CNC Machinery

The production of commercial and industrial parts requires precision machining to ensure consistent, reliable outcomes in investment casting. In a demanding production environment, computer numerical control (CNC) is often recommended as the best way to obtain accurate and efficient results.

CNC machinery describes the automated control of various machining tools, including drills, lathes, mills, and 3D printers. Regardless of the specific tools used, this process helps manufacturers to meet specifications by following automated instructions throughout the machining process.
Successful manufacturing is dependent on creative design and planning, detailed analysis, and careful execution. At KICastings, our CNC machinery fulfills an important role during this process. Its components often require multiple levels of machining before they can be used for commercial or industrial applications.

CNC machinery offers a range of time and cost benefits across all levels of manufacturing, leading to better-quality and more consistent results.
When compared to manual lathes and other forms of human-operated machinery, CNC machines provide the following advantages:

• Continuous use – CNC machinery can work continuously over an extended period of time without a break. While malfunctioning machines and maintenance issues may arise from time to time, CNC production is a vast improvement over non-computerized machining when it comes to durability and continuity.
• Consistent standards – CNC machinery offers unparalleled consistency between individual production units and production runs. The design of any given part only needs to be programmed once, with discrete coded instructions then used throughout the production process. In contrast, manual machines invite human error and inconsistent results over time.
• Precise results – The automated and integrated nature of CNC machining offers a whole new level of precision. From the initial CAD design to the tooling, processing, and cutting, each part of the process can be controlled separately with amazing accuracy and ultra-tight tolerances.
• Redundancy and reliability – CNC machining enables an efficient and parallel approach to production. The use of multiple machines can reduce deadline pressures when it comes to repair. If one machine goes down, another machine can continue production with the same coded instructions. Redundancy and multiplicity allow independent machines to do identical work.
• Flexibility – Modern CNC turning, CNC milling, and other CNC machining are highly flexible and adaptable. Unlike manual machining, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, the CNC machined parts process makes it much easier to change production strategies and align production schedules.

The Difference Between CNC Turning and CNC Milling

CNC production takes many forms, from turning and milling machines to complex drills and 3D printers. Turning and milling processes function in a similar but inverse relationship. Both methods play an important role in modern production houses along with drilling and other machining processes.

• Turning operations are performed by rotating the workpiece and using a stationary cutting tool.
• Milling operations are performed by rotating the cutting tool and leaving the workpiece locked in place.

KICastings works with a number of advanced CNC lathes and has access to precision turning, milling, and drilling operations. We will machine most alloys, with the physical properties of each metal dictating the type of tooling required. The speed of manufacture and the time needed to accomplish the machining project also play an important role when it comes to selecting tooling and setting a production schedule.

The KICastings advantage

At KICastings, we produce high-quality machined parts with excellent physical and mechanical properties. Our advanced CNC lathes can be used for all parts that require a turning process.

CNC machines are useful for all industries. The specific requirements and complexity of the machining specification dictate the type of machine used and the final production details. From design and prototyping through to final production, our combination of expertise and experience ensures quality and consistency at every turn.