Nickel chrome plating
Transcend chrome Inc. offers a complete range of metal finishing services, including nickel plating on a wide range of metal substrates, including steel, brass, aluminum, zinc die-cast.
Nickel plating delivers excellent wear and corrosion resistance for tools, plumbing fixtures, motorcycle parts, and more. Nickel plating often serves as under-plating for a thin layer of chrome plating. This combination provides protection and an enhanced, mirror-like shine on thousands of decorative applications in the automotive, plumbing, appliance and hardware industries.
What is Nickel chrome plating
CNC machining technology has become an indispensable part of the modern manufacturing landscape, and it’s used in a variety of industries ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
There are different types of CNC machines and they can be divided into groups based on their complexity, ranging from simple 2-axis machines to machines capable of working on five axes. A 3-axis machine, for example, keeps the part in a stationary position while a cutting tool moves on XYZ planes, ideal for milling slots, cutting sharp edges, and drilling holes.
At The Federal Group, we use state-of-the-art 3-axis milling machines, 4-axis machines, and 5-axis machines to create high-quality products that match our clients’ desired specs. The technique lends itself to precise and intricate parts made from various materials.
As your metal parts experts, we specialize in metal CNC machining.
CNC Machining Materials
CNC machining involves the precise removal of material from a workpiece to create intricate shapes and components. Various materials are commonly used in CNC machining, each with its unique properties that cater to specific applications.
Metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium are popular choices due to their durability, machinability, and resistance to corrosion. The selection of materials in CNC machining is critical, considering factors such as hardness, thermal conductivity, and the desired end-use of the product. This diversity in material options allows CNC machining to be a versatile and widely applicable manufacturing process across various industries.
Carbon Steel
Including low-, medium-, and high-carbon steel.
Tool Steels
Composed of various combinations of iron-based alloys and particularly well-suited to be made into tools and tooling.
12L14 Steel
One of the fastest machining steels currently being produced. Widely used in high-speed screw machining applications.
Alloy Steel
A type of steel alloyed with several elements in addition to carbon, resulting in improved hardness, toughness, fatigue, and wear resistance.
Brass
A copper and zinc alloy with strong corrosion resistance and high conductivity, used in applications from electrical to antimicrobial.
Inconel 718
A nickel-based superalloy developed for the aerospace industry and used for aircraft engine components.
Monel
A nickel-based superalloy often used to make marine engineering equipment.
Aluminum
A lightweight, malleable, and durable option for many applications.
Titanium
A strong, corrosion-resistant metal commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
Stainless Steel
A very strong alloy that’s resistant to corrosion, easy to clean and sterilize, making it especially useful for medical equipment.
The CNC Machining Process
The CNC machining process is a subtractive manufacturing technique that involves the use of computer numerical control (CNC) machines to remove material from a workpiece and shape it into a desired form. The process typically includes the following steps:
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Design:
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The process begins with the creation of a digital 3D model or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file. This design serves as the blueprint for the final product, specifying dimensions, tolerances, and other details.
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Programming:
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The CAD file is then translated into CNC machine code (typically g-code or m-code) by a programmer using CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software. This CNC programming code contains instructions for the CNC machine on how to move and position the cutting tools to achieve the desired part geometry.
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Workpiece Setup:
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The raw material, known as the workpiece, is secured in the CNC machine. This may involve clamping it in a vice, chuck, or other holding device depending on the machine type.
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Tool Selection:
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Appropriate cutting tools are selected based on the material of the workpiece and the features required in the final product. Different tools may be used for milling, turning, drilling, or other operations.
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Machine Calibration:
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The CNC lathe undergoes a calibration process to ensure accuracy in its movements. This calibration includes setting the zero points and reference positions for each axis.
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CNC Machining Operations:
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The CNC machine executes the programmed toolpaths, which involve precise movements of the cutting tools in relation to the workpiece. This can include milling, turning, drilling, or a combination of these operations.
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Material Removal:
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During machining, material is gradually removed from the workpiece according to the programmed instructions. The cutting tools create the desired shapes, features, and surface finishes.
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Quality Control:
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Periodic checks may be performed by machinists to verify the dimensions and tolerances of the machined features. This ensures that the final product meets the specified requirements.
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Finishing Operations:
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After the primary machining operations, additional processes like deburring, polishing, or heat treating may be applied to improve the final product’s aesthetics and functionality.
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Completion:
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Once the machining process is complete, the finished part is removed from the CNC machine. Depending on the complexity of the project, multiple setups or operations may be required to achieve the final product.
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CNC machining is widely used across various industries due to its precision, efficiency, and versatility in producing complex parts with tight tolerances. It is applicable to a range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
Advantages of CNC Machining
CNC machine tools can make quick, complicated cuts unmatched by other machinery. Using a computer-driven cutting tool to transform raw materials into a final product gives the client consistent product quality, better accuracy, and increased production speed. Depending on the part geometry, CNC machining can be ideal for prototyping.
Plus, the optimization greatly reduces defects. Inputs remain unchanged during the entire production process, cycle after cycle—and as long as they’re maintained and overseen by a trained machinist, machines can operate for long hours without compromising the quality of the product.
CNC machining is distinguished by built-in efficiencies, seamless scalability, and reduced energy consumption, all without compromises to the process or quality. All of this adds up to a process that can produce precision parts at a massively reduced cost of production.
What is the difference between CNC machining, milling, and turning?
CNC machining is a broad term that encompasses various manufacturing processes, including CNC milling and CNC turning. Here are the key differences between CNC machining, CNC milling, and CNC turning:
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CNC Machining:
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Definition: CNC machining is a general term for computer numerical control processes that involve the removal of material from a workpiece to achieve a desired shape.
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Processes: It includes a range of operations such as milling, turning, drilling, and other techniques performed with the assistance of computer-controlled machines.
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CNC Milling:
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Definition: CNC milling specifically refers to the process of using rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece to create a specific shape.
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Operation: In CNC milling, the workpiece remains stationary while the cutting tool rotates, allowing for precise and controlled material removal. This process is ideal for creating complex shapes and features on a variety of materials.
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CNC Turning:
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Definition: CNC turning involves the rotation of a workpiece while a cutting tool moves in a linear fashion to shape the material.
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Operation: In CNC turning, the material is typically held in a chuck and rotated, and a cutting tool is applied to create cylindrical shapes such as tubes, shafts, and other symmetrical components. It is particularly effective for producing parts with rotational symmetry.
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In summary, CNC machining is the overarching term that encompasses various manufacturing processes, while CNC milling and CNC turning are specific techniques within CNC machining. CNC milling involves rotary cutters and stationary workpieces, while CNC turning revolves around rotating workpieces and linearly moving cutting tools. Each technique is chosen based on the specific requirements of the desired end product.
What is the difference between Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and CNC machining?
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CNC Machining: CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that involves removing material from a workpiece using cutting tools such as drills, mills, or lathes. The cutting tools physically remove material through various cutting actions.
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EDM: Electrical Discharge Machining, on the other hand, is a non-traditional machining process that relies on electrical discharges (sparks) to remove material. EDM doesn’t involve direct contact between the tool and the workpiece; instead, material is eroded through a series of controlled electrical discharges.