Have you recently proposed new product (or part) designs and are unsure how to proceed with manufacturing? An important decision you may need to make is to establish your own production facilities or outsource the manufacturing process to a third-party CNC machining workshop.

Undoubtedly, outsourcing has many advantages over establishing production facilities. However, only by doing well in homework and choosing top processing service providers can these advantages be felt.

That's why we provided an in-depth overview of the mechanical workshop in this article. It will serve as a guide to help you select the top CNC machine workshop from low-end CNC machine workshops and select the best workshop for your manufacturing project.

What is a mechanical workshop?

A machining workshop is a place where different machines are used to cut, shape, and shape materials such as metals and plastics into customized parts. In this sense, it is not a "store"; You're not just walking in to find any part you need. On the contrary, it is a manufacturing facility that can help you accurately create and deliver orders based on your specifications.

Let's take a look at some machines you may find in each mechanical workshop.

What will you find in the mechanical workshop?

#1 CNC milling machine

CNC milling machine is one of the important mechanical equipment in the machining workshop. This automated machine uses rotating multi blade cutting tools to cut and shape fixed workpieces until they meet the specified design.

CNC milling machines have 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, and 6-axis configurations, allowing mechanics to manufacture complex designs with many tilted internal parts and hidden geometries.

#2 CNC lathes

CNC lathes are similar to CNC milling machines; They all rely on 3D CAD models and computer instructions (G-code) to create parts. However, the working methods of these machines are different.

Unlike CNC milling where the workpiece remains stationary, CNC lathes have chucks and spindles that can fix (and rotate) the workpiece on a stationary cutting tool. They are the ideal choice for cylindrical parts with knurling, turning, drilling, and slotting.

#3. Electric discharge machining machine

Electric discharge machining machines use electric discharge to manipulate workpieces and shape them into customized parts. They are usually faster and more accurate than traditional lathes and milling machines.

#4 Grinding machines

A grinder, also known as a grinding machine, is an electric tool used to grind workpieces to achieve smoothness. The characteristic of a grinder is that the grinding wheel is coated with abrasive, which rotates at high speed relative to the surface of the workpiece.

#5 band saws

Band saw is an electric saw composed of continuous toothed metal plates. Operators use it to cut (or roughly remove parts) the workpiece before completing more precise cutting operations.

#6 Surface treatment tools

Surface finishing tools describe equipment components used to improve the aesthetic appearance, strength, or other performance of workpieces. Surface treatment services include polishing, polishing, sandblasting, anodizing, and painting.

#7 coordinate measuring machines

Three coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are used for quality control in mechanical workshops. This device allows mechanics (or quality control experts) to measure the geometric shape of processed parts, ensuring that they meet the specifications provided in 3D CAD files.

How to manage quality control in CNC machine tool workshops?

Top machining workshops typically have a dedicated team of control experts who use CMMs, microscopes, and 2D projectors to verify specifications. They usually have well-trained mechanics who use tools such as micrometers and go/no go gauges to inspect parts during (or immediately after) machining. (Related post: CNC machining quality control knowledge you need to know)

How do you choose a suitable machining workshop?

By searching for "machining workshops" on Google, Bing, or your favorite search engine, you can see an endless list of third-party machining service providers. The manufacturing industry is filled with so many mechanical workshops that it is difficult to find good ones.

The following tips will help you choose the best machining workshop for your project.

Select CNC machining workshops that meet the requirements of multiple regulatory agencies and standards, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 13485.

Choose a machining workshop that can manufacture high-precision parts with minimal tolerances, such as± four μ M.

Ensure that the CNC machine tool workshop has advanced CNC equipment as well as high-quality technical personnel and engineers.

Ensure that there is a dedicated team of quality control experts in the CNC machine tool workshop.

Choose an experienced machining workshop that serves your industry.

Select the machining workshop that allows you to request a quote by providing you with the means to upload 3D CAD files and specifying your materials, surface treatment, and quality requirements