The quality of CNC milling parts depends on many factors, including part design, tool selection, toolpath programming, machinist skill set, workholding strategy, and more. Critical path functional components, such as robotic arms for laser surgery or landing gear components for high-performance aircraft, must operate reliably. Reliability demands accuracy, precision, and the ability of the CNC machine shop that manufactures the parts to maintain tight tolerances.
When deciding which machine shop to use to machine critical components, it's important to ask two questions: How accurate is the CNC milling part, and what is the machine shop's commitment to delivering that accuracy? Careful inspection of the composition of CNC milling parts for accuracy will help design engineers make the best choices in the machine shop when making parts.
How the accuracy of CNC milling parts affects different industries
Although the accuracy of machined parts is essential in every industry, some industries have a greater need for accuracy than others:
1. Medical: Devices used in medical procedures, such as robotic arms for laser surgery, rely on precision-machined micro- and macro-sized components.
2. Aerospace: Aerospace components must adhere to the tightest tolerances to ensure the safe operation of aircraft and smooth operation regardless of the environment.
3. Transportation: Buses, trucks, trains and other vehicles require a wide variety of shafts, couplings, pistons and other parts to work together seamlessly.
4. Energy: Whether it’s natural gas and oil, wind power or other sources, industrial equipment used to generate and manage energy requires precision machined parts to withstand enormous pressure.
These are just a few examples of industries that require extreme precision in the manufacture of CNC milling parts. However, many other companies may not need such tight tolerances, but the manufacturer must make the part the same way every time. Repeatability of CNC milling parts is critical for everything from consumer products to basic replacement parts.