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  1. Why Is Aluminum Ideal for CNC Machining?

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    Aluminum is one of the most commonly used materials in CNC machining operations. It provides unique benefits that make CNC machining easier and the production of parts and products more cost-efficient. Aluminum has excellent machinability, which makes it an ideal fit for maximizing the benefits of CNC machining. At JBC Machine, we offer custom machining services for aluminum that can serve the needs of various industrial applications.

    Easy to Machine

    Although it is about one-third as dense as steel, aluminum is still a strong metal. It also has solid dimensional stability. These features help make it ideal for the cutting and shaping operations of a CNC machine, while still preserving its residual stress. The lower density of aluminum helps ensure it will not warp or deform under cutting operations. This allows the production of prototypes to higher tolerances. Many aluminum grades are easily penetrated and cut by CNC cutting machines. Aluminum alloy may often be machined at a speed of at least three times that of steel, depending on the specific aluminum alloy.

    Excellent Finishing Options

    Aluminum may be surface-finished in multiple ways. Modern coolants and carbide tooling may be used to create a smooth uniform surface finish. Aluminum can also be bead blasted to produce a matte finish. Many different surface coatings are available including by painting and anodizing to achieve the ideal, custom appearance. Anodization of aluminum will create a uniform aesthetic finish and also add corrosion resistance to the metal.

    Resistant to Low Temperatures

    One of the strengths of aluminum is that it resists low temperatures very well. Compared to steel which can be sensitive and delicate in welding locations under low-temperature conditions, aluminum is machined easily under low temperatures.

    Quicker Turn-Around Times

    Since aluminum is easy to cut, it takes less time to produce parts than other metals such as steel or copper. Aluminum is a beneficial choice if the application allows it and rapid turnaround is required.

    Less Expensive to Machine Than Other Metals

    Since aluminum can be machined faster than other metals and often does not require additional finishes, it costs less to machine than other metals.

    For information about the aluminum machining services we offer at JBC Machine, call us today at 920.779.1047, complete our contact form, or request a free quote.

  2. Tolerance Guidelines for CNC Machining

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    In the manufacturing and fabrication process, variation is almost always involved between individual parts produced and between projects. Regardless of these variations, it is needful to have a method of making sure all components function as designed. This is where the idea of tolerances comes in to the mix. Tolerances are the margins of acceptable error for an individual part in the manufacturing process. At JBC Machine, we offer CNC machining services that are able to fabricate parts based on a variety of tolerances – including tight and standard – based on the customer’s requirements.

    Optimizing Tolerances for CNC Machined Parts

    Standard tolerances used in machining operations are typically as follows:

    • For metal parts: +/- .005
    • For plastic parts: +/- .010

    However, some parts require an even smaller deviation for certain dimensions to ensure a correct fit.

    Some applications may require tighter tolerances. In these cases, it is beneficial to restrict the use of tighter tolerances to only required surfaces or areas of the part in order to avoid unnecessary additional expenses. Using the standard tolerance is often the way to go if extremely tight tolerances are not needed for a part – this will also minimize the time required for machining and reduce costs.

    The designer should establish the tolerances for a part before handing it over to the manufacturer or fabricator for CNC machining operations. This will help prevent the need for retooling and ensure customer satisfaction.

    Standard Tolerances

    When the customer does not designate a degree of tolerance for a part, the machinist will often apply the standard tolerance, which can often be found on a machining tolerance chart. Standard tolerances are commonly set by various standards bodies, such as ANSI, ASME, and ISO.

    Other types of tolerances used by manufacturers and fabricators include bilateral, unilateral, limit, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

    Bilateral Tolerances

    With a bilateral tolerance, the deviation from the dimension in question may be positive or negative – in other words, slightly smaller or slightly bigger. An example would be +/- 0.02.

    Unilateral Tolerances

    With a unilateral tolerance, the allowed deviation is only in one direction – positive or negative.

    Limit Tolerances

    A limit tolerance is machining tolerance designated by a range of measurement values in which the part must be manufactured – for instance 15 – 15.5 mm. The part must be manufactured to fall somewhere between that lower and upper limit.

    Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

    The type of machining tolerance defines specific geometric features of the machined component such as its concentricity, flatness, and true position.

    For information about the CNC machining services we offer at JBC machine, call us today at 920.779.1047, send us a message through our contact form, or request a free quote.

  3. What is the Difference Between a Horizontal and Vertical Milling Machine?

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    Milling machines remove material from a workpiece in a stationary position utilizing a cutting tool that rotates as it cuts. The cutting tool presses against the workpieces as it rotates, eliminating the material gradually until the desired part shape is achieved. Two types of milling machines are commonly used – horizontal and vertical. At JBC Machine, we are your source for CNC milling operations that meet the needs of many industrial applications.

    Let’s take a look at vertical and horizontal milling machines and their distinctions in operation.

    Vertical Milling Machines

    The vertical milling machine is the more common of the two. It has a spindle which is vertically oriented which holds and rotates the cutting tool against the workpiece. While this spindle presses against the workpiece cutting away material, it travels up and down.

    Vertical milling machines come in two categories – turret and bed milling machines. In bed milling machines, the table only moves perpendicular to the axis. In turret milling machines, the spindle and table are able to travel perpendicular and parallel to the axis, making them the preferred choice among many manufacturers.

    Horizontal Milling Machines

    In horizontal milling machines, there is also a spindle with a cutting tool that pushes against a workpiece to cut away material. However, this machine differs in some ways from the vertical milling machine.

    The orientation of the spindle characterizes the major difference between the two milling machines. The spindle is oriented horizontally with the horizontal milling machine and vertically with the vertical milling machine. Horizontal milling machines usually have thicker and shorter cutting tools, while vertical milling machines often have thin, long cutting instruments.

    Also, horizontal milling machines have the capability of making deeper and heavier cuts than vertical milling machines. For this reason, many manufacturers use them to cut slots and grooves into workpieces.

    As one can see, there are reasons to use either type of milling and the choice may depend partly on common project needs and desired capabilities.

    For more information about the milling services we offer at JBC Machine, call us today at 920.779.1047, reach us through our contact form, or request a free quote.

  4. Methods and Benefits of Precision Threading

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    Many manufacturing processes rely heavily on a service called precision threading. This process is highly effective at producing screw threads which are needed for a wide array of industrial applications. At JBC Machine, we are your source for precision threading services that produce exceptional quality threaded parts.

    Purpose of Precision Threading

    Threading is used mainly to produce screwed connections on parts that are used in structures and machines. This service helps ensure exceptional parts application and the simplification of structural configurations.

    Threading via Mill, Lathe, or Die-Cutting

    Precision threading can be performed on a milling machine. In this case, a CNC machining center with helical interpolation is required, which ensures the efficiency of thread milling operations and dependable results. With threading on a lathe, the production of external and internal threads is made possible. The precision threading technique chosen will be based on the application of the parts involved.

    When it comes to cutting external threads, the die-cutting method is highly popular. With die-cutting, parts are produced relatively rapidly. This method produces quality and accuracy to a moderate degree and its results are acceptable for most parts which are mass-produced.

    Benefits of Precision Threading Operations

    Thread cutting produces screwed connections for parts. Connections that have complete screws require internal threads and sometimes complementary external threads. For single piece manufacturing and repair operations, the ability to cut threads in this manner is a vital technique.

    Our Precision Threading Operations

    At JBC Machine, we utilize the latest technology, including everything from our software systems to our equipment to help ensure accuracy and quality results during each operational stage. Our trained and experienced personnel provide our precision threading services and the machines they operate make possible faster production and lower costs.

    Regardless of the type of threading you need, we provide precision threading operations via lathe machines that can provide fast and accurate results and also carry out a large number of operations to top-of-the-line industry standards.

    To learn more about the precision threading services we offer to meet the needs of your applications, give us a call today at 920.779.1047, reach us through our contact form, or request a free quote.