Home > Production Machining

High-end production machining for tool and die making

Delivering highly precise results, computer numerical control (CNC) machining is one of the leading technologies used by today’s tool and die manufacturers. With CNC machining, operators program computers to control the movements of the machinery and tools being used in the tool and die making process.

cnc-parts

At Engineering Specialties, Inc. (ESI), we utilize several types of CNC machining to efficiently produce accurate dies that create high-precision parts. Our unmatched precision ultimately yields significant cost savings for our metal stamping clients, eliminating costs associated with longer stamping runs, increased labor, and time spent fixing errors.

Machining Capabilities for Die Sets and Progressive Dies

ESI offers the following CNC machining capabilities:

  • 5-axis CNC milling — CNC milling involves the use of a multitude of different rotating cutting tools to perform milling, sawing, and drilling functions. With CNC milling, the cutter has the ability to move along different axes — in ESI’s case, five axes — allowing it to make different shapes, slots, or holes. CNC comes into play through the use of programming software, employed to cut complex designs. CNC milling can be extremely useful in executing complicated designs that manual cutting or drilling could not achieve with the same level of precision.
  • CNC turning with live tooling — CNC turning involves the placement of bars of metal or other materials into a collet, while a rotating tool shapes the bars. CNC software programs the movements of the tool removing the material to shape the bar, ensuring clean, accurate results.
  • Wire EDM — Wire EDM cutting uses CNC to provide outstanding precision in cut pieces. ESI’s new high-speed wire EDM cutting machine uses not only numerical controls, but also 3D setup, smart threading, and a human-machine interface that allows adjustments to be made during the job — allowing for the highest level of precision possible.

Industries Benefitting From CNC

Stamped metal parts used by the automotive, aircraft, medical, and defense industries require the highest level of precision, which can only be met with a highly accurate die. CNC machining offers the required level of accuracy, producing high volumes of identical, high-quality parts. ESI also provides stringent quality control checks to ensure that every product meets each customer’s strictest requirements.

Virtually all manufacturing industries benefit from CNC production techniques to create exact tools and dies that will yield ideal results during the production process. Using high-level technology, we create tools and dies for your production runs that can achieve tight tolerances and easily produce high-volume runs.

Learn More

For more than 25 years, ESI has been a trusted leader in custom metal stamping, production machining, and assembly, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality products while ensuring optimal value for our customers.

To learn more about our CNC machining capabilities and discuss how we can deliver the precision you need at lower costs, contact the team today.

Machining Specifications:

  • 5 Axis CNC Millingmilling
  • CNC Turning with Live Tooling
  • Latest Wire EDM Equipment
  • Solidworks, MasterCAM, AutoCAD, Esprit Software
  • Aluminum to Hardened Steels and Exotic Alloys
  • Multi-Axis Aircraft Machining
  • Precision Medical Components
  • Complex Shapes for Every Industry

 

"View

Frequently Asked Questions about CNC Machining

What is production machining?

Production, or high-volume, machining is cutting a piece of raw material into a desired part or shape removing material in a controlled process. One of these processes is CNC, or Computer Numerical Control, Machining, in which tools like lathes, routers, mills and grinders are controlled by computers.

How can I save money with production machining?

Two ways to save are with tolerances and with number of axes. If a project doesn’t require tight tolerances, talk to your engineer about what can be acceptable while still saving on production costs. The smallest of tolerance adjustments can save significant amounts.
A 5-axis machine will produce results more efficiently than a 3-axis machine. ESI offers 5-axis solutions because it saves money and improves accuracy. As the name indicates, 5-axis machines offer five axes of movement to machine multiple sides of a part. A 3-axis machine can only offer one side of machining to a part, which adds steps, time and money to the process. In addition, 5-axis machining reduces stacking error.

What are examples of machining projects?

ESI manufactured a flange nut to affix to an arbor. The nut had to be both strong and wide without hindering the arbor’s rotation, as well as easily screw into place. The solution was an aluminum bronze nut (for strength) and specific threading and diameter for usability and fit.
Other examples are machining an aluminum air restrictorfor an aerospace manufacturer and a metal stamp to act as a spring and electronics shieldfor vital sign monitoring equipment. For the first, ESI took over the aerospace project to meet quality requirements and volume deadlines. For the second, ESI provided a quicker and more affordable solution over competitor quotes for the medical industry client.

What kind of metals can be used in production machining?

Aluminum, brass and bronze can be used on CNC machines. Aluminum offers extreme durability while still being easy to cut through and machine. Brass and bronze don’t offer the same level of durability and ease of cutting, though aren’t uncommon. To assist in cutting certain metals, specific bits will be used to ease the cutting process for various thicknesses and metal toughness. ESI prides itself on reliably machining anything from aluminum to hardened steels and exotic alloys.

See All Capabilities