In today’s demanding industrial environment, tolerances unheard of a few years ago are now the new norm, and as a result the need for precision machining services has never been greater. Without Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine tools these tolerances would be almost impossible to meet let alone hold over long production runs of identical components.
A CNC machine tool is one which creates parts using computer code which is loaded in an on-board computer. These sophisticated machines require very little human involvement. CNC machines are combined with design programs to further automate the entire process, ensuring a high degree of accuracy.
All CNC machine tools work on instructions entered into the on-board computer. Unlike manual machine tools that require a skilled operator, the CNC machine only needs to understand the code which was inputted.
CNC machines have changed the way parts and components are created. In the past, manually operated machines were the norm. These machines needed operators who were skilled in knowing how to control the machine. Today, all material removal is done by machines which don’t require any operator intervention. Because CNC machines are extremely expensive and demand highly skilled technicians to input the code, many companies outsource their work to companies that offer precision machining services.
CNC machines use two types of software; Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Although CAD and CAM are similar as they are both used to control the processing of CNC machines, there are significant differences between the two. CAD focuses more on designing the component while CAM focuses more on controlling the machine that will produce the component. When parts and components are made on CNC machines, the machine takes all the measurements inputted. The result is a very accurate part produced to very demanding tolerances.
Precision machining services are now commonly used because the human hand and eye cannot achieve the degree of accuracy needed in such demanding industries such as aerospace, medical, military and communications. CNC machines can reproduce the identical same parts day in and day out. Although CNC machines are expensive, having them produced on high speed, precision machines often results in lower unit costs based on volume than could be achieved with a manual machine.
RAMP Engineering offers precision machining services to the commercial, industrial, aerospace, medical and other demanding industries. RAMP Engineering can work with customers from prototype to production of parts and components. Visit our website to request a quote.
