What Exactly Is Anodizing in Louviers, CO?

Anodizing is one process used to increase a metal part’s resistance to corrosion through the formation of a new layer of oxide on its surface. The treated part then forms the anode electrode of an electrical circuit. The process improves corrosion resistance, enhances the part’s resistance to general wear and tear and creates better adhesion for glues and paint primers than would otherwise be experienced in using just bare metal.

Anodizing can also be performed for strictly cosmetic purposes. For example, it can create thick, porous coatings that easily absorb dyes, or can be used for films that make thick, transparent coatings that reflect light through the use of various interference effects. If you’ve ever seen cyclists wearing reflective clothing at night, that’s one common example of anodizing.

How does the process work?

Creating the protective oxide coating characteristic of the anodizing process is achieved electrolytically. The metal that will be treated, usually aluminum, is fully submerged in an electrolytic solution with a cathode. The next step involves passing a current through the acid solution, causing hydrogen to be released from the cathode and resulting then in the formation of oxygen on the surface of an anode. Once this process occurs, a metal oxide film begins to form on the surface of the treated part.

Depending on the application the part will be used for, the oxide layer can be expanded significantly. In fact, you could grow the layer up to 100 times as thick as an oxide layer that would exist in a natural state on an aluminum part that had only been exposed to oxygen.

The term “anodizing” comes from the fact that the metal part being treated forms an anode.

Parts made with anodized aluminum and aluminum alloys are significantly more durable than non-treated parts, holding up to general wear and tear and corrosion. The anodizing process also helps to protect the part against galling, a specific type of wear caused by the friction of two different parts of threaded components rubbing up against each other repeatedly.

Overall, this added durability means an anodized part can be expected to last much longer than a part that has not been anodized.

Benefits of anodizing

Beyond the additional durability and corrosion resistance offered by the anodizing process, what are some of its other biggest benefits? Here are just a few examples:

• The anodizing process results in a much thinner coating compared to powder coating and painting, which can be helpful for parts that need to be smaller and thinner while maintaining a certain level of durability.

• The coating is even harder than powder coating.

• The process is environmentally friendly, and the finish can easily be recycled.

• It is a less expensive process than painting and powder coating, while providing more durable results.

To learn more about the process of anodizing in Louviers, CO and the various benefits associated with using anodized parts, we encourage you to contact Focused On Machining today with any questions you have.

Our “Just in Time” Inventory Services: A Benefit of Working with Our Metal Machine Shop in Louviers, CO

One of the many benefits of working with our metal machine shop in Louviers, CO is our “Just in Time” inventory service. This is a great way for companies we work with on a regular basis to stay fully stocked with all of the supplies they need to maintain smooth operations.

How it works is simple. Basically, we will over-order the parts you need, so if you need that same part again quickly, we’ll already have it ready to go for you. This is an ideal solution for parts that tend to wear down quickly or need to be replaced regularly for maintenance purposes.

This method of overstocking inventory that we use on a regular basis comes with a variety of extra benefits to our customers, including:

• Greater customer satisfaction: Perhaps the biggest benefit this service provides is that it makes your job so much easier. When a part breaks down, you don’t have to worry about whether we’ll have it in stock, because we will. We understand how important it is for you to be able to get these parts in a timely manner, and that other businesses risk alienating their customers by not having plenty of parts in stock. You’ll never have to worry about that being an issue when you work with us.

• Discounts: We’re able to get better prices on parts when we order them in bulk rather than ordering them individually. As a result, we’re able to pass these savings down to you, as we won’t have to charge as much to keep reasonable profit margins. Since we already know through our partnership that you’ll need the part again in the future, this is a deal that works out well for both of us, allowing each of us to save some cash in the long run.

• Fewer delays: There’s nothing that can hamper cash flow and productivity like work stoppages and delays. Even a small part can result in an entire operation being shut down for days at a time if the company is not able to get that part replaced quickly. But because you know you’ll always be able to trust that we have your parts in stock, you won’t have to worry about these horrifying delays and shutdowns ever becoming a reality for your company.

• Better ongoing business relationship: Our Just in Time inventory program is designed specifically for customers we’re already working with on a regular basis, but it goes the extra mile in giving our customers what they need to run their businesses more efficiently. This also results in a better ongoing business relationship between our company and yours, as we’ll regularly be in communication about the parts you need for your operation.

These are just a few of the main benefits associated with our Just in Time inventory service. To learn more about this and other special deals Focused On Machining offers our customers, contact our metal machine shop in Louviers, CO. We look forward to serving you!

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!

How Does CNC Machining Work?

If you’re reading this, you probably already know what CNC machining is. But what processes are associated with the practice of CNC machining in Louviers, CO?

Here’s some information about the challenges you must overcome to transform a digital model into a milled masterpiece by working with an experienced and qualified CNC machine shop.

CNC machine movements

CNC machines can move across several different axes. These movements can take either rotary or linear directions, but many machines will offer some flexibility in that they move in both ways. Cutout machines like waterjets or lasers usually only have two linear axes—an X and a Y axis. Milling machines will often have three axes, and will have more rotary axes as well.

For example, there’s a five-axis milling machine, with three linear axes and two rotary axes, which allows the cutter to work on a full 180-degree hemisphere, and occasionally an even larger area than that. There are also five-axis lasers, or robot arms that have more than five axes.

There are some limitations with the capabilities of CNC machines, especially with regard to their drive and control systems. Most CNC controllers, for example, are only programmed to understand straight-line movements and circular arcs. This means that in many machines, these arcs have a lot of restrictions.

To create arc movements or linear movements that are developed at an angle to the main axes, two or more of the axes must move in synchronization. The linear and rotary axes can do this simultaneously. The more axes in the machine, the harder this task becomes.

In addition, the speed with which the machine controller collects and processes data, transmits resulting commands to the drive system and monitors the overall speed of the machine is crucial. The older or cheaper the machine, the less capable it is likely to be in handling sophisticated tasks and movements.

Interpreting data

Another issue you must address with your CNC machining is how you’ll configure your files and CAM programming so your CNC machine works smoothly while making your parts. Most CNC controls only understand lines and arcs, meaning any form that cannot be described with lines or arcs must be converted into something you can use. For example, splines involve curves that are neither lines nor arcs, as do three-dimensional surfaces. You might need to convert these formats into lines or arcs to be able to machine the parts.

With splines, you can break them into smaller series of line segments, tangent arcs or combinations of the two. You can also convert the spline into a polyline. The more segments you use in the process, the smoother the approximation.

To learn more about how CNC machining in Louviers, CO works and the various types of challenges you’ll need to overcome when working on your specific project, we encourage you to contact the expert team at Focused on Machining. We’ve been in the business for over a decade, and we look forward to answering any questions you have for our technicians!

Benefits of CNC Turning

Computer numerical control (CNC) turning is a machining process that relies on a computer to fabricate an accurate rendering of a digital blueprint. CNC technology, which has rapidly advanced in recent years, is making it easier than ever before to manufacture and fabricate reliable components, products and tools out of sheets of metals, plastics and even woods.

Turning is the act of using a lathe—it consists of using a cutting tool to remove material from a larger work piece. Today, it’s possible to remove human intervention from the turning process thanks to the assistance of a CNC console.

CNC turning in Louviers, CO is just one common machining process that takes advantage of the recent advances in machining technology. It offers a number of benefits, including increased production speed, enhanced production efficiency, more cost-effectiveness and safer industrial operations. Compared with human-operated machining processes, CNC machining produces higher-quality results in a more cost- and time-effective manner.
There are several other types of CNC machining processes currently available. If you’re struggling to determine which CNC machining process is right for you and your industrial operations, consult with an expert specializing in CNC turning in Louviers, CO today. Here are just some of the most common CNC machining processes available:

• Mills: Some modern mills are built with CNC technology incorporated into the machines. However, older mills are often retrofitted with an attached CNC console. Mills rely on a series of rotary cutters to remove mass from the machined material—commonly steel, aluminum or copper.

• Lathes: Similarly to mills, many lathes are built with CNC technology. They are, however, easily retrofitted to incorporate the accuracy, safety and speed of CNC consoles. CNC turning in Louviers, CO is conducted on a lathe—lathes consist of a stationary rotary cutter that removes mass as the material is moved around it.

• Laser cutters: Laser cutters use a high-powered beam of light to cut or mark metals, woods and plastics. Laser cutters controlled by a CNC console are capable of massive amounts of industrial output. Laser cutters are often used to etch designs or marks into metal tools or finished products.

• Plasma cutters: Plasma cutters use jets of super-heated plasma gas to cut and etch metals, woods and plastics. Plasma cutters are often more agile than routers, mills and lathes, and are better at performing highly precise detailed work. Generally speaking, plasma cutters are only useful for making two-dimensional objects and designs.

Since 2008, Focused on Machining has been the most trusted provider of CNC turning in Louviers, CO. We are proud to provide each and every one of our clients with high-quality CNC machining services that meet their respective needs. Our talented technicians deliver fast, safe and accurate renderings of your original designs.

We’re here to help you build components, tools and more that will assist you in meeting your production goals. We’re dedicated to getting your order right the first time around. To learn more about our services and machining capabilities, contact one of our friendly representatives today.

Benefits of Using Precision Machining

Regardless of the industry you operate in, it’s important to engage in safe and accurate manufacturing practices. This will allow you to produce high-quality products and services that your customer base can rely on. Precision machining in Louviers, CO is a relatively simple way to build dependable parts, tools, components and finished products that will help your company meet and exceed the expectations of your customers and clients.

Precision machining is the act of cutting away or removing material from a sheet or block of material, usually some type of metal. While there are several different precision methodologies currently in use, some of the most common include milling, turning and routing. Precision machining is used to create tools and components used in a wide variety of industries, ranging from aerospace to food production.

There are a number of reasons precision machining is so highly sought after by players in such a wide range of industries. Here are just some of the benefits associated with precision machining practices:

• Cost effectiveness: It’s impressive how much your company can save when it opts to invest in precision machining Louviers, CO. Precision machining can help you reduce your staffing needs and the resulting associated costs. It also reduces the amount of money you need to spend on raw materials and supply chain management. Investing in precision machining allows you to maximize your company’s bottom line.

• Improved efficiency: Precision machining allows you to rapidly scale up your production speeds. Because precision machining technology can create hundreds or even thousands of components or tools with just the touch of a button, it will allow you to direct your labor force to more skilled aspects of production and service management. Investing in precision machining is a great way to improve your operation’s efficiency.

• Safer production: If you’re relying on human hands to manufacture and machine components, products and tools, chances are that your company is going to suffer from an accident at some point. In addition to causing irreparable damage to your employees, you’re also going to have to deal with the eventual legal ramifications. Some accidents may be significant enough to sink your company.

• Error reduction: People aren’t perfect. Precision machining, on the other hand, is. You can count on precision machines to render accurate and consistent results that are true to your original component or tool designs. Precision machining is one of the only ways to create truly consistent tools and components.

Focused on Machining is the premier source of precision machining in Louviers, CO. We offer a wide range of high-quality machining services designed to meet the specific needs of each and every one of our clients. Regardless of the type of tools or components you need fabricated, you