At Kenona Industries/Arrow Automotive, we pride ourselves on using the most advanced precision machining techniques to deliver quality custom parts and components to our customers, no matter how large or complex.
Precision machining is a subtractive process, meaning that various tools cut, grind, and shape a piece of solid material into the desired product. The process can be done manually, but most fabrication shops, including ours, use Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology to drive the various methods automatically with minimal human intervention.
What Processes And Tools Are Involved In Precision Machining And Manufacturing?
Precision machining involves the two main machining processes, cutting and grinding, and the technology that controls them to make accurate, to-spec components.
Cutting is the processing method in which the material is shaved using specialized cutting tools, such as drills, end mills, and milling cutters.
During the grinding process, a grinding wheel is used to shave or polish the surface of a material, removing corners and leaving material surfaces smooth and shiny.
These processes are carried out on various machines, such as a milling machine, where rotating cutting and grinding tools are applied, or lathes with turning tools that shape the material to meet the desired specifications.
Milling machines also automatically perform tool changes, tool height measurements, and runout measurements without involving a human machinist during the fabrication process. Automated parts loading and unloading can be integrated with milling machine technology, creating a fully automated parts machining process.
Read More: How Robotics Is Transforming The Precision Machining Industry
How Do Precision Machining Tools Impact Project Development?
Using tech-based, precision machining tools to fabricate your parts and components gives you four significant benefits over using traditional machining processes:
Improved Repeatability During Production Runs
Once the machinist sets up the raw materials to be fabricated, precision machine technology can automatically repeat the cutting, grinding, and other fabrication processes on the same machine, eliminating the need for the machinist to transfer the piece from one machine to another when the part is ready for the subsequent process.
The automation offered by precision machine technology also brings the customer significant time and cost savings, especially for big production runs, as well as consistent quality throughout the production cycle.
Increased Part Durability
Precision machining tools can manipulate a large assortment of materials, including metals, alloys, plastics, and ceramics, giving customers access to more robust substances that offer longer durability.
For example, stainless steel parts often last longer than those made with aluminum but can be harder to fabricate using traditional methods. Precision machine tools work with stainless steel as easily as it does with any other material, giving you access to more durable products and creating additional value.
Lower Risk Of Errors
After a human machinist completes the initial setup process and quality assurance checks into the CNC system, the project requirements are locked into the computer’s memory, greatly reducing the risk of errors during production to almost zero. Many industries, such as automotive, require tight tolerances that leave no room for error. In other words, parts that aren’t made to exact specifications cannot be used. Precision machining mitigates this risk.
The Kenona team not only conducts quality assurance tests at the initial setup, but we also test our products afterward to ensure they meet or exceed your expectations, giving you further confidence in the results.
Increased Modification Capabilities
Industries such as automotive are constantly innovating and adding functionality to their products, which often necessitates a change to their fabricated components. Precision machining tools can easily be reprogrammed to allow manufacturers to add more functions to existing designs without increasing the size of the system.
This approach prevents having to “go back to the drawing board” when fostering innovation, saving time and money, and getting your new parts into production sooner.
Work With World-Class Precision Machining Experts
The team at Kenona Industries understands how important quality and durability are to the success of your project. That’s why we take the time to listen to your needs before we develop a metalworking solution that will bring your designs to life. Our team promises only to deliver top-quality products made to spec at an attractive price point.
No matter how large or complex your project is, we’ll get the job done to your complete satisfaction, every time.
Contact Kenona Industries For A Quote On Your Next Design And Fabrication Project
Kenona Industries is a world-class supplier of high-volume, precision-made components to leading automotive OEM and Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers. Discover everything that sets us apart by requesting a quote for your next project today!