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:
- Machining – Cutting, drilling, milling, turning, and grinding raw materials into finished parts.
- CNC Machining – Using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to produce precise parts with high repeatability.
- Fabrication – Welding, bending, and assembling metal parts.
- Prototyping – Creating custom prototypes for new product designs.
- Repair & Maintenance – Restoring worn or damaged parts for equipment and machinery.
- 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:
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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.
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CNC Machining (Computer Numerical Control):
- Automates cutting, drilling, and shaping with high precision.
- Used for mass production and complex designs.
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Metal Fabrication:
- Welding – Joins metal pieces together.
- Bending & Forming – Shapes sheet metal into specific forms.
- Cutting (Laser, Plasma, Waterjet) – Precisely cuts metal materials.
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Surface Finishing & Treatment:
- Heat Treating – Strengthens metal by altering its molecular structure.
- Polishing & Coating – Enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
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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:
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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.
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CNC Woodworking:
- Automated cutting, carving, and engraving for precision designs.
- Used in furniture making, cabinetry, and sign-making.
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Joinery & Assembly:
- Mortise & Tenon, Dovetail, Finger Joints – Traditional woodworking joinery techniques.
- Glue & Fasteners – Used to assemble wood pieces securely.
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Sanding & Finishing:
- Belt & Orbital Sanders – Smooth surfaces for a polished finish.
- Staining, Painting & Varnishing – Enhances appearance and protects wood.
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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.