Cylindrical parts with tight tolerances can be a challenge for many machining services depending on exactly how tight the tolerances are. K&S Machining approaches this challenge by using state-of-the-art CNC machining technology operated by a team of highly experienced professionals who have built their careers on achieving high tolerances in manufactured cylindrical parts and beyond throughout the Gulf Coast region.
K&S Machining is a reliable ITAR registered partner for Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers throughout the region operating primarily in the defense and aerospace industries, but we also have experience with utility and oil and gas industry suppliers. The latter is especially interested in tight tolerance cylindrical parts, so we have extensive experience offering the precision necessary to deliver reliable results. Take a closer look at how we are able to achieve this high level of precision.
Understanding the Need
Tight tolerances for cylindrical parts are essential for proper operation of relevant equipment, and understanding exactly how important it is drives us to strive for the pinpoint precision our customers deserve. With our experience machining for the aerospace industry, we know just how delicate parts for something like an airplane’s landing gear can be. Without the precision necessary for tight tolerances, landing gear parts may not perform as well, which could put the entire plane at risk.
What exactly qualifies as a tight tolerance generally includes anything that permits a variance of only 0.002 inches to 0.001 inches. If a variance of 0.004 inches is present, for example, the part may fail. At K&S Machining, we utilize our state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated team to eliminate variances as much as possible leaving it well within the safe range for the high tolerance cylindrical part.
Our Equipment
At our machining facility, we have CNC mills, mill-turn lathes, and CNC routers that all offer the high quality precision many cylindrical parts require. It often begins with our router cutting material into shape for further machining. Our CNC router system has a 12” height capacity and 5’ x 8’ working area, which makes it useful for large sized materials that are purchased in bulk. Compatible materials also vary quite a bit, as our team is comfortable working with aluminum, plastics, composites, sheet metal, and more.
Some cylindrical parts do not even need our router system, however, as they can go straight to the lathes or mills. Our lathes allow us multi-axis machining capabilities while maintaining tight precision specifications. Plus, our lathes are remarkably efficient allowing our team to offer fast turnaround times without sacrificing quality. The state-of-the-art CNC mills at K&S Machining offer convenient solutions too whether you are looking for an initial prototype or low-volume production. In addition to the tight tolerances these mills can offer, they also have the ability to hold up to 30 tools, which makes low-volume production easy and efficient.
Quality Control
Our high-end equipment already gives us an edge when crafting high precision cylindrical parts, but our team still abides by quality control practices. Our quality assurance program is ISO compliant, and our pending AS9100 certification status allows us to spot the few errors that may slip through the machining process long before you ever receive your prototype or low-volume production parts.
Cost Efficiency
Parts with tight tolerances are often more costly than parts with looser tolerances, so it is important to make sure that tight tolerances for your cylindrical parts are actually necessary first. Our team of engineers offer a personalized service to analyze your drawings to determine if there is any leeway for tolerances. While we understand that many parts require high tolerances with no alternative, others could be looser than you might think. We view ourselves as an extension of your manufacturing operations, so we strive to prioritize efficiency and cost just as much as precision and quality.
Cylindrical Considerations
Cylindrical parts in particular have unique considerations to keep in mind throughout the machining process.
Thin Walls
Cylindrical parts with thin walls are notoriously difficult to produce, but certainly not impossible. With a thin wall section, the part itself is difficult to hold in place without distorting the part itself from the holding force. Thin walls also allow for vibration throughout the piece, which can compromise the tight tolerances as well as the surface finish. At K&S Machining, our CNC machining capabilities can find a solution that allows for thin walls without sacrificing tight tolerances if your part design calls for it.
Cylindrical Lengths
The overall length of a cylindrical part can play a major role in the difficulty of the manufacturing process. As length increases in a cylindrical part, the far end not attached to the chuck will wobble as the rotation increases. With this wobble occurring only at one end of the cylinder, the part can flex, which will compromise tight tolerances. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to eliminate this problem by holding the part steady at both ends instead of just one if the length calls for it.
Matching End Features
Some cylindrical parts have features on both ends that may or may not need to match exactly. In applications where they do need to match, our team takes great care to maintain this precision within tight tolerances. Of course, matching end features are not always necessary, which allows us more freedom to produce the part efficiently and often at a lower cost.
Contact K&S Machining for Machining for Cylindrical Parts with Tight Tolerances
When you need machining for cylindrical parts with tight tolerances, K&S Machining offers the precision and expertise you need. Our full-service machine shop is a trusted partner for manufacturers across the Gulf Coast area and beyond, and we offer design consulting as well as low-volume production. Request a quote for your cylindrical part project today.
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