CNC machining is a manufacturing process that uses programmed computer software, instead of manual control, to guide the machinery, ultimately creating the part you need. Much like 3D printing, it turns the virtual part design in the computer software program into the physical part.
However, the way it works is very different from 3D printing as well as injection molding. For example, you may begin with a large block of carving foam, but once it is manufactured through CNC machine processes, it could become a piece of insulation or packaging for electronics.
Custom CNC machining is used in a variety of industries — especially industries where pieces are mass-produced and need to meet specific requirements, such as a preferred level of tolerance. For example, you’ll find that a certain type of CNC machining is used to create insulation pieces, automotive parts, and even the tiniest and most delicate pieces in small electronics. In the aerospace and military industries, where demands are high, CNC machining is used to develop parts that meet those demands with accuracy and precision.
Rigid foams are used where the product design or application requires structural integrity, temperature compensation and thermal and mechanical stability. Rigid foam is used in satellites, radomes, antennas and packaging for electronic enclosures. Rigid foam is also used as an architectural and structural replacement for conventional wood and aluminum applications.
We offer rigid foam CNC machining using:
Learn more about the differences and advantages of using each of the custom rigid foam CNC machining materials.
Carving foam is one of the best materials for carving or sculpting because it’s lightweight, soft and dense. It also has good resistance to moisture and temperatures, as well as general wear and tear.
As a result, carving foam is often used for various types of insulation and prototypes for molds, as well as to manufacture gaskets, seals and other components.
It’s also popular for soundproofing applications since it contains polyisocyanurate — a thermoset plastic material that absorbs sound.
We offer four different types of carving foam. While our #2 and #3 products can be hand-carved, our #4 and #6 foams require CNC machining. This makes them suitable for the mass production of custom electrical components. Foam can be cut, glued or coated with other materials to bring your particular part to life. You can order blocks of our carving foam and cut them yourself, or you can send in a drawing and let us do the custom foam CNC machining for you.
We can machine components from various phenolic materials, many of which meet MIL-I-24768 and related requirements. Our CE and LE product lines offer exceptional mechanical properties, whereas our glass phenolic material — also known as Garolite® — can be used to insulate a range of custom electrical components.
All phenolic products are available in multiple colors and sold in sheet stock, rod, angle and U-channel forms.
There are many types of plastic materials used in manufacturing. We work with the most popular types to meet customer demands in the aerospace, automotive, medical and electronic industries. Our plastic CNC machining can be done using:
Typical applications include bearings, bushings, tubes and electrical insulation, among others. Whether your finished component must possess high impact strength, superior temperature resistance, a low coefficient of friction or any other specific property, we have the expertise to help you select the best plastic material and machining technique for your project requirements.
When you’re considering partnering with a company to help you with custom CNC machining services, it’s important to know what type of facility they have. CNC machining has evolved throughout the years so we’ve invested heavily in technology and the team necessary to offer advanced electrical component machining services. As a result, our electrical component manufacturing capabilities are unparalleled in our industry and meet the requirements of some of the most demanding organizations.
Our CNC department can engineer and fabricate parts to meet your unique requirements and specifications. We utilize the best in CNC CAD/CAM software, including AutoCAD and Virtual Gibbs CAM. We can program parts with swept shapes, tapers and complex compound contours. We can produce machined components from a variety of materials that suit your application.
We have a very modern CNC machine shop that’s extensively equipped to produce your components economically regardless of order quantity. Our equipment includes four Fadal CNC 3-axis Vertical Machining Centers with 15 horsepower and 7500 rpm spindles.
We have a large machining capacity of 30 inches by 16 inches by 12 inches to handle your biggest jobs. Additionally, we have several CNC milling machines, feed through belt sanders, band saws, table saws, routers and drill presses. We can also do secondary operations to complete your parts. We can machine thin sheet stock on a vacuum chuck.
With our cutting-edge facility, you’re sure to get the precision and the high quality you need.
Not all parts are created equal. Just as there are a variety of different parts, there are also a few different CNC machining techniques used to create them. CNC machine turning, CNC machine milling and CNC screw machining are the three main types. They can be used individually or together to create the unique part you need. We’ve included some specific information about each of them and their applications below.
CNC machine turning is one of the most common computer-controlled machining processes. It can help you create cylindrical parts of various sizes and dimensions.
Here’s how it works:
CNC machine turning can be used on its own or in combination with other manufacturing processes. On its own, however, this method can’t be used to make oddly shaped parts. Despite offering an exact — but limited — function, it’s a perfect fit for the right job and provides low setup and tooling costs.
CNC machine turning is an excellent solution for mass manufacturing. The process is automated, which keeps labor and setup times to a minimum — a benefit for manufacturers looking for an economical way to bring their product to market.
CNC machine milling works like this:
There is a wide range of cutting tools available for CNC machine milling so that you can create different shapes of various sizes. For example, conventional drills and bores may be used to create simple holes. Endmills, chamfer, grooving, rounded and other tools are used for more complex work to create bevels, rounded edges and other features. One thing to consider is that because the workpiece must be held firmly in place, it’s not a good fit for flimsy or oddly shaped materials.
Because the milling process is automated, once you program the software to perform the actions to create the workpiece you want, most of your work is done. Programming the software means you’re able to repeat the process over and over again with exceptional accuracy. Consequently, it’s no surprise milling is best for mass-produced parts and short-runs.
Workpieces made from metal, wood, plastic, rigid foam and other materials are an ideal fit. CNC machine milling is often used to create automotive components, construction materials and other items — and its accuracy makes it ideal for meeting quality control requirements for automotive, aerospace and military applications.
CNC screw machining is recognized for producing items with extremely high dimensional tolerances (+/-.005”).
Here’s how it works:
These machines are also known as Swiss-style lathes. As the name suggests, these devices produce the intricate parts that go into the country’s famous watches. As technology has continued to advance, this type of CNC machining has become particularly useful for technology — specifically in cars and trucks, medical devices, electronics and other manufacturing parts. Pins, pivot rods, spaces and electronic connectors and terminals are all ideal for CNC screw machining.
What could be the downfall of a machine that is capable of creating such intricate parts? It comes at a cost. The guide bushing has to be precisely positioned to maximize performance — and that means you need extra setup time and a skilled person on staff who knows how to work the machinery properly. These are two factors that will lead to higher manufacturing costs.
Rapid prototyping is the best way to get a detailed view of your item before mass production begins. Our production CNC machining process lets us work one-on-one with you or your engineering and design department to quickly create one or more parts — regardless of its size or complexity of the design — so you can inspect the item and compare it to your established standards or guidelines. Prototyping is also an efficient method for evaluating a product’s usability, including how the weight and size fit into a user’s hand or a machine’s internal components department. CNC prototype production capabilities can alert you to potential problems or considerations that you can’t evaluate through computer programs alone.
A CNC prototype is the best way to ensure you’ve chosen the right material, process, dimensions and specifications for your product before creating a larger quantity. Once you receive your prototype, you can submit any requests for adjustments to our team, and we’ll take care of it.
If you’re ready to get started, the first step is choosing a manufacturing partner and/or supplier who understands your industry and your list of wants and needs when it comes to CNC machining and materials. At American Micro Industries, we’ve worked with customers in various industries with a variety of needs. We have the expertise to provide you with custom CNC machining services or the supplies you need to complete your CNC machining project. We can help you whether you’re starting from a drawing or a prototype.
Whatever your unique situation may be, don’t wait any longer — our experience has prepared us to understand your priorities when it comes to providing CNC machining services and high-quality materials. Our superior machines and materials can provide you with the solutions you need to minimize downtime and maximize your results. To get started, request a quote from us today!
