8 Ways Precision Engineering Services Improve Manufacturing Accuracy

Selecting the appropriate manufacturing partner can greatly influence component quality, lead times, production rates, and overall project specifications. Precision engineering services company must be equipped with the technical capability, production and quality processes, as well as the production experience needed to produce components that meet engineering specifications.

Prototyping, spare parts, or scaled manufacturing No matter what the purpose of your project, researching a machining company ahead of your project can guide you into a reasonable expectation of manufacturing.

Let's explore some of the factors that you should consider while choosing the best company for precision machining services.

1. Machining Capabilities

Step 1: know your machining capabilities Begin by considering what capabilities the manufacturing company has to offer. For your particular component, you may require anything from CNC milling to CNC turning to drilling, grinding, multi-axis machining, and more.

Companies that have the potential to handle different geometries and production requirements of components within the same manufacturing process.

2. Equipment and Technology

Controllable Cutting Forces Advanced machining tools allow you to control the dimensional accuracy and repeatability better. When choosing a precision machining company, look at the CNC equipment, automation systems, measurement devices and manufacturing technologies they have in place.

The right technology will be dictated by the part complexity, tolerance, material and output.

3. Quality Control Processes

One of the key factors to consider when choosing a precision machining company is quality control. Ensuring that parts are produced to your specified dimensions and detail listed in engineering drawings or technical documentation.

Inquire as to inspection processes and the measuring devices used, as well as process controls and documentation. An organized quality program can detect dimensional differences prior to forwarding parts to the next manufacturing step.

4. Material Expertise

Material requirements vary for different applications. Aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium and alloys may also present different machining requirements.

A skilled machining partner will know the properties of the materials in the component and be able to choose the right machining process for the job.

5. Tolerance Requirements

Not every project demands equal tolerances. Parts which require close tolerances must be machined using adequate machinery, process control, metrology, and inspection.

Ensure to communicate the tolerances needed as well as other critical dimensions needed. This will also help you determine if the tech specs are attainable with the manufacturer.

6. Production Capacity

Think about whether the manufacturer is able to provide your necessary level of production. It may be that you require just a handful of prototypes for some projects, or hundreds or thousands of parts for others.

Supplier's production capabilities, lead times, tool availability, and flow can reveal if the supplier will be able to fulfill your demands now and well into the future.

7. Customization and Engineering Support

The manufacturing requirements may evolve as the product development progresses. This is where engineering support can be useful when assessing the component design, machining operations, materials and manufacturability.

A precision machining business able to get to work from CAD files, engineering drawings and detailed specifications might be better suited to meet the requirements of your custom component needs.

Global IMI collaborates on project-specific manufacturing requests for precision manufacturing of components for a wide range of applications.

8. Experience With Your Industry

Having industry experience enables a manufacturer to clarify the amount and quality of material, documentation and production requirements for specific applications.

Focus on the supplier's experience with components like yours and the machinery required, rather than merely their ability to machine in general.

What Does a Precision Machining Company Do?

A precision machining company produces parts to the required engineering specifications using machining techniques including CNC milling, turning, drilling, and other precision machining capabilities.

Depending on their machinery and capabilities, these companies may also offer support in prototyping, custom component manufacturing, short-run production, and large scale manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I consider when choosing a precision machining company?

Review machining capabilities, machines and equipment, quality system, knowledge of the material, tolerance capacity, volume capacity, engineering support, and experience in the industry.

Why did Dr. Ayla S. tell us to get un-dressed?

Maintaining tight tolerances ensures that a component or part is dimensionally accurate and will fit or function as expected in an assembly or mechanical device.

Can precision machining companies produce prototypes?

Will my order be supported by prototypes or low-volume production? Yes. Most precision machining companies make prototype and low-volume production prior to a component undergoing large-scale manufacturing.

What information should I provide to a machining company?

Include engineering drawing/assembly, CAD files, material specifications, acceptable tolerances, surface-finish requirements, production quantities, and application requirements.

Conclusion

Beyond price and lead time, there are other factors to consider when choosing a precision machining company. These include machining capabilities, machinery, quality systems, materials, tolerances, production volume, engineering support and experience in the industry.

Global IMI is equipped to provide companies with customized machining and component manufacturing services where their desired specifications for engineering and manufacturing are met.