QUICK-TURN MACHINE SHOP

Milling

Milling is a method of removing material from a workpiece by advancing a cutter into it with rotary cutters. It’s one of the most common methods for producing custom parts with tight tolerances. Milling can be accomplished with a variety of machine tools.

Turning

Turning is a machining method in which a cutting tool, usually a non-rotary tool bit, moves more or less linearly as the workpiece rotates, forming a helix toolpath.

Routing

In modern machine shops, the router is a widely used tool. Its primary function is to cut materials such as plastic, acrylic and softer metals. The spindle travels along three axes – X, Y and Z – and is usually placed on a stationary table with a wider workspace.

Cutting

Cutting is the process of removing sections from a workpiece using a tool. In general, machining requires two movements: cutting and feeding. Cutting is the movement that removes sections from a workpiece and is usually accomplished by a cutting tool moving in a straight line.

Drilling/Countersinking/Tapping

Drilling results in higher-quality holes that can be used in thicker materials. Thread-tapping and countersinking are often performed after that. Thread tapping creates threads within the drilled cavity, allowing for the later addition of a bolted link. Countersinking a threaded hole removes the sharp edge and creates a bevel as well as a recess (deep bevel) for a blind bolt head.

Forming/Bending

Metal bending and shaping are cold working operations that require strategic workpiece deformation. The metal must be extended past its elastic limit without cracking or fracturing with metals and alloys that have enough ductility for this use.

Surface Grinding

Surface grinding is a finishing technique that involves smoothing the flat surface of materials with a rotating abrasive wheel to achieve a near tolerance dimension and a more polished finish.

Lapping & Polishing

Lapping is a machining finishing process that involves rubbing two surfaces together with an abrasive between them, either by hand or by machine. Polishing is another form of finishing that uses abrasive grinding or a chemical reaction to create a smooth, polished surface with diffused reflections.

Welding / Post-Weld Machining

Welding is a method of joining metal parts by melting them together at high temperatures and then allowing them to cool. There are several different methods of welding, and the best technique will be determined by the material and project at hand. Some pieces and welds aren’t meant to cool naturally. The use of post-weld stress relief ensures that the strength of the weld is preserved.

Heli-Coils / Hardware Inserts

Hardware inserts give more depth for load bearing threads. Hardware insertion uses existing holes made by high-precision machines such as a laser cutter or a waterjet cutter, which increases fastener placement accuracy.

A HeliCoil is a commonly used hardware insert that is a coiled threaded insert that fits into the part and replaces the original fastener’s threads.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a finishing technique in which a coating is applied electrostatically as a free-floating, dry powder to a surface before being heated to set it. Polyester, polyurethane, polyester-epoxy, straight epoxy and acrylics can all be used to make the powder.

Painting

E-coatings, powder coatings and liquid coatings are all options for painting pieces. Whether it’s expense, durability or aesthetics, each coating has its own set of benefits.

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating is a form of paint used to protect military vehicles from chemical and biological weapons. The paint’s surface is designed to be quickly decontaminated after being exposed to chemical and biological warfare agents.

Silk Screening

Silk-screening (also known as serigraphy) involves applying paint to a specifically selected section of metal using fine polyester mesh and a squeegee or blade.

Laser Engraving

Laser Engraving (or Laser Etching) is a Subtractive Manufacturing technique that involves changing the surface of an object with a laser beam.

Chem Film

Chem film is a corrosion-resistant chemical conversion coating for aluminum. It’s also used to passivate aluminum, which preserves it and acts as a foundation for paint coatings.

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that turns a metal surface into an anodic oxide finish that is decorative, long-lasting and corrosion resistant.

Black Oxide

The black oxide process is a chemical conversion coating. Unlike nickel or zinc electroplating, the black oxide is not deposited on the substrate’s surface. Instead, a chemical reaction occurs between the iron on the ferrous metal’s surface and the oxidizing salts in the black oxide solution, resulting in a black oxide coating.

Bead Blasting

Bead blasting is a method of extracting surface deposits by spraying fine glass beads at high pressure onto the surface without damaging it.

Tumbling

Tumble finishing, also called tumbling or rumbling, is a method of smoothing and polishing a rough surface on small pieces.