A comprehensive guide to machining and machining: precision change from core technology to smart manufacturing

A comprehensive guide to machining and machining: precision change from core technology to smart manufacturing
How machining is reshaping the future of industrial production by mastering the core technologies of modern manufacturing?

In the manufacturing industry, precision and efficiency are key to the competitiveness of a company, and theMachining (machining)It is the core technology that makes this possible. Whether it’s traditional manual machining or advanced CNC machining, precision workmanship leads to higher productivity and better product quality.

This article takes a deep dive into the world of machining, covering the full spectrum from basic processes to smart manufacturing, to help you understand how to choose the most appropriate machining services that will add real value to your business.

1 Machining: the cornerstone of modern manufacturing
Machining (or machining for short) isProcesses for removing material by mechanical precision machiningIt is the foundation and core of modern manufacturing1. The two main types of machining are manual and CNC machining1.

Manual machining refers to the method of machining various materials by manually operating mechanical equipment such as milling machines, lathes, drilling machines and sawing machines, and it is suitable for the production of small batches and simple parts.1.

CNC machining (CNC) refers to the use of CNC equipment to carry out processing, these CNC equipment, including machining centres, CNC lathes, EDM wire cutting equipment, etc., CNC machining in a continuous manner to process the workpiece, suitable for large quantities, complex shapes, precision parts1.

2 Main types and processes of machining
2.1 Traditional manual machining
Manual machining relies on the experience and skills of skilled workers to operate machinery and equipment, mainly including the following:

General lathe: Suitable for rotary body machining.

General Milling Machine: For quadrangle machining.

Rocker arm drilling machine: For general hand punching.

Benchtop drilling machine: Suitable for small hole machining.

surface grinding machine: For thickness finishing and surface roughness reduction.

tapping machine: Specialised for threading1.

2.2 Modern CNC machining
CNC machining is automated by programming and controlling the machining equipment, which consists of:

CNC lathe: Realisation of precision and efficient machining of rotary bodies.

CNC Milling Machine: For precision machining of tetrads.

machining centre: Achievement of precision and efficient machining of quadratic bodies.

CNC EDM: For machining of shaped recessed structures.

CNC Wire Cutting: For precision contouring.

CNC Laser Cutting: Suitable for steel plate undercutting or contouring where accuracy is not required.

CNC Plate Bending Machine: For forming and processing of sheet metal parts for equipment.

shear: For unloading of sheet metal parts for equipment.1.

3 Comprehensive comparison of CNC machining and traditional machining
Understanding the differences between CNC machining and conventional machining is critical to choosing the most appropriate machining method. Below is a comprehensive comparison of the two:

Comparative dimensions CNC Machining General Machining
Processing Multiple solutions are possible, with multiple machining parts and machining tools as the main line of the process arrangement, the process has a variety of characteristics.10 Data machining process is more complex, need to fully consider these factors, positioning reference, clamping methods, tools, cutting methods and other aspects can be simplified processing10
Clamping and fixtures Clamping process as long as the positioning and clamping of this effective control, positioning can be used to debug the instrument, in most cases do not need to carry out the design of special fixtures, so relatively speaking, its cost is relatively low.10 Due to the limited machining capacity of the machine tool itself, it is necessary to carry out multiple clamping during the machining process. Also, special fixtures are required, which results in higher costs for the design and manufacture of fixtures.10
Tooling Requirements High-speed cutting on the cutting tool demand increases, the use of high-speed cutting to improve machining efficiency, to protect the quality of machining, reduce the chances of cutting deformation, shorten the machining cycle10 General performance requirements for tools10
Applicable Scenarios Suitable for large quantities, complex shapes and precision parts1 Suitable for small-lot, simple part production.1
4 How to choose the right machining service
When choosing machining services, there are several factors to consider to ensure a successful project:

4.1 Component Complexity
with regards toSimple shape, low tolerance requirementsparts, traditional manual machining may be more economical. And forComplex structure and high precision requirementsparts, CNC machining is the better choice.

4.2 Production lot sizes
small batch productionmay be better suited to manual machining, whilemass produceCNC machining, on the other hand, is better suited to CNC machining, as automation can greatly improve efficiency and consistency.

4.3 Material properties
Different materials may be suitable for different processing methods. For example.Difficult materials(e.g., high-strength alloys) often require CNC equipment to ensure accuracy and reduce material waste.

4.4 Time requirements
If the projecttime-criticalCNC machining often results in faster production, especially on complex parts.

4.5 Cost considerations
existLimited budgetIn the case of CNC machining, there is a trade-off between the quality of the machining and the cost. Sometimes conventional machining may be more economical, but for parts requiring high precision, CNC machining is better in the long run.

5 Quality Control and Standards in the Machining Industry
Quality control is a critical aspect of the machining process. A good machining service provider should strictly implement international quality standards and use advanced testing equipment to ensure that parts meet specifications.

Common quality control measures include:

First article inspection: Full inspection of the first part before the start of the production batch.

In-process inspection: Regular spot-checks of part quality during production.

final inspection: Perform 100% or sampling inspection of finished products.

Testing equipment use: Use of precision inspection equipment such as Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), Optical Comparators, Surface Roughness Measuring Instruments, and others.

6 Trends and Future Prospects of Machining Technology
Machining technology is constantly developing and evolving, and key trends include:

Automation and Intelligence: An increasing number of processing cells are fully automated with robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Additive and subtractive manufacturing combined: Combining 3D printing technology with traditional subtractive machining for the fabrication of more complex structures.

IoT and datamining: Collects processing data through sensors to monitor equipment status and processing in real time.

green manufacturing: Reduce environmental impact by using more environmentally friendly coolants and machining processes.

High-speed, high-precision machining: Machining speeds and precision continue to improve with advances in spindle technology and control systems.

7 How to choose a reliable machining partner
The following factors need to be considered when selecting a machining service provider:

technical capability: Evaluate suppliers’ equipment lists and technical expertise.

Experience and expertise: Know the supplier’s experience in your industry.

quality assurance (QA): Examine their quality control systems and certifications.

Deliverability: Assess its production capacity and delivery record.

Communication and support: Test their responsiveness and technical support capabilities.

cost-effectiveness: Compare the balance of price and value, not just price.

8 The Value of Standalone Sites and Online Marketing for Machining Companies
For machining companies, it is vital to have a professional independent station (official website)4. Independent stations are not only businessThe brand’s showroomeven moreContent centre, marketing hub, customer acquisition platform and online mall4. Compared with relying on third-party B2B platforms, independent sites have the following advantages:

full ownership: The ownership of the website is fully owned by the enterprise, and the accumulated data assets belong to the enterprise itself, not limited by the platform rules4.

cost-effectiveness: In the long run, the cost of setting up and running an independent website is much more economical than investing a lot of advertising costs in a B2B platform.4.

No interference from competitors: On the independent station, do not have to worry about competing with other competitors for customers, the intention of the customer’s enquiry will not be seen by peers!4.

high confidenceA professional independent website can significantly enhance the professionalism and authority of the enterprise and increase customer trust.4.

Multiple ContactsYou can place phone numbers, QR codes, email addresses and other contact information to facilitate customer contact.4.

Combined through stand-alone stationsGoogle SEO Optimisation(e.g. using keywords such as “machining”, “machining”, “CNC machining”, etc.)3andSocial Media Promotion(e.g., Facebook, WhatsApp)7, machining companies can more accurately capture potential customers andReduce customer acquisition costs7.

結語
Machining is an integral and important part of modern manufacturing. From traditional manual machining to modern CNC technology, various machining methods have their unique advantages and applicable scenarios. Choosing the right machining service and partner requires a comprehensive consideration of a number of aspects such as part complexity, production volume, material characteristics, time requirements and cost factors.

With the introduction of this article, we hope you can have a more comprehensive understanding of machining and make the most informed choice for your project.

Feel free to contact our team of machining expertsWe will provide you with the most suitable solution for your specific needs, from simple parts to complex assemblies, from prototyping to high volume production, we offer high quality machining services.