Unlocking New Possibilities with 5-Axis Machining Technology

At Focused on Machining, we’re committed to serving the needs of our customers, and that means we’re continually investing in new technology. In our projects as an aerospace machine shop, in particular, today’s parts often include more challenging features than ever before. To meet those requirements, we’ve expanded our capabilities into 5-axis machining with a major new addition to our shop. 

We are the proud new owners of a DVF 5000 with an eight-pallet auto work changer and 120-tool capacity. This full five-axis machine not only handles complex parts with speed and accuracy, it also enables more lights-out production, making us an even stronger manufacturing partner to our customers.

The Features That Define 5-Axis Parts

Our new machine is a full simultaneous 5-axis machining center, not a three-plus-two configuration. It can move the tool and workpiece along five different axes simultaneously. That allows us to tackle challenging features in fewer setups and with greater accuracy.

Some of the features that are simplified by our new machine include:

Complex Angles: Complex angles are a staple of 5-axis machining. For instance, consider a manifold with offset holes at different angles. This would require extensive fixturing in a vertical machine, adding to cost and lead time. With a 5-axis, we simply rotate to the correct angle and machine it.

3D Surfaces: Curved or contoured surfaces can be completed in far fewer setups with a 5-axis machine. In fact, because our machine moves in all 5 axes at the same time, we can machine some 3D surfaces for customers that weren't possible before. 

For instance, many aerospace parts must fit the skin of a rocket. A panel that bolts to a rocket with a 6-foot diameter would require customized setups and several operations in many machines, but can now be completed in only one or two.

A Closer Look at the Benefits to Our Customers

Beyond complex features, the new machine translates directly into several other benefits for our customers:

Faster production and shorter lead times: With a 20,000 RPM spindle, the DVF 5000 allows us to remove material at higher speeds without sacrificing accuracy. That means faster manufacturing so you get your delivery sooner.

Simultaneous machining: With 120 tools loaded, we can set up the machine to run a range of operations in the same cycle. The machine can switch between tools seamlessly even as it runs families of parts.

Greater lights-out capabilities: Even for complex jobs that require more than a dozen tools, we still have capacity in the tool magazine. Combined with our eight-pallet changer, the machine can be run 24/7 without interruption.

Efficient surface finishing: The high-speed spindle also results in smoother surface finishes. While we’ve always been known for delivering parts with quality surface finishes, this simplifies the process.

Enhancing Our Lights-Out Machining

While this five-axis machine is new to our shop, lights-out production is not. This new addition simply allows us to expand the types of parts we can run in a lights-out environment. Even parts with complex features requiring tight-tolerance machining can be produced lights-out, increasing our capacity without adding labor costs.

As part of our contract manufacturing services, we frequently machine multiple parts that integrate into a customer’s assembly. In the past, we may have delivered individual components piece by piece over months. Now, we can produce and ship all parts of the assembly at the same time. That allows your production team to begin the final assembly process earlier and improve your production timeline. 

See What Our 5-Axis Machining Can Do

If you have a complex design, we’re ready to help. Our new investment means that even the most challenging parts are achievable, often with our efficient lights-out production. 

Request a quote today and we’re confident we’ll soon become your go-to 5-axis machine shop!

Top Six Considerations When Hiring a CNC Machine Shop in Louviers, CO

Do you need to hire a CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO? When you need the specialties of a CNC machine shop, it’s important to understand exactly what the shop has to offer. Will the shop be able to meet your needs? Will you have a good experience if you work with its team?

Before hiring a CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO, use the following criteria to determine the answers to these questions. Following are the top six items you should evaluate as you consider a CNC machine shop:

• Their capabilities: Of course, the most important aspect is whether or not the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO is capable of handling the job you have in hand. Does the shop offer the processes needed to create your components? Do they have expertise in the techniques needed to finish the job? Keep in mind that not all machine shops are created equal.

• Their materials: What materials does the machine shop offer? Do they work with the alloys that will be best for your project? A wide variety of materials are available, but typically only one will provide the best solution for each project. Determine which materials you need for your components, then find out if that option is offered by the shop.

• Their methods: What surface roughness and tolerances does your project require? Measured at microscopic intervals, surface roughness helps determine how economical your project is, as well as its finish. The tolerance level determines how exact your product must be. If you need high precision and efficiency, make sure the shop can offer tight tolerances. You’ll need experienced professionals with a track record of success to achieve the surfaces and functionality you desire.

• Their quality: What quality of work does the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO offer? Are they consistent with their offerings? Ask the shop for samples of their work. Look at previous projects to determine the level of quality they produce. If the shop cannot provide any examples of previous projects, or if they refuse to provide them, this is a red flag.

• Their reputation: What are others saying about the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO? Ask for references. Check online reviews. Look at their website for testimonials. Find out whether others are having positive or negative experiences with the shop. Their reputation in the industry and the community can go a long way toward telling you whether or not you would want to work with them.

• Their certification: Does the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO have any certifications? They should adhere to industry standards in all respects. Look for a shop that is certified and can demonstrate that their professionals are qualified.

When you need a CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO, turn to the professionals at Focused on Machining. We offer excellent customer service and turnaround time. Our team specializes in manufacturing precision machine components and outsourced machined parts for aerospace, commercial, industrial, and food and beverage applications. We use a variety of materials, such as aluminum, plastic, steel and stainless steel, brass, copper and laminate to build the perfect custom pieces for our customers. Contact us today to get started on your next project.

What Is CNC Machining?

CNC machining in Louviers, CO is a type of manufacturing process in which computer software controls the movement of the tools used to cut out parts being machined. The process can be used with many different types of machines, including lathes, routers, mills and grinders.

CNC stands for “computer numerical control.” The whole idea is to increase the accuracy and repeatability of manufacturing specific parts and to eliminate human error in the manufacturing process. Manual control over these machines has many limitations, including the need to guide the commands of all of these machining tools with wheels, buttons and levers.

Manufacturers program their desired cuts into the software, then send the patterns to the corresponding machinery, which execute the cuts as desired in an almost robotic manner. A code generator within the numerical system assumes the mechanisms are flawless, though there are still chances for errors to occur, especially if the machine will cut in more than one direction at once.

All CNC programming gets retained in the computer’s memory. The code used for the machining gets written and edited by special CNC programmers, and pre-existing programs can be revised at any time to implement new code that either corrects any problems that arise or makes a brand new type of part.

Types of CNC machines

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common types of CNC machines used in manufacturing settings:

• CNC mills: CNC mills can run programs with letter- or number-based prompts. The type of programming used for the mill will be either based on G-code or another unique language created by a team of manufacturers. Most basic mills have a three-axis system, though most new mills can accommodate up to six total axes.

• Lathes: Lathes cut pieces in a circular direction with great speed and precision. They are frequently used to produce more complex designs that are not possible on manual lathes. Most CNC lathes have just two axes.

• Plasma cutters: The material placed into a plasma cutter gets cut with a plasma torch. The process is typically used with metal materials, but can also be used with other types of materials. The machine generates plasma through a combination of electrical arcs and compressed-air gas, which produces the heat and speed necessary to slice through metal materials.

• Water jet cutters: Water jets cut very hard materials, such as metal and granite, by using very focused, high-pressure water streams. The water is often mixed with sand or another strong abrasive substance to increase its cutting power. Many factory machine parts are made using this process. The process also doesn’t generate nearly as much heat like other CNC machines, which is helpful for materials that would be unable to bear such heat exposure.

For more information about some of the most common types of CNC machines and what exactly CNC machining in Louviers, CO is used for, we encourage you to contact Focused on Machining with your questions. We look forward to assisting you soon!