Precision manufacturing has become a hot buzzword throughout the industrial realm in recent years, but this uptick in popularity is not without reason. Rather, there are many benefits of precision manufacturing that can be experienced across a wide breadth of industries and applications- particularly in CNC machining. In this effective yet costly process where nearly every parameter is programmable, precision material can make a world of difference in cost savings and overall product quality. In today’s blog post, we’ll be discussing the importance of material tolerance in precision manufacturing, the benefits of precision ground bar stock for use in CNC machining, and how precision material compares with standard material.
The Role of Material Tolerance in Precision Manufacturing
Tolerance is a key factor in precision manufacturing operations, with varying degrees of precision required by different industries and applications. For example, a bar to be used in outdoor fencing likely has a very loose tolerance range. In that application there are not dire consequences to the material falling within a certain tolerance, so the range of acceptable measurements would be quite broad. The same cannot be said for a medical implant device; if that device does not fall within the anticipated tolerance range it could negatively impact performance and lead to lifelong discomfort, injury, or fatality for the implant recipient. In applications like this, the importance of final part tolerance cannot be overstated.
The tolerance of the final part begins with the tolerance of the stock material it is machined from. In many cases, stock material must first be machined down to size before it can be used to produce the final part to specifications. Bar stock can be particularly tricky. This is due to common defects like poor straightness, varying diameters across the length of the bar, and overall roundness of the bar’s profile shape. On top of this, there are also defects like voids which cannot be seen until they are uncovered, usually during machining. Correcting these issues can cost manufacturers valuable machining time, not to mention the labor and material waste which come along with these corrective processes.
Benefits of Centerless Ground Bar Stock
At Boston Centerless we specialize in a precision manufacturing process for round bar stock known as CNC centerless grinding. In CNC centerless grinding, the workpiece is supported on its own outer diameter by a work blade located between a high-speed grinding wheel and a slower-speed regulating wheel with a smaller diameter. The geometry of the setup ensures that any irregularities in the roundness are corrected automatically by the grinding and regulating wheels. This process allows for the grinding of parts to high tolerances and excellent surface finishes. Since there is no need to clamp the workpiece, there is no distortion due to clamping forces, which further enhances precision.
By honing our skills in this unorthodox manufacturing method, we are able to consistently provide our customers with precise material that is machined to their exact standards. The level of precision that we can achieve is unique to CNC centerless grinding, offering the greatest capabilities in ensuring straightness, roundness, and diameter.
At Boston Centerless, we are Precise in Everything We Do. Discover the difference of a material supplier that is dedicated to serving with precision to support your project’s long-term success.
Comparison with Standard Machining Stock
As far as cost is concerned, standard stock may seem like an easy choice to make. It’s cheaper, and a facility with in-house machining capabilities can refine material internally,
so why pay the higher cost of precision ground stock? The truth of the matter is that standard material can come with many hidden costs that make it less economical in the long run.
Although centerless ground material may come at a higher premium when compared to standard stock, the advantages of precision stock in CNC machining are undeniable. Where manufacturers who select standard material must spend time and labor verifying the material, identifying defects, and correcting those defects- customers of Boston Centerless are able to begin CNC machining with their precision ground stock straight out of the box. Our materials are always carefully crafted to your specifications and validated for straightness, roundness, and diameter. Beyond that, we are also capable of providing additional material verification using advanced methods like Ultrasonic Testing, Laser Marking, and more. Our precision grinding services and material validation services contribute to superior quality end products, but they improve the manufacturing process as well. They help save costs by minimizing machining time, reducing cutting tool wear, reducing the need for skilled labor, and eliminating the need to verify the material quality internally. This allows our customers to redirect their time and labor to more value-added activities, which can help drive profit margins upward. The upfront cost of precision material may be a deterrent for some, but the return on investment speaks for itself.
By investing in high-quality material made with centerless grinding, our customers can experience the long-term benefits of quicker manufacturing times, lower machining costs, and a higher quality end product. If you’re ready to explore how centerless grinding services can help your precision manufacturing operations, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Boston Centerless today to get started.
About Boston Centerless
Boston Centerless provides solutions that enhance our customers' manufacturing processes. With over 65 years of experience with precision grinding, we grind the tightest tolerances in the industry. We have proven experience with an extensive range of materials, and our manufacturing solutions include:
- AccuRod® Precision Bar
- BC Medical Grade
- Grinding Services
- Value-Added Services
- Material Testing & Validation
- Supply Chain Management
- SwissAssist
Contact us today at (781) 994-5000 to see how we can help with your next precision bar material project, or click here for a quote.