Precision manufacturing is a key element of precision engineering. This guide explains what precision manufacturing is as well as how it works.
Precision engineering always focuses on the development as well as the design of components that are highly accurate. Precision manufacturing then takes the original design or intent and develops it into a workable component or apart.
High dimensional accuracy will always be essential when working with particularly small parts that have high tolerance levels. Precision manufacturing is concerned with ensuring that the creation of the part matches the specifications and the original design.
Precision manufacturing is critical for the development of parts for numerous different industries. For instance, in the medical field, there has been significant levels of development of smaller components that are designed to be tiny with various complex features.
These components are often used for services such as noninvasive surgery. As well as ensuring that these parts match the specifications, manufacturers are also under pressure to guarantee that they are produced in a way that is both cost effective as well as efficient.
What Machines Are Used In Precision Manufacturing?
CNC machines are often used in precision manufacturing processes. With a CNC machine it is possible to ensure that a surface is created with exact specifications including the right dimensions and tolerances.
CNC machines are the evolution of milling machines and lathes that used to be a fundamental aspect of heavy industrial processes. The original machine was developed in 1818. However, precision manufacturing has advanced significantly over the last two-hundred years.
For instance, the creation and addition of software based control ensures that errors caused by vibration or motion can be significantly reduced during processes like this. Advances here have been critical for the development of various products such as:
- Robotic medical devices
- Aircraft
- Tech equipment
Measurements Used In Precision Manufacturing
The three main measurements used in precision manufacturing are:
- Accuracy – This determines how close the measurement is to the original signal value
- Precision – The degree at which one measurement varies to another
- Tolerance – The acceptable level of variation that is used during precision manufacturing
If an acceptable level of tolerance is specified during a process like this then accuracy as well as precision will be achieved during precision manufacturing,
It’s important to note that the highest level of accuracy isn’t typically the desired goals largely because of the diminishing returns from the additional costs. Manufacturers have to weigh up the goal of being accurate with the necessity of keeping production processes as efficient as possible.
Tolerance also needs to be compared to the requirements of keeping processes cost friendly.
Businesses in need of precision manufacturing processes will often work with a CNC machining partner. These expert advanced solutions have the technology, equipment and experience necessary to ensure that goals are reached with regards to specific, intricate products with complex designs.
We hope this helps you understand how precision manufacturing works and why it is an essential part of the modern manufacturing landscape as well as various industries.