Precision machining offers a fresh view of the role of modern machining in today’s economic environment. It is a process where a piece of raw material is cut into a desired shape and size by a controlled material removal process using various machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses or CNC machines.
Precision machining in its basic form is taking a larger piece of material and cutting off the excess to create a smaller piece of material. The larger piece of material is changed in some way using a material removal procedure.
This small piece of material will fit exactly where needed and can be used to smoothly carry out its desired task. Generally it will involve cutting materials into exact shapes and sizes and as such a wide range of machinery is used.
The precision machine has many types, including milling, turning, Swiss-type turning, grinding, tumbling, washing, polishing and electrical discharge machining.
Almost all metal products use precision machining, as do many other materials such as plastic and wood.
It is a process to remove material from a work piece while holding close tolerance finishes. These machines are operated by specialized and trained machinists.
Each intricate piece which makes up an object requires one level or another of a machinists skills. Likewise, a tool or machine that has been worn down will often require machine tool calibration, welding or grooving by a precision machinist. From the production of aircraft aluminum alloys to surgical bone drilling devices and custom automotive tools, precision machining reaches into every technology and industry. In other words, if an object contains parts, it required precision machining.
Precision machining is used on a number of materials including steel, bronze, graphite, glass and plastics to name a few. Depending on the size of the project and the materials to be used, various precision machining tools will be used. Any combination of lathes, milling machines, drill presses, saws and grinders, and even high speed robotics may be used. The aerospace industry may use high velocity machining, while a woodwork tool-making industry might use photo-chemical etching and milling processes. The churning out of a run, or a specific quantity of any particular item, can number in the thousands, or be just a few. Precision machining often requires the programming of CNC devices which means they are computer numerically controlled.
