CNC machining is a versatile, state-of-the-art manufacturing process for prototypes and end-use products. The technology for computer numerical control or CNC dates back to the 1940s, when the first numerical control (NC) emerged. The early machinery utilized a punching tape that was common in telecommunications. These systems were replaced by analog computing technologies before automated systems set in.

The perspective of rapid prototyping has changed over the years, with CAD designers attempting to keep up with the changes within CNC machining and other prototyping technologies. As such, CNC machining design errors are common. Here are five design mistakes that you should avoid when working with a local machine shop:

1. Overcomplicating the Design

Unnecessary design features can complicate your CNC machining process. Not all features produced from a CAD template may be ideal for the CNC machine process. As a designer, you may need to aim for the fewest cutting and milling requirements to minimize the overall cost of producing your product. The introduction of small pockets and unnecessary aesthetic features can complicate the precision manufacturing process requiring multiple setups by the CNC machining specialists.

2. Requesting Detailed Texts

The CNC mills at our native-owned machine shop are perfectly capable of engraving text, logos, or symbols onto your prototype product. The result of the precision manufacturing process can be eye-pleasing. However, the process may take longer, wasting colossal amounts of time and funds. Detailed engravings or raised texts can significantly spike your prototyping budget. You can utilize alternative processes such as laser marking to work out your aesthetic detailing.

3. Failing to Factor in The Width to Height Ratio

Most product designers wish to have the lightest product in the market, often coming up with thin prototype designs. Your workpiece properties are key aspects that may affect the outcome of the process alongside CNC machining expertise. Extremely thin walls may snap off or distort the machining process. The increased vibration and lowered stiffness may also impact the accuracy at the thin-walled section. Maintaining appropriate wall height to thickness ratio as well as wall height to length ratio can help stabilize your workpiece under the CNC mills.

4. Switching Up Prototyping Processes

Prototyping technologies are rapidly evolving, availing product designers with a range of options to actualize their designs. Most research and design teams often incorporate multiple technologies from their early prototyping to end-product manufacturing. However, most designers often fail to adequately plan for the transitions through the different design stages. This results in challenges of trying to tweak the CNC mills to match the early product design made through a 3D printer.

5. Incorporating Deep Cavities

A full-service CNC machine shop may have different mills with various head drill bits. The cutting edges are of finite length, limiting the depths to which accurate cavities can be achieved. Deeper cavities may have our minority-owned machine shop creating adjustments to accommodate the pockets of space required to avoid damaging the product edges. This may result in an expensive prototyping and end-product manufacturing process.

CNC machining boasts of precision manufacturing that appeals to most research and design teams. However, design errors by your CAD team can result in a mismatch with the CNC machine settings that can create a setback for your product development. To discuss more about your project and mistakes to avoid, contact Dexter Design.

Prior to the introduction of precision manufacturing, machining processes often involved strenuous human labor deployment fraught with error and material wastage. CNC machines have gradually become a standard within most industries as manufacturers search for ways to automate and increase the reliability of their technologies.

What Is CNC Machining?

CNC machining is a process that enables the creation of complex solid shapes from raw materials, such as metal. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which refers to the fact that this type of machining uses computer-generated instructions in order to control the operation and motion of specialized cutting tools used in these processes. The CNC machine cuts away excess material until it reaches a desired shape or form.

CNC machining specialists utilize precision machine tools with computerized controls to create custom-shaped designs. CNC mills can cut in 3 dimensions. The code written determines all functions, including spindle spin, the direction of the head movement, RPMs, and injection of cooling fluids.

Here are seven advantages of picking CNC machining over the conventional manufacturing processes.

1. Increased Productivity

CNC machining specialists utilize computerized tooling to achieve rapid prototyping and component production. Once the design parameters and specifications are fed to the code, the machine shop can continuously produce the components even during out-of-hours schedules. You can increase your output rate and productivity for your firm.

2. Precision Components

CNC machining uses high-precision machines that can achieve accuracy levels of 1/1000^th of an inch. The precision can help eliminate human errors, common in conventional manual tooling. Quality control measures put in place by CNC machining specialists can ensure that the parts produced to match the standards acceptable for your industry.

3. Cost Saving

CNC machines make up for the high initial costs through high turnover rates. Efficiency, specialization, and precision make up for a better bottom line for your business. The fewer labor hours may also contribute to better cost savings as you require a smaller number of CNC machining specialists to operate the drills or lathes. You may enjoy a competitive advantage that sets up your business for success.

4. Improved Safety

CNC machining specialists operate the tools from a distance, protecting your staff. The machines are often in an enclosed space or with a guard that guarantees safety to the operator.

5. Consistent Product Quality

The accuracy of the CNC machining tools may also improve product consistency. You only need to feed the product dimensions and specifications to the computer code. You can provide your clients with uniform and faultless products that meet the set standards within a specific industry.

6. Versatility

CNC machines can operate in a variety of environments, allowing for accurate component production in a variety of industries. The applications may range from the medical field, manufacturing process, IoT, automotive, aerospace, and many more industries. You can also mold a variety of materials, including metals, fiberglass, plastics, wood, and carbon composites.

7. Reduced Setup Changeover Time

CNC machining specialists can reprogram the code to fit in new specifications for a novel product in a lesser time. This makes CNC machines excellent for short or long production runs. You can consistently update the programing code to fit new design changes to your prototype without significant modifications necessary for the machine.

CNC machining has significantly revolutionized manufacturing processes. Are you searching for CNC machining specialists or for a full service CNC machining facility for your new prototype? Dexter Design and Development is a minority-owned machine shop with advanced state-of-the-art lathes and milling tools that can deliver high-quality components for your next project.

The last decade has seen a number of production units adopt CNC machining lathes as their tooling of choice. The global CNC machine tools market size stood at $82.5 billion in 2018. Analysts expect a project CAGR of 5.5% to reach an estimated $128.86 billion valuation by 2026.

Improved production capacity, enhanced quality, and precision manufacturing make CNC machining a solid choice for manufacturers across various industries. Selecting the right CNC machining company can be a daunting task, with several considerations that you may have to keep in mind. Here are six smart tips to help you pick the right machine shop.

1. Capacity

Before requesting the CNC machining company to take over your tooling project, you may need to verify that they have the capacity to complete the project. Assess the capabilities of the selected machine shops, digging deeper into the equipment that they use. The CNC machining specialists should be able to scale up, from prototypes to full batch machining. Finding the right company may provide a quicker project turnaround, quality products, and lower pricing options.

2. Equipment and Technological Level

The success of your CNC machine lathe project may lie in the type of equipment that the shop utilizes. You wouldn’t entrust your project to technicians with outdated tools or off-brands. Look at the equipment that the CNC machining company utilizes and whether its technology meets your tooling demands. CNC mills can cut in three dimensions, depending on the number of axes on the unit.

3. Quality Control

For precision manufacturing, you may need to find a CNC machining company with a robust quality assurance department. They ought to have a system the checks and determine the accuracy of their work. It would be best to find a machine shop that operates under acceptable standards for your industry, such as ISO certifications for aerospace machining.

4. Communication

Communicating specifications for your product go beyond your initial project order. You may need to point out changes in the machine’s works as you progress. Poor communication channels within a CNC machining company can result in misunderstandings that further delay your project. You need a shop that will quickly and efficiently address any queries you may have on the project completion date, specifications, budgetary allocations, and much more.

5. Portfolio

What makes the CNC machining provider stand out? There’s arguably no better way to assess their capabilities and service quality than going through their previous works. Find out what other clients say about them. If still in doubt, you can request a small prototype to gauge their work.

6. Expertise

You can save yourself a lot of headaches by digging deeper into the company’s details. Find out how long have they have been in business. Longevity may be a sign of good quality and customer service. Inquire if the CNC machining company can work on your preferred materials for your finished parts and components. Check out from the websites the materials that they can work with.

For All Your CNC Machining Needs

CNC machining adoption continues to increase sharply as more manufactures turn towards precision manufacturing for their production units. Finding the right machine shop is critical to your project’s success. Dexter Design can take a collaborative approach to CNC. Call us today to discuss your prototype, machining, or sub-assembly needs.