When looking for a custom-machined metal part company, you will want to find one that offers the best tolerances, lead times, and service. In addition, you should look for a company that can turnkey produce your parts, whether they are simple or complex. ETCN has the capabilities to turn any part from a spec drawing to a fully machined part. They can handle parts up to 15 inches in outside diameter and length.
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Investment casting
Investment casting is a process that uses a mold to produce custom metal parts. The mold contains a cavity, which is then filled with molten metal. The molten metal is poured into the mold while it is still hot. The part is then allowed to cool and is destroyed when it reaches the correct temperature. Investment casting is an excellent choice for parts that need tight tolerances, and machining is not necessary.
Investment-cast metal parts are available in a variety of metal alloys. For the highest quality parts, look for the use of stainless steel. This type of metal is ferrous and contains chromium, which provides added protection from corrosion. There are several types of stainless steel, each with its own chemical composition and properties. Stainless steel is excellent for high-temperature applications and is corrosion-resistant when properly finished. The 300-series and 400-series grades of stainless steel are known for their outstanding strength. The 400-series stainless steel is also capable of being hardened by quenching and tempering to further increase its strength.
Investment-casting custom machined metal parts can be complex and intricate. These parts typically require tight tolerances, thinner walls, and high-quality surface finishes. The process begins with a wax pattern, which is then immersed in a ceramic slurry. Once the wax pattern is formed, the metal is poured into the mold, creating a precision replica of the original wax pattern. Often, investment-casting is the only cost-effective way to produce a custom-machined metal part, and it can even be used for intricate details.
Investment casting is a metalworking process that uses ceramics to create a mold around a wax pattern. The wax pattern is then immersed in a ceramic slurry or sand to melt it. Afterwards, the mold is cooled so that all the voids are filled and the part is finished.
Historically, investment casting is one of the oldest metal-forming processes. Today, manufacturers use custom investment casting to manufacture complex, sensitive parts. Since the process is so precise, it reduces costs and meets quality standards.
CNC machining
CNC machining is a process that begins with a CAD design, either 2D vector or 3D solid. CAD software allows designers to create models, renderings, and technical specifications. They then use these files to produce a CNC machine program that will perform the required operation.
CNC machining techniques have numerous advantages for the manufacturer. For one, they offer precision and a high level of safety. In addition to precision, CNC machining techniques can produce parts with a higher level of detail than other manufacturing processes. Many industries rely on CNC machining tools.
Another benefit of CNC machining is its cost-effectiveness. It is also a faster and more accurate way to produce complex parts. However, the cost-effectiveness of this process is limited if the part requires more complex components. For this reason, companies must have their own Quality Assurance department to ensure quality.
When selecting CNC machining for custom machined metal parts, buyers should make sure they know the tolerances before the process begins. CNC machines are very accurate, but they may still leave a small amount of variation between two duplicates. Therefore, it is important to specify the tolerances on the parts that are most likely to come in contact with other parts. Tolerances are often listed in a note list or information area of the design.
One of the most important factors in choosing CNC machining for custom machined metal parts is the metal used for the manufacturing process. Different metals have different strengths and weaknesses, which make them ideal for specific applications. Some metals are more resistant to machinability than others, so choosing the correct material is crucial to quality and affordability.
When choosing CNC machining for custom machined metal parts, a company should also consider the size and thickness of the wall. Thicker walls can cause vibration during CNC machining, which reduces accuracy. Therefore, a manufacturer should look for a wall thickness of 0.8 to 1.5 mm.
CNC machining is an efficient automated process that uses high-speed cutting tools to create custom metal parts. CNC machining is suitable for a wide variety of materials and finds application in numerous industries, including the aerospace and telecommunications industries, where tight tolerances are needed.
Extrusion
Extrusion of metal parts is an effective method of producing custom machined parts in large quantities. The process eliminates the need for multi-part assemblies and can yield up to 80% cost savings over other manufacturing processes. In addition, extrusion is a good option for parts with complicated cross-section forms, such as T-slots, undercuts, and grooves.
The extrusion process creates a new item by forcing a metal slug through a die. When this process is completed, the new part is loaded onto a cooling table where a stretcher is used to straighten the extrusion. This stretcher process helps the metal material become more stable, fixing any twists. Afterward, finishing cuts are made to divide the piece into sections.
Extrusion can be used to produce large or small metal parts. During the extrusion process, heated metal is forced into a specialized die. The metal then mirrors the shape of the die and becomes a smooth, consistent surface. This process is often used in the automotive and aerospace industries. The process is also used in window and flooring applications.
The process also allows for a variety of finishing operations. For example, anodization can thicken the naturally-occurring oxide layer on aluminum, improving its corrosion resistance and visual appearance. In addition, it can produce complex cross-section shapes. And, thanks to its versatility, extrusion can produce many different parts at once.
In general, aluminum extrusion is an ideal method of assembling hollow, semi-hollow, and muddled shapes. Moreover, aluminum is extremely lightweight and recyclable, so it is an ideal choice for many industries. In fact, it has become a popular method for producing aluminum-based parts.
There are many types of metals used for metal fabrication, and each has its unique advantages. Extrusion is often the most cost-effective option, and can be used for many different applications. If you’re looking for a unique, custom-made metal part, consider machining it by extrusion. It’s a quick and easy way to design and manufacture custom-machined metal parts.