What should I aware of before doing a CNC Turning Project? What should I look for in a company before we do CNC Turning project?

This article looks at the factors to look at before doing a CNC Project. A 10 Points to pay attention to before doing a CNC Turning project. It also has 13 pointer to check on a vendor before choosing them to do your CNC Turning project.

CNC TURNING SINGAPORE

MP Asia Engineering

3/28/20256 min read

CNC Turning is a very popular CNC precision engineering method to create a specific types of products. Companies may also prefer this method for various other reasons. Well let's look at the factors we need to consider before starting a CNC turning project. We have come up with 14 important factors to consider to ensure the success of the project. They are; Material Selection, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Tolerances and Surface Finish, Tooling, Machine Capabilities, Programming, Workholding, Coolant and Lubrication, Safety, Quality Control, Cost Estimation, Lead Time, Prototyping and Post-Processing. Let's look what specification what we need to check in each of these factors, shall we?

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Material Selection

Choose the appropriate material for your part, considering factors such as strength, durability, machinability, and cost. Common materials include metals like aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics.

Tooling

Select the right cutting tools for the material and the features of the part. The choice of tooling can affect the quality of the finish and the speed of the machining process.

Finishing

After the main turning operations are complete, additional finishing processes such as sanding or polishing may be applied to achieve the desired surface finish.

1) Experience and Expertise

Check the company's experience with CNC turning, especially with projects similar to yours. Look for expertise in handling the materials and complexities relevant to your project.

To wrap to up, Some companies offer additional services such as design assistance, prototyping, finishing, and assembly. These can be valuable if you need more than just CNC turning. If environmental impact is a concern for you, inquire about the company's sustainability practices and whether they recycle materials or use environmentally friendly processes.

By thoroughly vetting a company based on these criteria, you can make an informed decision and choose a partner that will provide the best CNC Turning services for your project. You can always look for MP Asia Engineering in Singapore for your CNC Turning works. We have been in the market since 2015 and we are serving local (Singapore) and overseas customers. Visit out CNC Turning page for more information. You can also check out our About Us page for our story. You can also visit Case Study for some of our recent works along with Testimonial page for our customers review. 

If you want to know what is the market for this solution in Singapore along with some businesses that provide CNC turning services in Singapore, you can check out this article "What is the CNC turning market like in Singapore? Who are some companies that provide this service?

We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or feedback regarding this article feel free to email us at blog@mpasiaengineering.com.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Ensure that your part design is optimized for CNC turning. This includes considering tolerances, wall thicknesses, and the complexity of the part geometry. Simplifying the design can reduce machining time and cost.

Tolerances and Surface Finish

Define the required tolerances and surface finish for your part. Tighter tolerances and finer finishes may require more precise machining and could increase the cost.

By carefully considering these factors before starting a CNC turning project, you can help ensure that the final product meets your specifications and that the process is efficient and cost-effective. 

Let's look at the other aspect of ensuring your CNC turning project will be a success. Here are list of 12 things that should be looked for in a company before doing CNC turning work with them.

Machine Capabilities

Understand the capabilities and limitations of the CNC turning machine you will be using, including its size, power, speed, and the number of axes it can operate on.

Programming

Ensure that the CNC program is correctly written and optimized for the part. This includes selecting the right cutting paths, speeds, and feed rates.

Workholding

Choose the appropriate chuck or fixture to hold the workpiece securely during the machining process. Proper workholding is crucial for maintaining accuracy and safety.

Coolant and Lubrication

Determine if coolant or lubrication is needed to reduce heat and friction during the machining process, which can affect tool life and part quality.

Quality Control

Plan for quality control measures to inspect the parts during and after the machining process. This may include the use of calipers, micrometers, or coordinate measuring machines (CMM).

Cost Estimation

Have a clear understanding of the costs involved, including material costs, machine time, labor, tooling, and any additional finishing processes.

Lead Time

Consider the lead time required for the project, including programming, setup, machining, and any post-processing.

Prototyping

If possible, create a prototype before full-scale production to test the design and machining process.

Post-Processing

Determine if any post-processing is required, such as heat treatment, plating, or painting, and factor this into your project plan.

2) Quality Certification

Look for certifications such as ISO 9001, which indicate that the company adheres to international standards for quality management systems.

3) Technical Capabilities

Ensure the company has the right CNC machinery and technology to handle your project. This includes the number of axes their machines can operate on, the size of the machines, and any advanced features like live tooling or sub-spindle capabilities.

4) Quality Control

Inquire about their quality control processes. A good company should have a robust system in place for inspecting and ensuring the quality of their work, including the use of precision measuring tools and techniques.

5) Material Knowledge

The company should have a good understanding of different materials and how they behave during the CNC turning process. This knowledge is crucial for selecting the right cutting parameters and tools.

6) Turnaround Time

Consider the company's ability to meet your deadlines. Ask about their typical lead times and how they handle rush orders.

7) Customer Service

Evaluate their level of customer service. They should be responsive, communicative, and willing to work with you to understand and meet your needs.

8) Portfolio and References

Ask to see examples of their previous work or a portfolio. Additionally, seek out references or reviews from past clients to gauge their satisfaction with the company's services.

9) Cost

While cost shouldn't be the only factor, it's important to get a clear understanding of their pricing structure and ensure it fits within your budget. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they may reflect compromises in quality.

10) Location

Consider the company's location in relation to your own. Proximity can affect shipping costs and lead times, although it's not always the most critical factor.

11) Scalability

If you anticipate needing more parts in the future, check if the company can scale up production to meet increased demand.

12) Additional Services

Some companies offer additional services such as design assistance, prototyping, finishing, and assembly. These can be valuable if you need more than just CNC turning.

Thank You
MP Asia Engineering Team
Singapore

MP Asia Engineering Founder in uniform
MP Asia Engineering Founder in uniform

Author of this article
Nixon Selvakumar
Director

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