Hey there! As an OEM machining parts supplier, I've seen firsthand the ins and outs of various manufacturing processes. In this blog, I'm gonna break down the common manufacturing processes for OEM machining parts, sharing some insights based on my years in the industry.
CNC Milling
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling is one of the most widely used processes in OEM machining. It's super versatile and can create a wide range of parts with high precision. The way it works is that a cutting tool rotates and moves along multiple axes to remove material from a workpiece, shaping it into the desired form.
One of the great things about CNC milling is its ability to handle different materials. Whether it's metals like aluminum, steel, or brass, or even plastics and composites, CNC milling can get the job done. For example, we offer an Aluminum Milling Service that's specifically tailored to the unique properties of aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has good thermal conductivity, making it a popular choice in many industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
Another aspect of CNC milling is our OEM ODM CNC Milling Service. This service is great for customers who either have their own designs (OEM) or need us to develop a design from scratch (ODM). We work closely with our clients to understand their requirements and deliver parts that meet or exceed their expectations.
CNC milling also comes in different configurations, like 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling. The 5 Axis Machined Parts are particularly interesting. With 5-axis milling, the cutting tool can move in five different directions simultaneously, allowing for more complex geometries and reducing the need for multiple setups. This results in higher accuracy and faster production times.
CNC Turning
CNC turning is another fundamental process in OEM machining. It's mainly used for creating cylindrical parts. In this process, the workpiece rotates while a cutting tool moves along its axis to remove material. This is great for making parts like shafts, pins, and bushings.
The advantage of CNC turning is its high efficiency. Since the workpiece rotates continuously, the cutting tool can make multiple passes quickly, resulting in fast production. Also, it can achieve very tight tolerances, which is crucial for parts that need to fit precisely with other components.
We use advanced CNC turning machines that are equipped with the latest technology. These machines can handle different diameters and lengths of workpieces, and we can also perform various operations such as threading, grooving, and facing in a single setup. This not only saves time but also ensures the consistency and quality of the parts.
Grinding
Grinding is a finishing process that's used to achieve a very smooth surface finish and high dimensional accuracy. It involves using an abrasive wheel to remove a small amount of material from the workpiece. Grinding is often used after other machining processes like milling or turning to refine the surface and meet the required specifications.
There are different types of grinding, such as surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, and centerless grinding. Surface grinding is used to create a flat surface on the workpiece, while cylindrical grinding is for grinding the outer or inner diameter of cylindrical parts. Centerless grinding is a specialized process that can achieve very high precision without the need for a center hole in the workpiece.
Grinding is essential for parts that require a high level of surface quality, such as bearings, gears, and optical components. By using the right grinding parameters and abrasive wheels, we can ensure that the parts have the desired surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)
EDM is a unique manufacturing process that uses electrical discharges to remove material from the workpiece. It's particularly useful for machining hard materials and creating complex shapes that are difficult to achieve with traditional machining methods.
There are two main types of EDM: wire EDM and sinker EDM. Wire EDM uses a thin wire electrode to cut through the workpiece, creating precise cuts and intricate shapes. Sinker EDM, on the other hand, uses a shaped electrode to create a cavity in the workpiece.
EDM is often used in the manufacturing of molds, dies, and tooling. Since it doesn't rely on mechanical force to remove material, it can machine materials that are very hard or brittle without causing any deformation. This makes it a valuable process in industries where high precision and complex geometries are required.
Casting
Casting is a process where molten metal is poured into a mold and allowed to solidify into the desired shape. It's a cost-effective way to produce large quantities of parts with relatively simple geometries.
There are different types of casting, such as sand casting, investment casting, and die casting. Sand casting is the most common method and is suitable for producing large and heavy parts. Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is used for creating parts with high precision and complex shapes. Die casting is a high-pressure process that can produce parts with good surface finish and dimensional accuracy at a high production rate.
Casting is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing. It allows for the production of parts in various materials, including aluminum, iron, and steel.
Forging
Forging is a manufacturing process that involves shaping metal by applying compressive forces. It's a very old and reliable method that can produce parts with high strength and durability.
There are two main types of forging: open-die forging and closed-die forging. Open-die forging is used for creating simple shapes, while closed-die forging can produce more complex parts with high precision.
Forging is commonly used in the production of parts for the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. Since the metal is deformed under pressure, the grain structure of the material is aligned, resulting in improved mechanical properties.
Choosing the Right Manufacturing Process
When it comes to choosing the right manufacturing process for OEM machining parts, there are several factors to consider. The material of the part is one of the most important factors. Different materials have different properties, and some processes may be more suitable for certain materials than others. For example, aluminum is easy to machine using CNC milling, while titanium may require more specialized processes like EDM.
The complexity of the part's geometry is also crucial. Simple parts can often be produced using more basic processes like turning or casting, while complex parts may require advanced processes like 5-axis milling or EDM.
The quantity of parts needed is another factor. For small quantities, processes like CNC milling or EDM may be more cost-effective, as they don't require expensive tooling. For large quantities, casting or forging may be a better choice, as they can produce parts at a lower cost per unit.
Finally, the required surface finish and dimensional accuracy of the part also play a role in the process selection. Processes like grinding are used to achieve a very high surface finish and tight tolerances, while casting may have a rougher surface finish.
Conclusion
As an OEM machining parts supplier, we have a wide range of manufacturing processes at our disposal. Each process has its own advantages and limitations, and the key is to choose the right one based on the specific requirements of the part. Whether it's CNC milling, turning, grinding, EDM, casting, or forging, we're committed to delivering high-quality parts that meet our customers' needs.
If you're in the market for OEM machining parts, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a specific design in mind or need help developing a new product, our team of experts is here to assist you. Contact us today to start the procurement discussion and see how we can work together to bring your ideas to life.
References
- "Manufacturing Engineering & Technology" by Serope Kalpakjian and Steven Schmid
- "CNC Machining Handbook" by Mark Albert
- Various industry publications and research papers on machining processes