Increased demand requires manufacturers to innovate at a faster pace than ever. Advanced manufacturing techniques make this possible. One essential advanced manufacturing capability is 4th axis machining. Simultaneously machining multiple sides of a component is a remarkable timesaver. That’s because unclamping and moving components takes time and increases the possibility of errors. Increasing the cutting done in a single operation and minimizing handling of the workpiece is what 4th axis machining delivers — along with speed and precision.
Hard turning and hard milling are additional advanced manufacturing techniques many industries rely upon today. Manufacturers have long relied on hard turning to streamline or eliminate the need for cylindrical grinding. It has proven to be an effective way to handle hardened steels and superalloys. Hard milling, meanwhile, is an advanced manufacturing technique that combines high feed rates and small cut depths. When deployed effectively, hard milling is more efficient than grinding. It makes it easier to follow complicated radii or contours. The result is very close tolerances and surface finishes.
