Precision machining technology assists a wide range of industries, including machinery, automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, and more. Whenever there’s a need to enhance product and quality, reliance on CNC machining becomes crucial.

Its meticulous quality significantly improves the design and technology in many high-tech industries, thereby enhancing product competitiveness. In the semiconductor industry, long-term collaboration has led to the production of high-quality wafers. This is due to the precision of the parts used in the process. Working together for an extended period has been beneficial in creating top-notch products.

But what exactly is what is precision machining? How does it differ from conventional machining methods? And where else can it be applied apart from high-spec industries? Let’s explore these questions through three main perspectives.

What is Precision Machining?

Precision CNC machining requires meticulous attention to detail and is defined as an industrious technology. It requires mastery of various skills such as measurement, manufacturing, and control to execute operations precisely. Below is a table to quickly understand the differences between precision machine and rough machining:

Rough Machining

Also known as general machining, rough machining requires lower compared to CNC machining. It’s a common machining method in Taiwan and includes techniques like rough turning, planing, milling, drilling, and filing. These methods leave noticeable machining marks, and additional polishing may be required for aesthetic products. Rough machining is used in many industries for making parts, including screws and nuts sold in stores.

Precision Machining

Precision machining involves maintaining fine tolerances and removing material from workpieces through processes like CNC turning, grinding, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and wire cutting. Components produced through precision machining exhibit high machine, enhancing product quality, durability, and customization options, thereby boosting brand recognition for businesses.

Key Insights into Precision Machining:

Precision machining utilizes IT (Information Technology) as a unit of measurement for machines accuracy, quality, and error. A higher number after IT indicates lower precision and larger errors. For example, IT9 is rougher than IT5. There are 20 tolerance grades from IT01 to IT18.

Introduction to Precision Machining Techniques:

As industrial capabilities evolve over time, what is considered precision machining today may become rough machining tomorrow. Common processes include turning, milling, drilling, gear hobbing, honing, and grinding. Specialized treatments like carburizing, quenching, and tempering may follow lathe machining to enhance hardness and mechanical specifications.

Precision machining techniques can be applied to “all” metal materials, plastics, wood, stone, and glass. Different materials have different surface properties, so it’s important to adjust cutting and grinding settings accurately in CAD or CAM software. This helps maintain product quality and reduce mistakes.

What is precision machining technology is used in various industries like aerospace, medical equipment, and solar panels. It is chosen for its ability to work with a wide range of materials and its high level of accuracy. Additionally, when precision machining fails to achieve superior shape accuracy, surface roughness, and dimensional precision, the use of ultra-precision machining technology becomes necessary.

Ultra-Precision Machining:

To enhance process precision, ultra-precision machining employs advanced equipment such as high-precision displacement sensors and high-end CNC machining services. Due to its high precision, it is commonly applied in optical components like laser interferometers, lenses for CD/DVD drives, as well as mechanical industries such as computer hard drives, fiber optic fixings, and high-precision molds for injection molding or casting.

Moreover, special precision parts in the aerospace and maritime industries, laser instruments, and optical instruments also utilize ultra-precision machining technology.

Understanding the Significance of Precision Industries Across Four Sectors:

What is Precision Machining may seem distant, it profoundly influences industries such as aerospace, energy, medical, and semiconductor. Here’s how we have leveraged precision machining technology to advance these sectors:

Defense Industry:

Whether it’s reconnaissance, explosives, or defense systems, high-quality CNC machining is indispensable for ensuring security and defense. Systems like reconnaissance require optical, infrared, radar, wireless sensors, and acoustic technologies, all of which must maintain precision, especially in extreme environments like deserts, deep seas, and polar regions, to detect enemy movements accurately.

Energy Industry:

What is precision machining is inseparable from both traditional and renewable energy sources. For example, solar and wind energy equipment requires durable and reliable components to maintain optimal power output.

Semiconductor Industry:

The semiconductor industry requires high-precision and large-scale production to create innovative and competitive wafers. Precision machine techniques such as five-axis CNC machine tools and milling equipment, as well as heat treatment and chemical surface treatment technologies, are crucial for producing precise modules and parts, supporting breakthroughs in R&D and enhancing product competitiveness.

Medical Industry:

Traditional manufacturing methods are no longer sufficient to meet the current needs of the medical industry. Precision machine is essential to meet the intricate, thin, and complex designs of medical materials. Additionally, extra attention must be paid to environmental conditions during production and whether production equipment is regularly disinfected to ensure that every medical material meets regulatory standards.

FAQs

How does precision machining differ from rough machining?

Rough machining often leaves noticeable marks and has lower machining, focusing more on material removal quickly. Precision machines, on the other hand, involves maintaining very fine tolerances and carefully removing material to achieve high surface finishes and dimensional accuracy.

What techniques are used in precision machines?

Common techniques include CNC turning, milling, drilling, grinding, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and wire cutting.

What role does IT play in precision machining?

In precision machining, IT (Information Technology) is used as a unit of measurement for accuracy, quality, and error. Lower IT numbers indicate higher precision in the manufactured components.

Which industries benefit from precision machine?

CNC machining significantly impacts various industries, including machinery, automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, energy, and medical, by enabling the production of high-quality, durable, and customized components.