced has become the principal contradiction of the competition. With the users’ demand changing time over time, manufacturing firms have to be flexible. Producing in single or smaller batches without having an increase in the cost of production has become necessary. Rapid prototyping is like a computer 3D illustration and works by accumulating layer after layer in its designing. It provides a better concept than the one on a computer screen. At the product development stage, it serves to shorten the process of development, reduce cost, improve the quality and helps mitigate risks.

Laser technology is expanding at an incredible speed in various fields. In the manufacturing sector, laser technology has proved itself as a more efficient and less costly method of production. Known as the era of ‘light,’ industries have embraced this modern way of production. This has made the manufacturing process better, and consumer products have improved immensely. Manufacturing automation has increased labor productivity and lowered cost while prioritizing customers’ growing needs. Incorporation of the technology of automation has made consumer products more consistent and helped in processes that couldn’t be achieved manually.

At Tag Team Manufacturing, we combine this cutting-edge technology with highly qualified CNC machinists. Our manufacturing is efficient and precise. We boast as one of the leading machine shops in the state. Our dedication and investment in technology means that we are at par with the ever-changing demands of Original Equipment Manufacturers. Over the years we have improved our skills and capabilities in the progression of prototypes. Our team is a dedicated and versatile that understands the ever-changing demands in the manufacturing industry. Our operations are aimed at meeting the customer’s need for competitive pricing, on time delivery and high quality parts. Looking for machine shop in Denver? Tag Team Manufacturing is the right partner to turn to. With tailor-made services for CNC manufacturing, we have changed and revolutionized Denver manufacturing. Visit our website for more information on the services and solutions that we offer.

engineer working on computer at the design of mechanical piece

Impact of MasterCam 2019 3D Changes in Manufacturing

CNC Software Inc. The developers of MasterCam recently announced the completion and release of the much-awaited MasterCam 2019. The leading CAM/CAD creator software is now available for purchase by OEM manufacturing companies. It has made several improvements from the job setup to the completion of work. Here are some of the recent improvements and inclusions and the impact of these 3D changes on manufacturing.

Validation

MasterCam 2019 now shows toolpaths denoted in different colors based on the type of move. It makes use of the Dynamic OptiRugh toolpath that enhances the advanced display properties. The Advanced Display has to be toggled on for the display. If not you will still see the cutting and rapid motion shown in different colors. These properties are not available in the wire toolpaths.

In addition, the software comes with improved machine simulation and toolpath. It has analyze enhancements which enables you to analyze the distance, toolpath and block drill support. The analyze distance updates distance as you move the cursor on the screen, and allows you to try different positions without restarting the function. As for the toolpath analyze function, you can control the tool and holder opacity. The MasterCam simulator along with Classic Backplot enables support for different drilling holes at the same time.

Moreover, the previous versions only allow you to create bounding boxes in the current construction plane. However, the new 2109 version allows you to have a different bounding box orientation without changing the construction plane.

These features enhance the programming assurance helping machine operators to make informed decisions before they start a job run. The ability to make changes to different aspects without restarting the process reduces the job setup period thereby speeding up processes. The enhancements also improve the accuracy of the setup thereby improving the quality of the output.

Easy setup and preparation

In addition to the toolpath support, the MasterCam 2019 has improved the efficiency of the job set up with the enhanced CAD model import support capabilities. This enables you to use CAD models created by other programs and processes on your software rather than create new models from scratch. Companies that outsource CAD modeling tasks will find the import feature helpful. In addition, the new software release has a better fixture setup and has expanded the support for model-based definition.

The new features allow for greater collaboration with other CAD software at the premise. It allows for teams to work on different projects in different software and bring the models together on the MasterCam for enhancement and job completion. The features also improve the setup lead time and shorten the time spent from set up to completion of a task.

Tool support

The latest release comes with an expanded digital tool library which offers a variety of tools to the CAD programmers to create more accurate models. The new release has one of the most advanced tool technologies allowing for more precision when working on different models.

In addition, the software comes with Accerelated Finishing TM that enhances the quality of the finished work through an increase in the number of tools that you can work with. The proprietary system includes taper and lens style tools, and oval form and barrel tools. Users are able to work with precision manufacturing on sloped surfaces while enhancing the finish of the surface and reducing cycle time. The new system outperforms the standard ball nose cutter methods in terms of quality of output and precision. Collaborate with a reputable Machine Shop Denver if you have problems configuring the tools to work with any tool in the library.

CNC programming made easy

CNC programming is one of the cost centers in many machining companies. However, the 2019 release of MasterCam lowers these costs while improving productivity through the use of automated 2D toolpaths that work through axis improvements. In addition, the software has improved chamfering which allows for the creation of symmetrical sloping as well as 45 and 90-degree angles with increased precision. When combined with multi-axis deburring capabilities, it results in smooth edges and easy removal of the sharp edges. Ensure that you work with a custom machine shop to ensure that you have the right parts for your machining equipment.

Moreover, the software has re-engineered holemaking by making the work of a CNC machinist simple and fast. It also has several technologies including the Equal Scallop toolpath to improve the surface quality during machining. In a bid to make machining even more versatile, the software supports Sandvik Coromant PrimeTurning™, bar feed, enhanced grooving along with most features of turning and mill-turn tasks. Finally, it also offers support for Lathe technology and Swiss machining technologies.

These technological enhancements have significantly lowered the cost of machining, reduced material wastage, enhanced efficient energy consumption and improved the surface appearance for finished goods. The support for popular technologies allows companies working with different machining technologies to tap into the MasterCam wealth of features for improved production.

Enhancing documentation and task management

Quality certification is at the heart of every OEM manufacturing company. With the certification comes lots of paperwork and rolls of documentation for both the technology and the processes used in the production. The new released makes documentation a lot easier with its various capabilities. These include the new toolpath visualization capabilities and availability of section view tools which enable you to provide accurate diagrams of various processes with ease.

Moreover, the software has made great improvements in the view and set up sheets enabling information for each level in the production process to be accessed with ease for reference and job planning. In addition, there several system level enhancements that are put in place to allow you to manage job flow with increased efficiency. You can also access several process documentation tools for report and quality control initiatives.

Shortened training and adoption periods

When new programming employees join the company, the process of training and orienting them to use the software products in the company may take a long time and high costs. The new release has made learning, use of the software for CAD and production processes a lot easier. It has a variety of features that include enhanced graphics for tool support, analytics, and documentation, rearranged setting systems that enable fast access to a variety of features, and detailed documentation that enable users to access as much information as possible in every stage of production. MasterCam has the most extensive collection training material among CNC manufacturing software making it easy to learn and perfect skills. The faster the new users get on board, the more advantageous it is to the company due to the increased workforce and ability to maintain consistent quality of output.

Buy your machining components from an Original Equipment Manufacturer and Denver Manufacturing reseller to work with your software for good results. A custom machine shop is able to provide quality parts for your specialized manufacturing equipment.