Precision Machining Services at Modern Industries: What You Need to Know
Precision Machining Services at Modern Industries: What You Need to Know
At Modern Industries, we offer a diversified suite of precision machining services and complete this work with state-of-the-art equipment. We perform precision machining on a standalone basis and as part of our broader manufacturing offering. On this page and throughout the Precision Machining section of our informative website you can begin to learn about our sweeping offering. After doing so, we invite you to contact us to discuss your machining needs and allow us to provide you with a competitively priced quote. As you will learn below, we have an enormous variety of vertical and horizontal CNC machines at our Erie, PA facility and
What Types of Machining Can Modern Industries Perform?
Our advanced equipment allows us to perform an endless variety of precision machining work. This equipment includes a flexible machining system with a single FMC line and 4 horizontal machining centers. It also includes single and dual spindle vertical machining centers. We also have CNC turning centers and we have a partnership with an experienced grinding house that can handle overflow cylindrical grinding work when needs arise.
Controlling Machining Quality with CMMs and an ISO Certified QA program
Materials We Can Machine
Precision machining has become popular because it is extremely accurate. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be used to reliably machine everyday items. While you can contract us for production runs of common items, our CNC equipment can also be used to produce industrial parts or tools from raw materials such as:
- Steel, stainless steel, and tool steel
- Cast Iron
- Aluminum and aluminum bronze
- Bronze and Brass
- Nitraloy
- Titanium
- Tribaloy
Machining processes configure materials to precise specifications and dimensions, creating components that are durable, repeatable, and consistent.
Benefits of Our Precision Machining Services
There are many reasons we have sought to invest in and build out our precision machining capabilities. This streamlined process has generated advantages that include:
Improved Production Efficiency
Computer-controlled machines like our CNC equipment can run automatically and at high speeds to keep the production machining process running smoothly, even overnight. While our team is highly skilled, operator input is minimal, allowing us to reduce production costs by limiting the workforce needed to complete a task. Precision machining also improves product quality and frees up time for skilled workers to focus on operating advanced systems and machinery. These aspects alone have helped to streamline our precision machining processes and allow us to pass on the time and cost savings to Modern Industries customers.
Faster Operations
Precision machining utilizes equipment that interprets blueprints and other instructions from computer software. The machinery unequivocally outperforms manual machines and human operators when comparing accuracy, production speed, and overall output. As the machines can perform without interruption or the need for downtime or breaks, production can be completed faster than via traditional manual methods without sacrificing quality. The increased production speed allows for reduced turnaround times that help companies like ours serve as a reliable partner in our customers’ scalable growth.
Minimized Potential for Human Error with CNC Machines
Machining errors can cause frustration, extend production timeframes, and increase the overall budget for a project. No matter how careful and skilled employees are, human error is unavoidable in high volume machining work. Automated CNC equipment like ours, however, rarely makes errors since it strictly adheres to predetermined, programmable guidelines. This reliance on machine accuracy reduces the risk factor of human error in the process and minimizes system downtime. Plus, while our equipment is precise, we also have a skilled team on site who perform an ISO certified machining quality review of each production run we complete.
Reduced Operational Costs
The manufacturing industry has adapted to using comprehensive automated systems like CNC machines to run production operations thanks in part to the low production costs they require, the reduced material waste generated, fewer labor requirements, and a minimized risk of error. The increased output for production runs also adds cost benefits.
Enhanced Prototyping
Precision custom machining creates functional, interactive prototypes with working parts, rather than just displaying a basic concept or design. This type of prototype testing is more effective since it instills confidence in stakeholders, allows you to evaluate market demand, and, perhaps most importantly, determines production needs and incorporates feedback quickly so that you can move on to full-scale production.
Precision Machining Industrial Applications
Precision machining is one of the most in-demand manufacturing methods today and our suite of CNC services proves we can handle even highly complex jobs. Where other traditional processes and machining shops can struggle, we and our machines can produce intricate, customizable designs for a variety of applications. Some of the top industries currently taking advantage of precision machining services from Modern Industries include:
Aerospace
Given the critical nature of its applications, the aerospace and defense industry follow strict guidelines to maintain high accuracy, tight tolerances, and precision performance in all manufactured components. Relying heavily on multi-axis CNC machines like the ones at Modern Industries, the aerospace industry can utilize metals like titanium that are hard for some manufacturers and antiquated equipment to machine. Some aerospace applications of CNC machining include:
- Connectors
- Enclosures and housings
- Landing gear
- Manifolds
Automated Technology and Robotics
Selecting the proper manufacturing technique when designing robotics and automation systems is often challenging. While 3D printed pieces are highly accurate and precise, they are typically fragile and not as durable or strong as precision machined parts. Precision machining can produce:
- Effectors
- Jigs
- Robotic arms
- Sensors
Automotive
Precision machining is invaluable to auto manufacturers due to its high repeatability rates. The process allows manufacturers to use interchangeable parts and tools, which are crucial given the need of these companies to reproduce essential components at scale. Precision machining creates reliable engine parts that include, but are not limited to:
- Cylinders
- Engine blocks
- Gearboxes
Electronics
For more than 20 years, precision machining has been a crucial component in the electronics industry’s ability to grow and manufacture increasingly complex technology. The industry requires intricate parts that necessitate high levels of precision and consistency, which can only be achieved with CNC equipment. Critical electronic components that benefit from precision machining include:
- Connections
- Enclosures
- Heat sinks
- Printed circuit boards
- Sockets
Healthcare
The medical industry relies heavily on the advanced processes of precision machining to meet the needs of patients worldwide. Accuracy and high performance are imperative qualities in manufacturing products for healthcare professionals’ use because even a slight error can result in negative life-changing results for a patient. Precision CNC machining also makes it easier for the medical industry to contribute to the well-being of its patients while adhering to the strict guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the manufacturing of medical devices and tools such as:
- Bone screws
- Disposable or easily sterilized tools
- Implants
- Stents
- Surgical instruments
Precision Machining Capabilities from Modern Industries
At Modern Industries we have been serving the manufacturing and testing needs of diverse industries since 1946. While our roots go back nearly 80 years, as our name implies, we have always sought to remain at the forefront of manufacturing innovation. One area where we shine is in precision machining. With our suite of CNC machines, Blanchard grinding equipment, CMM testing tools, and more, we have earned a reputation as a go-to source for tight tolerance machining work. We are an ISO certified machining shop with a suite of services that allows us to service Aerospace companies, Defense entities, auto manufacturers, and beyond. Beyond our tight tolerance machining work, we are also an established heat treater, chemical analysis experts, and laboratory testing provider to name just three of our additional areas of focus.
Modern Industries strives to offer a full range of machining services to maintain our ability to solve even the most complex precision machining challenges. Our capabilities include:
- CNC machining. Our CNC capabilities enable repeatable production on single- or dual-spindled machines. We have one flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) with four horizontal machining centers. Each machine has 16 horizontals with 400mm, 500mm, or 630mm pallet sizes. Modern Industries also has multiple turning centers and four coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
- Swiss machining. Our Swiss Tsugami B0326-II CNC machine provides flexibility in production and reduced material costs. A reduction in machine time is possible with rapid changeover tooling. Our dual-path Fanuc 32i-B CNC machine also offers simultaneous operations of its spindles.
- Welding. Modern Industries provides a broad range of in-house welding services, including MIG, TIG, and structural welding, to support fabrication and assembly. We can customize and combine parts with stampings or forgings provided by the customer in various sizes and configurations.
- Grinding. CNC, centerless, cylindrical, double disk, and Blanchard grinders allow us to offer part finishing services to meet our customers’ needs. If Modern Industries doesn’t currently offer the specific grinding process you are looking for, we may still be able to accommodate you.
- Assembly and contract manufacturing. Partnering with Modern Industries to prepare finished assemblies allows you to expand your operations without investing in additional production equipment, labor, or facilities. Our assembly and fabrication services include offerings for design and engineering, among other capabilities.
- Production planning and inventory control. Our Vantage Enterprise Resource Planning/ Manufacturing Resource Planning (ERP/MRP) system has the ability to integrate inventory and supply chain management, scheduling, forecasting, and more for real-time data.
Partner With Modern Industries
If you want to have your parts machined by a manufacturer that puts customer satisfaction at the forefront of their work, there is no better resource than Modern Industries. Contact us today if you want to find out what has kept our business growing and our customers happy since 1946. We welcome the opportunity to put our CNC machining centers and other advanced equipment to work producing your parts.
