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What are the main steps in the machining process?

phases-usinage

In a machine shop, working in a methodical and organized manner is crucial. Only then can you produce machined parts of impeccable quality.

In this sense, many workshops that offer a machining service for parts have developed a work method that guarantees perfect results on a consistent basis. That said, even though each part manufacturer has its own process, certain steps in a machining project are unavoidable, regardless of the part to be machined.

In this article, discover the main steps of machining.

Phase 1 – Analysis and approval of technical drawings of the workpiece

Before beginning the machining of a part, the quality of the plans or technical drawings that the machinists will use as a basis for their work is important.

Consequently, the machine shop assigned to the job must validate, with the client, the various data contained in the technical drawings provided to them. They must verify that the dimensions, shapes, materials or degrees of precision chosen for each part of the workpiece to be machined are clearly indicated and valid.

In an industry such as precision machining, the slightest misunderstanding or mistake can have a major impact on the quality of the final result. Moreover, the tools and the machining process to be used to create the part will be chosen according to these different parameters.

Phase 2 – Modeling or prototyping the part to be manufactured

When manufacturing machined parts with complex shapes, computer modeling or prototyping of these parts can be useful. This step gives a better idea of the final appearance of the part to be machined.

For example, when manufacturing custom gears, a 3D view of the part and its different faces can be obtained by entering various data into advanced software.

Phase 3 – Selecting the machining techniques to be used

Depending on the material chosen for the part and its degree of complexity, some machining techniques may be more effective than others in achieving the desired result.

Various industrial machining processes can be used by machinists:

  • Milling
  • Boring
  • Mortising
  • Drilling
  • Rectification
  • and many others.

Phase 4 – Choosing the right machine tool to use

The manual or CNC machine tools that will be used to create a new part must be chosen according to the level of complexity of the part and the degree of precision that needs to be achieved.

For example, computerized equipment such as CNC boring machines may be required. This type of machine can be extremely effective when a part has to be produced in multiple copies.

Sometimes, you will also need to work with a machine tool that is capable of working the part on 5 different axes rather than 3, or that is capable of machining parts with non-standard dimensions.

Phase 5 –Machining of the part by the machinist

If all the preceding steps have been carried out correctly, the workpiece should be machined without any problems.

The machinist will be able to use manual and computerized cutting tools to create the part from a block of the chosen material and give it the desired finish.

Phase 6 – Quality control

Quality control is crucial for ensuring that the part manufactured corresponds in every respect with the original specifications of the machine it is a mechanical component of.

This is done with the help of various tests the parts can be subjected to and measuring tools such as a micrometer.

At Braidwood Industries, our machinists work rigorously at every stage of the machining process

In summary, if you are looking for a machine shop to outsource the manufacturing of parts, make sure its staff works in a methodical and organized manner. A manufacturing process that follows the various machining phases will generally ensure precision.

At Braidwood Industries, we offer you a complete range of machining services to meet all your machined part needs. No matter what parts you need, we will produce the highest quality standards in the industry, guaranteed! Contact us to find out how we can help you.

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