When low-cost CNC machines first started becoming popular in everyday engineering workshops back in the 70s a revolution took place. Before, most engineering was manual. There was a man for every job… a man for grinding, a man for milling etc., the unions were not pleased.
There was major concern for the loss of jobs that this amazing technology would cause. But CNC engineering became normal and it didn’t matter what the unions thought.
The machines have advanced along with technology over the years. 5 axis machines are common place and there’s not a single paper tape CNC machine in sight!
With the micropressor, CNC precision engineering advanced and now anyone can get a machine, put it in a workshop and call themselves a precision engineer.
Do these pop-up workshops offer the same speed, precision and value as a well established company? Let’s consider a few things. First, the good old 5 axis machine.
‘What do 5 axis machines offer the buyer?’
Better quality? Well, not nalways. So why use them?
It’s all to do with cost.
Your machined parts are far more expensive if your supplier is using substandard tools for the job. Why? Your component will take a lot longer to make – even if they are using CNC precision engineering technology.
For example, a part that’s machined with a 3 Axis machine requires several operational runs – stopping, reprogramming and restarting the machine to get a new angle on your component.
Both time and money could be saved by machining this part on a 5 Axis machine in a single operation. Will a pop-up workshop have the 5 axis machines that add the speed to your CNC precision engineering requirements?
CAM Technology & 5 Axis Machining
Even if the start up workshop has 5 axis technology, the software employed gets the most from the machine. Or doesn’t if the cheap option is taken!
Controlling two additional axis in the machining stage allows better planning in the programming stage (though only if the user isn’t still thinking with a 3 axis mindset).
At Axis we use a top of the range Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software called Hypermill.
This fantastic CAM software from OpenMind has a host of automated functions which save us time, allowing us to pass on this cost saving to our customers. In combination with our top quality 5 Axis machines, this means we can minimise the number of operations needed in order to manufacture a given component.
This is particularly useful when you want to manufacture in bulk, as small time savings can be multiplied, adding up to a significantly quicker and cheaper service, again adding speed and precision to your CNC precision engineering requirements.
When 5 Axis Machining And CAM Technology Fail!
Unfortunately, even with CNC, CAM and 5 Axis machines, it can still go wrong.
I think all of us have had real life experiences that demonstrate how technology isn’t quite perfect. For example, just last week, I drove down a new road that Google Maps assured me would be 3 minutes quicker than my normal route… and destroyed the sump on my car. Thanks Google!!
But it’s not technology’s fault, it’s our reliance on it.
Thankfully, all of our engineers have the experience to deal with tech when it goes wrong. There’s years of knowledge and expertise dedicated to getting your project right first time.
Something the pop-up workshop hasn’t got and can’t buy – expertise!
Quality Materials For Quality CNC Precision Engineering
For us, quality starts with the materials chosen. We use the best and most reliable UK and European suppliers so we don’t compromise on quality – no cheap, substandard metals here.
In addition, our full time Quality Inspector ensures that all ISO 9001:2015 requirements are covered, including full traceability of materials.
Passion For Quality Never Compromised
The pop-up engineering company simply hasn’t the uncompromising passion for quality. Find out what it’s like to work with a supplier that truly puts quality first. In a few short clicks you can download our free case study