Machining vs Milling
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Machining vs Milling

Overall, machining is an umbrella term covering various techniques used for shaping materials, usually metals and plastics, by removing unnecessary material. It includes processes such as turning, grinding, drilling, and particularly milling. On the other Hand, milling is a machining process that utilizes rotary cutters for removing material from a work piece at an angle to the machine’s axis. This post is going to explain the variations between machining and milling and share information regarding their features, and applications.

Understanding Machining

Machining is a manufacturing process that entails removing material from material to achieve a desired shape. It is a reductive process, which means it cuts away material to form the final piece. The common types of machining processes are as follows:

Turning: Involves rotating the material while a cutting tool moves linearly for removing material. It is generally used for producing cylindrical parts.

Drilling: Uses a spinning drill-bit for creating round holes in a work piece, making holes for fasteners or other pieces.

Grinding: Utilizes an abrasive wheel for removing material and attain a high surface finish or close tolerances, usually used for finishing processes.

Milling: Utilizes rotary cutters for removing material, allowing for a broad range of shapes and intricate geometries. Basically, milling rotates the cutters, not the other way around, in comparison to turning. Machining is crucial in manufacturing as it creates high-precision components with close tolerances and outstanding surface finishes. Apart from its application in bulk production, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is widely used in quick prototyping and reduced-volume production for customized parts.

Understanding Milling

Milling is a distinct type of machining technique that involves utilizing rotary cutters for removing material from a work piece. Milling varies from other machining processes as its tool moves along with the work piece. Allowing the creation of intricate curves, shapes, and surfaces. Milling can work on a lot of materials, such as metals, plastics, and aggregate, which makes it adaptable in many sectors. It has a lot of different operations, like end milling, face milling, and grooving. Eli Whitney first invented the milling machine in the early 1800’s, the start of milling history. This machine was designed for producing exchangeable parts for firearms. It altered manufacturing by making it more accurate and efficient. Eventually, milling technology has evolved considerably, with progression in CNC technology in the late 20th century, therefore turning milling into a highly automated and accurate process. CNC milling machines can make complex parts with little to no human intervention, increasing productivity and regularity. Key Differences Between Machining and Milling Machining and milling are both vital in the manufacturing process, nonetheless, they differ considerably in scope, how they operate, equipment, and material removal methods.

Applications for Machining and Milling

Machining and milling are vital in various sectors because of their ability to produce accurate and intricate components. Sectors that rely heavily on these processes include aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical devices, and manufacturing, to name a few.

  • Aerospace: In aerospace industries, machining is vital for producing highly accurate components like turbine blades, parts for engines, and structural parts. Milling is specifically used for creating intricate geometries and detailed characteristics required for aerodynamics and performance.
  • Electronics: In electronics, machining is utilized to manufacture housings, heat sinks and connectors. Milling is usually applied for creating intricate enclosures that require accurate dimensions and high surface polishes.
  • Automotive: The automotive industry utilizes machining to manufacture engine blocks, transmission parts, and intricate components such as shafts and gears. Plastic parts and automotive body panels are shaped utilize milling methods.
  • Medical Devices: The medical sector depends on machining to create surgical instruments, prosthetics, and implants. Milling is necessary for crafting intricate shapes required in custom implants and dental tools.
  • Manufacturing: General manufacturing utilizes machining for dies and tool making, creating jigs, prototypes, and fixtures. Milling is helpful for creating dies and molds with intricate contours and cavities.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Machining in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC machining and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Milling, Machine Shop, Machining, Milling
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Different Lathe Types
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Different Lathe Types

CNC machining centres may come with live tooling. While single-point cutting tools are suitable for most turning operations, live tooling refers to mills, drills and other tools that have their own power. This allows the creation of keyways or holes perpendicular to the part axis without using any other machinery in the process.

Control panel

This is where computer numerical control kicks in. The brains of CNC turning machines are just behind the panel. The panel itself allows the operator to adjust the program and start it.

Types of Lathes

A wide range of CNC lathes offers a variety of possibilities. Each comes with a unique set of features while some are more automated than others. So everything has its place, whether a few one-off jobs at a small machine shop or batch production for larger quantities.

Bench lathe

The name suggests that it is small enough to attach it to a tailored workbench. They are, still, larger than micro or mini-lathes.

A great way to perform general machining or a special tool for a hobbyist, it can perform many of the necessary operations. A bench lathe requires a skilful machinist as there is little to no automation, putting more responsibility on the operator.

Engine lathe

The most common type of lathe. The name has stuck since the 19th century when a steam engine made this specimen stand out in the midst of other manual lathes. Since the beginning of the 20th century, a conversion towards electric motors got on its way.

Using gearboxes in the headstock made the choice of spindle speed easy and high-speed machine tools became the norm. The new-found power pushed the industry to invent new ways of increasing the tool life. Replaceable carbide inserts were just the way to do that.

As a result, engine lathes can perform CNC machining at high speeds, leading to shortened production times and lower costs. Although still common in workshops, engine lathes laid the foundation for improved performance and the automation of machining.

Toolroom lathe

Similar to an engine lathe with a few differences. Usually, they are smaller in size to fit in tighter spaces. At the same time, there are some extra capabilities available, making it rather a higher-end machine, not one suitable for entry-level.

The toolroom lathes include chuck and collets, taper attachment among other things that, for example, simpler bench lathes do not have.

Turret and capstan lathes

These types of lathes are pretty much interchangeable based on the operations they can perform. As you learned before, the use of a turret opens up a wide range of automation possibilities. Also, many more operations can be performed on a single workbench.

From turning and boring to drilling, threading, and making keyways, everything is possible without a change of tools. The turret holds all the necessary tooling at once, so you can easily go from one process to the next.

Coupling CNC with fewer manual tasks, and producing almost identical machined parts in batches is a strong point of this type of lathe.

Swiss-type lathe

Swiss lathes operate with incredibly small tolerances at shorter cycle times than conventional lathes, making them an attractive option for manufacturing complex parts at larger volumes.

Swiss machines have a moving headstock, allowing the workpiece to be repositioned along the z-axis as it undergoes the machining process. In other words, to cut lengthwise along the part, the tools will move in and the material itself will move back and forth along the z-axis. This allows all the work to be done on the material near the guide bushing where it is more rigid, eliminating deflection and vibration.

Multispindle lathe

The multispindle lathe has more than a single spindle. The additional capacity is especially suitable for high-volume production.

Setting up the machine requires quite a lot of time, so the combination of this and the high cost of the machine itself needs high-volume production to pay it off. When applying this, they can create similar parts with high precision, low cycle times and very little manual work aside from the initial setup.

So large-batch manufacturing can considerably lower the cost of CNC machining.

CNC lathe

Although some of the aforementioned types also accommodate a CNC system, the CNC lathe deserves a separate mention.

CNC refers to computer numerical control, which takes care of operating the machine to some extent. This depends on the specific machinery, as they can be fully or semi-automatic.

Semi-automatic CNC lathes need a little more work from the machine operator whereas fully automatic centres are able to do everything from mounting the workpieces to changing the tools.

The highly accurate CNC machines are the best the contemporary industry has to offer. Digitising the whole process from the creation of CAD to a fully finished part is possible. Also, the enclosures significantly reduce the risk during machining, as the workers are not really exposed to any moving components, controlling anything necessary from a computer screen.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Turning in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC turning and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Lathe, CNC Turning, Machine Shop, Wood Lathe
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What Does A Machine Shop Do?
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What Does A Machine Shop Do?

A machine shop is a facility where machinists use tools and machinery to cut, shape, and fabricate metal, plastic, or other materials into precise parts and components. Machine shops serve a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, manufacturing, and construction.

Common Functions of a Machine Shop:

  1. Machining – Cutting, drilling, milling, turning, and grinding raw materials into finished parts.
  2. CNC Machining – Using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to produce precise parts with high repeatability.
  3. Fabrication – Welding, bending, and assembling metal parts.
  4. Prototyping – Creating custom prototypes for new product designs.
  5. Repair & Maintenance – Restoring worn or damaged parts for equipment and machinery.
  6. Finishing – Polishing, coating, and heat-treating to enhance durability and performance.

Machine shops range from small, specialized workshops to large industrial facilities with advanced automation.

Metal Machine Shops

A metal machine shop specializes in machining, fabricating, and finishing metal parts and components for various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, construction, and manufacturing. These shops use both traditional and advanced machining techniques to shape metal materials into precise parts based on engineering designs.

Key Operations in a Metal Machine Shop:

  1. Cutting & Shaping Metal:

    • Milling – Removes material using rotating cutting tools.
    • Turning (Lathe Work) – Spins metal stock while cutting it into shape.
    • Grinding – Uses abrasive wheels to create smooth, precise finishes.
    • Drilling – Creates holes in metal parts.

  2. CNC Machining (Computer Numerical Control):

    • Automates cutting, drilling, and shaping with high precision.
    • Used for mass production and complex designs.

  3. Metal Fabrication:

    • Welding – Joins metal pieces together.
    • Bending & Forming – Shapes sheet metal into specific forms.
    • Cutting (Laser, Plasma, Waterjet) – Precisely cuts metal materials.

  4. Surface Finishing & Treatment:

    • Heat Treating – Strengthens metal by altering its molecular structure.
    • Polishing & Coating – Enhances durability and corrosion resistance.

  5. Prototyping & Custom Parts Production:

    • Creating specialized or one-off components for unique applications.
    • Used in R&D, product development, and specialty industries.

Common Metals Used in Machine Shops:

  • Steel (carbon steel, stainless steel, tool steel)
  • Aluminum (lightweight and corrosion-resistant)
  • Brass & Copper (for electrical and decorative applications)
  • Titanium (strong, lightweight, and used in aerospace/medical fields)

Wood Machine Shops

A wood machine shop specializes in cutting, shaping, and finishing wood to create furniture, cabinetry, woodturnings, architectural components, and other custom wood products. These shops range from small artisan workshops to large-scale manufacturing facilities that use advanced machinery for mass production.

Key Operations in a Wood Machine Shop:

  1. Cutting & Shaping Wood:

    • Table Saws & Band Saws – Used for straight and curved cuts.
    • Planers & Jointers – Flatten and square wood for precision work.
    • Routers & CNC Routers – Shape edges and create intricate patterns.
    • Lathes (Woodturning) – Spin wood for making rounded objects like bowls, spindles, and furniture legs.

  2. CNC Woodworking:

    • Automated cutting, carving, and engraving for precision designs.
    • Used in furniture making, cabinetry, and sign-making.

  3. Joinery & Assembly:

    • Mortise & Tenon, Dovetail, Finger Joints – Traditional woodworking joinery techniques.
    • Glue & Fasteners – Used to assemble wood pieces securely.

  4. Sanding & Finishing:

    • Belt & Orbital Sanders – Smooth surfaces for a polished finish.
    • Staining, Painting & Varnishing – Enhances appearance and protects wood.

  5. Custom & Specialty Woodworking:

    • Cabinet Making – High-end cabinetry and custom-built furniture.
    • Woodturning – Creating bowls, spindles, and artistic wood pieces.
    • Architectural Millwork – Custom moldings, trims, and decorative wood features.

Common Woods Used in Wood Machine Shops:

  • Hardwoods: Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany (for furniture & fine woodworking).
  • Softwoods: Pine, Cedar, Fir (for construction & basic woodworking).
  • Plywood & MDF: Used for cabinetry, furniture, and large-scale production.

 

If you are searching for “machine shop near me” or “cnc machine shop near me” in the Phoenix valley area, then this post is for you! Keep reading for more information about East Valley Precision, a top CNC machining shop in Chandler, AZ.

 

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Machining in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC machining and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

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What is Precision Machining
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What Is Precision Machining?

We live in a time when advancements in contemporary manufacturing, particularly in the last 20 years, have advanced quickly. And the introduction of precision machining has been at the forefront of many of our manufacturing innovations.

Many of the parts, tools, components, and equipment that we use on a daily basis are made in large part by precision machining.

Precision machining is essential to the construction of nearly every piece of machinery, product, or equipment that needs a high degree of accuracy, from the small components used in electronics to the parts found in cars, boats, rockets, and skyscrapers.

Precision machining is the process of shaping, cutting, and removing excess material from a workpiece to meet the dimensional requirements for a finished part or component using computer numerically controlled machining and milling tools under the supervision of a precision machinist.

There can be a reasonable amount of variation between the final dimensions of any two products because no two parts can be made exactly alike.

Tolerances are a set of quantifiable values that define this acceptable deviation.

Because determining the ideal tolerance directly affects turnaround time and manufacturing costs, tolerances are essential to the manufacturing process.

Additional Typical Definitions and Functions of Machining

By definition, a precision machine is a high-precision machine tool used to attain extremely high levels of accuracy. Machines used in precision manufacturing include CNC milling machines, lathes, grinders, cutting tools (such as drill presses and saws), and even high-speed robotics.

The process of removing excess raw material from a workpiece while maintaining the exact tolerances needed to produce a final product is known as precision manufacturing.

Definition of CNC Manufacturing: Computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing is a broad category of automated manufacturing procedures in which raw materials are cut, milled, and shaped by CNC machining tools in accordance with CAD software specifications.

The product’s blueprint is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software, which also helps with design creation, analysis, and optimization. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software then converts these specifications into automated manufacturing instructions for CNC machines.

What Are the Applications of Precision Machining?

When parts need to be machined with a high degree of accuracy and uniformity, precision machining is a very effective and precise manufacturing process. High-precision CNC machining tools are used to meet standards when a part requires tighter tolerances.


Raw Materials Frequently Used in Precision Machining


Modern manufacturing uses a broad range of raw materials to satisfy industry-wide quality control requirements and standard machining tolerances.

A list of frequently used raw materials, such as engineered plastics, can help you achieve the tolerance and uniformity you’re looking for, since a part’s tolerance is greatly influenced by the composition of the material.

These consist of materials like:

Seven Typical Materials for Accurate Machining

Stainless steel’s strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and versatility
Aluminum is a lightweight, affordable, corrosion-resistant, and tolerant material.
Brass: Offers a smooth, clean finish and retains threads and tolerances well.
Titanium’s strength to weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, and extreme heat
Copper’s inherent resistance to corrosion, electrical conductivity, and durability
Basic Plastics: incredibly affordable, adaptable, long-lasting, and easily injected
Polymer Plastics: strength, cleaning capabilities, and resistance to corrosion and abrasion

Applications of Precision Machining (By Industry)

Precision machining’s broad applications and exacting accuracy are essential to a large portion of contemporary manufacturing. Let’s examine how precision machining affects the following industries to better appreciate its significance:

The Aerospace Sector

Because precision machining can achieve extremely high tolerances and accuracies, it has been the foundation of aerospace innovation. Precision is essential in situations where a single mistake could cause significant harm. Additionally, many of the components that this industry relies on are made using CNC precision machining processes, including:

Systems for navigation
Panels for interior walls
Ports for landing gear
Bushings for the Automotive Sector

Precision machining techniques are frequently used to design and develop the precise specifications for a part or component needed before being added to the assembly line, especially with the rise in electric vehicles and advancements at the forefront of the automotive industry. Transmissions, wheels, water pumps, and engine blocks are typical examples of machined parts.

Defense and Military Sector

Precision machining has never been as common in the military and defense industries as it is in the development of composite skins for the F35 fighter jet, communication components for SAT radios, and prototyping and ammunition. The depth of parts and accuracy needed are enormous, and CNC machining is a good fit because different countries use different military and defense schematics.

The Medical Sector

To create breakthroughs that enhance our health and quality of life, the medical sector depends on technological and medical equipment innovations. Many of the parts used in the medical field would not be accessible without precision machining. MRI scanners, surgical instruments, implants, orthotic devices, secure enclosures, and research apparatus are typical examples.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Machining in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC machining and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Machines, CNC Milling, Machine Shop, Precision Machining
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Difference between a CNC Machine and a Lathe Machine
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Difference between a CNC Machine and a Lathe Machine

CNC Machine vs. Lathe Machine: Key Differences

Both CNC machines and lathe machines are used for metal and wood cutting, but they have key differences in operation, automation, and capabilities.

1. CNC Machine (Computer Numerical Control Machine)

🔹 Fully automated machining controlled by computer programs.
🔹 Can perform multiple functions (cutting, drilling, milling, engraving, etc.).
🔹 Works on 3-axis, 4-axis, or even 5-axis for complex designs.
🔹 Used in mass production and high-precision industries.

✅ Pros:
✔ High precision and repeatability.
✔ Can produce complex shapes with minimal manual labor.
✔ Works on various materials (metal, plastic, wood).
✔ Faster production with automated programming (G-code).

❌ Cons:
❌ Expensive compared to manual machines.
❌ Requires skilled operators to program and troubleshoot.

💲 Cost Range: $10,000 – $500,000+ (depending on complexity).

2. Lathe Machine (Manual or CNC)

🔹 Primarily used for turning and shaping cylindrical objects.
🔹 Rotates the workpiece while a cutting tool removes material.
🔹 Common for shafts, rods, and symmetrical components.
🔹 Can be manual (operated by hand) or CNC-controlled.

✅ Pros:
✔ Best for cylindrical or round parts.
✔ Easier to operate compared to CNC milling machines.
✔ Lower cost than full CNC machines.

❌ Cons:
❌ Limited to turning operations (doesn’t handle complex shapes like CNC mills).
❌ Manual lathes require skilled labor for precision work.

💲 Cost Range:

  • Manual Lathe: $1,000 – $10,000
  • CNC Lathe: $20,000 – $100,000+

Key Differences

Feature CNC Machine Lathe Machine
Control Computer-controlled Manually operated or CNC-controlled
Operations Cutting, milling, drilling, engraving, etc. Mainly turning (cylindrical shaping)
Precision Very high Moderate (manual), High (CNC lathe)
Production Best for mass production Best for custom or low-volume work
Cost More expensive Less expensive

Which One Should You Choose?

✔ Need high precision & automation? → CNC Machine
✔ Working on cylindrical parts? → Lathe Machine
✔ Mass production & complex shapes? → CNC Machine
✔ Small workshop or custom metalworking? → Lathe Machine

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Turning in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC turning and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Lathe, Machine Shop, Machining
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What is Wire EDM
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What is Wire EDM?

What is Wire Electrical Discharge Machining?

Wire electrical discharge machining (Wire EDM) utilizes a metallic wire for cutting or shaping workpieces, usually conductive materials, with a thin electrode wire that tracks a specifically programmed path. Usually, the electrode widths vary from .004″ to .012″, nevertheless smaller and larger widths are ready for use.

Throughout the wire cutting process there isn’t any direct contact between the wire and the work piece allowing for machining without causing any deformation in the wires path, or the shape of the material. For accomplishing this, the wire is quickly charged to a required voltage. The wire is also encompassed by deionized water. As the voltage reaches the proper degree, a spark hops the gap and melts a minute part of the work piece. The water cools then removes the minute leftovers from the gap.

The solidity of the work piece material has no damaging impact on the cutting speed. Blanking punches and extrusion dies are frequently machined via wire cutting.

The Way Electrical Discharge Machining Works

The primary EDM process is quite basic. A spark is created between 2 electrodes. The tool electrode is usually known as the electrode, and the work piece electrode as the work piece. The spark is visual evidence of the stream of electricity. This electrical spark produces intense heat with temperatures hitting 8,000 to 12,000 degrees Celsius, melting/vaporizing just about any conductive material. These swift, recurring electrical current discharges happen in a very tiny gap between the 2 electrodes, in which never come in contact with one another. The spark gap is managed by adaptive device controls to guarantee a continual, balanced distance as the electric discharge happens up to millions of times every second.

The spark is very specifically managed and restricted, so it only impacts the face of the material. This process typically does not impact the heat treat underneath the face. Both the tool and workpiece are immersed in dielectric (un-conductive) fluid, usually deionized water.

The spark always happens in the dielectric fluid. The conduction of the deionized water is cautiously overseen, creating a perfect setting for the EDM process. The deionized water additionally provides cooling throughout the machining process, and eradicates the small, eroded metal fragments.

EDM is considered a non-conventional machining technique since it uses electric discharge for removing material from the work piece. This contrasts with conventional machining techniques like grinding or drilling which use mechanical force for removing material.

What Types of Shapes Can A Wire EDM Machine Produce?

Wire EDM machines are a kind of CNC machine that can move along four independent axis to create taper cuts. For instance, a stamping die can be created with 1/4-degree taper or a mold with 1 degree taper in some areas and two degrees in others accurately. Extrusion dies or horns and nozzles can be cut with continually changing tapers. For instance, an intricate shape on top of the work piece can shift to a simple circle at the bottom.

Uses for Wire EDM Cutting

East Valley Precision’s wire cut EDM services are perfect for fragile or small work pieces that might be damaged throughout traditional machining or other conventional methods:

  • Thicker parts requiring pristine finishes and/or accuracies.
  • Intricate shapes or slender slots
  • Large components that need to hold accurate allowances
  • Fragile, hard, exotic/costly or weak materials

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Turning in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC turning and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

Machine Shop, Machining, Precision Machining, Wire EDM, Wire Electrical Discharge Machining
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Difference between a CNC Machine and a Lathe Machine
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What is а CNC Lathe?

A CNC lathe is a complex machine device intended for precision Computer Numerical Control manufacturing and turning by way of CNC.

It’s a personification of technological development, merging the age-old principles of a lathe machine with state-of-the-art computer programming to reach unparalleled efficiency and accuracy in machining.

The CNC lathe machine device has changed how materials are handled, making it an essential tool in various sectors and many machine shops across the world. Its capability to perform complex shaping and cutting with unbelievable precision makes it a foundation in current manufacturing processes. Whether it’s wood, metal, or plastic, the CNC lathe’s adaptability in handling various materials is unparalleled.

How Does a CNC Lathe Machine Work?

Getting into the inner workings of a CNC lathe uncovers a balance of computerized control and precision engineering. Different from a manual lathe, where the handiwork lies mainly in the hands of its operator, a CNC lathe incorporates computerized technology to improve precision and proficiency. Below is an in-depth look at its process:

Design Phase: To begin with, you, the operator, creates a meticulous design utilizing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. This design comprises of all specifications for the desired piece, from shapes to dimensions.

Programming: Your CAD design is then converted into G-code, the programming language that the CNC machine understands. This code gives instructions to the CNC lathe on how to move, shape, and create the piece.

Setup: After that, you configure the CNC lathe. This involves choosing and installing the proper cutting tools and fastening the workpiece onto the machine.

Machining Process: The CNC lathe, activated by the G-code, starts the machining process. The workpiece is spun at high speed while the cutting tool is moved across two or more axis to shape the piece.

Quality Inspected: During the process, the CNC lathe oversees the cutting environments and makes real-time modifications to guarantee precision. The final piece is inspected against the original specifications for preciseness.

What are the differences between horizontal and vertical CNC lathes?

The main differences between horizontal and vertical CNC lathes consists in their position and the applications they’re most appropriate for.

Horizontal CNC Lathes:

  • Positioning: The spindle in this type of lathe is arranged horizontally, with the workpiece mounted vertically to the axis.
  • Processes: Mainly used for longer, cylindrical workpieces.
  • Pros: Easier chip withdrawal because of gravity, typically better for heavier and larger pieces.
  • Limitations: Might not be suitable for parts with intricate geometries.

Vertical CNC Lathes:

  • Positioning: The spindle is oriented vertically, with the workpiece connected to a horizontal chuck.
  • Processes: Perfect for heavy, large-diameter, short workpieces.
  • Pros: Gravity aids in securing the workpiece, decreasing the need for substantial clamping. Provides better access to the workpiece for certain operations.
  • Limitations: Not as productive for long, slender workpieces where gravity can affect accuracy.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Turning in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC turning and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Lathe, Machine Shop, Machining
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What is a Machine Shop?

There is a little confusion when the words ‘machine shop’ comes up; some people believe it is where a machine is produced. Nevertheless, that’s not true. A machine shop is merely a location, place, building, business, or area where machining is performed. Machining is in reference to the cutting of raw materials to transform them to the wanted size and shape.

Machining is carried out on metallic parts in addition to plastics, ceramic, wood, and different composites. An individual that carries out machining is known as a machinist. Various kinds of hand tools, power tools, cutting tools, and machine tools are utilized in machine shops. It can be carried out as a business, hobby, or both. A machine shop can be an individual shop or a part of a larger factory in which manufacturing happens.

The final product of a machine shop is a piece in which can be made of metal, wood, plastics, ceramic, etc. The pieces are then sold to other manufacturing industries like the automotive, aircraft, power generation, or shipbuilding industries.

What Does a Machine Shop Comprise of?

A machine shop usually comprises of the below types of machines for producing parts.

  • Milling machine
  • Metal lathe machine
  • Multitasking machine
  • Machining center
  • Grinding machine
  • Drill press
  • Welding machine
  • Inspection equipment

Machine shops usually also contain the raw materials “in-house” required for manufacturing the specific piece, for instance, bar stocks. It also keeps a stockpile of the pieces that have been finished.

Machine Shop as a Business

Establishing a machine shop is pretty demanding. It requires a lot of funding as the vast majority of the machinery is costly. Additionally, it requires skilled workers, particularly if you are operating as a shop that specializes in repairing/producing the parts for engines, for instance.

You might be picturing 100’s of workers arduously working in a machine shop; well, the vision is slightly accurate, but it doesn’t really hold true in today’s world. Today’s machine shops do not have multitudes of workers; a lot of the operations are automated and regulated by computers such as robotics, microprocessors, control chips, and programable logic controllers. An instance is a CNC machine typically used in a machine shop.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Turning in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC turning and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

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What is Precision Machining
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Precision Machining

Precision machining is a machining technique that utilizes CNC machining and milling tools with the supervision of a machinist to cut, shape and remove excessive materials from a work piece to meet the dimensional details for a finished component or part.

Because no 2 parts can be made to match each other, a permissible level of deviation is permitted to exist between any 2 products’ finished dimensions. This permissible deviation is viewed as a set of measurable values referred to as tolerances. Tolerance plays an important role in manufacturing processes, as finding the correct degree of tolerance has a direct influence on turnaround time and manufacturing expenses.

Other Common Precision Machining Definitions and Roles

  • Precision Machine: A high-precision machining tool that is used to achieve extreme degrees of accuracy. For instance machines used in precision manufacturing comprise of grinders, lathes, CNC milling machines, a cutting tool and possibly high-speed automation.
  • Precision Manufacturing: Precision manufacturing is defined as a technique that removes excessive raw material from a work piece while fulfilling the tight tolerances required to create a final product.
  • CNC Manufacturing: CNC manufacturing involves a broad range of automated manufacturing processes where CNC machining devices cut, shape, and mill raw materials to fulfill provisions defined in CAD software.
  • Computer-Aided Design:  CAD software aids in the development, review, and optimization of a design while taking the role as the product’s blueprint in which Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software then converts those specifications into automated manufacturing guidelines for CNC machines.

What is Precision Machining Used For?

Precision machining is an extremely precise and efficient manufacturing process that is utilized when parts are required to be machined with a significant degree of precision and regularity. When a part requires strict tolerances, then high-precision CNC machining devices are used to fulfill set standards.

Precision Machining Applications (By Industry)

A lot of today’s manufacturing relies on the wide-scale applications and extreme accuracy of precision machining. The below industries benefit from precision machining:

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Automotive Industry
  • Military and Defense Industry
  • Medical Industry

Locating the Right Precision Machining Company

By practice and definition, precision machining is one of the most ideal ways to manufacture complex or one-off parts. Subject to your manufacturing requirements, a reputable precision machining company can assist you in designing, sourcing, and manufacturing high-precision parts that fulfill your specifications. At East Valley Precision, we’ve been machining quality parts since 2004 while our quality control guarantee keeps you safeguarded.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Machining in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC machining and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Machines, CNC Milling, Machine Shop, Precision Machining
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Different Lathe Types
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What is CNC Turning?

Are you thinking about different manufacturing methods to make your part(s)? Want to learn more about CNC turning to determine if it’s suitable for your application?

CNC Turning is a method of manufacturing in which bars of material are kept in a chuck and “turned” while a device is fed to the piece for removing material to create the required shape. A turret, with a device attached is programmed for moving the bar of raw material and eliminates material to create the pre-programmed result. This is also known as “subtraction machining” due to it involving material “subtraction”. If the machine shop has both tuning and milling abilities the rotation can be stopped for allowing the milling out of additional shapes.

Meaning of CNC Turning

CNC Turning can be broke down into 2 parts:

  • “CNC” is an acronym for computer numerical control and portrays the mechanization of a machining method.
  • “Turning” is a method in which the workpiece turns whereas a single pointed cutting device removes material.

The initial material, though usually round, can be other shapes like hexagonal or squares-shaped raw materials.

Subject to the bar feeder, the length of the bar can differ. This impacts how much handling is needed for high-volume jobs.

CNC lathes or CNC turning machine shops have tools installed on a turret in which is controlled via computer. The more tools that the turret can accommodate, the more choices are available for intricacies on the part.

CNCs with “live” tooling choices, can stop the bar rotation and add additional features like drilled holes, slotted and/or milled areas.

Many CNC turning shops have a single spindle, allowing work to be done all from one side, whereas other turning shops, have two spindles, a primary and sub-spindle. A part can be partially machined on the primary spindle, moved to the sub-spindle and have added work done to the other side of this configuration.

CNC Turning

There are many various kinds of CNC turning shops with different types of tooling and spindle options, outer diameter restrictions in addition to speed and power capacities that impact the types of parts that can be inexpensively made on it.

Turning is an adaptable machining method capable of making a wide variety of profiles subject to the turning method used. The usefulness of lathes and turning shops allows for straight turning, knurling, taper turning, external grooving, boring, threading, and drilling.

Overall, lathes are limited to more simple turning operations, such as straight turning, external grooving, threading, and boring processes. The tool turret on turning shops allows the shop to finish all the operations of a lathe in addition to more complex operations, like drilling off the rotation axis.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Turning in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC turningand milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Turning, Machine Shop
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