What is precision machining?

Answer 1

Precision machining is a process where material is removed from a component to a very high tolerance. The tolerance held depends on the machine but most percision CNC machines will not have a problem holding a tolerance of 0.002" or 0.005 MM (ish). Precision Machining can be classed as Milling, Turning and Jig Boring but also include other types such as laser and water cutters.

Precision machined items are around in everyday items such as car engines, electric motors or even clocks. Nations such as Switzerland and Germany have a reputation for there high standards of precision engineering and today still do a very good job of it. Other nations also have a lesser of this reputation such as Japan and Great Britian.

Precision machines use a cutter and can be solid cutters such as tungsten carbide, cobalt or HSS. Watercutters which are very accurate and use extremely high pressure water. These are used by Britool to cut spanners out of 1/2" (12.7 MM) steel plate. Laser cutters use a beam to erode the surface but these units are still very expencive and are not often seen in workshops. Ultrasonic machining centres are used for brittle materials such as ceramics, vibrating the surface and removing small particals. Ceramic materials are often used in inspection equipment for measuring hole tolerances.