How Does Custom Machined Parts Work?

Custom machining is creating components you cannot source from a supplier. Most of the time, custom machining providers use computer numerical control (CNC) machines that can complete multiple functions, such as cutting and drilling in a single setup. A CNC machine works well for single parts or large batches of the same component.

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Custom machining services are ideal when you need to create prototypes or have a discontinued part made to keep essential equipment running. Most reliable providers generally offer minimal wait times so you can get your components promptly. Learn more about what custom machining is and when it’s a good solution for your business. 

How Custom Machining Works

Custom machining may involve numerous steps to take a parts request from concept to functional product. If the part is fairly simple, it might be made on a manual lathe or mill. However, most people who request custom machining do so because they need a complex component that must be made on an advanced machine — such as a multiaxis CNC mill — they don’t have available in their own shop.

In these cases, the process generally goes as follows:

• 2D and 3D designs: Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Drawing installation: The engineers use those drawings and models to write coded programs containing tool paths, stops, tool changes and other measures that the CNC machine will follow to make the part. 
• Processing specifications: The operator loads the program into the machine and ensures that all the required tools are present and set up correctly. 
• Feedback: The operator completes a trial run to make sure the program will run with no collisions or other issues. They may choose to do a dry run, where the tool moves in the air above the workpiece to simulate cutting, or a test run on a material like wood. 
• Final product: Once the program has been proved, the operator will use the actual requested material to make the part. 

When Do You Need Custom Machining? 

When custom CNC machining is a good investment depends on the parts and products required for your business and how quickly you need them. The following are a few of the instances when you might need to work with a custom machining provider.

Make Discontinued or Nonstandardized Components

Custom machining services can create discontinued or nonstandardized components you can’t find elsewhere. For example, a company using a decades-old horizontal mill that no longer receives supplier support may need a replacement part to keep that mill running. They can send the original piece and any documentation they have to a custom machining provider and ask the engineers to reverse-engineer and recreate it. 

Manufacture Precise Parts

CNC machines offer a high degree of accuracy and can cut a wide range of materials, including plastic, steel and wood. They also provide many different capabilities — custom machining providers can use these machines to perform machining operations such as reaming, boring, broaching and slitting in a single setup. This versatility enables CNC machinists to create an impressive variety of complex parts. 

Create Prototypes for New Inventions

Use custom machining to make inventions you want to test and use. These services let you take ideas and drawings and turn them into usable parts with the help of skilled engineers and machine operators. If you’re evaluating a new business offering, working with a custom machining provider to produce it is an excellent way to gain proof of concept before you invest in large-scale manufacturing. 

Produce Emergency Parts

Emergencies can happen at any time. If one affects your business, a custom CNC machining provider will make critical parts quickly and efficiently so you can minimize downtime. Whether you need them to take over production for you or produce a key component for your manufacturing resources, they can help your company keep going. 

Affordable Option

Custom machining offers a one-stop shop that can provide all your unique products and components. These services are ideal for testing new ideas and doing limited product runs without requiring your company to sink capital into a major machinery investment. 

Benefits of Custom Machining

Along with the benefits above, custom machining offers several other advantages during and after the manufacturing process:

• Custom parts: Having a product made is sometimes the only way to secure parts that are discontinued or require a high degree of customization. 
• Custom quantities: These providers can create small batches or large quantities to fit your requirements.
• Quality products: Working with a custom CNC machining company lets you collaborate with engineers and ensure your component meets your specifications. 
• Potential finish options: Some providers give you the option of requesting custom finishes for your parts, such as paint or powder coating. 

Custom Machining Services CNC Capabilities

Though different providers will have various machine types, most will be able to offer these typical services:

CNC Turning

A CNC lathe is a machine that cuts material by spinning it against a cutting tool that moves perpendicularly, at angles and along the axis of rotation. This process is known as turning. Lathes can also be used to drill, ream, knurl and perform other operations.

CNC Milling

CNC milling involves using a rotating spindle to move a cutting tool into a workpiece. The operator mounts the piece to the mill’s table to keep it rigid during cutting. The milling machine then moves around the workpiece, removing material to create the desired shape. CNC mills can also perform an extensive range of processes and feature an automatic carousel that contains different tools — the machine can switch between tools on its own without operator input, allowing it to perform numerous tasks in one setup.

Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM uses electrical discharge to create a spark that burns through a material. In this process, workers place the material in a dielectric fluid. The machine moves over the workpiece at a set distance according to its programming, emitting sparks to cut different shapes, sizes and features. 

CNC Laser Cutting Machine

CNC laser cutting machines use laser beams to slice through and shape a piece of stock. The heat of the laser beam removes and vaporizes the material, leaving minimal waste behind. When working at a high power setting, the laser machine will cut through the material. On low power, it can engrave designs into the surface.

Additional Services From Your Custom Machining Provider

Some custom machining providers offer value-added services like the following along with their machining capabilities:

• Assembling components to create a final product
• Performing finishing services like powder coating or anodizing
• Packaging and shipping products to you or your customers

Contact PBZ Manufacturing for Your Custom Machining Needs

PBZ Manufacturing offers high-quality custom machining services to serve your business. We cover all processes in the supply chain, from 2D and 3D modeling to custom finishes to shipping your product. 

Our CNC center uses industry-leading machinery to deliver components that fit your specifications perfectly. From our experienced engineers to certified welders, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Take a look at our custom machining service page for more information.

Not using custom machining means you are intentionally lagging behind your competitors. The global machining market includes more than 30% of conventional and 70% of custom machining. Where you cannot source the parts directly from the suppliers, you ask manufacturers to use custom machining and create them. Most manufacturers use CNC (computer numerical control) machines that perform various functions. From cutting to drilling and fabrication, a CNC machine can work on complex designs and produce parts.

Whether you need a small batch or large-scale production, CNC machining is ideal for creating parts to keep the machinery running, whether a new version of an old part. Reliable custom machining providers offer rapid part production, getting your components done without waiting longer. But what is custom machining, and why do we need it? Let’s uncover some amazing facts and benefits of custom machining.

What is Custom Machining?

In simple words, custom machining is actually CNC machining, entailing its different types, from CNC milling to drilling and EDM, etc. So, the main purpose of custom machining is the production of unique parts that one can’t find anywhere. For example, a company is creating a machine that needs new, unique parts. Now, they will get custom machining services for the new part design and convert it into reality.

So, custom machining is for hard-to-find parts or totally new concepts. This manufacturing method customizes products according to requirements, from simple components such as gears or nuts to larger parts such as shafts. Moreover, they also add extra features such as premium finish, sturdiness, and others to meet clients’ requirements.

Custom machining usually includes producing parts with different properties in many other scenarios. These parts are essential for completing a special product. Whether metal machining or plastic machining, custom machining can create on-demand parts.

How Custom Machining Works?

The custom machining process includes different steps to create parts. The part design might take less time and effort if it is simple. Manufacturers can easily make that part with the manual lathe or mill. However, people usually opt for custom machining because they need parts with complex geometries. Therefore, complex feature parts, need advanced machines with multi axis. The process includes the following steps:

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Part Designing

Before the start of the machining process, the engineers use CAD software to create a 2D or 3D model of the part. CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design, which helps the engineers create a model of the part, which they then use to program the machines accordingly.

Loading of CAD Model

The engineers convert the CAD model of the part (2D or 3D) into computer-understandable language. The computer program includes instructions for the tool movements, paths, design control, and other machine controls. They install the code on the CNC machine to follow them and create the part.

Processing

After loading the code, the manufacturer installs the program into the machine. He then sets up the machine and checks that all the tools are working properly. They might also do a test run before manufacturing the original part.

Feedback

Manufacturers might do the dry run after testing the program and ensuring it works without glitches or issues. The dry run entails the workpiece featuring testing material and the tools moving to perform cutting and drilling.

Final Product

After the program works well and there are no flaws in the process flow, the manufacturers will then proceed to the main product. They will use the main material as per the client’s requirements and produce a high-quality product.

Why Do You Need Custom Machining?

Custom machining is perfect for creating custom parts according to your requirements and project details. The major reason someone may need custom machining is the unavailability of a particular part or the production of a new part. Moreover, another reason is that the part is too unique with a complex design. Here are some other reasons why you need custom machining:

Production of Discontinued Parts

With the help of CNC custom machining, you can create the parts no longer available in the marks. For example, a factory uses a machine, let’s take a mill, that has been working fine for decades. However, for some reason, one part needs replacement to keep running, but they can’t find it in the market anymore. So, the last option you can select is sending the part to professionals like Premium Parts and asking them to recreate the part again.

Precision Manufacturing

Another reason industries seek custom manufacturing is accurate outcomes. CNC machines can work on different materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Moreover, they can offer different operations, such as supporting multi-axis to craft complex designs. Subsequently, they can perform other actions like milling, slitting, cutting, and boring. Because of these specs, the manufacturers can create high-end parts.

New Inventions

Some industries might need to create new parts to introduce a new product to the market. So, they present the idea, and custom machining makes the drawings according to it. After creating the CAD models and getting their approval, the manufacturers then turn them into functional parts. In short, if you introduce a new product to the market, a custom manufacturing service provider can turn your concept into reality.

Emergency Parts

Emergencies don’t come knocking, so they can affect your whole business. At that time, a custom machining provider can help you create the parts quickly and precisely. Whether your one special part is short and you need it urgently or are missing a specific component, they can help you with any part.

Affordability

Custom machining turns your concept into reality by providing different parts. Whether you need those parts in small amounts or bulk, the manufacturers can offer them. Besides, large-scale production always comes with affordability and special discounts. Moreover, these services are best for creating new products.

Advantages of Custom Manufacturing Services

Custom machining offers several benefits, from reducing costs to offering high-end products. Here are some other major advantages you can grab:

• You can create any custom parts, whether new or discontinued, with the help of custom manufacturing service providers.
• No matter if you want small or larger production batches, you can get them according to your requirements.
• Custom CNC machining offers high-quality products, whether simple or complex geometries.
• All products are of high-end finishes according to the customers’ request.

Types of Custom Machining Services

Custom machining services can include many forms, from manual lathes to multi-axis machining. Different service providers come with other machinery and customization options. Besides, the choice of a particular type depends upon the material type, geometry of the product, and size. Some parts may need different cutting tools, while others require different components. Let’s explore the types of custom machining:

CNC Turning

With CNC turning, we can create cylindrical parts such as shafts. The material spins around its axis while the cutting tool performs actions to and from to make the part. The cutting tool moves perpendicularly at different angles to perform the cutting. We can also use lathes for drilling, reaming, and other operations. The cutting tools remove the material and cut it into the required shape.

CNC Milling

Milling includes a rotating spindle with an attached cutting tool. The spindle moves the cutting tool over the surface of the material. The operator places the material over the table, and the machine moves over it to cut and create the required design. CNC milling can perform different actions in one setup and may switch different tools without operator interference. It allows the manufacturing of complex part geometries with a tolerance accuracy of +/-0.01mm.

Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM uses an electric discharge to remove unnecessary material by burning it through it. In this process, the operators dip the workpiece into a dielectric fluid. The machine moves inside the liquid over the material according to programming instructions. It then produces spars to cut the material into different shapes. This method is best for creating intricate features, including diameter holes.

CNC Laser Cutting Machine

As the name suggests, the CNC laser machine uses laser beams to cut through the material and create the design. The heat of the laser beam penetrates into the material and cuts through it. However, for that, it needs a high-power setting. It can do minor design changes at a low power setting. Nonetheless, this procedure includes optics or assist gas to control the laser beam’s movements.

CNC Drilling

CNC drilling involves creating holes in materials. Multi-point drill bits can be used to develop perpendicular and angular holes. The drill bits are attached to a spindle that rotates and exerts force on them. The drill bits can be different shapes and sizes to create various holes. Reaming and countersinking also fall under the category of CNC drilling.

Custom Machining Vs. Alternatives

Although custom machining is a major manufacturing technique, there are other alternatives in some scenarios. For example, a client needs 400 plastic parts through injection molding. However, the cost is too high, and he can’t afford it. The client can seek CNC machining services for small-batch production in that case. CNC machining can easily make smaller units without incorporating expensive tools and procedures.

However, that’s not the only reason custom machining is sought after as an alternative. Sometimes, the turnaround time also makes a difference. For example, if a company needs small-scale production, CNC is the fastest method, unlike other methods, including 3D printing and molding. Moreover, the materials and required quality of the products can also make people choose CNC machining over other available methods.

Choose Premium Parts for Your Manufacturing Needs

Premium Parts is the leading provider of custom CNC machining and has years of expertise. With the professional team, we have a huge portfolio of different client projects. Thus, if you are also looking for CNC machining services, Premium Part is your destination. We have the latest machinery with high tolerances and precision. Besides, they can work on different axes. So, we will create it for you no matter what design you want. Contact us now to get a quote and start your project of any size immediately.

FAQs

What type of additional services can I get from a CNC machining provider?

You can also take other services in addition to the standard manufacturing services. One notable service is the assembly of different parts. Assembly is not easy when it comes to complex products. Moreover, you can also get finishing and coating services to enhance the aesthetics of products.

Why do you need custom machining?

From plastics to metal machining, custom machining can turn any vision into reality. So, you need it to create high-quality parts with precision. Moreover, it has quick turnarounds and high productivity. Subsequently, the parts are affordable and provide the best return on investment.

When clients hire a custom machining company?

If clients have to create new parts with specific requirements, seeking custom machining services is the best choice. This technique is best for recreating or fabricating discontinued parts. Additionally, not every machining process can handle complex shapes and touch metals; custom machining can turn any design inspiration into functional parts.

Conclusion

Custom machining is the best solution for companies needing high-quality parts. Custom manufacturing services offer several benefits, from creating discontinued parts to complex designs. Besides, they produce products with various applications in aerospace, automobiles, medical, energy, and many other industries. At Premium Parts, we aim to offer high-quality parts that meet the client’s requirements. Whether you need small or large-scale production, we have the expert workforce and advanced machinery. So, contact us and get a quote!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Machined Parts. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.