Machines

Precision Machining and Processes

The chart below summarizes various machines that can be used to manufacture parts.

Custom Fabrications

Machine Method D Materials T
Blanking Custom punch cuts shape in one hit 2D Sheet metal Y
Casting, Pressure Die Molten metal forced into mold 3D Non-ferrous metals Y
Extrude Molten material forced thru die 2.5D Plastic Y
Laser Cutting Laser beam vaporizes cut path 2D Most N
Milling Rotating cutter moves in 3D 3D Hard N
Molding, Compression (for rubber) Heated rubber pressed into mold 3D Rubber Y
Molding, Injection Molten plastic forced into mold 3D Plastic Y
Photochemical Milling Chemical dissolves masked sheet 2D Metal N
Rapid Prototype (FDM) Fused plastic deposits in 3D space 3D ABS N
Spur gears cutting Cutting of plain 2D gears 2D Metal N
Turret Punch Successive punching of fixed shapes 2D Sheet metal N
Turning (lathe) Cutter applied to rotating material (concentric shapes) 3D Hard N
Waterjet High pressure water cuts sheet 2D Hard N
Wire EDM Charged wire erodes material 2D Metal N
Machine Method D Materials T

Secondary Processes

Machine Method D Materials T
Bending Bends sheet metal to an angle 3D Metal N
Counter boring * Rotating tool enlarges upper portion of hole NA Hard N
Countersinking * Conical tool adds conical shape to top of hole NA Hard N
Drilling Rotating cutter moves in one dimension 1D Hard N
Finishing Various methods of treating surface of work piece NA Metal N
Grinding, Surface Abrasive wheel creates uniform flat surface 2D Metal N
Honing * Tool with rotating abrasive enlarges hole NA Metal N
Knurling  * Textured tool presses coarse textured pattern (cylindrical shapes) NA Metal N
Reaming * Precision cutting tool creates accurate hole 1D Metal N
Band sawing * Cutting blade cuts material in straight line NA Hard N
Shearing * Scissors-like action cuts material in straight line NA Most N
Silk Screen Ink is forced thru a mesh that holds a graphic pattern 2D Most Y
Threading & Tapping Threads holes and protrusions 3D Hard N
Welding Joins metal surfaces 3D Metal N
Machine Method D Materials T

T = Uses tooling (generally beneficial for longer runs). D = 2D or 3D shapes

* Specified using the Comments To Machinist features of the eMachineShop CAD.

Also see common fabrication methods.

The above processes are compatible in various combinations with: Aluminum ... Stainless Steel ... Copper ... Sheet Metal ... Nylon ... Steel ... Acetal ... Polycarbonate ... Polystyrene ... Acrylic ... Plastic ... Fiberglass ... Brass ... Carbon fiber ... PTFE ... Titanium ... ABS ... PVC ... Sterling Silver ... Spring Steel ... Bronze and Rubber.


Video correction: The new Auto selection in the machines dialog is now used in most cases. The Auto choice results in automatic selection of the optimal machine for your design. 

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