What Is Aerospace CNC Machining?

The global CNC market was worth nearly $82 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $128 billion by 2028. As more and more industries realize the multiple benefits of this production method, aerospace companies continue to be among the largest buyers. Salco Global is one of the leading players in the market of aerospace components manufacturers. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to aerospace machining.

 

The assembly, repair, and maintenance of aircraft and space shuttles are done with the help of CNC machining. Several aerospace companies use CNC machining in aerospace for kits, components, and assemblies needed for their end products and services.

 

CNC machining uses machine-powered cutting tools to produce products using subtractive machining techniques. By removing parts of the workpiece, complex designs can be created on a large scale and with high precision. Computer-aided design software controls all inputs and machine-driven processes, reducing human error to zero.

 

All aircraft parts, such as bushings, hinges, brackets, and other custom parts, must be made from high-quality materials. This is the only way to ensure that aircraft parts will function properly without posing a hazard. In the aerospace industry, titanium and Kovar are the most commonly used metals. However, materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and some plastics can also be used.

What are the benefits of aerospace machined components?

 

  • The technology is highly accurate and precise
  • Due to automation processes, there is no chance for human error
  • Possibility of constructing complex geometric shapes
  • In addition to high precision, aerospace parts CNC machining enables fast prototyping and quick production in large numbers.

 

Several aspects must be considered when manufacturing aerospace parts and structures, whether for everyday aviation, space flight, or defense. For spacecraft, in particular, longevity must be considered in addition to precision – aircraft are often in service for long periods, even years. 

 

Aircraft are assembled on an international scale, for example, more than 6 million parts of Boeing’s largest aircraft (747-8) come from countries such as China, Germany, and Australia. In other words, every single part must be extremely precise and clean, and this is where aerospace machining companies play a crucial role.

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Salco Global has just the right tools and experience for your needs

 

With the latest generation of CNC milling machines, Salco Global offers high precision 3 to 5 axis milling services. We provide our customers with precision-milled parts to tight tolerances based on a variety of milling processes. From one-piece prototypes to quantities of 250,000 pieces, our machine portfolio can accommodate almost any production need. In accordance with ISO 9001, all manufactured parts are inspected before and after all external processes to ensure the integrity of the final product. In addition to aluminum, brass, Beryllium Copper, Stainless Steel, plastics, and titanium, our company has decades of experience in processing a wide range of domestic and exotic materials. 

 

To learn more about our precision CNC machining services for the aerospace industry, please contact the Customer Success Team.

What is A Tight Tolerance Machine Shop?

The demand for CNC machining is growing worldwide from aerospace and oil and gas to defense, medical, nuclear, and automotive industries. To produce a finished product, precision machining removes excess raw material from a workpiece while maintaining tight tolerances. Our tight tolerance machine shop maintains ultra-high precision enabling both prototyping and mass production of parts that provide clients in the above industries with more reliable, effective, and durable products. Let’s see how your business can benefit from precision CNC machining services!

This involves forming large pieces of material into more precise shapes that can meet very strict specifications. It consists of cutting, milling, turning, and EDM, and is generally performed using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery.

tight tolerance machine shop

A tight tolerance machine shop can be defined as using the highest functions of a tool, software, engineering talent, and equipment, thereby pushing the limits of design specifications and available materials, and performing these operations under the tightest tolerances set by a subset of these manufacturing parameters.

What Industries Should Utilize Tight Tolerance Machine Shop Services?

It is extremely popular in aerospace, automotive (including molds for car parts), and medical industries because precision CNC machining can produce complex parts. Typical outputs can range from precision metal cuts to machines and structural aircraft parts. 

Design, robotics, and manufacturing processes have advanced in recent years. All of these factors have contributed to an increase in machining automation. As one of the key customers to these services, the automotive industry has significantly benefited and was enabled to offer better quality products.

tight tolerance machining

A few examples for automotive industry-related parts best manufactured using CNC machining:

  • Interior Paneling
  • Starters
  • Blocks of cylinders
  • Drive Axles
  • Gearboxes
  • Various custom parts

How Does a Tight Tolerance Machine Shop Benefit Your Business?

  • Customization: Salco Global‘s various CNC machines allow 100% customization of production, enabling rapid prototyping and ultra-precise mass production.
  • High-speed production: Precision machining manufacturers, such as Salco, use what is known as a “lights-out machining process”. Automation is the use of machines and processes that require little human intervention. It allows operations to continue after normal business hours and after employees have gone home, increasing productivity even after employees have gone home. The result is that your business can have output faster and at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing processes.
  • Precision: CNC machining can achieve an extremely tight tolerance for parts requiring them. The precision of this process enables it to meet the requirements for engine tolerances and other functions, especially in automotive manufacturing. Consequently, you can have confidence that the final product will be a precise car part, regardless of its complexity.

How Salco Global Supports its Customers

Salco Global provides precision CNC machining with more than 3 decades of experience to international clients. Our team is ready to assist companies in all industries that require close tolerance machining. We are ready to help you design the products, prototype, and test different sizes, materials, and design variations. Once the product is ready for mass production, our close tolerance machines can start mass production up to 250,000 pieces.

Our pricing is always competitive, get a quote today!

The Benefits Of A Machine Center For Rapid Prototyping

The development process of a new product includes multiple phases of experimenting and testing, which can only be done correctly if a proper prototype has been created. You can utilize several different methods for rapid prototyping, but when it comes to quick delivery and short preparation time, using a machine shop for CNC rapid prototyping is the best solution. We are going to discuss the benefits of rapid CNC prototyping in this article.

Increase Manufacturing Turn Around times

Rapid prototyping services dramatically increase the speed of completing a prototype project and get to production fast. In addition to actual production time, the short process includes the time spent on programming, material setup, and other preparatory activities. From the point of design to a finished or semi-finished part, the digital manufacturing we provide at Salco Global is the best method available.

It takes us less time to convert files from CAD to digital cutting files. Once the part is made, it can be measured, finished (painted, sanded, etc.), and shipped. In comparison, injection molding is faster per part, but all the preparation (tooling and approval process) takes more time than prototype CNC machining.

Testing

Another important advantage of CNC rapid prototyping is that it allows product owners to experiment with different materials and perform A/B testing due to the short turnaround time of the process. A quick change to the schematic no longer means a weeks-long delay in development!

A great range

Every industry can benefit from prototyping, especially those that require a finished product with precision and detail, such as aerospace, automotive, architecture, construction, and medical. When you use Salco Global for CNC machining for prototyping, you mitigate the risk of time-consuming and costly errors.

Rapid CNC prototyping is a great option for lower-volume production projects: CNC machining can be superior to traditional methods, especially when a customer needs less than 1,000 units. CNC machine-based manufacturing eliminates the need to make tooling and molds in advance.

How Salco’s 5-axis CNC Machine Center supports the prototyping process

Every company is looking to keep machining and production times to a minimum. Salco’s 5-axis machine center can cut turnaround times in half. Creating complex parts at a high capacity with 24-hour production capabilities. A 5-axis machine also simplifies the preparation process as it reduces setup time and potential errors.

By using 5-axis machining, you can also achieve higher prototype accuracy since it doesn’t go through multiple stations where each reclamping can compromise the process. 5-axis machines are more profitable for users and yield faster returns, even compared to traditional CNC machines, making them the best solution for rapid prototyping.

Since 1985, Salco Global has been creating precision components using CNC machining technology. Manufacturing tight tolerance precision machined components and assemblies is what we do best. Based on more than 3 decades of experience, we firmly believe our CNC machine center is the best solution for rapid prototyping.  Don’t hesitate to give us a call to get your free quote. We will be happy to help you!

Salco 5-Axis CNC Machining Center

Introducing our new 5-axis CNC machining center

The latest addition to Salco’s machine portfolio is the Haas UMC-500 5-axis CNC machining center. It is a perfect solution for the 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining of smaller parts. In addition, their shorter travels and compact footprints make them optimal for multi-sided and complex processes. In this article, we introduce our new Lights-Out machining service and the associated new hardware.

The acronym comes from the words Computer Numerical Control. It is a machine tool that emerged in the 1970s and is particularly suited to the mass production of more complex, detailed parts. This technology allows products to be manufactured with consistent quality, even in large quantities, while reducing production time and meeting deadlines. There is probably no industry today that does not use CNC machine tools for more complex production processes.

 Salco’s newest 5-axis CNC machining center

5-axis machining is an effective tool for reducing setup times and increasing accuracy on versatile and complex workpieces. The shorter tool paths and compact footprint make the Haas UMC-500 Series Universal Machining Centers the perfect solution for 3+2 machining and simultaneous 5-axis machining of smaller workpieces.

The UMC-500 features:

• High-speed tool changer
• Fast swivel table to reduce cycle times and increase productivity
• 5-axis simultaneous machining capabilities
• High performance in-line direct-drive spindle
• Wireless intuitive measuring system

The CNC machining centers also have an MRZP. Machine rotary zero points is a 2-axis intersection explaining where the tilt platter is in space.

The 16-position pallet storage option is designed for high-volume production and unattended operation. This production solution is ideal for very mixed, small-volume workpieces, as the user can assign a specific workpiece program to each pallet. Each time a pallet is placed in the machining area, the control automatically calls up the assigned workpiece program.

The UMC-500 Haas 5-axis has a tooling ball. The tooling ball is long enough to clear from splinder centerline front to the side of the splinder head. Therefore, it can be seen as an interesting concept for the CNC machining center.

What is 5-axis machining?

Modern machining tools, such as the Haas UMC-500, have multiple axes. For example, in what is called 5-axis full or simultaneous machining, three linear and two rotary axes move simultaneously to interpolate complex machining surfaces.

Inside the UMC-500 5-axis, the CNC machining center is the dynamic work offsets. This 3+2 machining is software that features Haas control. As a result, it makes 4 – 5 axis jobs as easy as setting up a 3 – axis machine.

One of the biggest advantages of the UMC-500 hardware is that its operation can be either 3+2 axis and 5-axis in a simultaneous manner. This enables our team to switch to the necessary and most optimal working process. The innovative 5-axis positioning uses the fourth and fifth axes to move the tool into position rather than guiding it throughout the machining process.

The Haas 5-axis performs like a champ. The skills of talented job quoting, manufacturing, and quality control groups will avoid having pallets of shiny non-conforming hardware—a perfect machine for the CNC machine center.

In what industries should 5-axis machining be used?

5-axis machining allows for

the manufacturing of complex parts and is therefore particularly popular in the aerospace, automotive (molds for car parts), and medical industries. Typical parts can be almost anything from medical prosthetics to structural aircraft parts.

What are the main advantages of 5-axis machining?

Full or simultaneous 5-axis machining offers users several benefits:
• First, 5-axis machining allows complex parts to be machined in one setup with a single CNC program – significantly increasing efficiency by reducing machining and cycle times. This is referred to as done-in-one machining.
• In addition, 5-axis machining results in less time and effort required for setup preparation. Ultimately, a 5-axis machine means a faster return on investment and higher profitability for the user.
• Finally, 5-axis machining also guarantees higher part accuracy because the part does not have to pass through multiple workstations where each reclamping can dramatically reduce accuracy. For example, a valve block can be machined from five sides, reducing overall cycle time and improving part accuracy.

 

Modern technology enables lights out manufacturing

Precision machining companies such as Salco and other manufacturers employ a method called lights out machining. Automation describes the utilization of machinery and processes that require little human intervention. Automation allows for continued operation outside of normal business hours and even overnight, resulting in increased productivity even after workers and employees have gone home.

In precision machining, human intervention is required during the design phase and when adjustments to the machine setup are necessary. As the operator’s presence is not required when producing multiple parts of the same design, precision machining can continue unattended during off-hours.

CNC machinery optimized for lights-out operations must have bar feeders or multiple pallets. Salco’s new UMC-500 equipment can also run when normal company operations are shut down, and the lights are normally off.

What advantages does lights-out machinery offer our customers?

Since no continuous monitoring is required, lights out manufacturing have several benefits to our clients:

• With lights-out machining, machines can continue to operate for extended periods without human intervention, even 24 hours a day. Customers interested in large quantities will benefit from faster shipping – through increased productivity and output.
• Whenever possible, lengthy processing operations can be performed during “lights out” hours, allowing our staff to focus on more complex tasks.
• Optimizing the workforce enables Salco to open towards the most innovative requests while also maintaining its current price structure for the long run.

We are a precision machine shop established in 1985 with over three decades of experience in manufacturing complex precision machined components and assemblies, working closely with a wide range of industries worldwide. Our customer base includes industries such as aerospace, automotive, communications, information technology, medical devices, spray finish technologies, and emerging industries.

We welcome new business opportunities at Salco Global Precision Machining. Want a CNC machine shop that can handle difficult projects on time and with precision? Visit our website (www.salco.com) for more information about our services and hardware portfolio. Don’t hesitate to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions.

CNC Mill – How it Works & Advantages

If you have an aerospace, automotive part, or medical device company, then you may have already come across CNC milling. It is one type of machine that can automate the process of manufacturing and make your life a lot easier.

This article will help you understand how CNC milling works, and what its benefits are before deciding if a CNC milling shop like Salco Global is right for you. That said, let’s dive right in:

So, What Does CNC Milling Do?

With the help of CNC milling, we can transform a regular casting into a workable part that can be used in many applications. These parts need to have tight tolerances, which the raw castings don’t have – they need to go through the machining process to have that tolerance. Here are the top three things done on CNC mills:

  • Creating Flat Surfaces: It puts a flat surface on the workpiece and creates a finished sealed surface without any risk of leakages.
  • Drilling Holes: As the name suggests, the casting is drilled holes into it and with tapping, threads are added – the most typical way to put together parts.
  • Boring Holes: If an existing hole needs to be enlarged, a stiff boring bar does the job using a single point tool for cutting that creates an accurate inner cavity in the workpiece With the help of boring, parts can be assembled very tightly.

A typical milling process usually includes the following steps:

  1. Creating parts designs in CAD
  2. Converting and formatting those CAD files into machine code
  3. Setting up the right machine with right axis options
  4. Letting the machine do its job and produce the parts while monitoring quality
How Does CNC Milling Work?

The key factor in understanding how CNC milling works is understanding your  3-5 axis milling options. Let’s discuss them below:

  • 2-Axis Machine: Although not very popular, it’s still used by many for building manual fixtures. It only moves on the X & Y axes and doesn’t repeat much.
  • 3-Axis Machine: Mostly leveraged for vertical milling, moves on all three axes – x, y & z.
  • 4- Axis Machine: This is the most commonly found machine in the CNC milling shop. It moves on the X, Y, & Z axes along with an additional B axis. This allows the table to rotate providing access around the workpiece.
  • 5-Axis Machine: This is the one with most angles as it offers x, y, & z along with additional B and A axes. These are specialty CNC milling machines and if you need the most precision in a CNC mill, 5-axis is your go-to machine.

The most commonly used CNC milling machines are 3-5 axis milling machines with the last one being the most accurate.

Vertical & Horizontal CNC Mill – What’s the Difference?

There are two kinds of spindle orientations in the realm of CNC machines. The first one is vertical where the spindle axis, known as the z-axis leans vertically. In its c-column configuration, you will see the spindle move in the z-axis direction and the table holding workpiece will move in x and y axes in horizontal directions. The best part of using vertical CNC milling machines is they are the best fit for high-volume work where on-site milling is needed such as brackets and covers and their deadlines are closing with speed.

The horizontal CNC mills are opposite to what we discussed above. They have a horizontally oriented z-axis, which is usually paralleled to the machine’s length. The spindle moves on the vertical y-axis and when it goes horizontal, it moves along the x-axis.  The fixtures and pallets hold the workpiece in place and move in the z-axis while b-axis rotates. There are several benefits of horizontal machining such as the ability to access the machine from 4 sides, milling more complex parts, better evacuation of chips, and completing multiple tasks on a single fixture.

Advantages of Using CNC Mill:
  • There are various reasons why many machinists opt for CNC milling instead of the manual one, let’s have a look at them below:
  • The milling cutter is sort of a multi-touch took with each of its teeth participates intermittently in the work resulting in excellent cooling for the cutting tool, improved speed, higher durability, and better productivity.
  • It can almost take place of the planner because CNC mill has the ability to produce a broader range of products
  • If you need mass production and fast prototyping, CNC milling is perfect for you
  • We can produce thousands of milling parts in a very short time
  • With the high precision of the CNC mill, repeatability is very accurate. we can produce thousands of parts with the exact specifications and tight tolerances
  • Numerical computer-based control that confirms the precision of final workpiece result
  • It is highly automated so that means we don’t need a large number of operators and labor to make it work, which reduces the cost
  • With 3-5 axis milling, you can create complex designs, specifications, geometries, and much more
  • CNC milling parts processing have great flexibility and adaptability
Parting Words:

There is no doubt these automated machines have eliminated the need for hiring a big staff to take care of everything thing. Plus, the production time is reduced as CNC milling can be done faster than manual machine working saving our clients time and money.

So, if you are looking to save money and reduce production time then CNC milling at Salco Global is perfect for you.

Benefits of CNC Lathe Machining?

If you are looking for a CNC machine shop and have CNC lathe machining is right for you then there are a lot of things to know. Firstly, what are some of the main advantages you can get with a CNC lathe machining instead of a manual one?

Secondly, knowing the main types of CNC lathe machining and how to choose the right machine shop will save you a world of pain. So if you’re ready to know more about CNC lathe machines and the benefits this type of machining can add to your production, read on.

Benefits of CNC Lathe Machining:
  • Fully Automated: Since CNC operates on computer language, you don’t need a human telling it what to do by moving its spindles around. We can produce hundreds or even thousands of similar dimensions with just one design. Once the design made from CAD software is put inside the machine, you don’t need to supervise it, the machine will keep producing the same design.
  • Versatility: Automated CNC lathe machining is very versatile, it can produce almost any type of part or product, from medical devices to auto parts to aerospace parts and precision tools, everything can be machined quickly and affordably in our precision CNC lathe shop.
  • Excellent Accuracy: When manual labor is involved, there is a chance of human error – the accuracy could suffer. This is never a problem with the CNC lathe shop and experienced machinists operating the CNC lathe. We offer 2 to 9 axis machining with our CNC lathe machines to provide a multitude of options for high volume manufacturing.
  • Efficiency That Saves Money:  By using a lathe machine shop like Salco Global you can cut production times and cost. We offer high efficiency, tight tolerance, lights out production that can improve delivery times and save you money.
CNC Lathe Types:

There are mainly two types of these machines, whether it’s a CNC metal lathe or any other material-based. The first one is vertical where the workpiece rotates in more of an upright position just like the movement of a pottery wheel. This allows the spindle to reach and cut unreachable positions and angles. This kind of machine is used on bulky and heavy materials that are so big that cranes are used to load them.

The horizontal ones are the typical CNC lathe shop machines as they’re commonly found in workshops. They rotate the workpiece cylindrically and while it rotates, the machine operates on it using different tools to give it desired (programmed) shape and design. The chuck in these holds materials vertically and these machines are typically needed for lighter workpieces.

Choosing the Right CNC Lathe Shop:

Machine Quality:

We only use top-quality CNC lathe machines, we are confident one of our 13 specialized CNC Lathes with the latest technology will fit your needs.

Ability to Work with Multiple Materials:

We offer precision lathe machining on a wide range of domestic and exotic materials including aluminum – brass – beryllium copper – castings aluminum / stainless steel – Inconel – plastics all types – stainless steels all grades – monel – MU – titanium

Experience:

We have been providing the best quality machined CNC lathe parts since 1985. We have a rigorous training program and ongoing education and training for our highly qualified machinists to ensure the best workmanship possible. So with our experience, CNC machines with the latest technology, and expert machinists it would be hard to find a better CNC machine shop for your CNC lathe projects than Salco Global

Parting Words:

There’s no doubt CNC lathe shop like Salco Global can do wonders when it comes to pumping out batches of close tolerance, precision machined parts. We take great pride in using the latest CNC lathe technology and providing the highest quality precision parts to our customers.

We always make sure to first assess your needs, the kind of materials you are looking to use, and the type of products you’ll be making, and then we will provide an estimate to complete your project with the best precision and productions times available. Give us a call to get started!

Understanding Swiss Screw Machines

Swiss Machine

HISTORY OF SWISS MACHINING

The first-ever Swiss Screw machine was developed in Switzerland back in the 19th century. This machine quickly made its mark as the premier lathe for the production of small and complex parts.

CNC swiss screw machines differ quite a bit from conventional lathes, as CNC swiss machining moves the bar stock through a bushing using a sliding headstock. The headstock moves the material forward and backward, exposing only the portion of the material being machined.

When it comes to utilizing the gang tool and guide bushing, it provides close proximity to the cutting device to the material being cut, minimizing deflection and delivering an increased precision while holding tight tolerances. As with other machining processes like lathes and mills, the Swiss CAM automatic machine has led CNC Swiss machines to better-streamlined automation.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A CNC SWISS MACHINE SHOP?

PRODUCTIVITY

Currently, the Swiss Screw machines in use will rely on a computer numerical control (CNC) unit to process the parts designed to meet specifications by following a coded, programmed instruction without a manual operator.

With room for over 20 different tools and the ability to perform multiple operations concurrently, complex parts can now be completed in one operation on the machine as opposed to multiple operations that traditional lathes requiring.

CNC Swiss machine shops also offer the capabilities for a secondary process such as milling, slotting, cross-tapping, and cross-drilling, and eliminating the need for any additional machining once the parts that are turned come off the machine.

HIGHER VERSATILITY

CNC swiss machining usually works in diameters under 1 ¼” and, with the majority of work that is performed is smaller than ¾”, but they also excel at producing tons of different parts with lengths greater than the diameter. The ability to make slender, more extended parts while reducing deflection is a huge benefit to running those larger length-to-diameter parts on a Swiss machine.

LARGER COST SAVINGS

The new Swiss machines required smaller work-pieces, which allows you to use a smaller bar stock. The lower cost of these materials turns into lower overall production costs, all without sacrificing any product quality.

The Swiss machines can now achieve greater accuracy and precision, even in complex and intricate designs. With a good bar stock quality, the swiss machine will allow for tight tolerance, often eliminating the need for any outside grinding service. Additionally, once your machine has been set up and provisioned, you will notice that some parts will allow for an unmanned runtime; this will increase your labor efficiency in the shop while cutting down lead times for your customers.

APPLICATIONS OF SWISS MACHINES

Swiss WatchesThe machines were originally created a long time ago to manufacture screws for the watchmakers and their industry; over time, machines have evolved across multiple industries. While these machines still create parts for high-end watchmakers, they also can be found making screws for a range of applications, including:

  • Medical components
  • Industrial components
  • Aerospace and defense industries
  • Components for musical instruments

With the ability to machine many different types of metals with tight dimensional tolerances, there is next to nothing that the Swiss machines cannot do when it comes to machining parts.

WHAT MATERIALS DO WE USE IN SWISS MACHINING?

a swiss machine shop like Salco can employ a variety of materials depending on the specifications required from the components. These range from common materials like exotic alloys:

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Carbon Steel
  • Copper
  • Plastics
  • Stainless Steel
  • Steel
  • Tool Steel
  • Titanium
  • Exotic Alloys

TYPES OF SWISS SCREW MACHINES

Swiss screw machineThere are a few types of swiss machines on the market today.

Swiss- and Turret-Style Machines

The Turret-type screw machine produces very similar results to the Swiss-style machines. One advantage of the new CNC Swiss screw machine is that many more tooling fixtures can now be applied, and, despite screw machines typically being “single spindle,” the possibility is also thereof using it as a double spindle machine. This time-saving feature effectively cuts out the operator.

This part is automatically transferred from the screw machine to another machine for the secondary operation saving in labor cost for which an operator would generally have to be there to complete. Turret-style screw machines also come equipped with a transfer attachment that can also perform this function as well.

The Turret type, also known as Brown & Sharpe, named after its first manufacturer, mounts the work-piece on a vertical ram, which works into the lathe. The Swiss-type was originally named after its place of origin where swiss watchmakers used it for precision components, mounts the work-piece on a rotary slide. While these two types function differently, their benefits and output are essentially the same, although the Swiss screw machine is better at more precise work.

CNC Swiss Machine – Applications

The other is Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines, and these use a CNC unit to control all of the tools, which allows parts to be made to exact specifications.

Benefits of the CNC Swiss Machine

When it comes to the CNC machines, they offer a level of control that may not be possible with a standard automatic Swiss screw machine. Our CNC swiss machines allow the use of tools on multiple axes, allowing more tooling for both milling and turning. Cycle times of the machines are reduced, and more detailed parts can be created with the use of the abilities provided by the CNC machines saving our clients money in the long run.

Operations can be performed in a shorter period in CNC Swiss machining. This screw machine can rotate parts at up to 10,000 RPM with an accuracy level ranging between 0.0002 to 0.0005 inches. In addition to being extremely precise, the CNC Swiss machine also reduces waste and gives more flexibility when machining a specific part.

Swiss machining is a viable manufacturing process for many industrial application needs. Compared to traditional turning processes, it offers greater precision, versatility, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

CNC screw machines are automated machines that are used to machine turned parts. The appellation “screw machine” might be misleading, as they don’t screw anything in, nor do they thread materials, although this is one of their functions. Basically, the machine components by spinning on a very quickly rotating lathe, which shaves the metal down to the desired size.

With over two decades of experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and tools to fulfill any CNC Swiss precision turning need. To learn more about our services and capabilities, contact us today for pricing details.

If you are looking for a partner for your next Swiss machining project, turn to the experts at Salco Global.

ISO 9001 – What Is It & Why Is It So Important?

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is recognized as the international standard for creating "Quality Management Systems" (QMS). This was created by the ISO (the International Organization for Standardization).

This well-known standard had its most recent updated back in 2015 and is now referred to as the 9001:2015 version of the ISO. For this version to be updated and made effective, it first had to have been approved by most member countries to be known as the current updated to the internationally recognized standard.

What is quality management systems?

According to the ISO definition, quality management systems are the standard in which a company's QMS requirements are defined. This system creates the processes, policies, and procedures necessary to provide products and services designed to meet customer and regulatory demands and improve overall customer satisfaction.

Quality management systems are the foundation of any quality assurance activity.

Why is it critical to have?

ISO 9001:2015 is known internationally as the recognized standard for creating, implementing, and maintaining a company's quality management system.

This standard was designed to be used by companies, no matter their size or industry. As the international standard, 9001 is recognized as the basis behind any company that wants to create a system that is designed to ensure customer satisfaction. As such, many corporations today require this certification from their suppliers.

Having the certification provides your customers the needed reassurance saying you have implemented a Quality Management System in place that is created on the seven quality management principles.

This certification is such an influential and essential industry standard that industry groups often use parts or all of the 9001 standards, such as the ISO 13485 for the medical devices industry, the AS9100 for the aerospace industry, and the AITF 16949 for the automotive industry are just a few examples.

A recent survey performed in 2017 for ISO certifications under 900 1 showed that, despite the global recession, the total number of companies that have implemented the ISO 9001 standard is still growing worldwide.

What is the current ISO 9001 standard?

The current ISO version is 9001:2015. The ISO 9001 2015 standard is often called ISO 9001 revision 2015. This version was released back in October 2015 and replaced any of the previous revision ISO 9001:2008.

This update includes many of the processes from the previous revisions to the ISO standard, with a greater emphasis on understanding the context of the organization and risk-based thinking.

Is ISO 9001 worth it?

The benefits behind having the certification cannot be overstated; companies of all sizes have used the standard to significant effect, securing cost savings and additional revenue.

Here are just a few of these benefits:

Improve your image and credibility –

If your customers see that a recognized certification body has certified you, it will show them that you have implemented a system focused on meeting customer requirements and improvement.

This will improve their trust that you will deliver what you have promised, and it will help you get new clients.

Improve customer satisfaction –

One of the main principles behind the ISO 9001 QMS is the concept of improving customer satisfaction by identifying and meeting customer needs and requirements. By providing this, you will grow your repeat business.

Fully integrated processes –

By using the ISO, you look at the individual functions within your organization, but you also interact with those processes. By doing this, you will discover areas for improvement and savings within your organization.

Use of evidence-based decision making –

Ensuring that you and your team are making decisions based on factual evidence is key to success. Ensuring that your choices are based on accurate information will help you target the resources to correct any problems and improve your organizational efficiency and effectiveness in a timely manner.

Create a culture of continual improvements –

With ongoing continual modifications as the main output of the QMS, you can saving time, money, and other resources. By making this the culture behind your company, you can focus on your workforce by improving the processes that they are directly responsible for.

Is ISO 9001 a legal requirement?

No, there are no legal requirements, even though the certification is a requirement for many contracts. There are even awards, such as the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

Click here to view our proud certification

What Exactly is Metrology

Metrology is defined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) as “the science of measurement, embracing both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology”.

Metrology is how companies guarantee certain comparisons of global measurement results. As an example, metrology is used to help ensure that the parts in the vehicles we drive are accurately and precisely measured, manufactured, and assembled despite the different manufacturing processes language barriers, and measurement systems (such as US and metric) that are used by the manufacturers.

Metrology also incorporates precision measuring tools like the coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) also the precision measurement sensors.

Globally Standardizing Precision Machined Parts

Today’s global supply chains are using the international measuring standards to help precisely manufacture, distribution, and assembly machined parts through out the world.

All different types of factories from different countries can precisely machine identical parts from CAD or drawings. Each manufacturer’s measuring instrument is calibrated with the same specific thresholds.

These calibrations are designed to ensure that all of the parts created will fit together and work as they were intended to. After the calibration phase is over, the production machines are then set and the quality assurance and controls are confirmed.

Types of Metrology Equipment

A coordinate measuring machine is a system that measures the testing product by combining a probe with the coordinate system to measure the geometric physical points of the product. Metrology equipment comes in various different models and utilities, many of which we’ll go over below.

In addition to accurate measurements, CMMs have the advantage of providing real-time information on the condition of the manufacturing process to the CMM operator. All global CMMs must comply with the ISO 10360 international measurement standards and can be controlled by either an operator or a computer. Five major types of CMMs are used in today’s metrology:

Cantilever:

This is used primarily for measuring master parts.

Bridge:

Most popular with digitizing and scanning jobs for the mold, stamping, and machining markets.

Gantry:

Used for measuring heavy, large parts such as large dies and molds.

Horizontal Arm:

This is used to measure parts in industries such as defense, aerospace, and appliances.

Portable (PCMM):

Handheld 3D and geometric tolerance and dimensioning measurements which can also be ISO 10360-certified.

Touch-trigger:

Touch-trigger probes are the most commonly used type of probe in metrology because they remove touch bias and can be used with computer control.

There are also two major groupings of probes: contact and non-contact. Contact or tactile probes include:

Hand Probes:

Hand probes are designed to measure curved surfaces, but one must watch out for tactile differences that can be caused by the operators.

Touch-Trigger Probes:

This is the most popular type of probes. It simply removes touch bias and can be used by direct computer control.

Analog Probes:

Use CAS technology to measure irregular shapes and contorted surfaces, like sheet metal. Non-contact probes are used for large, complex geometric, flexible parts. They include:

Laser Probes:

Laser probes are a triangulation with a beam of light designed for high-speed component measurements.

Vision Probes:

Vision Probes are designed for high-speed measurements of small, 2D parts with images taken from a camera.

As previously noted, manufacturers from all over the world need to meet or exceed the set specified tolerances of each item tested so they will fit and work exactly as they were designed to.

This quality assurance covers components manufactured from medical devices to rocket engines and everything in-between. In fact, precision measurement technology is used to ensure the quality assurance of measurements up to one-thousandth of a millimeter.