Small Part Machining — Common Challenges and Solutions

Computer technology has had a massive impact on small part machining by enabling the integration of different machining processes into one process on one machine. Initially, few machines such as lathes were equipped with computer control. With advanced technology and high-quality cutting tools from companies such as SCTools, most CNC machines have become highly flexible in producing highly complex small parts.

Superior small part machining companies use high-speed computer-controlled cutting tools to produce a magnificent finished product. Small part CNC machining is cost-effective and works well with various materials, helping manufacturers widen their scope of production.

Even though small part machining is flexible, adaptable, and affordable, some challenges come with these benefits. Let us look at three common challenges of small part CNC machining and their possible solutions.

The Interconnectedness of the Preparation Process

Before a CNC machine is used, the preparation involves drawing the parts and recording the precise design and measurements. After the design engineer completes this process, the machinist needs to determine:

• If the machine can produce the part
• The procedure for making it
• The important aspects of the part and how to achieve its specifications

Sometimes the small part design is returned to the engineer to redraw if they haven't consulted the machinists or done their research on the capabilities of the small part machine to precisely produce the part. 

Solution

Your design engineers and machinists need to research each part and work together to establish if your CNC machine and the cutting tools can produce the desired parts with precision.

Extra Steps in the Small Part CNC Machining Process

Small parts may pose a challenge when they need an extra step, such as deburring—removing raised edges and hanging pieces. For example, it can be hard to physically get into the tiny spaces of a small part the size of a pinhead to polish its appearance. You need to add another process, such as electropolishing, to ensure the part comes out spotless.  

If you are new to small part CNC machining, you may encounter situations where you realize that you do not have an extra cutting tool for a minor detailed design. You will need to add another secondary process to complete the work if you haven't ordered the extra tool from a leading cutting tool store such as SCTools. 

Solution

Study your CNC machine well and train your team on the range of products it can produce. In addition, master the cutting tools you own and have an efficient machine cutting tool online store at standby to order any new tool you need.

Need for Extra Caution When Using Sensitive Material

A customer may send a drawing of a small part they need you to produce in bulk, but they choose a  sensitive material like tungsten. The small-batch CNC machining needed to produce exceptional results will require a machinist with experience and top-quality cutting tools.

Even with expertise, excellent tools, and machines such as a CNC lathe, CNC mill, and swiss-style CNC screw machine, producing an excellent final product can be challenging.

Another customer may request a small tube produced from a corrosion-resistant metal such as 304 stainless steel. The toughness of 304 stainless steel would make it a daunting task to break off burrs. You may spend hours and encounter extra costs to give it a burr-free finish.

Solution

Cross-check your customers' orders before making big promises. Ensure you have the expertise, cutting tools, and CNC machines to produce outstanding small parts. Also, test your machine with different metals to know which materials give the best results for specific small parts.

Order Quality Cutting Tools for Small Batch CNC Machining

Increase your productivity by ordering high-precision cutting tools for small-batch CNC machining from SCTools. Our cutting tools will optimize your tools inventory and seamlessly work with your CNC machine to produce the highest quality small parts. Order from us today, and we will help you machine better.

If you have any questions about carbide cutting tools, end mills, drills, etc. be sure to reach out to us @ sctools.co/Home or call us at (877)737-0987. We help you machine better!