{"id":8147,"date":"2020-10-22T15:16:16","date_gmt":"2020-10-22T12:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=8147"},"modified":"2024-12-05T18:30:24","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T16:30:24","slug":"cnc-machine-shop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/cnc-machine-shop\/","title":{"rendered":"CNC Machine Shop"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to know how to identify a good machine shop? We have some pointers regarding the must-haves for any service provider and how to recognise a service for ordering machined parts.<\/p>\n

If you are looking to order any CNC machined parts right away<\/strong>, turn to our CNC machining service page<\/a> where all the capabilities for both CNC milling and turning<\/a> are outlined.<\/p>\n

What Is a Machine Shop?<\/h2>\n

A machine shop refers to a building, a floor, or even a room where manual or automated CNC machines manufacture products. Usually, when people talk about machine shops and machining, they are referring to subtractive manufacturing.<\/p>\n

Subtractive manufacturing creates products by removing material from blocks or blanks of raw material. As a variety of operations are possible when it comes to subtractive manufacturing, different machines that perform specific functions are present in a machine shop.<\/p>\n

It’s actually quite surprising how many businesses could not function without these services. Machine shops temporarily provide expensive machinery and trained personnel to small businesses at a fraction of the cost it would take to set up their own manufacturing services.<\/p>\n

Even when it comes to large businesses, machine shops drastically reduce cost and manufacturing time allowing businesses to stay relevant and competitive in today’s world.<\/p>\n

Typical Machinery in a Machine Shop<\/h2>\n

Owing to the variety of operations that constitute subtractive manufacturing, many different types of machinery are present in a machine shop. Some of these are:<\/p>\n

Lathe<\/h3>\n

It is one of the first machines developed for manufacturing. Though it started with a manual screw-cutting lathe, today’s heavy-duty lathe machines work on electricity and are capable of performing many more functions.<\/p>\n

A lathe machine consists of a chuck where the workpiece is fitted. The cutting tool is fitted in the tool post. The technician then selects the optimum speed, feed, and depth of cut. The workpiece rotates while the cutting tool removes the specified amount of material from the workpiece.<\/p>\n

The lathe is capable of performing many functions. Some of these are cutting, facing, turning, chamfering, thread cutting, polishing, grooving, boring, drilling, grinding, and knurling<\/a>. Out of the listed operations, CNC turning<\/a> is the most common process and each of them uses different tooling.<\/p>\n

Some of these operations can cause hot metal shavings to fly out and hence proper PPE must be donned before commencing any job.<\/p>\n

Drill Press<\/h3>\n

A drill press is used to drill holes into a workpiece. A drill press offers more stability and accuracy than handheld drills.<\/p>\n

The tooling fits into a vertical spindle and a vice holds the workpiece in place for the operation. A manual lever pushes the drill bit into the workpiece while the coolant is supplied to ensure a smooth cut.<\/p>\n

Grinding Machine<\/h3>\n

\"metal<\/p>\n

A grinding machine is a power tool that creates a smooth surface finish<\/a> for a workpiece. It is used when a workpiece requires a high surface finish or very accurate dimensions. The machine has a rotating abrasive wheel that comes in contact with a rough surface and removes irregularities to make it smoother.<\/p>\n

Technicians may also use a grinding machine to clean rust or dirt off of equipment surfaces before overhauling them or putting them back into service.<\/p>\n

Milling Machine<\/h3>\n

A CNC mill<\/a> has a vertical spindle with a swiveling head. The head contains a rotary cutter that removes material from the blank as needed. A motor moves the workpiece at a uniform speed to provide feed. Low feed and a small depth of cut provide a high surface finish.<\/p>\n

There are a variety of different machines, for example, 3-axis and 5-axis mills. The number of axes determines the flexibility of production but also has an effect on the final cost. This depends on the intricacy of the parts.<\/p>\n

It is probably cheaper to manufacture a complex part using more advanced technology while it may sway the price to the opposite direction when loading a high-cost machine with parts with simple geometry.<\/p>\n

A milling machine is best for flat surfaces but it can also be used with an irregular surface. Drilling, boring, slotting, and gear cutting are some of the applications of a milling machine.<\/p>\n

Measuring Machine<\/h3>\n

Each machine shop usually has a separate workbench to assure the right dimensions. If the customer is asking for certain dimensions, they must be delivered.<\/p>\n

Therefore, later inspection takes place to guarantee accordance with the design.<\/p>\n

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