Precision CNC Parts: The Backbone of Critical Industries
Precision CNC parts are used in many critical industries and applications, including military, automotive, and aerospace, where lives depend on them. These parts are crucial to the safety and functionality of a wide range of machinery — from planes and cars to manufacturing equipment and more. So, what exactly are precision CNC parts and what are they used for?
What Qualifies as a Precision Part?
Precision parts are any machined parts that are designed and manufactured to the exact specifications you outline that sometimes approach the limits of physics. Typically, these machined parts have extremely tight tolerances that are difficult to meet during the machining process, however, they are required for the part to provide the proper functionality.
How Are Precision Parts Created?
Precision parts are usually created through CNC machining processes because these processes are able to create complex parts with very tight tolerances. Two of the most common CNC machining processes include CNC milling and CNC turning.
CNC Milling
During CNC milling, parts are created by mounting the work material and using a rotating tool. There are three types of CNC milling:
- 3-Axis Milling: The cutting tools move along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, shaping the part or tool as it moves. This method is used to cut sharp edges, drill holes, and complete boring and tapping operations.
- 4-Axis Milling: The cutting tools move along the X-, Y-, Z-, and A-axes to cut holes, cut along arcs, carve cut-outs, and perform precision engraving, milling, and drilling processes.
- 5-Axis Milling: The tooling here moves in two different directions — via translation along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes and rotation along the A- and C-axes. This process can be used to create highly precise products and parts.
CNC Turning
During CNC turning, the workpiece is mounted and rotated rapidly while stationary tools remove parts of the material to create the desired part, product, or tool. There are two types of turning we perform at Garland:
- Swiss Lathe: The Swiss lathe process uses a collet and guide bushing to hold the stock material in place as it is turned. This process secures the workpiece so it doesn’t vibrate, allowing for thinner, more precise parts.
- CNC Lathe: This process is more accurate than manual lathes and is ideal for creating products with complex designs.
Industries That Require Precision CNC Parts
Aerospace
Due to the inherent safety risk of massive machines being in the air, the aerospace industry has some of the strictest manufacturing standards out there. Many of these standards have to do with precision machined parts that have critical applications within the aircraft. These parts need to be able to withstand many extreme conditions, including extreme temperatures, demanding use, and more. Some of these parts include interior and exterior parts that are involved in meeting structure and function requirements for the aircraft.
Defense
Precision machined parts are required for all of the machinery in the military, including vehicles and aircraft. These parts are crucial to the function and safety of military equipment. In order to function properly, these parts must be able to withstand intense temperature and pressure changes, as well as demanding environments.
Automotive
Safety and function are the top requirements in the automotive industry, however, parts will face constant use and difficult environments from rain and snow to varying temperatures. With this in mind, it is crucial to ensure these parts are durable and are created with the tight tolerances needed to ensure vehicles are running properly and safely for longer. Precision parts in the automotive industry range from sensor housings, valves, and seals to spools, transmission systems, fuel systems, and more.
When You Need Precision CNC Parts, Turn to Garland Service Company
For decades, Garland Service Company has been machining precision parts for critical industries. Whether you need metal parts for aerospace, military, or automotive applications, our team has the machinery and skills needed to create these parts on time and on spec.
Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and how we can best serve you.
