7 Factors To Consider When Producing CNC Machined Parts

by | Aug 19, 2022 | CNC Machined Parts, CNC Machining

CNC Machined Parts

Most industries such as aerospace, medical, and manufacturing opt for CNC machining because it is seamless, fast and allows them to produce machined parts quickly. All industries need one thing large quantities of machined parts that are precise too. 

To produce quality CNC machined parts, one needs to consider the factors and their impact on the manufacturing process. 

We will discuss the seven factors you need to consider when producing CNC machined parts. 

 

Let’s check out the factors one by one: 

#1. Review your machining project

First, you need to understand the project you want to start. You can consider these questions: 

  • What are the sizes and complexities of the machined parts?
  • What are the materials to get machined?
  • What levels of precision do you need to make these parts? 
  • What are the cutting tools that you need?
  • Do you require fixtures to clamp your machined parts?

By considering these questions, you’ll be able to select the most efficient and cost-effective methods to achieve quality CNC machining parts. 

#2. Consider the Ideal Machine Type

The next thing to consider is: do you have the right equipment in your workshop to do this job? If not, you will need to consider the best fit for your project while evaluating a wide range of CNC machine types. High-quality CNC machines can achieve extremely high accuracy and high tolerances. You need to consider the delivery time of the brand and type of CNC machine so that you do not buy second or third choices. 

#3. Ensure to Use Ideal Materials

The type of materials to be machined will influence the levels of performance and cycle times. Some factors such as durability, the load to bearing, and machine structure will affect the precision that can get achieved. Material properties and tooling behaviour will also influence machine tool factors. So, choosing the material according to your project is the ideal way. 

#4. Using the Right Cutting Tools & Tool Holders

Use the right cutting tools and the recommended cutting settings to achieve the desired quality surface and accuracy. You can fine-tune the cutting parameters to achieve the desired output and the production cost. You need to avoid using blunt tools, tools that are not suitable for machined materials. Continuing with these tools will result in rough edges on the finished product. 

#5. ISO Certification of the Machine Shop

ISO certification plays an ideal role in the machining industry. Both the machinist and the customer know the importance of the ISO certification. The ISO 9001 certification goes a long way to show how a company operates and handles its manufacturing projects. 

Going with an ISO-certified Company Means:

  • They are certified to manufacture precision machined parts. 
  • Lower risk.
  • Better customer service. 
  • Traceability for materials and processes.

#6. Manage your Manufacturing Environment

You need to beware of the influence of the external sources of debris and pollution that can create adverse effects during machining and result in costly damages to your machines. Some of the examples of this include: 

  • Dust from the grinding or worse.
  • Shock waves get created by stamping machines. 
  • Welding operations in CNC machines.
  • Electrical fluctuations due to unstable power networks. 

#7. Implement Quality Control Measures

Quality systems are an integral part of manufacturing. You can implement effective quality control systems throughout the entire process. Your stringent work procedures must ensure compliance with material inspections, process checks, and final product specifications. These will avoid non-compliance products and match the high quality required by your customer. 

 

MDA: The Ideal CNC Machine Shop For Machined Parts

Producing quality parts often depends on the complex combination of CNC machines, tools and processes. By managing these different parameters, you can deliver quality machined parts with the ideal levels of accuracy. 

We at MDA make it easier to produce quality CNC machining parts in less time with utmost precision. Our experts know the importance of precision machined parts, and have the experience to meet the complex demands for CNC machined parts. Contact us today for your batch of CNC machined parts.

Why CNC Milling Is Ideal For Manufacturing Machined Parts?

by | May 5, 2022 | CNC Machined Parts, CNC Machining, CNC Turning and Milling

CNC Milling Is Ideal For Manufacturing Machined Parts

CNC milling is one of the popular machining processes present in the market. It is suitable for most industries as it is apt for machining various materials such as metal, plastic, wood and glass. By leveraging CNC milling, the industry owners can create CNC parts and products. 

If you are interested in incorporating CNC milling in your machining process, this article is suitable for you, explaining why CNC milling is the right choice for CNC parts. 

What is CNC Milling? 

CNC milling is the machining process that utilizes computerized controls to manage the movement and operation of multi-point rotary cutting tools. The tool rotates and moves across the surface of the workpiece. They slowly remove any excess material to get the desired shape and size. 

The process is classified into four stages: 

  • CAD model design: In this process, engineers create a 2D or 3D design of the desired part.
  • CAD model conversion to a CNC program: The design gets exported into a compatible file format and machine instructions using CAM software. 
  • CNC milling machine setup: The machine operator prepares the machine and the workpiece.
  • Milling operation execution: The machine operator initiates the machining program.

It can accommodate a variety of materials that include metals, ceramics and engineered materials. It makes it easier for the manufacturers to choose the material that suits their requirements. This material flexibility is beneficial for several industries. Some of them are: 

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive 
  • Commercial 
  • Electronics
  • Medical 
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation 

 

How do CNC Milling Machines Work? 

A CNC places the tool under the guidance of a computerized operating system. Successful milling is the combination of the three elements: 

  • A cutter with many teeth and ideal sharpness for a material.
  • Spinning a tool at a high enough speed to process the material correctly. 
  • An appropriate feed rate for advancing the chosen material via the process. 

CNC allows extremely close control of these elements. The process takes directions in customized codes such as NC code and G-code from the project’s CAM or CAD designs. The code gets translated into the machine’s controls that run along the two axes, and the tool spindle runs in the depth. Here are some things these machines can do: 

Flat surfaces: These machines can precisely cut and level away material areas from one material to the other, ensuring tight closures. 

Drilled holes: Threads get carved through to make bolts or screws fit, and it bores similarly for every material.

Bored holes: It follows a programmed size. So, each assembly of parts becomes precise and permits tight sealing. 

 

Why Use A CNC Milling Machine For CNC Parts?

It allows the production of precise parts, which provides businesses with a competitive edge over their competitors, which are complex in design, have structural benefits and more. Let’s look at the reasons to use CNC milling for CNC parts: 

  • It improves profitability

Every industry aims to keep making a profit, achievable with high-quality products. It allows the manufacturing owners to set it up with the annual calibration to keep working for a long time. As long as the machine is in proper condition, it’ll produce quality products. 

  •  It is a reliable and trusted

CNC milling machines are valuable for producing various parts in multiple industries such as aeronautics, electronics, automotive and transportation. When using high-performing equipment, these industries see you as a like-minded business person who can deliver the results. Thus, you get more customers and contracts. 

  • Undeniable accuracy

These machines are superior to conventional manual machines created with advanced technology. The machines are equipped with software to keep the processes consistent and follow data. The CNC milling machines are your best bet when you want your parts with the exact measurements and material at incredible speeds. 

  • Efficient like no other 

All CNC milling machines require regular care and calibration by a certified technician. However, milling machines withstand the pressure of continuous operation. The machines are programmed to replicate the same design repeatedly at the same interval so that you can expect a smooth production flow. 

 

Why Choose MDA? 

To produce precision machined parts, you require professional CNC milling services. You should know certain things about custom CNC milling before starting your project. It’s tough to find professional milling services, but your search for a one-stop shop for your machining needs ends here. We at MDA are one of the leading players in CNC parts. The CNC programmers working at MDA have years of experience and hands-on experience with the technology to offer quality milling services. 

We also take care of the post-production process. If your CNC machining parts need special finishes, MDA can send you finished CNC machined parts. The company can machine parts with any specific angle and complexity no matter what industry.

Tips for CNC Machined Parts: Essential Advice for Quality Results

by | Oct 22, 2021 | CNC Machined Parts, CNC Machining

Quality CNC Machined Parts

CNC machining is a necessity for various industries as they need high-quality CNC machined parts to produce quality products. CNC machining is synonymous with precision, and it is what most of the manufacturing industries know. 

The CNC machined parts should meet the desired standards of the industry and also meet the customer demands. So, the equipment needs to be precise and on-point. If they do not get produced according to the specifications, it can cause unexpected problems. 

Manufacturers know the importance of quality parts in a dedicated time. Failure to comply with the standards will result in loss of business. Here are the tips that will help to produce quality CNC machined parts. 

#1. Knowing CNC machine shop requirements 

The machine shop owners need to understand that they are going with the part with the intention of manufacturing. Machinists need to be aware of the possibility of the production and where they will produce their equipment. They need to know the complexity of the parts, the materials to get machined, the cutting tools you’ll require, and levels of precision in producing the parts. Therefore, you need a reliable CNC machine shop that’ll meet your needs. 

Once you have chosen the machine shop you want to work. Try and get information about the CNC machining prototypes and part capabilities. 

#2. Automate the process with CNC controls 

Machinists know that computer systems control the process in CNC machines. There are several cases when people can automate certain operations of the production to overcome unproductive times.

People can machine identical parts with higher and constant accuracy levels. People can set up repeat orders in shorter times, and orders can be easily slotted into the production schedule.

#3. Modify design with machine software

The next step is to review your design, and this stage is one of the most important if you begin with production. A simple change in design can help you save plenty of money. Professional CNC manufacturing in Canada has specially designed software in their machines helping to control various parameters, and designs, and providing reports and alerts to the machinists. 

The software helps the machinist to seamless the machining processes. And take proper actions to ensure that the quality of the machined part is not compromised.

#4. CNC programming 

The final result after the design is the 3-D model that represents all the tolerances and dimensions. The majority of the CNC machine tools use a programming language called G-code. Machinists need to choose which surface on the CAD model should be machined, and the CAM system will generate the code itself.

The process is complex as you need to take care of tolerances, geometry, and materials to generate the ideal program. You need to hire a good machine shop, and the professionals will help you move on to the processes quickly. 

#5. CNC machine setup 

Once the program is ready, the next step is to set the part. A basic CNC machine setup consists of the following considerations: 

  • Part orientation: The machinist needs to design the part orientations to remove all the excess material. 
  • Part clamping: There are a lot of different types of fixtures to clamp the part. We advise using standard tooling sets of jigs and fixtures. 
  • Coordinate zero: Once the part gets clamped, the machine tool must know where the zero coordinates are present. The piece can get adjusted manually, or you can buy an indicator. 
  • Loading the cutting tools: Lastly is the cutting tool setup. Position all the tools you use in your NC program in the slots. The machinist needs to insert the dimensions of the tool. 

 

Contact us for quality machined parts with the help of our experienced machinists.

 

#6. Choose the ideal cutting tools and holders 

Use the right cutting tools and recommend cutting settings to achieve the quality of the machined parts you desire. The machinist can fine-tune the cutting parameters to achieve the desired finish. 

Avoid using any blunt tools, wrong dimension tools, or tools not suitable for machined materials. If the machinist keeps on using irregular tools, it can result in rough edges, and burn marks on the finished machined parts. 

Also, avoiding the same tool for roughing and finishing in series production runs results in lower quality finishing and higher wear and cost. 

#7. Manage the manufacturing environment 

The machine shop owners should stay away from external sources of debris and pollution. These can create effects during machining resulting in improper finishing and costly damage to the machines. 

Some of the examples include: 

  • Dust from grinding or worse from nearby foundries. 
  • Ongoing welding operations nearby CNC machines. 
  • Stamping machines or presses create shock waves.

#8. Hire a professional CNC machine shop 

The experience of CNC machinists plays a crucial role in producing quality products. We at MDA have skilled experts with manufacturing knowledge and are capable of working around client requirements. 

Whether the client requires simple machined parts in high volumes or precision machined parts in low volumes, we’re here to deliver quality products on time. With years of experience under our belt, our professionals produce high-quality equipment from the simplest to the most complex. 

As we have mentioned the tips to ensure the quality of the CNC machined parts is ideal for both low-mid volume production. Here are the benefits of precision CNC machining to custom parts for low – mid volume production.

Essential CNC Milling Tools Guide To Achieve Precise CNC Machined Parts

by | Sep 20, 2021 | CNC Machined Parts, CNC Turning and Milling

CNC Milling Tools

Since the days of the industrial revolution, there has been an increase in the mass production of equipment. Mass production means producing the same part thousands of times. Slowly, this process got done with the help of CNC milling machines. Now, for the CNC milling process, you require apt CNC milling tools. Having the right tools can make a difference during the milling process. 

This guide is here to help you choose the right CNC milling tool, types of milling tools, and how to select milling tools. 

 

What is CNC Milling?

CNC milling is a machining process. The whole process is based on using computerized controls. It involves the rotation of multi-point tools that eliminate unwanted materials from the workpiece. It leads to custom-designed products. The CNC milling process helps to machine various materials like glass, wood, metals, and plastics. It does so by drilling and turning to get the desired shape. The cutting tools’ edges make plenty of quick cuts helping to sculpt the raw material surface that gets removed as the process goes on. 

 

Types of CNC Milling Tools

Different types of CNC milling tools allow getting the perfect customization of the final products. All these tools get used to cut the material into various shapes and sizes. Your final design will determine the tool you use for the machining process. It depends on the professionals to select the tools to balance the speed with the desired finish. Here are some tools available for CNC milling: 

#1. Chamfer Mills

It is the most common tool used in the CNC machining industry. During the creation of a part, machining operations can leave a sharp edge on the workpiece. The role of the chamfer mill is to eliminate any sharp edges. 

The final result will be a part that is strong and aesthetically pleasing to the end-user. Chamfer milling is ideal for these purposes: 

  • Chamfer mill for beveling
  • Chamfer mill for deburring
  • Chamfer mill for spotting and countersinking

 

#2. End Mills

End milling primarily differs from other milling methods due to the tooling used for wearing out the material. The sole reason they are different is they cut at a 90-degree angle. In simple terms, the mills that can cut axially are end mills. 

The material used in the end mill also makes a difference in the tool you need to use for your final part. Some common materials used to create end mills are: 

  • Carbide
  • Cobalt
  • High-speed steel

In end mills, there are various ways of cutting into the material and how the machinist cut determines the tool used: 

  • Face milling: When the machinist cuts into one surface of the material, it is known as face milling. The surface is the face of the material. 
  • Slot milling: Slot milling creates slots through the material, cutting edges on two sides at once as the end mill will make a groove. 
  • Ramping: Ramping cuts directly down to the surface and at an angle that creates a slanted cut down via the material. 
  • Plunge: Plunging milling is an efficient process in removing a notable amount of material in less time. 

 

#3. Ball End Mills

Ball end mills are ideal for drilling shallow holes. They have a constant radius at the end of the cutting tool. Ball end mills are used for various milling operations like slotting, contouring, pocketing, and profiling. Just because of their shape, they get suited to machining 3D part contours and more. We at MDA offer high-speed ball end mills capable of retaining hardness at high temperatures i.e. perfect for CNC milling tools. 

 

#4. Drill Bits

Drill bits allow the machinists to cut holes in the material. Twist drill bits get used in general repairs. These bits help to create small holes. Similarly, like in end mills, drill bits are made from different materials that impact the strength. If the coating is on the exterior of the drill bits increases the longevity. Here are some common materials: 

  • High-Speed Steel
  • Carbide
  • Titanium Nitride Coating
  • Titanium Aluminum Nitride Coating

 

#5. Fly Cutters

Fly cutters comprise one or two tool bits that are in the solid body. The tool bits present in the fly cutter help to create shallow, broad cuts, and the machinists get a smooth surface finish. The perfect examples are tabletops and counters. 

The fly cutters get a lot of material off the surface quickly. The design of the fly cutters makes the engine of the CNC mill work harder. Some machinists refer to fly cutters as springboards. 

 

| Also Read: CNC Machining Tips: Why should you go for Flat Bottom Tools?

 

How To Select CNC Milling Tools? 

Selecting the right tools for CNC milling becomes necessary if you desire a quality finish. Using the wrong tools can ruin the finish of your final equipment. Therefore, you need to keep in mind several factors while selecting the ideal CNC milling tools below: 

  • Selection of milling tool body 

The price of the milling tool is costly. A face milling tool body with a diameter of 10mm can cost around $600. 

You have to choose according to your processing needs. You need to consider the number of teeth while considering the milling tool. The size of the tool pitch determines the number of cutter teeth used in the cutting during milling which affects the smoothness of the cutting. Every milling tool manufacturer has a series of dense tooth milling tools. So, choose the tool according to your equipment requirements. 

  • Selection of the milling tool blade

A grinding blade is ideal for fine milling. It has better dimensional accuracy making the positioning accuracy of the cutting edge in milling higher. In other processing operations, it is better to use a pressed blade or a ground blade.

During roughing, it is better to use a pressed blade that reduces the processing cost. Machinists can use a scraping blade to remove any rough machining marks to achieve better surface roughness than using a pressed blade. 

 

Conclusion 

Every milling tool has its own set of requirements and produces a unique result. Before selecting a milling tool, a machinist must consider several factors, including the material to be machined, the desired finish of the part surfaces, and more. 

So, before hiring a CNC machining company, make sure they have all of the necessary tools on hand to machine your parts. 

At Machining Design Associated Ltd, we are committed to providing the best possible custom machined product while providing the best possible customer service. Feel free to contact us with your CNC tool requirements. It is accomplished by:

  • Creating a foundation of trust by being honest and providing excellent service.
  • Performing a thorough inspection of products to ensure that they meet the customer’s requirements.
  • Maintaining flexibility to respond quickly to the changing needs of our customers.
  • Keeping our best practices to deliver the most precise and cost-effective product possible.

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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