Category: CNC Machining

CNC Turned Products vs. Screw Machine Products

CNC Machining, Manufacturing, Screw Machine
CNC Turning Verses Screw Machine

When the screw machine product was created 100 years ago, it’s original purpose was to make screws for a variety of different products. However, while the name has remained the same, the technology behind a screw machine product has evolved throughout the years to meet the needs of modern turned components. CNC (or computer numerical control) turned products is the automation of machine tools that operate via computer-programmed commands, as opposed to mechanically automated machines such as a screw machine. So, what are the benefits of each?

 

Screw Machine Products

A screw machine product is a class of automatic lathes for small to medium sized parts. The name “screw machine” is considered to be a tad misleading, as these machines don’t only create screws anymore or screw anything into place. Instead, these machines work by spinning metal bar stock on a rotating lathe, which essentially shaves the metal down to a desired size and shape. A screw machine functions with a disc cam, which is a rotating piece used to transform rotary motion into linear motion, or vice versa, using either a single spindle or multiple. Because a screw machine operates with closed spindle collets which hold the cutting tool, deflected debris is reduced to minimal or none at all.

Screw Machine Manufacturing Capabilities

Screw machines are used for bar work in a variety of shapes such as round, hex, or square. The entire bar stock is passed through and turns with the spindle, and is then separated from the part and fed forward, making the screw machine ready for the next part. Screw machines are more time efficient than CNC with their ability to turn 6 to 8 operations simultaneously depending on the number of spindles the machine has. Typically, most automatic screw machines have 6 spindles with some having up to 8 spindles. Screw machines can hold and repeat with tolerances of .0025” of an inch.

CNC Turned Products

The first CNC machines were created in the 1940s and 1950s, modifying existing tools and implementing motors into the design. CNC products essentially function the same way as screw machine products, but instead of being operated by cams, they are mainly controlled by computers. Having transformed a great deal throughout the years, CNC turned products are now equipped to feature more sets of tooling than screw machine products, which allow the machines to perform multiple operations on a part in a shorter amount of time.

CNC Turning Manufacturing Capabilities

CNC turned parts are known for being more precise than its predecessor the automatic screw machine. A CNC machine can rotate parts to speeds up to and exceed 10,000 RPM’s, with accuracies as tight as .0002” of an inch. With accuracies that are able to be achieved and its repeatability it has become the most dependable and efficient way to manufacture precision parts worldwide. Because of the machine’s extreme precision, it is used in a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, agricultural, and more.

Do you need a part created but aren’t sure what would be the best process – CNC turning or screw machines? Ask us! We’ll be happy to help you figure it out.

7 Reasons to Use a Job Shop for Metal Machined Parts

CNC Machining, Contract Machining, Manufacturing, Screw Machine

Working with experts at a job shop for metal machined parts offers many benefits. Some of these benefits are clear from the outset, while others might need further examination. Whether you are working with large volumes, small runs, or prototypes, there are many benefits to working with the right job shop. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons to use a job shop for metal machined parts.

7 Reasons to Use a Job Shop for Metal Machined Parts

1. No Equipment Costs

The right milling, turning, screw machines and other equipment for metal machined parts requires substantial investment. High-quality CNC mills with even the simplest configurations cost over $50,000 for a single machine. And you’re unlikely to use just one machine for your machined parts. One of the first and most obvious reasons to use a job shop for metal machined parts is there’s no upfront investment required on your part—the machine shop tackles this for you.

2. No Training Costs

Even the most advanced equipment isn’t very useful without people who know how to use it. Proper training is essential to not only produce a high-quality product, but also to protect employees from hazards. Training employees to use machine shop equipment takes time. However, machine shop clients don’t have to worry about this aspect of the job.

3. Work With Experts

The right training will show someone how to use advanced milling, turning, or similar machines, but it’s experience that allows them to produce exceptional products at great speed. Working with experts at a machine shop, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands. Look for a job shop that has experience working with your products and materials, so there’s no trial-and-error phase.

4. Reduce Liability

Metalworking equipment poses some obvious hazards. Workers who don’t know how to use or install these machines properly can be exposed to serious risk. Machine shops protect themselves and their workers with the right insurance and employee benefits, as well as training to ensure a safe workplace. Working with a job shop for metal machined parts, you don’t have to take on any of this liability yourself.

5. Design Assistance

There are often multiple ways to machine a part, but usually one way that is most efficient in terms of materials and time. Making one or two small changes to a design can make the machining process more efficient and save thousands of dollars in the long run. With CNC machining, it’s easy to make small changes to a design and then produce an accurate prototype or product. A design expert knows how to make these changes and make your parts with maximum efficiency.

6. Existing Partnerships

Whether you are working with stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys or another metal, stock metals are expensive. Existing partnerships with suppliers can help you save money, but these take time and effort to forge. Instead of forging these partnerships yourself with stock suppliers, work with a job shop that already has strong supplier relationships.

7. Get the Latest Tech

Job shops specialize in machining services and they have the resources and expertise to get the latest equipment for the job. When you find a job shop that specializes in what you do, you can take advantage of the latest equipment and techniques for doing it. This ultimately means your parts can be created faster, with fewer errors and with the highest level of precision.

There are many reasons to use a job shop for metal machined parts. The right job shop will have the equipment and experience necessary to complete your job quickly and within a reasonable budget. If you have questions about metal machined parts for an upcoming project, get in touch. We’d be happy to tell you more about our job shop, our expertise, design assistance, and more.

7 Reasons to Choose CNC Machining for Rapid Prototyping

CNC Machining

Computer Numerical Control machining, or CNC machining provides a number of advantages when it comes to creating durable products with speed and accuracy. Let’s take a closer look at CNC machining and why you should choose CNC machining for rapid prototyping.

7 Reasons to Choose CNC Machining for Rapid Prototyping?

1. Precise Tolerances

As the full name implies, Computer Numerical Control machining is controlled by a computer program. Essentially, the machine uses a CAD drawing file to create an item from a solid block of material. And while machines can sometimes break down or experience errors, they’re much more accurate than even the most skilled human operator.

As long as the machine is set up properly and the design files are correct, CNC machining can produce items with very tight tolerances. Some CNC machines are capable of tolerances as close as +0.05mm or 50 microns. This precision makes it easy to create prototypes exactly as you envision them, with intricate detail, multiple components or any design features you need.

2. Mimics Finished Product

Some prototypes are designed to simply mimic the appearance of the finished product, while others are designed to mimic its form as well as its function. When you choose CNC machining for rapid prototyping, the prototype will very closely resemble the finished product, including appearance as well as functionality.

Depending on the design of your prototype, you can use CNC machining to construct a single finished piece, or multiple pieces to assemble the prototype. Other rapid prototyping processes, like 3D printing, often produce visual representations of the prototype or components. CNC machining, on the other hand, creates products very similar to those produced through injection molding, which is commonly used in mass production. Therefore, CNC machining produces durable, functional pieces that will very closely resemble the finished, sale-ready product.

3. Many Different Materials Available

While processes like 3D printing generally work with plastic polymers, CNC machining works with a wide variety of different materials. Aluminum and aluminum alloys are the most common materials used in CNC machining, however there are many other materials available. CNC machines may also use brass and stainless steel, as well as non-metallics like plastics, wood and foam. This makes it easy to construct a prototype with the hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance, and other important characteristics.

4. Easy to Change

Since CNC machining is controlled by a computer program and attached to a computer design file, it’s relatively easy to change and edit your prototype as you continue to improve and develop the design. In a full-production run using injection molding or similar processes, it’s very difficult and expensive to change the design. Choosing CNC machining for rapid prototyping allows you to continue to make improvements.

5. Fast Turnaround

CNC machining is an efficient process that can give you hundreds of units in a very short time. Once the design files are perfected and the process is set up, the machines will work quickly and precisely. While 3D printing can take hours to produce a single unit, CNC machining can produce dozens or hundreds of units in the same time frame.

6. Short Run

CNC machining can produce a few dozen or hundreds of thousands of units. If you have reached the stage in your prototype development where you are ready to test your product with your first users, CNC machining can quickly produce multiple usable, durable prototypes that closely mimic the final product.

7. Finishing Options

With your parts constructed, there are also many finishing options to make it easy to get the look and feel you want for your prototype. This may be especially important if you are comparing the effects of different appearances on sales values such as a painted finish compared to a chrome finish. Or you may wish to ensure that a particular finish performs the way you expect, such as a powder coated part adequately resisting rust. Your prototype may be left as-is, or it may be powder coated, sanded, chrome plated, bead blasted, anodized, and more.

There are many advantages of choosing CNC machining for rapid prototyping. If you have reached the point in your product development where you are ready for a short run of your design, contact us. We can provide you with a quote and help you streamline your design for the most cost-effective CNC machining.

What Projects Need CNC Manufacturing?

CNC Machining, Manufacturing
M&M Automatic Haas CNC Turning Machine

When you’re making plans for your next production or prototype project, you may be wondering where you’ll get the custom parts you need to manufacture your products, or generally what projects need CNC manufacturing? That’s where a company like M&M Automatic Products comes into the picture. Providing high-quality parts—such as screw machine components—on time is our speciality. The next time you’re planning out your next product, consider if it will need CNC manufacturing.

Production Projects with Custom Parts

When you need to keep costs down and still receive your custom screw machine parts on time—which could include nozzles, fasteners, spacers, connectors, seals, or precision shafts, contact M&M Automatic Products. We know that the custom parts you need can’t always be manufactured in a cost-effective way at your own site, so that’s why we specialize in making custom screws, bolts, and much more. We have produced custom parts for industries all over the board—we have served clients in the aerospace, automotive, restaurant, and medical industry, plus countless others. When you’re selecting a CNC manufacturer, hone in on the quality of parts used, how the prices compare to competitors, and how fast of turnaround is available. Whether you’re looking for custom machined parts (bushings, spacers, connectors), custom parts made of metal, brass, steel, or a custom machining and screw machine shop, know that M&M can produce the parts you need.

Prototype Projects and Screw Machining

Custom parts are often a necessity for prototype projects. You may not be sure exactly what parts are needed for your prototype—that’s when it’s time to get in touch with a CNC manufacturer. Regardless of the complexity or variety of materials required, the right CNC manufacturer will work with you to transform your prototype to production. CNC milling machines at M&M Automatic Products are capable of running multiple types of materials, including carbon alloys, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and plastics. Even if you don’t have all the details of your prototype project finalized, a good CNC manufacturer will help you narrow down your best material options that fit within your budget. With M&M CNC manufacturing, you can purchase custom pieces for your prototype. Prototype projects typically require 100–1,000 pieces. Take advantage of working with a company that can not only work with you to develop your ideal prototype, but can work with you if you want to start larger-scale production of custom parts. Because we work with clients of all sizes, you can enjoy the seamless transition of taking your prototype to production because we will already understand your needs and project parameters.

Whom to Entrust Your Production or Prototype Project?

Whether you’re ready for a large scale production of custom parts, or looking to start out with a prototype project, be particular about the CNC manufacturing you partner with for your project. Here at M&M Automatic, we understand the need for your project to stay on cost. We offer the lowest and most competitive pricing possible for your custom parts, and are flexible to the turnaround time you need to complete everything on time. Learn more about how to select a CNC manufacturer. If you’re ready to work with a cost-efficient and knowledgeable CNC manufacturer, request a quote today for your project.

How to Select a CNC Machining Company

CNC Machining, Manufacturing
How to Select a CNC Machining Company

When selecting a CNC machining company for your project, it’s essential to do your research and be willing to make some phone calls in order to choose the company that’s best suited for your needs. Take a look at the tips below on how to select a CNC machining company.

1. Examples of Previous Work are Available

Whatever the project is that you have in mind, you likely have a blueprint of the parts that need to be produced. In turn, your CNC machining company will use that blueprint to create a prototype for you to approve. Take note of the quality of the prototype, and ask for examples of their work for other clients. You probably have a budget in mind for your parts production, so ensure that the quality of the CNC machining company’s previous work are up to your standards and expectations. Ask for customer testimonials, and consider reaching out to previous clients to get first-hand reviews of their work, and to know if they were pleased.

2. Use the Prototype Process to Gauge the CNC Machining Company

Throughout the process of communicating your design, you not only want a product that meets your company’s standards and stays within budget, you also want to partner with a CNC machining company that is easy to work with on a project. Use the prototype process to gauge how easy it is to communicate with them, if they listen to your needs, if they stick to deadlines, and overall—do you enjoy working together? If the CNC machining company meets your needs through the prototype process, they’re more likely to be a good fit when you’re sorting out large orders with them.

3. Is the CNC Machining Company Flexible to Your Needs?

When you’re wondering how to select a CNC machining company, look for one that is flexible to your changing needs, deadlines, and budget. Work with a company that will help you understand which materials are best suited to your project, and are willing to try something new in order to meet your quality standards. Be wary of companies that get bogged down by process logistics. A good CNC machining company understands that expedited orders are sometimes necessary and will work with you to get you the parts you need on your schedule.

4. Work with an Experienced CNC Machining Company

The length of time the CNC machining company has been in business is a testament to how well their products and services met their customers’ needs. Look for a CNC machining company that thoroughly understands your request, and has years of service under their belt. Working with an experienced CNC machining company will ensure that you receive exactly what you want and to the quality standards you expect.

If you’re interested in working with a CNC machining company with 20 years of experience, and is focused on providing you the high-quality parts for your business needs, contact us today. Take a look at the offer below to learn even more about what to look for in a CNC machining company.