CNC machines are the backbone of precision engineering and manufacturing. These versatile machines have various uses on the shop floor – from mold & die making to fabricating complex medical, automotive, or aircraft parts.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about CNC quality control. Using it, you will be able to identify machine shops that you should work with and those you should stay away from.
Table of Contents
Quality of Machined Parts Depends on the Type of Machining Equipment
Choosing the right CNC machine to create prototype (or production) parts can significantly affect their quality. A CNC machine can be classified by its number of axes, for example, a 2-axis CNC machine, a 3-axis CNC machine, a 4-axis CNC machine, etc.
As one might expect, a five-axis CNC machine is more advanced than a two-, three-, or four-axis CNC machine. Their higher relationship accuracy, superior surface finish, and ability to machine complex shapes make them more desirable.
A third-party machining vendor that utilizes advanced CNC technology in its facility is dedicated to ensuring high-quality machining. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t rely solely on third-party vendors to handle your machining projects!
Machined parts are also heavily influenced by how skilled the CNC operators are in fabricating your parts.
Experience in industry
Market presence and client experience are two factors that separate the average CNC supplier from the best. Precision Machining China demonstrates its ability to adapt and innovate over advanced technology through its industry experience.
Check whether a supplier has experience in the relevant industry and has worked with clients from different industries.
It is essential to have certifications.
The first step towards gathering information about any machining vendor you’re considering is to check their certifications. Ensure that the certification you are looking for is ISO 9001.
A quality management system must comply with ISO 9001.
In addition to verifying that the machine shops’ certifications meet your requirements, you should also determine the type of CNC machining equipment they have.
A CNC costing approach
Many factors affect the cost of CNC machined parts, including the design complexity, the tooling required, and the number of machining processes applied. The cost of the final product must be considered in light of your budget. The service provider should choose the appropriate processes and techniques to avoid unnecessary expenses.
It is also important that the design is flawless since any errors may increase production time and cost. The company’s past references, experience, and expertise should also be reviewed before paying for high-end machinery.
CNC Machining is only as good as the technician who operates the machine
Despite the manufacturer’s certifications and state-of-the-art machining equipment, it has been reported that customers have received unusable and low-quality CNC parts from the manufacturer. CNC machine operators are typically responsible for most of these issues.
CNC machine operators indeed face a skill gap. There is a glut of machining operators who have learned from the “school of hard knocks” and are prone to repeating the same mistakes.
The problem is compounded by the lack of quality management systems in most machine shops to inspect the parts they fabricate. These types of vendors should be avoided.
Conclusion
This article proves that not all CNC vendors are equal. You need a highly qualified CNC provider to get outstanding production results and fulfill all your production demands. In summary, the above pointers will assist you in choosing the right CNC machining service provider.
