There is a multitude of options to consider when it comes to choosing the machine parts you need to be able to do the job you have in mind.
For one thing, there is the option of whether you need a machine part manufactured from steel, aluminum, or plastic, for instance, and then there is the design process to make them fit for purpose.
Here is a look at some of the key considerations and some examples of machine parts that you will most likely need to keep your production line rolling.
Precision ball screws
One of the essential components in manufacturing processes has to be precision ball screws, available from someone like Dynatect, for example.
You want a company that can produce custom ball screws in virtually any size that are capable of high repeatability so that they don’t let you down.
There is also the option of working on new ball screw designs or updating your existing design so that you improve machine functionality.
Custom rubber molding
If you want a simple and effective solution to your requirements for producing elastomeric materials you will most likely look to rubber compression molding to provide the answer.
Rubber compression molding is one of the most popular production methods. It involves placing the material directly into the cavity of the mold and using applied pressure to force the material into the chosen shape.
This process can accommodate the production of large-scale parts as coping with much smaller tasks.
Machining time is a key consideration
The above examples are just some of the tasks that you will look to accomplish using custom machine parts and as well as working out what is needed from a design perspective there are also a number of key considerations that you need to think about as well.
One issue that you need to be mindful of is machining time.
The basic principle that should always be in your mind when going through the design process is that the longer it takes to machine a part, the more likely it becomes that the cost of producing that part will rise.
Machining time is often one of the main cost drivers and that is why your aim should be to try and find the most efficient machining solution that takes the least amount of time.
Upfront costs
A lot of your project costs will be utilized in the start-up process.
This is mainly because there are costs associated with CAD file preparation as well as process planning. Although you will be spending money on getting this right, once it is done, you can look to recoup these costs as you go into production.
If you get the CAD file preparation sorted for a fixed cost you could, in theory, reduce the unit price simply by adopting an economies of scale approach and upping your production target.
Choosing your materials
It should also be remembered that the price you pay for bulk materials and how easily these materials can be machined, will have a big influence on your overall cost figure.
The aim should be to choose the materials you are going to work with carefully and if you get that right, as well as getting the design spot on as well, this should be a winning combination for keeping a lid on your costs.
Special tooling and other manufacturing costs
If you designing parts that have unique and special requirements, such as the need to define particularly tight tolerances, this is going to require a special tooling solution.
As well as the need for special tooling, it is also going to require a more robust approach to quality control, and a few more processing steps than might be the case with a more simple project.
If the processing steps are more complicated and take up more machine time this is almost certainly going to mean that your manufacturing costs are going to be higher.
These are problems and challenges that are all far from insurmountable, especially if you get the design aspect of your project right, as this will keep machine time and costs to a minimum.
What about 3D printing?
While working out a solution to designing the custom machine parts you need there is always the option of 3D printing to consider.
It should be remembered that 3D printing still has a number of limitations, especially when you consider that not everything you can draw on a digital canvas can then be 3D printed.
One of the main issues that you have to contend with regarding the idea of producing parts using 3D printing is that a fundamental aspect of the printing process is the fact that you will have to build each part on a layer-by-layer basis.
It stands to reason that you will need every layer to be printed over some form of underline material.
These are referred to as overhangs and there is a clear limit when it comes to the angle that a 3D printer can work to without the need for additional support material.
If you are considering using 3D printing, aim to limit the overhangs when you are putting together your design.
One of the most versatile materials
If you want to keep the production line rolling once the design process is complete it makes a lot of sense to choose a material that is versatile and abundantly available at this point in time.
Aluminum can be formed into virtually any shape that you want and it is extremely versatile when you consider that it can be rolled into thick plates, but equally, can be thin enough to be used as a wrapper or even drawn into wire so that it can be turned into a can.
You might sometimes have to add additional elements, such as copper, in order to increase strength, but it is an example of how you should be able to find a material to fit the purpose.
All you have to do to complete the equation is get the design process just right and you will be well on the way to producing custom machine parts that keep you ahead of the competition.