A Complete Guide to Working with a Custom Machine Shop

by | May 15, 2023 | CNC Machining Guides, Custom Machine Shop

custom machine shop

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses constantly seek ways to gain a competitive edge. Custom machining services have become increasingly popular as they allow businesses to create unique products that meet their needs. 

However, finding the right custom machine shop can be daunting, especially for those new to the industry. At MDA, we are a full-service custom machine shop with years of experience in the industry. Our team of skilled machinists and engineers utilizes the latest technology and equipment to produce precision parts and components for various industries, including aerospace, defense, and medical. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and services while maintaining open communication and transparency with our clients.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know when working with a custom machine shop.

Understanding Your Project Needs

When working with a custom machine shop, it’s essential to understand your project needs clearly. This will help ensure that the finished product meets your requirements and expectations. Here are some critical steps to follow:

Defining project requirements: Start by clearly defining your project’s purpose, the product’s intended use, and any specific features or functions required. This will help the machine shop understand your goals and develop a plan.

Identifying necessary materials and tolerances: Identify the materials needed to produce the desired result based on your project requirements. You should also determine any required tolerances or specifications, such as dimensions or surface finish.

Communicating project specifications to the machine shop: Once you clearly understand your project needs, it’s essential to communicate these specifications to the machine shop. This can be done through detailed drawings, CAD files, or other documentation. Ask the machine shop questions and clarify any uncertainties before production begins.

At MDA, we understand the importance of fully understanding our customers’ project needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to working closely with clients to ensure that we deliver high-quality, customized products that meet their exact specifications.

Choosing the right custom machine shop

Choosing the right custom machine shop is critical to the success of your project. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

Researching potential machine shops: Start by researching potential machine shops in your area or online. Look for machine shops specializing in your type of project and have experience working with materials similar to those you need.

Evaluating machine shop capabilities and equipment: Look for a machine shop with the equipment and technology necessary to handle your project requirements. Ask about the types of machines they have, their production capabilities, and their quality control measures.

Assessing machine shop experience and expertise: Experience is vital in custom machining. Look for a machine shop with a proven track record of successful projects and a team of experienced machinists.

Reviewing customer feedback and testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials from past customers to get a sense of the machine shop’s reputation and level of customer satisfaction, which can also be assessed through the use of specialized customer feedback platforms.

At MDA, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art equipment, experienced team, and excellent customer service. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality custom-machined parts for various industries.

Communication and Collaboration

Working with a custom machine shop requires effective communication and collaboration to ensure the success of your project. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

Establishing clear lines of communication: Effective communication is essential for the smooth functioning of any project. Establishing clear lines of communication with your machine shop from the outset is vital. This includes identifying the primary point of contact and establishing the preferred mode of communication.

Collaborating with the machine shop during the design process: Collaboration with the machine shop during the design process can lead to better outcomes. By involving the machine shop in the design process, you can use their expertise to optimize your design for manufacturing. The machine shop can provide valuable feedback on the manufacturability of your design and suggest alternative approaches that can save time and money.

Providing feedback and addressing concerns: As your project progresses, it is essential to maintain ongoing communication with the machine shop and provide feedback as needed. If you encounter any concerns or issues with the project, it is essential to address them promptly to avoid delays or complications.

As a custom machine shop, MDA takes great pride in our ability to collaborate effectively with our clients. Our team of experienced engineers and technicians is always ready to work with you to ensure the success of your project.

Quality Control and Inspection

When it comes to custom machining, quality is crucial. Ensuring that the finished product meets your expectations and requirements is essential. Quality control and inspection play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Ensuring quality control throughout the manufacturing process: To maintain the desired level of quality, the custom machine shop should have a comprehensive quality control plan in place. This plan should cover everything from raw material selection to final product inspection. It should also include measures to address any issues during the manufacturing process.

Conducting inspection and testing procedures: The machine shop should perform regular inspections and testing procedures to ensure that the product meets the required specifications. This may involve dimensional measurements, material testing, and other tests specific to the project.

Addressing quality issues promptly and effectively: Even with the best quality control measures, issues can still arise. It’s essential to have a plan in place to address any quality concerns promptly and effectively. This may involve reworking or replacing parts, adjusting manufacturing processes, or other corrective actions.

At MDA, we take quality seriously. Our quality control and inspection processes are designed to ensure that every product we produce meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific quality requirements and strive to exceed their expectations at every stage of the manufacturing process.

Read More: Why MDA is the Best CNC Machine Shop in Canada?

Delivery and Follow-Up

After all the hard work of collaborating with a custom machine shop to bring your project to life, ensuring a smooth delivery and follow-up process is essential. This section will cover the key steps to ensure your project is delivered on time and to your satisfaction.

Establishing delivery timelines and expectations: It’s essential to establish clear timelines and expectations with your machine shop from the outset. Ensure you clearly understand how long the manufacturing process will take, and agree on a delivery date that works for both parties. You should also discuss any special delivery requirements, such as packaging or transportation, to avoid surprises or delays later.

Communicating any delays or changes in schedule: Despite everyone’s best efforts, sometimes delays or changes in schedule are unavoidable. If this happens, it’s essential to communicate with your machine shop as soon as possible to avoid any further complications. Keep an open line of communication and be proactive in addressing any issues.

Following up with the machine shop to ensure satisfaction: Once your project has been delivered, take the time to review the final product and ensure it meets your expectations. If you have any concerns or issues, don’t hesitate to bring them up with your machine shop. A professional custom machine shop should be committed to ensuring their clients are satisfied with the final product and willing to make any necessary adjustments to achieve this.

At MDA, we take great pride in delivering high-quality products on time and to our client’s satisfaction. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing clear communication and collaboration throughout the entire custom machining process.

Get CNC parts for various industries. We are happy to hear about your requirements!! Talk to our expert.

 

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Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right custom machine shop near me is crucial to the success of any project. It ensures that your project specifications are met with precision and quality. As a leading custom machine and fabrication shop, MDA has the capabilities and expertise to deliver exceptional results for your machining needs with proven quality assurance.

We prioritize quality control and customer satisfaction, working closely with clients to ensure their projects meet expectations.

Get in touch with us at MDA if you have any custom machining needs. Let us help you bring your ideas to life with our state-of-the-art equipment, experienced team, and dedication to excellence.

Why MDA is the Best CNC Machine Shop in Canada?

by | Dec 30, 2022 | CNC Machine Shop, CNC Machining

CNC Machine Shop

CNC machining is a technology that uses various pre-programmed tools and techniques to produce components from metals or plastic. A CNC machine shop often employs custom CNC machining for sheet metal fabrication and plastic machining, creating various parts for industries ranging from electronics and automotive to appliances and more.

The materials, methods, and program settings are crucial even though these processes might be partially or fully automated and precision-bound. Once this gets accomplished, you will receive accurate CNC precision machined parts in the required quantities and with the proper dimensions.

We at our CNC machine shop possess significant expertise in working with clients from various industries. The business can provide precise, quick turnaround custom CNC machining services for high-volume production runs, prototypes, and other projects. This article provides information on the company’s CNC machining capabilities.

Our Machining Capabilities

MDA can produce small, intricate, complex parts in volumes of up to one million pieces with accuracy and precision. The business has provided CNC precision machined parts for various industries, including defence, medical research, electronics, automotive, and more. Here is a summary of what MDA supplies to its customers.

Screw Machining: The business sells screws made of brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. They provide standard and unusual screws in a variety of sizes and shapes. Large production runs of precise, small parts gets produced using screw machining equipment. Single- and multiple-spindle machines with specialized attachments for secondary operations used to accomplish this. As needed, this allows for tight tolerances of up to 0.0002 inches.

CNC Turning and Milling: The company has well-equipped CNC turning centres, precisely manufacture complex parts. CNC milling machines can handle labor-intensive tasks on non-turnable parts. With this, tolerances as small as 0.0002 inches achieved while maintaining consistency. Drilling, tapping, grinding, multi-axis machining, and other capabilities are available.

Metal Fabrication: We use state-of-the-art technology to help clients with metal fabrication. Our experts ensure that your parts gets specially designed for your industry with the highest quality materials.

Post-Production: We can send your metal-machined components for heat treatment, anodizing, black oxide, plating, or any other process you may need. Without, the hassle of finding someone else to do this for you, we can send you a fully finished CNC machined part.

Our Product Gallery

Take a look at our gallery where you can see all the machining parts and components we offer to our customers.

CNC Machine Parts Canada CNC Machine Parts Canada CNC Machine Parts Canada CNC Machine Parts Canada CNC Machine Parts Canada

 

 

What can you Expect from MDA?

Every single one of our customers receives a complete solution for any need. They believe in the manufacturing process we use. It includes intricate and precise parts like those used in optical devices, automobiles, medical equipment, and aerospace. Whatever the complexity of your project, we can deliver the results you need.

  • Through our low-volume manufacturing process, we can reduce costs.
  • More rapid time to market (and a higher success rate).
  • Giving all of your products flexible design options.
  • Providing you with a full range of options for building bridges.

 

We have successfully delivered thousands of projects for various companies. We look forward to hearing about your dream project.

 

 Contact Us

 

 

CNC Machine Shop: Key Factors for Choosing the Right One

by | Mar 30, 2022 | CNC Machine Shop, CNC Machining

CNC Machine Shop

Choosing a CNC machine shop is daunting because of the options available in the market. Be it any industry, manufacturing, aerospace, medical and more. These industries need a CNC machine to produce precision machined parts quickly. There are various advantages to choose a CNC machine shop:

  • It reduces the costs of the overall production.
  • It reduces the stress on the machinists.
  • CNC technology provides improved capabilities.
  • Smoother workflow.
  • And more.

Therefore, selecting a CNC machine shop is the way to move forward, but the whole process is a tiresome task. Don’t worry, at MDA’s CNC machine shop Toronto facility provides high-quality machined parts.

Let’s see the points you need to consider while choosing the CNC machine shop.

One must focus on quality and precision

Additionally, the first and foremost thing to have in a machine shop is quality. Every second machine shop owner you’ll find will say they produce the best-machined parts.

Go with machine shop owners that give complete importance to precision on their official website.

Check if they share why precision is necessary for CNC machined parts and preach what they say? Another thing to note is if the machine shop is responsible enough to provide quality work. Do they have an experienced team at their disposal? If not, it’s better to stay clear of that machine shop.

 

Check the previous work samples

Moreover, machine shop owners who are excellent at their work are ready to show their work samples.

Moreover, they won’t hesitate to let you inspect their prototypes. It is best for customer satisfaction as they can get a sneak peek of the previous sample work. Ask for the samples according to your industry to get a clear picture of the workflow.

Additionally, previous samples confirm that a machine shop has ample experience with materials for most industries.

 

Presence of the latest equipment

No one will like to trust a machine shop that offers outdated tools. When looking for quality machined equipment, you need to have a machine shop capable of handling the much-needed precision.

Do check about the equipment and also the company that manufactures these parts. Choose a brand name having years of experience and reputation in the market.

If possible, check the age of the machine shop equipment. They might have durable equipment, but CNC machining changes over time.

And the older machinery proves to be problematic. Therefore, it is better and advisable to only go with the latest equipment.

 

The machine shop can produce complex parts

Most industries require complex parts, and production is only possible via CNC machining.

You need to ensure that the machine shop has previously produced complex parts and is willing to manufacture the parts in less time while maintaining precision.

Furthermore, can the CNC machine shop do this all? If yes, you can go with them. Ensure the company culture, and if their goals align with yours.

Machine shops like this can handle your future needs and put the client’s priorities high on their list.

 

ISO certification is necessary

ISO certification is necessary for the manufacturing industry. The machinist and the customer know the importance of it. The certification goes a long way to show how a company operates and handles its projects.

Going with an ISO certified company means:

  • Quality management is their priority.
  • Traceability for materials and processes.
  • Lower risk.
  • Better customer service.

Next time you need a newly machined part, MDA can provide you exceptional results you won’t get anywhere else.

 

Communication skills

When choosing a CNC machine shop, one crucial factor to consider is communication skills. Effective communication ensures that your needs are understood and met, making it essential to choose a CNC machine shop with strong communication capabilities.

First, meet with the machine shop and tell them your machined parts requirements. Every shop has a specific niche, and therefore it’s necessary to assess them before moving forward with the project.

Additionally, check the communication level by asking for samples or production videos of previous work. A professional CNC machine shop knows the importance of communication and will solve all your doubts regarding their manufacturing process.

 

Experience in multiple industries

The more experience a machine shop has in various industries, the better it can meet customer demands. Consequently, this experience allows them to handle a wide range of requirements effectively.

The machine shop will be more proactive in knowing and fixing the issues before they give any problem to the customer.

With their experience, they will have a large client base. They have been in need to produce large quantities of the machined parts in less time. When a professional machine shop comes and helps you achieve the project.

 

| Also Read: Selecting the Best Materials for your Machining job

 

MDA: The Right CNC Machine Shop in Toronto

If you have machining needs, then choose MDA. We have everything you require in a machine shop, from the materials you need, on-time delivery and get high-quality machined parts.

We keep our customers in the loop to know their requirements and ensure we complete them. Don’t waste your time to choose cnc machine shop. Check out our precision CNC services. For more information or to get a quote, contact us at MDA today.

What Are The Causes & Effects of Built-Up Edge (BUE) in CNC Machining

by | Aug 10, 2021 | CNC Machining

BUE in CNC Machining

During the CNC machining process, there are chances of errors. They can come up in any shape. When the machinists are manufacturing high-precision parts, then there is no chance of any error developing. One such error is BUE (built-up edge).

BUE can lead to poor surface finish, increased tool wear, and decreased productivity, affecting the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Understanding the causes and effects of BUE is crucial for CNC machining operators and manufacturers to develop effective strategies to mitigate the problem.

Therefore removing BUE is necessary from the machining process. In this article, we will explore the causes and effects of BUE in CNC machining, providing insights into how manufacturers can overcome this challenge to optimize their production processes.

What is BUE (built-up edge) in machining?

The accumulation of workpiece material on the tool’s rake face is known as a built-up edge (BUE). This material separates from the chip and welds under pressure. 

Many different factors can cause it, and it can impact the outcome of a precision CNC project. Too much build-up on the chip’s edge can cause the tool to separate from the chip.

The workpiece materials are deposited at the cutting edge during the turning process, resulting in the formation of a build-up edge. As a result, the deposits alter the cutting edge’s geometry, reducing the cutting edge’s ability to make clean, sharp cuts.

Rapid turning essentially combines the properties of the cutting tool and the workpiece material.

As a result, CNC machine shops and their clients must be aware of the precautions that one should take to avoid this. 

Importance of understanding the causes and effects of BUE

Understanding the causes and effects of built-up edge (BUE) is essential for improving the efficiency and quality of CNC machining operations. BUE occurs when a small amount of material adheres to the cutting tool and accumulates over time, leading to poor surface finish, increased tool wear, and decreased productivity.

Here are some reasons why it is crucial to understand the causes and effects of BUE:

Minimizing Tool Wear: By understanding the causes of BUE formation, operators and manufacturers can implement measures to reduce wear and tear on cutting tools. BUE can cause significant damage to cutting tools, leading to a shortened lifespan and increased costs. By minimizing BUE formation, the lifespan of cutting tools can be extended, reducing costs and improving overall efficiency.

Enhancing Surface Finish: BUE can cause uneven surface finish, decreasing product quality and performance. By understanding the effects of BUE, manufacturers can develop strategies to minimize its impact on surface finish. This, in turn, can improve product quality and increase customer satisfaction.

Improving Productivity: BUE can lead to a decrease in productivity due to the need for frequent tool changes and adjustments. By understanding the causes of BUE, operators can implement measures to minimize its formation, reducing the need for frequent tool changes and increasing productivity.

Increasing Profitability: By minimizing BUE formation and improving efficiency, manufacturers can reduce costs and increase profitability. This can be achieved by optimizing tool selection and implementing process control systems.

Understanding the causes and effects of built-up edge (BUE) is critical for improving the efficiency, quality, and profitability of CNC machining operations. Manufacturers can optimize their production processes by minimizing BUE formation, enhancing surface finish, increasing productivity, and reducing costs, improving overall competitiveness and success in the marketplace.

What causes the formation of BUE?

  • The geometry of the cutting tool gets altered as the material builds up. The rake angle gets included. This shift in geometry occurs regularly. As a result, the metal removal process loses dimensional control.
  • A work-hardened and abrasive material makes up a built-up edge. When pieces break free from the cutting tool, they stick to the workpiece and scratch the surface.
  • The higher the BUE, the rougher the surface will be.
  • The cut with a built-up edge is usually deeper than it would be with just the cutting instrument’s tip.
  • When a piece of the cutting tool breaks off, it can take some of the tools with it. As a result, tool wear is premature.
  • Reduce friction – If you want to use low cutting speeds, use the ideal cutting lubricant. The cutting fluid will carry away the heat generated during machining. When there is less heat, there is less build-up.

 

BUE effects on the cutting process

In short, too much build-up edge can lead to dimensional inaccuracies and even the complete scrapping of a part or component. 

It also results in a poor surface finish, which can drive up the cost of any machining project. For a skilled machinist, a build-up edge is one of the easiest things to spot and manage.

Problems BUE creates for CNC machine shops: 

  • Cutting tools have a short lifespan.
  • Lead times are longer.
  • Variations in component uniformity.
  • Surface finishes that are not up to par.
  • Reduced quality in part.

 

Ways to reduce BUE in CNC machining

1. Opt for free-cutting tools with sharp geometries and highly polished surfaces when choosing an instrument. Picking an ideal CNC tool with chip breaker geometry will aid in the division of chips, making it easier to remove them from the part and cutting surface.

2. Increase the cutting speeds, especially when using carbide inserts, because chips will have less time to adhere to the tool.

3. Be sure of your application strategy and running parameters. It is always a good idea to double-check your running parameters to ensure they are ideal for your turning application.

4. Cutting fluids can help reduce the amount of built-up edge. It accumulates on tooling components by reducing the amount of heat produced during machining.

5. Choose a coated insert because coatings get designed to prevent common machining issues. It gets engineered for a given set of part materials.

6. Select free-cutting tools with precise geometries and smooth surfaces that get meticulously maintained. Keep in mind that the geometry of the chip breaker may help to reduce chip adherence even more.

 

Looking for an experienced machinist who can overcome BUE in CNC machining? Contact Us! We can help. 

 

How Does Machine Design Associated Help to Overcome Built-up Edge Problems?

We only use best practices to ensure that our work for our customers gets done in the most efficient, precise, and cost-effective way possible, with a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Here are the reasons to choose us for your BUE that are below:

  • Quality Standards

Our expectations for the quality and performance of our products are high. We are proud of our ability to design and manufacture products and services that consistently deliver exceptional results, and we stand behind them completely.

  • Expertise

Our worker’s abilities, talents, and expertise have earned us a reputation as technical experts in the industry. We invest in and continue to develop a highly-skilled workforce eager to share their knowledge with our clients.

  • Our Machinery

We have a variation of CNC machinery at MDA, including our CNC milling machine in Canada, among other things. Our experts keep up with the latest advancements in CNC machinery, so our equipment, such as our CNC milling machine in Canada and throughout North America, is always top-of-the-line and serviced to ensure it is running at its peak.

  • Selection of Cutting Tools 

MDA’s machine design team selects cutting tools based on their geometry, material, and coating. Cutting tool geometry plays a crucial role in preventing BUE. By selecting the proper geometry and rake angle, the cutting tool can reduce the tendency of the material to adhere to its surface, thereby reducing the formation of BUE.

Benefits Of Precision CNC Machining To Custom Parts For Low – Mid Volume Production

by | Jul 14, 2021 | CNC Machining, Custom Machined Parts

Precision CNC Machining

Every machinist knows about precision machining or has used it to manufacture ideal machined parts. Precision machining has changed the way industries are working, and it is the right choice for high-volume requirements. 

Precision machining helps the machine shops to stay competitive in the market despite the high demand from the customer. If your machine shop is yet to include precision CNC machining in the manufacturing process, then you are missing out a lot. 

Our experts at MDA will share the benefits of using precision CNC machining that will help to manufacture your next machined part. 

 

Why is precision machining necessary? 

Precision CNC machining is a process where large pieces of materials or parts are shaped into precise forms to meet the specific demands of various industries. Precision CNC machining is finding more relevance in business. In aerospace, it manufactures landing gear parts, manifolds, etc. The medical industry manufactures implants, orthotic devices and other precision instruments via precision machining. So, if a product contains equipment, then it requires precision CNC machining. Here are some reasons why precision machining is necessary:

  • It improves smooth functionality and operation.
  • Accurate measurement of precise parts.
  • Precision machining provides durability. 
  • Conforming to industry standards.

 

Benefits of precision CNC machining

 

#1. Fast production of materials and parts

Precision machining is fast and one of the best manufacturing methods available right now. It reduces the manual work by relying on specialized software to create the custom part you need. 

It is better than the conventional CNC machining method, which takes around weeks or months to finalize a custom part. In precision machining, you can manufacture a part in days. See the difference? It saves you time, in the long run, helping you to meet the deadlines. Our experts follow the precision machining techniques reducing the human intervention making the parts consistent for low – mid-volume production. 

 

#2. It is cost effective

Fast production of the machined parts leads to a reduction in overall costs. That’s not all. Precision CNC machining helps to reduce the price you need for raw materials and supply chain management. The machine shops now can produce the machined parts in saving on costs and other factors like: 

  • Reduction in labour
  • Increased manufacturing 
  • Meeting with the delivery rates

Investing in precision machining allows for maximizing the company’s business. When you choose us for the precision CNC machining needs, you will save a lot on your manufacturing costs. 

 

#3. Precision machining is ideal for prototyping

Prototyping is crucial in the manufacturing process. Prototyping allows the machine shop owners to overcome the mistakes in the long run. Precision CNC machining offers rapid prototyping capabilities and helps businesses to tap the smaller markets. The precision CNC machining allows the prototypes to have more functional parts rather than design prototypes.

 

| Also Read: Why Precision Machining Is The Right Choice For High-Volume Requirements

 

#4. Compatible with a wide range of materials

Different materials present challenges for manufacturers during the machining process. We all know that to manufacture machined parts for various industries, machine shop owners need to use a range of materials, from titanium to steel to aluminum or copper. 

Precision CNC machining is compatible with a lot of materials. There would be no need for the machinist to choose a different manufacturing process as precision machining can do it all. At MDA, our professional experts keep this in mind and manufacture the machined parts in the specific material selected by the client. 

 

#5. Maximizes efficiency

Precision machining is helpful for fast production, as mentioned in point 1. It also allows the machine shop owners to scale up the production needs. The reason is precision machining can create thousands of precision machined parts in no time. Professional machine shop owners can use the manual workforce in other tasks which require more human touch as customer service or post-production. 

 

#6. Safer production 

Because the industry is transitioning from manual to automated technology machinery, making it difficult for humans to participate in the manufacturing process. Even though the workforce on the shop floor gets reduced, CNC machine shops will still require skilled employees to be present at the time of production and provide the correct inputs to the machines. 

 

It benefits a business because it reduces the amount of machinery that needs to be maintained and the number of labourers required to run operations. The overall cost of manufacturing a unit will be lower, and profit margins will increase.

 

Why choose MDA for precision CNC machining?

We are a leading precision company located in Canada. Using advanced manufacturing equipment, our expert engineers and technicians assist businesses in producing high-quality and precise parts. Our production facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality, and we have a team of quality control experts on staff. 

 

Contact our professionals to get a quote for precision CNC machining parts.

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