Designers and engineers often rely on machine shops to obtain parts created through processes like grinding, fabrication, CNC machining, milling, and turning. When ordering parts for CNC machining, it’s important to find a machine shop that offers compatible services for your project requirements. To help you select the best precision machining services, consider the following tips:
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Experience: Look for a company with extensive experience in the industry. A shop that has been in business for a long time is likely to have in-depth knowledge about production processes and a good reputation for product fulfillment and customer service.
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Equipment: Check what systems and technologies the precision machining service provides. If the part requires five-axis CNC machining, for example, it’s pointless to engage with a service that only offers three-axis machines. Make sure that the machine shop has the right manufacturing equipment listed on its website and can offer the appropriate turnarounds.
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Quality Assurance: Verify that the shop has the expertise to handle diverse materials like stainless steel and titanium, as well as more common materials like soft aluminum 6061. This indicates that the shop has varied manufacturing experience and can handle your present and future requests.
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Secondary Finishes and Operations: Determine whether the precision machining service can perform secondary finishes and operations like chemical conversion coating, nickel plating, electroplating, anodizing, laser marking, silkscreen, and installed inserts. This ensures that you receive an all-set component.
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Operational Risk: Avoid precision machining vendors that rely on a single person to perform everything from machining to quoting and quality assurance. This poses an operational risk if anything happens to the individual. Check the activities and distribution of the vendor across the personnel range.
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Responsiveness: Choose a vendor that is easily accessible and responds promptly to your inquiries. Evaluate the vendor’s responsiveness in the early stages of the engagement, paying close attention to whether anyone picks up the phone or responds to emails.
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Certifications: Check for certifications that establish the quality of the precision machining service. If you need to manufacture aerospace application parts, for example, you should choose a machine shop of the highest quality. Ensure that the production facility has the necessary certifications and medical-grade facilities if you order medical components and devices.
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Lead Times: Evaluate lead times to determine whether manufacturing partners can deliver and machine a part within the required time frame. Quality machine shops usually list their usual turnaround times, but these may vary depending on the scale and complexity of the job. Some advanced precision machining services provide automated software for quoting that estimates the production cost and how long the order will take to manufacture and process.
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Geographical Location: Consider the location of the precision machining service provider to save on logistic costs and reduce downtime. If precision machines fail to function properly, a service provider near you can quickly respond to your primary concerns.
To find the best precision machining service provider, you need to check their experience, certifications, lead times, and responsiveness. Quickparts provides precision machining services with cutting-edge technologies and a team of experienced engineers. Contact an expert to find out more or begin your project now.
