Custom machining can involve all the normal CNC turning and CNC milling processes. What is different when referring to a custom-machined part is that the part is custom-made to meet the specific requirements of the customer. Custom machined parts are not mass-produced, and they are therefore more expensive than other CNC turned and milled parts.
Custom machined parts need to meet the requirements of the customer. These are generally conveyed to the precision engineering expert, like the one you find when you click here, by means of detailed drawings with additional notations. These drawings may be CAD designed or under some circumstances hand-drawn. In the case that the customer conveys his needs by use of a hand-drawn picture, CAD software will then be used to produce an accurate computerized image of the part. This drawing will then be shown to the customer for approval. It must be remembered that although hand drawn designs are still used sometimes, computers offer a far higher level of precision.
Custom Machining : When are Custom Machined Part Purchased
Custom machined parts may be one-offs. There is however other reasons that a CNC expert may be commissioned to produce a part. Custom machining is used when an item is not available in a catalogue, or the item has been discontinued. Off-shelf items have a shelf life, and spare parts are not constantly being made. Take for example a car. Spare parts are widely available for most models of up to around 20 years old. A classic car however is a totally different story. Parts for classic cars are not stocked by auto stores and they will have very specific requirements.
Custom-machined parts are not always one-offs however. When there is not sufficient demand for mass production, a couple of dozen custom machined parts may be made for one supplier or customer. As mass production is not used, CNC machinery will need to be specifically programmed to make the parts. This is why custom machining is more expensive than standard machining.
A part may also be custom made is a molded or cast part would not be of a high enough level of precision or strength. Another scenario is when one part is needed urgently and is out of stock. The customer may not have time to wait for a new batch to be made and will pay extra for a custom-machined part.
Custom Machining Techniques
Custom made parts can essentially be made on all the same types of machines as bulk manufactured parts. This can be a milling machine, a stamping press, a lathe, a precision sheer, or a myriad of other types of equipment used in precision engineering. Many custom made parts need to pass through several operation before the end part is completed.
Another reason why custom-machined parts tend to be more expensive than regular parts is that they are produced with higher accuracy and integrity and from higher grades of material and strength. The vast majority of custom-made parts are made by CNC. This is because CNC produces a far higher level of accuracy as well as being much quicker. If you were to commission a hand-turned custom-made part, you would pay extremely highly for the privilege.
The methods used for commissioning a custom-made part will depend on the use for the piece being manufactured. If it is the case that the piece is simply obsolete, it can be made quite quickly and relatively cheaply using a standard lathe of other CNC machine.
In the case that custom-machined parts are made for precision industries such as the aerospace industry, more complex machinery will be use such as 7 axis machines and plasma and laser cutters. The more axes a machine works on the more movement and accuracy of cutting is enabled.
Custom machining is an industry that is steady and that will never be phased out. This is due to the demand of customers to produce one-off parts and quickly produce parts that are out of stock. Most precision engineering experts will be willing to commission one off parts using drawings and noted from the customer. For the highest levels of accuracy, drawings will be carefully transformed into computerised images that will then go on to be produced by the most up to date CNC machinery. Large CNC operations in the UK work with high precision machinery including machines with up to 9 axes at time for the most specific of parts.
Custom-machined parts come with a price tag. But, a price tag that will guarantee you the very highest level of precision engineering and CNC.
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