By Aiden ArmstrongMost Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), particular in the medical device industry or for use in equipment and devices where precision is critical, do not complete their own machining in-house. Instead, they contract with specialized machining services that have expertise in producing these types of parts and components.
As many of the parts and components used in the medical, aerospace and aircraft industries and well as in processing and production systems are highly complex, finding a company that can not only produce the parts but does it to a schedule and budget is important.
One way that top manufacturers of these complex parts can complete orders is to use a multi-axis machining. These advanced machining systems are able to complete basic to highly complex parts with one machine and with only one set-up required. This not only saves time in production, but it is also highly effective for quality control as well as lower cost per unit of production.
What is a Multi-Axis System?
In many machining shops, you will find multi-axis machining called five-axis machining. This allows for the cutting tool to move across three axes on the machines, the X, Y and Z linear axes, and it also rotates. The rotation is on the A and B axes, allowing the tool to be positioned in virtually any location around the workpiece.
Cost Reduction
Other types of machining will require repositioning of the workpiece to allow the cutting tool to access the specific area to be machined. The result in more intensive labor on the production as well as additional time spent in moving and repositioning.
This allows for the machining service to complete orders faster. Without the need to move the workpiece or use multiple machines there is also highly effective quality control when using multi-axis machining, leading to decreased waste which will also help to reduce the cost.
