From drawing to finished component
A finished precision component can look deceptively simple, and what you don't see is everything that has happened before it reaches that point.
From interpreting the original drawing and selecting the most appropriate manufacturing approach to machining, inspection and finishing, producing a precision component involves a series of carefully considered decisions.
At Standish Engineering, it's this combination of people, processes and technology that turns a requirement on paper into a component that's ready to perform.
It starts with understanding the requirement
Before a machine starts cutting material, the job needs to be understood. The drawing provides dimensions and specifications, but our engineers also need to consider factors such as component geometry, tolerances, material, quantities and any finishing or inspection requirements.
These considerations help determine how the component should be manufactured and which machinery is best suited to the job. Getting those decisions right at the beginning can make the entire manufacturing process more effective.
Choosing the right machining process
Not every component should be manufactured in the same way, that's one of the reasons we've developed such a broad range of machining capability at Standish Engineering.
Our CNC turning capacity ranges from smaller high-speed work through to components up to 450mm in diameter and 1 metre in length. For more complex components, our multi-axis turning centres can combine several operations within one machine.
We also operate advanced 5-axis machining centres, twin-pallet machining centres and vertical machining capability, giving our engineers flexibility when deciding how best to approach a particular part.
Programming, tooling and setup
Once the manufacturing approach has been established, there's another layer of engineering knowledge involved. Tool selection, programming, work holding and setup can all influence the finished result.
Complex components may require multiple tools and machining operations, while the characteristics of the material itself can also influence the strategy used. Advanced CNC technology gives us significant capability, but it's the knowledge of the engineers behind that technology that allows us to use it effectively.
One of the benefits of modern multi-axis machining is the ability to carry out more work without repeatedly moving a component between machines or setups. Our twin-spindle and twin-turret turning capability can perform multiple operations efficiently, while our 5-axis machining centres provide access to several faces of a component within fewer setups.
Reducing unnecessary handling can support accuracy, consistency and manufacturing efficiency.
Inspection throughout the process
Precision needs to be verified, and our ISO 9001:2015 inspection department incorporates advanced CMM and Keyence optical inspection technology to support accurate measurement and verification.
Depending on the component and its requirements, inspection may take place at different stages of production rather than simply being a final check. One of our Nakamura Tome multi-axis machines even incorporates a Renishaw probe for built-in inspection, supporting automated and lights-out manufacturing where appropriate.
What happens after machining?
Machining isn't necessarily the end of the process, a component may require heat treatment, plating, painting, specialist coatings, grinding, NDT, welding, assembly or marking before it's ready for its intended application.
Standish Engineering can support a wide range of post-production requirements through our own capabilities and close relationships with specialist engineering partners. This allows us to help customers coordinate more of the journey through to the finished component.
Precision manufacturing isn't one process, it's a combination of understanding the requirement, choosing the right manufacturing method, programming and machining accurately, inspecting the result and completing any necessary finishing processes.
And behind every stage are people making decisions based on engineering knowledge and experience.
That's what turns a drawing into a component that's built to perform.
Have a component you'd like us to review?
Send us your drawing or specification and talk to our engineering team about what's possible.
📞 01257 422 838
📧 info@cnc-machining.co.uk
🌍 www.standishengineering.co.uk