Machining is a process that converts any piece of raw metal or any other material into a useful item. The component is said to be ‘machined’ when the raw material is cut and sized with the help of highly specialized tools until it is completed as a final product.
Such machining can take place in a tool shop that functions specifically as a means of creating certain parts and components. It is also possible to do the job yourself in-house if you have trained and experienced personnel as well as the tools for such a job. Alternatively, you can simply outsource your work by partnering with any particular machine shop to take care of your machining needs.
Machine shops are an integral part of the prototyping process. Apart from that, they are also very useful for creating components for machines and other important equipment. Machine shops are useful in the following ways:
Conventional Machining
This is more of a mechanical process and just about all machine shops can help you with basic machining tasks. Conventional machining can help you to produce various types of design prototypes, and help repair equipment. They are also useful in the production of components in small batches.
The usual tools required for general machining include turret milling machines and engine lathes. Apart from these, there are horizontal boring mills, cylindrical grinders, and the like. A machine shop uses all of these tools to create superior prototypes and components that will fit your specific custom requirements.
CNC Machining Processes
Computerized Numerical Control or CNC machines have essentially revolutionized machining as we know it today. They are far more advanced than their conventional machining counterparts. CNC machining enables the utilization of computerized tools for all kinds of machining tasks.
If you don’t urgently need a live prototype as soon as possible, you can get the CNC software to test your component in a virtual setting. In the long run, it can save a lot of time since you won’t have to physically change your prototype in the real world. You can tweak it and fine-tune it as per your specifications right on the computer screen.
This is a great way of cutting production time by weeks. Moreover, you can also decrease your expenses significantly. CNC machines also use the CAD or computer-aided design process to enable you to get the desired results on the screen prior to the actual prototype.
Since machining is such a complex process, it is absolutely essential to pick the perfect machine shop. If the machine shop you choose doesn’t have the desired tools or experience, it will mean many delays in production. Your components might not be the shape, size, and quality you require. All of this can easily drive your total production costs ever upwards.
On the other hand, if you choose a shop that has the required expertise and tools, you can go into full production as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a quality machine shop in Salem, OH, look no further than Ronas Machine. Our highly skilled machinists use premium tooling to ship your products to your doorstep as soon as possible.