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  1. What Is A Rapid Prototyping Machine?

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    Turning an idea into a prototype before stepping into full production is a critical step. Unfortunately, skipping over this step can result in the costly manufacturing of a lot of parts that simply do not fit correctly or that have some type of design flaw or defect.

    To address this issue, savvy design teams opt to develop a prototype. However, the downside to this choice is the time it takes to create the prototype, get approval, and then move into production. JBC Machine offers a simple, cost-effective solution to this issue.

    Rapid Prototyping

    Our team of experienced machinists can work with your design to create a rapid prototype. While the process itself is expedited to lower the amount of time required, the quality of the prototype is not compromised.

    In fact, we always set up for rapid prototype machining as if we were setting up the CNC machines for production. This further reduces the time to move from concept to production. All we need is your approval on the prototype to get started.

    In some situations, and with advances in technology, 3D printing may also be an option for rapid prototyping. This is an effective way to create a prototype part at a very low cost while still ensuring full compliance with tolerances that can be repeated through CNC machining services.

    To learn more about the benefits of rapid prototyping and how it fits with your production timeline and budget, give us a call at (920) 779-4075.

  2. The Differences In Aluminum And Titanium Machining

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    At JBC Machine, we have extensive experience in working with a variety of metals and materials. Two of the most durable and long-lasting materials used in manufacturing and fabrication today include aluminum and titanium.

    Both are extremely durable and strong and offer resistance to corrosion, warping, and issues with stress. However, there are differences in the density of the two, with titanium heavier and denser, which means it is not always the best choice. When a strength to weight ratio is a concern, such as in the aeronautics and space industry, aluminum may be the better option.

    Machining Of Aluminum and Titanium

    There are a variety of methods that we use for the machining of both aluminum and titanium. Depending on the type of part required, CNC turning or CNC milling can be used to create precision parts to any tolerances or requirements.

    Both CNC milling and turning are fast processes once the prototype file is developed. Aluminum, due to the nature of the alloy, is very easy to machine with standard cutting tools. Titanium is more challenging as it quickly dulls cutting tools and almost “sticks” to the surfaces. Careful monitoring of the cutting tools when machining or turning titanium is essential to maintain exact tolerances.

    The cost difference between titanium and aluminum is always a factor in choosing the machining process. The higher cost of titanium means prototypes can be made from aluminum, with the intent to then machine parts from titanium once the prototyping process is complete.

    For more information on the machining of titanium and aluminum, call on the experts at (920) 779-4075.

  3. Metal Machining Services for the Aerospace Industry

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    In the aerospace industry, precision metal fabrication is a highly sought after service in order to achieve the safety and performance results needed for the equipment involved. The quality of the parts must be ensured throughout the entire manufacturing process. At JBC Machine, we are able to provide the metal machining services you need for your specific aerospace industry requirements.

    The various metal machining services we offer include drilling, 3D milling, threading, metal machining, boring, turning, and split anvils.

    Handling Complex Aerospace Requirements

    We are able to take on large and small volume orders with various types of metals, geometrical shapes, and tolerances. We can work from detailed drawings, samples or models you provide.

    At JBC Machine, we have the knowledge and experience to provide metal machining services for a range of metals, including stainless steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, and tool steel. Regardless of the metal, we have your metal machining services covered. With our more than three decades of experience, we are able to cater to your specific requirements to produce exceptional results for your aerospace industry project. We also have your heat treating requirements covered.

    After heat treating, we are also able to provide grinding and finishing capabilities of critical part features. We carry a patent on a hardened split anvil manufactured from D2 tool steel for use in the paper industry. After heat treating, it is ceramic turned according to precision tolerances. We also have connections with various vendors that enable us to provide you with any necessary finishing requirements such as nickel plating, black oxide, painting, and more.

    Engineering Metal Machining Services

    Customers that perform design services in-house can provide us with a model from which we can utilize our 3D expertise. Other customers may want to take advantage of our engineering capabilities in which we utilize GibbsCAM, AutoCAD, and CATIA to produce precise models and drawings. Through our capabilities, we are able to provide the metal machining and milling results you need to the details and precision you require.

    For information about how we can provide you with the metal machining services you need for your aerospace industry requirements, call us today at (920) 779-4075, drop us a message through our contact form, or request a free quote.

  4. CNC for Prototype Machining – Pros and Cons

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    Although 3D printing has gained in popularity as a quick form of prototyping, CNC machining is also a heavily used and vital process for developing prototype components and products. At JBC Machine, we offer exceptional quality prototyping machining services for our clients.

    CNC machining is a highly effective method for prototyping. The suitability of this method hinges on the nature of prototype involved. It is important to consider the purpose of the prototype and the material from which it will be manufactured.

    Pros of CNC Machining for Prototyping

    There are many reasons why CNC machining is desirable to produce prototypes. Below are some of the advantages of using CNC machining for prototyping:

    Repeatability

    Due to the fact that CNC machining creates parts from computer files, the ability to repeat the exact same design among all produced parts is exceptional.

    Used With Strong Materials

    CNC machining can work with extremely durable and strong materials, including many types of metals. 3D printing of metals is possible, but not very feasible using a low-cost 3D printer.

    Creating a Prototype Similar to the Final Part

    CNC machining enables the creation of prototypes similar to the final produced part. This is not easily done with 3D printing or other production methods.

    Cons of Prototyping for CNC Machining

    Although CNC machining has a number of advantages, there are certain limitations to this method for prototyping as well. They include:

    Geometrical Restrictions

    Through the use of 4-axis and 5-axis machining, a large degree of geometrical flexibility is available. However even with that, some limitations exist. For structures having complicated internal geometries, a more suitable approach may be to use additive manufacturing processes since those processes are not inhibited by the angles of cutting tools.

    Waste Material

    CNC machining subtracts material from workpiece which means it requires more material than what actually results in the finished part. Much of the material cut away ends up as plastic or metal chips which require disposal. Other prototyping processes which are additive do not generate waste material unless there is a failure in the printing process and a repetition of the print is required.

    Costlier Than 3D Printing

    The cost of CNC machining generally involves a higher price point than the use of 3D printing. CNC machining centers utilize large pieces of machinery that require more human supervision and greater power to operate than 3D printers. In addition, machinable metals are usually more expensive than printing materials such as PLA.

    To learn how we can help you with your prototype machining needs through our CNC services, call us today at (920) 779-4075, complete our contact form, or request a free quote.