Aircraft, military and defense equipment, medical devices and cars — what do these products have in common? They require machined parts. The components within these products need to fit together and work as designed. Parts may have complex features, each with their own tolerances. Precision machining makes it happen.
So, what is machining? Simply put, machining is the act of removing material to create a specific shape. Several machining methods are explained in greater detail below. In some cases, that could be as simple as drilling mounting holes in a flat bar or something as large and complex as the NASA Orion Crew Capsule housing.
Your product needs machined parts, maybe one of those mentioned above, and you are looking for an experienced machining shop. It is critical to work with a supplier with the capabilities and experience to do the job right.
It can be tough to switch to a new machining partner, and even tougher if you’re searching for the first time, so it’s best to have a solid understanding of what you need from a machine shop, including capabilities, capacity and what types of material they work with.
Here is a closer look at machining operations:
Sawing involves — you guessed it — sawing pieces. This process is often used on parts that will be welded later in the manufacturing process or precut for further machining operations.
Milling uses rotating cutters in a spindle to remove material and create unique shapes, pockets and holes.
Turning is a method that shapes the workpiece while secured in place and rotating on its axis.
Drilling creates round holes, just like the drills you use for jobs around the house, only available at higher precision and a much larger scale.
CNC Machining, or computer numerical control, uses computer-aided automation to perform several different machining techniques.
Several different machines can perform these tasks:
As a precision machining supplier, Maysteel’s machining tools include
Our vertical CNC machining capabilities are ideal for smaller runs and prototypes, and our horizontal CNC machining capabilities support increased efficiency for high volume production.
These machining tools can be used on various materials, including aluminum, titanium, brass and plastics.
When you are considering a machining supplier, their capabilities are only part of the story. Partnering with an organization that has a deep understanding of your industry, including applicable standards, will help your project succeed. If the potential supplier has worked on machined parts for other customers like yourself, they quickly understand how to navigate challenges during the machining process. They can also provide recommendations on how to improve part manufacturability.
Many industries depend on machining, including:
Maysteel has extensive machining experience, including military & defense and commercial aerospace components, medical diagnostic equipment and automotive parts.
Using an experienced machining supplier offers a lot more than quality parts. You get the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing your project is in the hands of skilled machinists.
Experienced suppliers also provide better upfront quoting because they deeply understand the processes. Experienced suppliers can better plan capacity. In today’s world, a strong supply chain is critical to product delivery. The last thing you want is to select a new machine shop and have your product pushed due to capacity issues.
In a world where shifting markets can impact your supply chain, opt for machine shops that can meet your standards for both quality and timely delivery.
When choosing a machining partner for your next project, remember to consider the whole picture to ensure product success.
Maysteel’s locations with machining capabilities are strategically located in Garland, Texas and Sumter, South Carolina. Our Texas and South Carolina facilities hold the latest ISO 9001-2015 certification, and our Texas facility also holds AS9100 and ITAR certifications for military, aerospace and defense products. They also are home to complex fabrication capabilities that allow us to handle more than one aspect of your project or product lines if needed. Maysteel has additional fabrication locations in Wisconsin, Virginia and Monterrey, Mexico.
Are you ready to make your supplier shortlist? Talk to our team about your machining project now.
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