Depending on the materials and parts being created, CNC machining can be labor and cost-intensive, but our team at Stuecklen Manufacturing in Las Vegas knows how to save you time and money by avoiding common errors. Even a single scrapped part can result in thousands of dollars in lost profits.
Whether the job involves precision metal spinning, sheet hydroforming, or custom metal spinning, errors are bound to happen. However, avoiding these five common CNC machining mistakes can help improve designs, reduce manufacturing costs, and shorten run times.
1. Avoid Design Features That Require Unnecessary Machining
One surefire way to increase run time is to employ CNC machining tactics that require operators to remove unnecessary materials that aren’t part of the end-result product. Taking a simpler approach where the machine cuts the part from the block directly, run time can be cut in half, reduce costs, and lower any chances of CNC machining mistakes due to non-essential tasks.
2. Eliminate Small Pocket Features That May Not Be Necessary
Another potential time and money waster that we see comes in the form of parts with small internal corner pockets. Sometimes the pockets are only there to reduce the weight of the part, while some are necessary to accept other pieces during assembly. These small pockets can require multiple tool sizes to create, which drives up run time and project costs. If pockets are there simply for weight reduction, our engineers can revisit your CAD models to see if this possible mistake can be bypassed entirely with a new design.
3. Avoid Small Or Raised Text
Some components might include milled descriptions, part numbers, or a company logo. Smaller text will increase run time and costs. However, going with larger and/or recessed text will be far more efficient overall. Case in point, don’t make the mistake of requesting detailed milled parts unless they are necessary.
4. Don’t Request Holes That Can’t Be Threaded
Threaded holes can be added to most machined parts, but doing so poses a range of challenges. Should there not be an adequate diameter of space that corresponds with the threaded hole requested in the design plans, specialty runs may be needed to make the job possible.
5. Avoid Tall, Thin Walls
Perfecting wall features on parts can be generally tricky. CNC machining tools are made of hard, rigid materials that can still deflect or bend slightly during the spinning process. This can also bend the materials, and result in walls with undesirable rippled surfaces, chips, or bends and can even break. Avoid submitting part designs with excessively thick walls. Rather, a width-to-height ratio of 3:1 and adding a tapered draft to walls a few degrees can ease machining and result in fewer leftover materials.
Choose the Best—Choose Stuecklen Manufacturing for Error-Free Results
Here at Stuecklen Manufacturing, we specialize in hydroforming, precision metal spinning, and CNC machining. We have one of the largest and most powerful hydroforming machines in the nation and can work with almost all types of materials and specialize in custom metal spinning. Reach out to our application engineers to discuss your current project needs, or contact Stuecklen Manufacturing online.
