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custom-metal-parts-manufacturing

Understanding Custom Metal Parts Manufacturing

Custom metal parts are unique to individual industries and applications. Engineers and designers need to comprehend the materials, manufacturing processes, and use cases to choose the right methods for creating them. Each process has its strengths, compatible materials, and trade-offs. A deeper understanding of the range of production methods will enhance the decision-making process.

Overview of Manufacturing Processes

Here are eight manufacturing processes you can utilize to create custom metal parts:

  1. CNC Machining

    • CNC Milling and Turning: CNC machining involves automated cutting machines that remove material with a rotating spindle head. Turning spins material against a stationary tool to achieve the desired shape. These processes work well with a range of materials, including plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
    • How It Works: CNC turning uses CNC lathes or multi-axis turning centers. Modern CNC technologies support up to 5 axes, enabling precise cutting for more detailed parts.
    • Materials: Aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and zinc alloys.
    • Industries: Aerospace, automotive, consumer products, electronics, industrial, medical, and robotics.

  2. Extrusion

    • How It Works: Extrusion involves pushing heated metal or plastic through a die to create a net shape. It is ideal for high volumes of parts with constant cross-sections.
    • Materials: Primarily aluminum alloy for metals and polyethylene for plastics.
    • Industries: Automotive, aerospace, construction, and consumer products.

  3. Metal Casting

    • How It Works: Metal casting involves pouring liquid metal into a mold, where it hardens into the desired shape. Modern casting is precise and automated.
    • Materials: Aluminum, magnesium, copper alloys, zinc, steel, and other metals.
    • Industries: Automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.

  4. Die Casting

    • How It Works: Die casting uses steel molds and low-melting-point metals to create complex parts. It is ideal for high-volume production.
    • Materials: Aluminum, zinc, and magnesium.
    • Industries: Automotive, electronics, and consumer goods.

  5. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

    • How It Works: MIM uses a polymer-metal mix to create parts. The material is injected into a mold and then sintered to remove the polymer.
    • Materials: Powdered metals such as stainless steel, titanium, and other alloys.
    • Industries: Medical, aerospace, automotive, and defense.

  6. Forging

    • How It Works: Forging involves heating and shaping metal parts using high-impact machines. It produces strong, durable parts.
    • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze.
    • Industries: Automotive, aerospace, and industrial tools.

  7. Sheet Metal and Stamping

    • How It Works: Sheet metal fabrication involves cutting and bending metal sheets to create parts. Stamping is used for high-volume production.
    • Materials: Aluminum, copper, and steel.
    • Industries: Electronics, automotive, and industrial equipment.

  8. Metal 3D Printing

    • How It Works: Metal 3D printing uses lasers to create parts layer by layer. It is ideal for complex geometries and prototypes.
    • Materials: Stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, copper, and aluminum powders.
    • Industries: Aerospace, medical, and industrial components.

Summary

Understanding the various manufacturing processes is crucial for creating custom metal parts. At UnoFactory, we specialize in these processes and offer a range of services to meet your specific needs. For more information on how UnoFactory can assist with your custom metal parts manufacturing, contact us today.