Near-Net-Shape Casting with Precision Machined Features
Casting forms complex metal housings and structural features, while CNC machining finishes critical bores, sealing surfaces, mounting faces, and threaded holes to the required tolerances.
Typical Process: Casting → Cleaning & Preparation → CNC Finish Machining → Inspection
Machining allowances, datum selection, and casting variation must be considered to achieve accurate finished dimensions.
Precision Machining with Functional Surface Treatments
CNC machining produces the required geometry and precision features. Surface treatments such as anodizing, passivation, and plating provide corrosion protection, wear resistance, or the specified appearance.
Typical Process: CNC Machining → Deburring & Cleaning → Surface Finishing → Final Inspection
Coating thickness, masking, and dimensional changes must be considered for critical holes, threads, and mating surfaces.
Fabricated Structures with Precision Machined Components
Sheet metal fabrication produces enclosures, panels, and brackets, while CNC machining provides precision mounting blocks, spacers, bushings, and mechanical interfaces.
Typical Process: Sheet Metal Fabrication + CNC Component Machining → Finishing → Assembly & Fit Inspection
Hole alignment, bend tolerances, and assembly clearances are important for ensuring that components from different processes fit together correctly.
Complex Printed Geometries with Precision CNC Finishing
Metal 3D printing, particularly LPBF/SLM, produces complex near-net-shape components with internal channels and lightweight structures. CNC machining finishes critical datums, sealing faces, precision holes, threads, and mating surfaces.
Typical Process: Metal Printing → Depowdering → Stress Relief (if required) → Support Removal → CNC Finish Machining → Inspection
Stress relief is commonly performed before support removal where necessary to control distortion. Internal channels and lattice features may remain as-printed when functional and cleanliness requirements are met.
Molded Plastic Parts with Precision Metal Interfaces
Injection molding produces plastic housings, covers, and structural features. CNC machining supplies metal inserts, spacers, bushings, and mounting components where additional strength or precision is required.
Typical Process: Injection Molding + Metal Component Manufacturing → Insert Installation / Assembly → Inspection
Plastic shrinkage, insert retention, mounting dimensions, and assembly fit must be considered during manufacturing planning.