Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is responsible for producing precision custom parts for a variety of demanding industries. Depending upon the particular industry and application, accuracy prevents component failure that could result in expensive downtime, employee injuries, and more. CNC machine tools—including mills, lathes, plasma cutters, electric discharge machines (EDM), and water jet cutters—enable the reliable and consistent production of parts for virtually every industry sector.
CNC machining provides many advantages over traditional machining, including:
- Improved worker safety
- Reduced labor costs
- Higher part accuracy
- Error-free setup
- Visualization eliminates test runs
- Higher cutting parameters
- Increased tool flexibility
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some ways that various industries use CNC machining.
Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is one in which the accuracy and consistency of machined parts are absolutely critical. CNC machines can create complex parts and individual prototypes within the tightest tolerances, which is essential for parts used in aircraft and spacecraft. Examples of commonly machined aerospace components include:
- Landing gear parts
- Antennae
- Bushings
- Airfoils
- Electrical connectors
- Manifolds
- Radio frequency suppression materials
CNC machining allows aerospace OEMs and suppliers to meet the strict quality and safety standards held by their industry. Aerospace manufacturers rely heavily on 5-axis machines for superior cutting speed, finishes, and efficiency for many of the smaller components required used in aerospace equipment.
Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, computer control and automation facilitate tasks like drilling and boring, giving more options for production and prototyping. CNC-machined auto parts ultimately improve the functionality, reliability, and power of vehicles. Modern automotive manufacturers rely on CNC machining for a variety of solutions, including:
- Interior panels
- Engine parts
- Lighting components
- Suspension components
- Exhaust system components
- Fluid system components
Marine Industry
Waterborne equipment requires the use of corrosion-resistant materials due to constant exposure to humidity or direct contact with water. This includes a variety of marine-grade metal materials, such as steel, copper, and brass. CNC machining frequently provides marine parts such as:
- Insulating cases
- Electronic parts
- Boat parts
- Propellers
- Engine components
- Prototype molds
This versatile machining method produces durable and corrosion-resistant marine components for marine equipment ranging from small boats to large shipping vessels.
Medical Industry
CNC machining solutions offer increased precision and enhanced repeatability when creating medical instruments, orthotics, and surgical implants. Additional benefits of CNC machining for the medical sector include an ability to produce detailed automated reports necessary for product tracking and FDA process approval, compatibility with specialized medical materials, and quick prototyping that speeds time to market for new solutions.
CNC machining enables the creation of numerous precision medical devices such as:
- Implants
- Electrical parts
- Orthotic devices
- Medical instruments
- Electronic enclosures for monitoring devices
- Research equipment
- Shielded enclosures
- MRI machines
- Customized sterile packaging
Benefits of Partnering With EMC Precision
Since 1925, our family-operated precision machining company has maintained industry-leading attention to accuracy, repeatability, and precision, along with a focus on innovation and technology. We are a Lean manufacturing facility dedicated to best practices at every level of our business.
EMC Precision’s dedication to excellence through continuous improvement is reinforced through our commitment to integrity, teamwork, and superior service for everyone involved. These values have built a strong culture that ensures your custom products are delivered on time, with extremely low defect rates, and at the lowest possible cost.
We support customers in numerous industries with our precision-machined products and assemblies. Our partners count on us for a full range of turning and milling capabilities that conform to the tightest tolerances. To see how our CNC machining services can support projects in your industry, please contact us today.