As any manufacturer who specializes in machining small parts will tell you, accurately CNC milling miniature components comes with some unique challenges. Of course, all the usual prerequisites apply: you have to choose the right material, refine the part design and the CAM programming, choose the optimum cutting tools, rigorously check and recheck for quality control, etc.
However, with small part CNC milling, more complicated workholding setups and some additional specialized machining considerations are often needed. We take a closer look at some of the main challenges below.
The Main Challenges with CNC Milling Small and Miniature Parts:
Workholding Challenges
Rigidly holding down small parts without interfering with the cutting tool path is obviously much more difficult than with large parts. The difficulty level only goes up as part designs (and thus tool paths) become more complex – there’s simply less room to keep the part clamped down as the mill does its work.
That’s why Superior’s custom tooling and workholding capabilities are so integral to our CNC milling processes. No matter what kind of part we are machining – small, miniature or large; simple or complex – we can quickly develop an effective workholding solution specifically designed for the job at hand.
Vibration and Deflection Are Amplified
While developing a good workholding solution is even more challenging, it’s also more crucial than ever when it comes to small part machining. With much less workpiece mass to absorb vibrations, any vibratory effects become exaggerated.
Those vibrations can cause micro deflections of the cutting tool which impact part quality, potentially leading to manufacturing errors or surface defects. Of course, this challenge plays into the section written above – a proper workholding solution is critical in the art of precision small part milling.
5-Axis CNC Milling Services for Complex Small Parts
Superior provides 5-axis CNC milling for small parts and miniature components. Capable of meeting high-precision requirements, our milling machines achieve an angular tolerance of two thousandths of a degree (.002°) and linear tolerances of two ten-thousandths of an inch (.0002”).
CNC Swiss Turning Optimized for Small Part Machining
In addition to our CNC milling capabilities, Superior offers Swiss lathe services optimized for machining precision small parts and complex cylindrical/tapered components. We commonly provide Swiss turning for high-precision parts that measure less than Ø1.496” x 2” in length while maintaining the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability possible.
Quality American CNC Milling Solutions Since 1995
Backed by more than 25 years of quality American machining services, Superior knows what it takes to compete in today’s fast-paced market. With over 100+ CNC workcenters at our disposal integrated within our 100,000 sq.-ft facility, our company is one of the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art CNC milling and turning service providers for the Muenster, Texas region and beyond.
