March 6th, 2025, Machining
Machining encompasses numerous techniques used to form material into different sizes and shapes. Projects aren’t limited to utilizing a single technique throughout production, and various techniques are being utilized every single day. Each technique impacts the precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your project. Moreover, these techniques are better suited for some applications than others. Join us as we explore four key machining techniques used at BSG Inc. and what projects align best with them.
In manufacturing, we have two distinct processes known as additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing. True to its name, additive manufacturing involves adding material to a workpiece to create a shape or achieve a certain design. Machining, on the other hand, is a subtractive process. Various equipment and cutting tools are used to remove material from the workpiece until it forms the desired shape. Common cutting equipment includes drills, lathes, and milling machines which can shape different types of metals, plastics, and ceramics.
With over 30 years working in the manufacturing industry, BSG Inc. has been at the forefront of many projects requiring manual and CNC milling, turning, boring, and drilling. We’re one of Kitchener’s certified and trusted manufacturing service providers and have created parts for a wide range of industries. Work with a machining expert that knows how to get the job done, get started with BSG Inc.!
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During the milling process, rotating cutters are used to remove material from the workpiece, creating a specific design or pattern. Milling is performed manually using a manual milling machine or automatically using a CNC milling machine.
The main benefit of milling is that it's incredibly versatile. While other machining processes might be limited to certain shapes and sizes, milling is capable of producing a diverse range of shapes, slots, holes, and contours. Furthermore, some techniques will struggle to create precise and intricate shapes and designs, but this is not the case for milling. Milling does a fine job of making both rough cuts as well as fine details. With all this in mind, milling is a great option for projects that require multiple shapes and complex designs. Electronics, for example, is a prime milling application.
Our facility at BSG Inc. houses multiple state-of-the-art manual milling and CNC milling machines, enabling us to take on milling projects with precision and efficiency. We choose between manual and CNC milling based on the type of project as well as the client’s unique needs, such as budget or time constraints.
Turning rotates the workpiece against a lathe or other cutting tool to produce rotational, symmetrical parts. It is most effectively used to create parts like shafts and bolts, or basically any component that is cylindrical.
Turning achieves high-dimensional accuracy while creating a smooth surface finish for tubular shapes. A common application for turning is in the automotive industry, it produces high-quality cylindrical engine components.
Drilling involves the use of a rotating drill to create holes in a workpiece, which makes space for bolts, screws, and fasteners. It’s one of the more simple and straightforward machining processes. Drilling is used in a project when applicable and is always paired with other machining processes, such as milling. It produces numerous small and precise holes within a workpiece, which acts as a guide for assembling the finished product.
Drilling is chosen in a wide range of applications, ranging from simple applications like creating holes in furniture pieces for easy assembly, to complex applications like making holes to house electrical wiring.
Boring is a very specific machining process designed to achieve greater diameter accuracy on the holes of a workpiece. It enlarges pre-existing holes (which were drilled, casted, or punched) in the workpiece for higher precision.
The need to alter the size of these holes is important for fitting different metal pieces and parts together. An example of this is fuel systems. They require very specific diameters in passageways to transport fluid.
If you’re looking for a machining service provider capable of combining multiple techniques to maximize your project outcomes, you’ve come to the right place. From machining and welding to laser cutting and 3D printing, our expansive capabilities ensure we meet the needs of projects both big and small while ensuring high-quality every step of the way.
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