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  1. The Road to Better Stainless Steel Machining

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    Some metals are easier to work with than others, and stainless steel machining can present a lot of problems. Difficult does not mean impossible and we here are JBC Machine are well equipped for handling this material. Here are some tips from your stainless steel specialists at JBC Machine, to help you improve your work.

    Use the Best Cutting Tools

    Don’t try to use standard cutting tools. You create several problems with this strategy. For instance:

    • Your tools (like end mills) will dull quickly
    • Dull tools can’t do precision work
    • Increased downtime for tool sharpening or replacement
    • Tool breakage
    • Continued frustration

    You might think you’re saving money, but in the long run, it’s cheaper to use materials like tungsten carbide. They’re harder than standard tools, stay sharper longer, and give you better cutting performance.

    You May Need to Experiment

    If you’re not familiar with stainless steel machining, you may have to experiment with the machine speeds and feeds. Not all equipment is the same, but you might need to increase machine speed and slow feed speed for best results. You have to be careful with this approach as too much speed could cause the tool to fail and work harden your part resulting in a really bad day. It is a delicate balance that JBC has mastered over the years.

    Invest in Better Equipment

    Many small shops don’t have the funds to buy the most advanced equipment. However, larger and better machines will give you what you need for stainless steel machining. There is an easier solution than investing in very expensive machines. Come to JBC Machine for help.

    We have more than 30 years of experience in the business, and we know all about stainless steel. Our people can give you custom machining in a wide range of materials including plastic and aluminum. You won’t have to invest in expensive equipment or deal with all the downtime and frustrations. If you’re not ready to take on stainless steel machining on your own, we don’t blame you! Let us take on the project and get you stellar results.

  2. Threading Operation Services – Thread Milling

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    If you need a precision threading operation, JBC Machine has many different methods and processes to serve you. Our high-tech machinery includes CNC lathes, vertical machining centers, and 5-axis machining. We can do many types of thread machining and thread milling to your specifications.

    What is Thread Milling?

    Over 20 years ago, the aerospace industry needed a way to produce precision threads in extremely hard materials like titanium. Thread milling worked well and is commonly used in many applications today. The process uses a milling machine with a thread cutting tool.

    Benefits of Thread Milling

    With a milling machine, you can create a number of precision thread patterns with one threading operation. Thanks to modern CNC technology, all kinds of threads are possible. It also gives you these advantages:

    • Versatility – you can use the same machine to cut inside diameter and outside diameter threads.
    • High-quality threads – chip removal is fast
    • Cutting and threading – when you use a thread mill, you can enlarge a hole while you cut threads into it. You don’t need to cut the hole the exact size needed, beforehand.
    • Left-handed threads – a thread mill easily cuts left-handed as well as right-handed threads. Setting it up is easy in making a change in the program.

    The Importance of Using a Professional Threading Operation

    To properly cut threads, you need a CNC machine with at least a 3-axis. You also need special thread milling software. It takes an experienced machinist to understand proper programming methods and the limitations of the material and the machine. In some cases, special cutting tools are necessary to give you high-quality threads. Thread milling is only one process you can receive from JBC machine. Call us at (920) 779-4075 to learn more about our services.

  3. Why Outsource Your Aluminum Machining Needs?

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    If your business is all about machining, your company may specialize in one or several services. This depends on the needs of your customers and your capabilities. Many modern machine shops today are better off when they outsource specific materials like aluminum. Here are some important reasons to come to a trusted source like JBC Machine for your aluminum machining needs.

    Staying Focused

    If steel, stainless steel, or plastic machining is your main business, you may not have much time for other materials. For example, you may need occasional small orders, or you might only need to machine aluminum parts or components during certain times of the year. When you use a qualified machining service for your needs, you don’t have to spend time setting up machines and taking your people away from their normal tasks. This is not a concern when you outsource.

    The Right Equipment for the Job

    What kind of aluminum machining equipment do you own? Maybe your shop can handle aluminum lathe work. However, what happens when you need sophisticated work like 3D milling? It takes special equipment to handle these tasks, and if you don’t own it, it’s very expensive to buy.

    The Right People

    Are your machinists experienced with aluminum? This kind of work is different from steel or stainless steel, and some jobs work best when you use dry machining methods. However, this takes a lot of skill and experience. If you want the highest quality, it’s easier to hire a service like JBC Machine. Our people not only machine aluminum, they can also get parts anodized, coated, and a number of other finishes.

    Engineering

    We have more than 30 years of experience with aluminum machining. If you would like to upgrade or create new designs for the aerospace, food, marine, automotive, or other industries, JBC Machine can help you with expert engineering and prototyping services.

  4. Common Drilling Processes

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    The drilling operation is an integral part of the manufacturing process. Machines, usually mills or drill presses, are used to drill holes of varying sizes and depths. Common functions in a drilling operation include tapping, countersinking, reaming, counterboring, and spot facing just to name a few examples.

    • Tapping
       
      This is the process of cutting threads in a drilled hole. There are many types of threads for various applications, such as standard 60° threads for off the shelf screws and bolts or tapered pipe threads for things like grease and pipe fittings to name a few.
    • Spot facing
       
      Another drilling operation is spot facing which is the process of providing a finished, circular surface around the top portion of a hole that has been drilled. This helps seat a washer or a bolt head properly. Spot facing is useful for using on irregular surfaces.
    • Countersinking and Counterboring
       
      Countersinking is a process which creates the symmetrical, sloped edge to hold a screw or bolt head below the surface of a drilled material. Counterboring is the process of enlarging a hole that has already been drilled to allow room for the screw head. The two terms are often used interchangeably but there are some slight differences. The primary difference is at the bottom of the drilled hole. The drilling operation of countersinking creates a conical shaped hole which will match the angle of a flathead screw. The hole can be deep or shallow and allow for the screw to rest flush on the surface of the workpiece. It can also be deep enough to allow for a plug to be installed over the screw once it is set. Counterboring has a flat-bottomed hole. A screw or bolt head can rest solidly atop a washer in the counterbore. The hole created is usually larger than the screw or bolt head and allows for the use of a socket wrench or other driving tool.

    Visit the JBC Machine website to discuss your project with a representative who can help you find the right size drill for the job. You may also reach a representative by phone at (920) 779-4075.