CNC turning involves the use of fixed cutting tools to eliminate material from a workpiece, which is held in place by a revolving chuck. This process is particularly suited to creating parts with symmetry about their central axis, and generally results in quicker and more cost-effective production than milling.   CNC turning, or lathing, is a common technique for producing cylindrical components. However, contemporary multi-axis CNC turning centers, fitted with CNC milling tools, can now fabricate non-cylindrical parts as well. By combining the efficiency of CNC turning with the versatility of CNC milling, these systems can generate an extensive variety of rotational symmetric geometries   How do CNC Turning Machines work? 1. Producing a CAD model Design software, such as Solidworks and Autodesk Fusion 360, is used by engineers and machinists to produce a CAD model of their specific components.   2. Convert CAD model for CNC machine The CAD model is then imported into th...

What Is DFM? Otherwise known as Design for Manufacturing. DFM is a process used to optimise the design of a product or part for the most efficient and cost-effective way of manufacturing. DFM is essential for ensuring that designs will function as expected and can be produced accurately and efficiently, reducing production time and cost.   PPS ’s DFM Service At PPS we offer a free DFM consultation service to help us better understand your project requirements.    5 Key Principles Of DFM The DFM process covers 5 key principles; Process, design, material, environment, compliance, and testing.   1. Manufacturing Process For DFM to be most effective you must be sure you are using the right manufacturing process for your project.   For Example… if you need to manufacture a high volume of plastic parts, it’s most likely that injection moulding will be your best option. For detailed metal parts, CNC machining is probably the most appropriate process...

What are Machining Tolerances?   Machining tolerances refer to the allowable variation in dimensions, shape, and position of a machined part from the intended design specifications. These tolerances are essential because it is nearly impossible to manufacture parts with absolute perfection. Tolerances are specified to ensure that the machined parts fit together, function properly, and meet the required performance standards. They are expressed as a range of acceptable values within which the dimensions and characteristics of the part must fall.   When it comes to milling tolerances and lathe tolerances, precision is key in achieving accurate and flawless results. Understanding the CNC machining tolerance chart and adhering to tight tolerance machining practices are vital for ensuring high-quality outcomes. Tolerance in machine design, along with compliance with CNC tolerance standards, ensures the proper fit and functionality of machined parts. High tolerance machining requir...

What is CNC machining? Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is a form of subtractive manufacturing, meaning that material gets removed (rather than added) during the production process. This means CNC machining starts with a block of material (called a blank), and uses fast-moving cutters to quickly carve away material and create the finished part.   This essentially makes it the opposite of additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing), where three dimensional objects are created layer-by-layer from materials loaded into 3D printing machines.   Crucially, CNC machining is also a metal fabrication method where written code controls the CNC machinery in the manufacturing process. Let’s take a closer look at what this means:   How do CNC machines work? As we just touched on, CNC machines are run by a digitalised computer that automates, monitors, and controls the movement of an industrial machine. In large industrial plants, the computer is usually installed in the...

What is Rapid Prototyping? Prototyping is the process of validating the possibilities that a product will be capable of solving the problem that is required to. A prototype seems to be real enough such that potential users can interact with it and give feedback. In case the feedback given by the user about the prototype is negative, the firm is saved considerable amounts of time and money to build a product or service that won’t perform in real sense. Positive feedback, on the other hand, shows that the product concept is on point and from there; and aids in the advanced product development.    The term rapid, on the other hand, is used to mean the speed in which the prototype can be produced. Also, how fast the feedback can be collected and synthesized and also, how quickly the following iterations can go through the same process. Therefore there is a great need for teams to strike a balance between creating a prototype that looks near-real so that users can provide re...