Did you know that CNC workholding equipment is an important piece of equipment for machine shops to purchase? Utilizing this equipment is important so that your machine shop can work hard while working easier. There are some important questions that you should ask as a machine shop owner before you invest in workholding equipment.
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Machine owners generally have one primary goal in mind when purchasing equipment for their shop. Purchasing CNC workholding is no different. These devices ensure that workpieces are held in place during operations so that operators of the machines do not get injured. There is a wide variety of workpieces that these can be used for, including:
These workpieces are all important, but the equipment used to hold them in place is even more important. Safety is critical when working in a machine shop, and the equipment that holds these items in place is just as important.
Did you know that making the investment in workholding equipment is worth more long-term because it ensures the safety of everyone in the shop? CNC workholding will pay for itself in just the first few uses. Breaking down the cost of an injury to a machinist and then what it would set you back to replace them and then get the job done late can make a huge difference in how you see your investment.
There are two options for obtaining CNC workholding equipment. One is to purchase it outright or to lease it. Which is best for you is based upon the size of your shop and if it’s a piece of workholding equipment you wish to try first. It is also worth considering the type of budget you have and if you have enough credit to purchase the piece of equipment you need. There really is only one way to consider this, and it’s all based on the needs of your shop.
If you haven’t used this equipment before and you aren’t really sure, it’s best to look for financing options that will allow you to access it quickly. Drawing from your reserves on hand should be a last resort unless you must, and you really need the equipment for work right now. This is why it’s important that you keep your accounting up-to-date and it’s important that you fully understand your project requirements.
There are always important questions to ask with any business purchase you make. With more than 85 years of experience in the industry, PAWS Workholding has the equipment your shop needs, and we have many options available to you as a shop owner. We offer custom workholding equipment as well as many pieces that are standard for machine shops around the world. We have automated and turnkey workholding options available, as well as engineering collaboration services to help you find solutions you may not have considered before.
Choosing the right materials for your part is the difference between mediocre outcomes and optimum results. These important questions are the best place to start. The more you can narrow down the CNC materials that would be the best fit for your part, the easier it will be to select a material that will suit your needs and be cost-efficient. Here are some things you should consider.
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First and foremost, you must consider how you will be using the part and whether your application involves indoor or outdoor environments. Outdoor and indoor environments are very different — one completely depends on the weather, whereas the other is usually a much more controlled environment.
For instance, in outdoor environments, you need to plan for moisture. Your material will need to be able to resist the effects of corrosion, such as rusting, in order to maintain its integrity over time. Rigid foam provides a great example of a material that resists moisture and rusting while also maintaining structural integrity.
Extreme temperatures, both high and low, will also eliminate certain materials as the best option. You may also need to meet code for FDA-regulated specifications. Where you will store your products and how they react to moisture and extreme temperature changes become a cornerstone in deciding which material to use.
High-stress loads can cause certain materials to strain or even break. When you’re considering which material to use for your part, make sure you’ve accounted for stress load. If your part will be exposed to high stress, the material it’s made of will need the ability to resist loads and prevent deformation.
When you’re considering CNC-machined components, pay close attention to dimensional tolerance. In addition to impacting the success of your manufacturing process, dimensional tolerance also affects your bottom line, the parts and tools you choose and their assemblies and cutting methods.
You need to know the tolerance necessary for your part. If you’re working from an old part design or sketch, it’s a good idea to make sure the tolerance is appropriate. Typos can easily occur in documentation. Even if the information is correct, if you can make an adjustment to loosen the tolerance and still allow the part to work to its full potential, you could save money by re-evaluating tolerance. Tighter tolerances are often more expensive to produce.
Some machining tools use a standard dimensional tolerance as a default, but if you don’t specify a tolerance or discover that your numbers are off, you’ll end up ordering a part that may not fit or work at all. While you can fix this, it will take more time out of your project to resize or reorder the part, which can end up costing you more than if you had determined the correct tolerance upfront. This simple initial step can help you save money in the long run.
If you aren’t sure what the exact tolerance is for the part you need, instead of risking a guess, let a CNC machining company like American Micro Industries help you figure it out.
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The most expensive materials are usually high-strength, lightweight materials. The best method for choosing a cost-effective component is selecting one that meets your strength profile, temperature restrictions and fitment requirements. The more crucial requirements or restrictions you have for your materials, the easier it will be to focus on those key elements.
Finding an industry that provides free quotes and no minimum for your materials will help cut costs right off the bat. Once you narrow your details, you can decide on a more cost-efficient material that meets most of your needs.
High temperatures play a crucial role when selecting what materials to use, as many materials will deteriorate under extreme heat. A popular plastic that loses strength under high temperatures is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. While it has a good fire resistance rating, its working temperature is about 176° F. Stability tends to be lost around 280° F, making it unfit for some projects.
Some materials are resilient and durable under these high-heat conditions. For example, polyisocyanurate has properties that do not allow it to melt or freeze. The thermoset plastic is processed as a viscous material first, allowing it to form multiple shapes. After curing, it becomes rigid and exceptionally stable. When you’re wondering what materials you can use in a CNC machine to create the part you need, make sure you consider how the material handles high temperatures.
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Depending on what you want to do with your CNC–machined components, you should consider the weight of your materials. Bigger isn’t always better, and less doesn’t always mean more — especially when it comes down to cost.
Heavy materials absorb a great deal of stress. For projects that require excessive weight–bearing capabilities and resistance to high-stress loads, you may consider heavy materials. If you work on weight-sensitive projects, however, you might want to avoid heavy materials.
Lightweight materials are popular for weight-sensitive projects. While they are not as hefty as heavy materials, they still are durable and able to absorb a substantial amount of stress. Unfortunately, they are not very cost-effective, as they usually won’t include every material feature desired for your project. Lightweight materials are ideal for a number of products, but if cost is an important factor, they might not be a good fit.
Choosing between heavy and lightweight materials is just one reason why it’s important to prioritize the most important characteristics of your CNC-machined part. That way, you can specify what elements are crucial for your part in order for it to function properly, eliminate materials that don’t meet those standards and then compare costs.
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Strength doesn’t necessarily mean how much weight an object can withstand. There are more components that you may need to examine, such as:
If you’re having a challenging time determining the right material, a better question might actually be what materials you cannot use. CNC machines cut through nearly any material you can think of. While you can use a wide range of materials in a CNC machine, the most commonly employed materials used are:
CNC machining has increased in popularity because it delivers high precision for demanding industries and empowers teams to meet production demands. With so many material choices on the market, choosing the right one can take time and several rounds of trial and error. Every material is different and can bring unique benefits or drawbacks to your applications. Often, you may find that several materials seem like a good fit for your projects. Understanding the materials available and their ability to meet requirements or uphold standards can help you decide which ones to test to find the best fit.
Once you’ve considered all of the factors listed above, chances are you’ll be able to determine which material is the best fit for your part. You may need to experiment with several material types to find the most suitable choice. Here’s an overview of four popular materials used in CNC-machined components:
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Every sector must meet unique demands, adhere to specific regulations and uphold industry standards. Material grades and industry standards are essential for quality assurance and ensuring compatibility for specific applications. Recognizing these standards and the material grades that satisfy these requirements can point you in the right direction for the materials you need. Some standards to note include:
For many teams, environmental considerations will be a significant indicator of ideal CNC machining materials, both in terms of the operating environment and the impact a material has on the environment. Some materials can withstand extreme environments, while others may offer superior resistance to elements like moisture or heat. Teams looking for more sustainable processes may benefit from selecting materials that are reusable or have low environmental impact.
Consider the operating temperature the part will need to withstand when it’s in place as a part of your manufacturing process. You want to be sure the melting point of the material you choose is lower than that of the operating temperature. You also want to ensure the material can handle operating temperature changes. While some of the more durable materials are built to withstand these changes, many will show signs of warping, expansion or breakdown over time. Extreme temperatures can also negatively impact the durability of some materials.
Operating temperature is equally as important to know when you’re using CNC machining materials, so you can be sure the temperatures that result from the cutting and shaping of the part will not distort it. Making the connection between the operating temperature and the material you’re using is essential to a successful design and production run.
If you’re going to use the CNC-machined components as fasteners, consider that as you choose a material. Materials influence how securely fasteners will fit together. Different materials have different properties — for example, strength, corrosion resistance, brittleness and galvanic corrosion — so you should choose a material that reflects the properties you want your fasteners to have. The most common material for fasteners is steel, but you can also create quality fasteners from other materials.
If you’re searching for a new part to fasten, it needs to fit perfectly. If you fail to consider the type of fastening you’ll need when you’re deciding on a material, your mechanism may not function properly.
As sustainability continues to be a driving factor in many consumer choices, teams across industries are becoming more concerned with finding sustainable materials and practices. Thankfully, there are several opportunities to lower your environmental impact with the right materials for CNC machining.
For example, recycled aluminum or steel are excellent options for sustainability. Advanced high-temperature alloys can also present unique opportunities for CNC machining while lowering environmental impact. Additionally, you can look for biodegradable plastics to embrace this material’s versatility while highlighting your commitment to the environment.
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The decision of which of the CNC machining materials to use for your part ultimately depends on what you’re looking to create, but here are some general tips to use as a brief CNC materials guide:
Finding the right CNC machining materials involves considering your application and the various needs you must meet. It also involves finding a reliable provider you trust to deliver high-quality products. Ask yourself what type of company you want to work with to machine your materials. Look for turnkey industries with strong attention to detail and the ability to create hard-to-find parts. Do your research and select your company based on values, quality and efficiency as well. American Micro Industries offers the solutions you need in a timely and affordable fashion.
American Micro Industries has decades of experience manufacturing made-to-order components and parts for various industries. We strive to exceed customer satisfaction and expectations, and our quality-focused and customer-oriented operations empower us to do just that.
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