Where milling and turning fit

CNC milling can be used for flat or contoured surfaces, slots, pockets, drilled holes and components with more complex geometries. Typical enquiries include brackets, flanges, supports, mounting plates and connecting components. Internal or external threading depends on the available machine capabilities.

CNC turning is relevant to cylindrical components such as shafts, bushings, sleeves, spacers, pins and rollers. Operations may include internal and external turning, thread cutting, grooving and shoulder turning. Components for pumps, motors or industrial equipment can be reviewed from a drawing or an existing sample.

Give the technical review a useful starting point

  • Identify the material and grade: for example aluminium, steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze or copper.
  • For engineering plastics, specify the exact material so that suitability can be assessed.
  • Highlight functional dimensions, required tolerances, threads and relevant standards.
  • State surface-finish requirements and any heat or surface treatment.
  • Include the quantity, requested delivery timing and inspection criteria.

Make the application clear. A replacement component for industrial maintenance may raise different questions from a new prototype or a repeat production batch. If a sample is the only reference, identify any worn areas and explain which features must be checked before reproduction.

Confirm the project-specific scope

Machining feasibility is assessed against the drawings, material, geometry and available machine capacity. The quotation depends on factors including machining complexity, tolerances, quantity and delivery requirements. A requested feature or material should therefore be reviewed rather than assumed to be available.

Quality requirements should be agreed for the particular component. Checks may include dimensional inspection using calipers, micrometers or other suitable measuring instruments, depending on the specified tolerances and inspection criteria. ProcAL coordinates the brief with suitable production partners so that open technical points can be addressed before the scope is confirmed.

Further technical reading

Independent resources for project preparation and review.