Complex, precision-machined components demand more than advanced equipment.
With experienced machinists and programmers, state-of-the-art CNC technology, disciplined processes, and strict quality controls, Axis Fab’s machining department supports intricate components with the efficiency our customers demand.
At Axis Fabrication and Machine, we excel at both sheet metal fabrication and precision machining. In this piece, we want to dive into our machining department and how it runs in order to help our customers succeed.
Delivering Complex Precision Machined Components for Demanding Applications
Our fabrication and machine shop serves customers across a wide range of industries, including demanding sectors like aerospace and mining, where components often require complex geometries and tight tolerances.
Our machining capabilities are backed by 14 Mazak CNC machines, including four-axis equipment that allows our team to machine complex features and keep up with production demands.
But production isn’t possible without the workforce behind it. Our skilled team members bring the knowledge needed to determine the best approach for manufacturing a component.
Manufacturing Expertise That Helps Keep Projects Moving
We prioritize efficiency on the shop floor, and each member of our team contributes to keeping production schedules on track. This strategy starts at the top and works its way down, beginning with leadership.
Machining department leaders ensure team members have access to ongoing training programs and the modern equipment they need to support complex work.
This is especially valuable when it comes to CNC programming. Our mill programmers each bring different strengths. Each programmer in our shop develops their own programs, bringing individual expertise and problem-solving skills to drive project progress.
Problem-Solving on the Shop Floor
At Axis Fab, we are willing to take on challenges. We work until we find manufacturing solutions and get our customers what they need.
This problem-solving approach shows up when a design has a difficult feature or requirement. Our team looks for ways to make production possible instead of turning the project away.
One example came up recently while working on a complex project for the University of Tennessee’s engineering department. The assembly consisted of 30 individual pieces that we manufactured. The project required significant problem-solving, including an extremely long CNC program to produce one component.
Our machining department’s expertise also allows us to make suggestions regarding material choice and other decisions that improve manufacturability, helping customers save money and reduce lead time.
Expanding Machining Capability and Capacity
We recently transitioned operations into our new manufacturing facility. This larger space gave us the opportunity to invest in more equipment to increase capability and capacity in the machining department.
New equipment has expanded the range of part sizes we can accommodate. For example, our new CNC lathe has increased our capacity in both diameter and length, while our new milling equipment allows us to machine parts twice the size of what we previously could.
As we continuously invest in new ways to better serve our customers, five-axis machining is another important part of that equation. With additional machining capability, we can take on more complex designs and complete more of a component’s features in a single setup.
This means more options for manufacturing complex components.
Our investment in inspection technology is growing too. With our new automated CMM, we have more capacity and capability for verifying that machined components meet specifications.
Quality Checks Throughout the Manufacturing Process
Quality checks occur throughout the manufacturing process.
Operators and machinists are responsible for performing in-process checks as parts run.
Additionally, we check a component before it moves from one operation to the next. Whether a part requires two operations or ten, it does not move on until it is thoroughly inspected against requirements.
We apply the same level of attention when outside processing is required, and we check all components as they return to our facility.
Every component also goes through final inspection before it is shipped to the customer.
Together, these checks help ensure our customers receive accurate, ready-to-go parts every time.
A Machining Partner for Complex Manufacturing Needs
Behind our machining operations are expert problem-solvers, advanced CNC capabilities, controlled procedures, and rigorous inspection processes built into every stage of production.
Together, these enable our Knoxville machine shop to deliver complex components for critical industries efficiently.
When you need a machining partner that can help you work through the challenges of manufacturing your parts, request a quote from Axis Fabrication and Machine today.