In general, production machining is used to designate high volume types of orders. However, production levels in those high volume orders can be different based on the service provider, the equipment, and the capacity of the specific shop.
Many OEMs assume production machining limits the ability to provide precision parts. Thanks to the quality of today’s CNC machining centers and equipment, high volume production is still possible without sacrificing the quality.
Operations
With any type of production and precision machining, there is a range of different specific operations that can be used. Each operation or piece of equipment is selected to create the final shape required with the specified tolerances and the requirements of the OEM.
Additionally, a top machining shop always works to provide the lowest production costs for the OEM, which can make a significant difference in high volume orders. Choosing the best process for the metal, alloy, or material, selecting the most effective machining operation and then lowering the cost is a true benefit to the OEM.
- Drilling – precision drilling services can be used to create precise holes in the workpiece with complete accuracy and consistency between parts and across orders.
- Milling – this process removes small pieces of the workpiece to create the desired shape. The workpiece moves while the cutting tool remains in a stationary position.
- Turning – turning is similar to a lathe, where the tool removes metal from the outside of the workpiece as it rotates. This is a highly effective operation for precision shaping of simple as well as complex symmetrical shapes.
- Grinding – grinding is used to finish the surface of parts and components, as well as to create surfaces that meet exacting tolerances and specifications for a variety of different applications.
Talking to a production machining service is the best way to evaluate the for a given part or component. It also is a simple way to find a machining service offering the best price and quality control to produce high volume part orders.
