Monthly Archives

December 2016

The Advantages of Multi-Axis CNC Machining

By | Articles | No Comments

Multi-Axis CNC Machining Produces Complex Parts with Precision, High Tolerances

CNC MachineOne can only imagine how long it must have taken armorers and ironsmiths/blacksmiths in the medieval or renaissance ages to outfit a legion of soldiers with armor plate. In addition to what was likely a very labour-intensive and time-consuming process, it would have been quite challenging to produce multiple pieces with any degree of uniformity, precision, and/or quality, primarily through the use of hand tools.

Industrialization, the use of steam-powered, special-purpose machinery in dedicated factory settings that began in the late 1700s, marked a clear shift to what became known as mass production, and paved the way for numerous mechanical and technological advancements over the next 300 years; to wit, the armorers and blacksmiths of yore would be astounded by the present-day technologies that are available for cutting, shaping, and removing metal. 

Precision machining, specifically CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, has become one of the most important techniques used in the manufacturing sector today. This involves the automation/automatic control of machine tools through precise computer-programmed commands, with minimal or reduced human intervention, to improve production quality and precision/accuracy; the sophistication of such machining has evolved to an extent that parts or components can be produced by simultaneous milling and drilling along multiple axes, as many as five, six, in a single set-up without the need to pause the process or manually exchange any tools.

This degree of complex manufacturing is driven by the use of CAD-CAM computer software, which is the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs. It is this software that controls/commands the multi-axis CNC machines to repeatedly produce precise, high-tolerance parts and components.

There are numerous benefits to the application of multi-axis CNC machining; these include:

  • Lowered labour costs
  • Reduction of scrap/waste
  • Mass production capabilities
  • Faster cycle/production times
  • Capacity for continuous operation
  • Repeatability (little risk of deviation)
  • Inclusion of automatic assembly features
  • Increased production efficiency (high tolerances)
  • Flexibility to make changes easily and economically

Indeed, the development and application of computer-controlled and multi-axis technologies have completely transformed the metal machining industry, from the laborious practices of centuries past to the mass production of precise and high-tolerance parts and components in a cost-effective and time-efficient fashion.

Capitalize on Cutting-Edge Technology to Address Complex Manufacturing Needs

CNC Axis MachiningWhile the benefits of multi-axis CNC machining can be rather substantial, capital investment in this technology could be a limiting factor for many manufacturers. Fortunately, precision manufacturing firms, such as Noble Precision, provide a viable option to use CNC machining for complex production needs in a more cost-effective manner.

Noble Precision’s significant investment in cutting-edge technology, most notably in 5-axis simultaneous CNC machines as well as the latest in CAD-CAM software, offers their clients direct access to the most advanced and precise CNC machining services currently available. 

Whether the client’s requirements are the development of a prototype, a one-time precision manufacturing solution, or high-volume production runs, the CNC machining experience and capabilities provided by Noble Precision will deliver the utmost benefit with respect to:

  • Accuracy
  • Efficiencies
  • Delivery times
  • High tolerances

See our CNC Machining page for further insight on the advantages of utilizing the multi-axis CNC machining capabilities offered by Noble Precision.

Multi-axis CNC machining offers practical solutions to your complex precision manufacturing needs.  Capitalize on the most advanced and precise CNC machining capabilities available by engaging the expertise and cutting-edge technology provided by Noble Precision. Call the precision manufacturing experts from Noble Precision at 647-499-7569 or Contact us to request a no-obligation consultation.

The Advantages of Gun Drilling

By | Articles | No Comments

Gun Drilling Produces Deep Holes Beyond the Limits of Conventional Twist Drills

Tarus Gun Drilling MachineThe term gun drilling originates from the era when gun manufacturing included boring holes in solid rolls of steel in order to produce the barrels. This would likely have been a laborious task, not to mention potentially suspect in terms of its effect on a weapon’s firing accuracy.

Today, while the name remains unchanged, the process of gun drilling has developed into a very practical and efficient methodology for boring holes of varying depth and diameter into several types of hardened materials, including:

  • Steel
  • Plastics
  • Titanium
  • Aluminum
  • Other Ferrous and Non Ferrous Alloys

In the gun drilling process, the cutting tool, or gun drill bit, is in effect a fluted solid rod that has a hole bored lengthwise through its center and grooves along the length of its exterior. As a drilling operation proceeds, coolant is pumped through the central hole to facilitate the movement of the bit while also removing/flushing chips away from the cutting face through those external grooves. 

As an aside, this gun drilling technology should not be confused with the single-tube system (known as STS) in which coolant is introduced around the outside of the cutting tool/bit and the chips are removed through the center of the tool. In this respect, STS systems can be described as the inverse of gun drilling. It should also be noted that STS is often referred to as BTA drilling, derived from the Boring and Trepanning Association that initially developed this particular methodology.

Some of the more common applications for Gun Drilling include the production of:

  • Various firearms
  • Special molds and dies
  • Medical and surgical devices
  • Woodwind instruments (bagpipes)
  • Engine parts (crankcase, cylinder head)

Gun drilling machinery is designed and constructed to produce deep holes beyond the limits of conventional twist drills; through the use of multi-axis Computer Numeric Control (CNC) drills, precision manufacturing services providers such as Noble Precision in Toronto can effectively apply this process to drill holes up to 96” in length and up to 3” in diameter.

Multi-Axis CNC Gun Drilling to Support Complex Precision Manufacturing Needs

Noble Precision’s substantial financial investment in state-of-the-art technology, including its multi-axis CNC horizontal gun drilling machines, enables clients to achieve viable and highly cost-effective manufacturing solutions across an extensive array of deep-hole drilling needs. These precision gun drills can produce holes in much greater depth-to-diameter ratios than conventional twist drills; furthermore, the output from Noble Precision’s gun drilling services will include bores/holes that are:

  • Burr-free
  • Smooth-finished
  • Precisely centered
  • Delivered with high tolerances
  • Produced to exact specifications

Based on the broad scope of its gun drilling capabilities, Noble Precision can help support the deep-hole drilling requirements of manufacturers in/associated with such industries as:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Military Defense
  • Natural Resources
  • Medical Instruments
  • Heavy Equipment Manufacturing

For additional information on the benefits of utilizing the multi-axis CNC gun drilling services offered by Noble Precision, visit our Gun Drilling page. 

Noble Precision’s multi-axis CNC gun drilling services can provide practical solutions to your complex precision manufacturing needs. Call the precision gun drilling experts from Noble Precision at 647-499-7569 or Contact us to learn more about our capabilities and discuss how we can best support your custom manufacturing needs.