CNC machine Archives - Means Engineering, Inc.

Benefits of CNC Machining

January 29, 2021 By meiadmin

Computer-numerical control (CNC) machining is used for a wide range of projects. This trusted form of metal fabrication provides numerous benefits to businesses across a wide range of industries. From corporate executives to school children, we’ve all encountered devices created with the help of CNC machining. In fact, the creation of most modern-day devices involves this important type of machining.

Business owners could gain a lot from learning about CNC machining and how it could benefit their business.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining uses computer-numerical control to operate machine parts like lathes, routers, grinders, shapers, mills, and more. Unlike other forms of machining, CNC machining does not require a human operator. Because the CNC machine operates under the control of a computer, CNC machining can produce precise and complex parts in very little time.

CNC Machining Benefits

CNC machining allows manufacturers to produce parts faster, reducing time to market and increasing the number of parts they can produce. Another benefit, CNC machining allows for the creation of consistent parts. This eliminates variances which are common with manual production.

Unlike human labor, CNC machines can work continuously This allows manufacturers to meet demanding deadlines. Once programmed, CNC machines only need to stop for occasional service. Although some additional maintenance may be required, most machines only need their cutting elements replaced during service.

CNC Machining Applications

Manufacturers use CNC machines to produce parts for multiple industries. CNC machining works with a broad range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, titanium, brass, plastic, wood, gold, silver, and several synthetic materials. CNC machining makes fast work of many essential metal fabrication tasks including:

Drilling
Engraving
Cutting
Grooving
Boring
Contouring
Lathing
Milling
Shearing
Punching
Shaping
Stamping
Facing
Grinding
Threading
Texturing
Welding
Tapping
Knurling

Multi-Axis Machining

Using multi-axis CNC machines, manufacturers can produce extremely complex parts and components from a solid piece of material. These machines provide additional benefits for organizations looking for precise and detailed components. Multi-axis machines are commonly used to create parts for the aerospace, medical, and defense industries.

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to individuals, small businesses, start-ups, government agencies, and large corporations. Our 5-axis CNC machine allows us to create complex parts for a variety of applications. Please contact us for more information about our CNC machining capabilities.

Contract Manufacturing for the Military

October 30, 2020 By meiadmin

Across the nation, contractors are seeing increasing demand for electronic devices in almost every industry. Used for numerous applications in the defense industry, the rapid expansion of high-tech military equipment and components has created high demand for electronics manufacturing.

With increasing demand, the country’s prime defense contractors often find they cannot handle the large volume of orders. These contractors turn to electronic contract manufacturers for help.

Outsourcing Allows Prime Contractors to Fulfill Large Orders

Contract manufacturers, like Means Engineering, provide a variety of turnkey manufacturing services. Outsourcing enables organizations to fulfill periods of high demand and provides access to experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Utilizing the assistance of a qualified contract manufacturer saves a considerable amount of time and money over in-house production.

Military Electronics Manufacturing

Contract manufacturing of military electronics looks a lot different than contract manufacturing for other industries. Instead of producing complete products, contractors enlist the help of contract manufacturers for the production of unique components. Other services commonly outsourced include design, prototyping, assembly, fabrication, tooling, qualification testing, and procurement.

Manufacturers responsible for the creation of devices for the military must meet strict requirements for both quality and consistency. Military electronics are used for a variety of mission critical operations. When outsourcing, it’s crucial to locate an electronics manufacturer with the proper equipment, people, skills, and technology to ensure products meet exact specifications. It’s also important to ensure the contract manufacturer carries ISO 9001 certification. This certification proves the manufacturer has taken the time and effort to develop and maintain a quality management system.

Although contract manufacturers may use a number of different tools to produce components for the defense industry, contract manufacturers that utilize a 5-axis machine achieve better results. Unlike 2-3 axis machines, 5-axis machines rotate on 5 axes, enabling the creation of complex parts and components. 5-axis machining allows for tight tolerances. For orders of 10 to 10,000 pieces, these machines ensure the consistency of every piece produced.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides a wide range of contract manufacturing services for the defense industry. In addition to production of complex parts and components, our experienced team has years of experience providing design, CNC machining, and testing of military electronics. Please contact us to learn more about our contract manufacturing services for the defense industry.

5-Axis Machining – What It Is and Why You Need It

October 16, 2020 By meiadmin

5-axis machining allows for the creation of complex parts or components. While 2-3 axis machines move the work piece in two different directions while the cutting tool moves up and down, 5-axis machines can rotate on two additional rotation axes. This allows the cutting tool to reach the part from all directions. When compared to 2 and 3-axis machines, 5-axis machines offer greater versatility, making them a useful tool to just about every industry.

Unfortunately, the high cost of 5-axis machines makes them inaccessible to many manufacturers and machinists. OEMs and organizations wishing to take advantage of 5-axis machining could benefit from outsourcing to a qualified machinist. Outsourcing allows organizations to utilize equipment and skilled teams without having to acquire the people, equipment, or space needed to complete these tasks in-house.

Useful for a Broad Range of Applications

Because of its versatility, machinists use 5-axis machining for a wide range of applications. One of the most common applications is the machining of work pieces with complex contours. These contours are generally difficult, if not impossible, to achieve using a 2-3-axis machine or a turn mill machine.

Although 5-axis machining benefits almost every industry, its commonly utilized by the automotive, aerospace, defense, automation, and medical sectors. The efficiency and accuracy of these machines allows organizations to meet tight tolerances and specific standards for quality and consistency.

The vertical alignment and design of 5-axis machines eliminates the concentricity issues often experienced by horizontal machines. With gravity on its side, the vertical chunk can firmly clamp the work piece to the worktable. This increases application opportunities, improving versatility even more.

While 5-axis machines allow for the creation of complex parts and components, use of these machines is not necessary for all complex machining projects. However, using a 3-axis machine typically creates more steps for the operator. 5-axis machines create complex parts with minimal set-up.

5-Axis Machining Services

Organizations that require the creation of complex parts could benefit from contacting an experienced machinist. Means Engineering offers 5-axis machining for a wide range of industries and applications. Our services reduce time to market and increase profitability.

Please contact us for more information about our CNC machining services.

Industries That Benefit from CNC Machining

October 9, 2020 By meiadmin

Several industries rely on CNC machining for the creation of machined components. CNC machines produce complex parts quickly and with a high level of accuracy. Using computerized design processes, manufacturers can inspect parts and products in 3D prior to production. This helps locate issues, saving a considerable amount of time and money. CNC machine tools and accurate computer positioning ensure parts produced meet standards for both quality and consistency.

While 3-axis machines work in X, Y, Z planes, 5-axis CNC machines add rotary action to two of the axes. This improves accuracy and increases opportunities for the creation of extremely complex parts. 5-axis machines create sophisticated components in less time and with fewer steps than possible with 2-3-axis machines.

Although almost any industry can benefit from CNC machining, the following industries commonly utilize this important service.

Aerospace

Accuracy and consistency are extremely important when creating parts and components for the aerospace industry. Products used in the aerospace industry must meet strict standards. Tight tolerances are required to ensure compliance with safety regulations. CNC machining allows manufacturers to create complex parts and components that meet aerospace industry requirements.

Defense

Much like the aerospace industry, components used in the defense industry must meet strict requirements for quality, accuracy, and consistency. The defense industry does not allow any room for error. Tolerances must be met and CNC machine tools monitored regularly for any signs of wear and tear.

Electronics

As technology evolves, devices get smaller and more complex. Electronics manufacturers often use CNC machines to create parts for the electronics industry. Although many electronics components can be made with a 2-3-axis CNC machine, 5-axis machines enable the accurate creation of small and complex parts with very little set-up. This allows manufacturers to produce parts faster and with more accuracy and reduced chance of error.

Medical

CNC equipment can provide the reports needed for the FDA approval process. Another benefit, CNC machining allows for quick prototyping. This makes it possible to bring new products to market faster. Depending on the needs of the organization, CNC machines can produce small runs or high-volume production.

Outsourced CNC Machining

Businesses looking to produce parts or components may benefit from outsourcing CNC machining from a qualified provider. Outsourcing provides access to precision machining and skilled professionals without having to purchase equipment in-house and train existing staff on proper processes.

Means Engineering offers CNC machining for a wide range of industries. Please contact us for more information about our services.

5-Axis Machining Increases Opportunities for Market Expansion

October 2, 2020 By meiadmin

Commonly used to produce complex parts for the aerospace, medical, automotive, and toolmaking sectors, 5-axis machines complete tasks quickly and accurately with only one set-up. Because of the unique capabilities, 5-axis machining makes it possible for companies to expand their offerings and venture into new markets. By taking advantage of 5-axis machining, companies increase their revenue opportunities and gain a better foothold in their market.

What is a 5-Axis Machine?

3-axis machines move a part in two directions while the cutting tool moves up and down. A 5-axis machine rotates on two different rotary axes, allowing the cutting tool to approach the part from multiple angles. This increases accuracy and allows machinists to produce complex parts with minimal effort.

5-axis machining is generally used for two applications: to create complex three dimensional shapes and for the conventional machining of tilted surfaces. The type of application determines the complexity of the machining program required.

Fortunately, recent advancements have simplified 5-axis programs. Typically, a machinist only needs to learn one application to complete each task. However, it’s important that only skilled machinists work with these machines. Depending on the application, a lack of experience and understanding could create serious problems with the finished product.

5-Axis Machine vs. 2-3-Axis Machine

Although many machinists work with 2-3 axis machines, upgrading to a 5-axis machine provides numerous benefits. 2-3 axis machines require multiple set-ups. With each new set-up, the chance of error increases. 5-axis machines allow machinists to complete projects with a single set-up. In addition to reducing the chance of error, 5-axis machining increases accuracy and ensures the consistency of every part produced.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see 5-axis capabilities under-utilized. Machinists need extensive knowledge and experience and the right software to create a cutting program that utilizes the CNC machine to its full potential.

Means Engineering Helps Organizations Increase Their Opportunities

Means Engineering recently acquired a 5-axis CNC machine. This will allow us to produce a wide range of complex products for our partners in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. Our experienced team has received extensive training and understands how to properly utilize our new machine. Please contact us for more information about our 5-axis machining capabilities.