A well-manufactured machine has precision parts that work together to produce the desired output. However, not all parts are manufactured consistently, resulting in machines with inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Custom made machine parts offer the most accurate way to create a machine that meets or exceeds your needs. In many industries, custom machined parts are essential for producing the best results. Automotive manufacturers use them to create engine parts and transmissions. Aerospace companies use them to build aircraft wings and fuselages. Medical equipment manufacturers use them to create implants and medical devices.
There are numerous benefits of using custom machined parts over stock or off-the-shelf parts. They often require less maintenance, are more accurate and consistent in their manufacturing, and can be tailored to fit specific needs.
Types of Custom Machined Parts
Custom machined parts are manufactured to order, so they are not eligible for volume discounts or free expedited shipping. This can make them relatively expensive. When you need to order large enough to justify these high prices, there are alternatives to bulk purchasing or purchasing through an independent manufacturer. The types of custom machined parts typically made for industrial applications are the following:
- Machined body panels
- Shaped nuts
- Specialized bar stocks
- Rectangular bars and rods
- Pitch matching
- Other unique tooling markings
Most companies making custom machined parts also offer surface stripping and hardening services, which can cut manufacturing costs by up to 50%.
Benefits of Using Custom Machined Parts
- Accurate: Machining a part tolerably requires special equipment and excellent machine control. If a company uses a standard machine to make a custom part, the tolerance could be ±0.001 in one direction or 1/32nd of an inch in the other. This is almost impossible to measure accurately with a ruler and a feeler gauge, so good luck measuring that tolerance with a pair of calipers!
- Faster: A custom part can be tooled quickly because it doesn’t have to be finished or tooled to spec. If a company is making a custom part that takes four times as long as an off-the-shelf part to finish, it’s no surprise that it is having difficulty staying afloat.
- Less expensive: Custom machined parts are more expensive than off-the-shelf equivalents. However, because they are made to order and account for the higher cost of materials, they have a lower price tag relative to off-the-shelf equivalents.
What Materials Can Be Used In An Industrial Manufacturing Process?
Most custom machined parts are made from metal. Stainless, aluminum, and titanium alloys are widely available, and these are the most common materials chosen by manufacturers because they are thin and light. Add magnets, and you have yourself a handheld compass. Special tooling is needed to make the parts if you are working with complex shapes or require maximum strength. As with all manufacturing, it is better to have more of a specific type rather than a variety. The types of parts most commonly used in manufacturing general-purpose products are called “conventional” parts. The types of parts commonly used in manufacturing custom products are referred to as “designer” parts.
Conclusion
Custom machined parts come in all forms, from complex designs that take weeks to perfect to parts that could be created in an afternoon. For many industries, custom-machined parts are more appropriate than buying a ready-made product. Custom machined parts are essential to many industries and can provide significant advantages over standard parts. Using a custom machining service, you can ensure that your parts are precisely manufactured to your specifications and meet your needs. Custom machined parts can offer a high degree of precision, along with the same level of care that went into their original design. They may even be made to order, so they’re one-of-a-kind.
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