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TCI Precision Metals announced the expansion of its precision sawing services to meet the demands of customers wanting more flexibility in materials processing. Customers with needs ranging from precision sawing to six-sided precision machine-ready blanks can now be accommodated. Computerized precision sawing helps TCI to serve more of the customer’s materials needs. TCI sources aluminum, stainless steel, and other alloys mill-direct, which supports customers needing value-added materials, but the Company also works with customer-supplied materials.
TCI Precision Metals announced the expansion of its precision sawing services to meet the demands of customers wanting more flexibility in materials processing. Customers with needs ranging from precision sawing to six-sided precision machine-ready blanks can now be accommodated. Computerized precision sawing helps TCI to serve more of the customer’s materials needs. TCI sources aluminum, stainless steel, and other alloys mill-direct, which supports customers needing value-added materials, but the Company also works with customer-supplied materials.
The expansion of TCI value-added sawing services is made possible by the Company’s ongoing investment in high-production materials processing equipment to produce its precision machine-ready blanks. Blanks are close-tolerance materials that go directly from the customer’s receiving dock to finish machining or fabrication. By expanding the machine-ready materials processing capabilities to include traditional precision sawing, customers can now eliminate more time-consuming in-house material prep while still having the flexibility to source and supply raw materials for processing if they choose, or they can have TCI do it.
“As competition becomes greater and workforce development more difficult, many shops are looking for ways to do more with less. Expanding our machine-ready materials processing capabilities to our precision sawing customers is one way we can help them maximize their business,” said Ben Belzer, President and CEO of TCI Precision Metals.
Precision Machine-Ready blanks eliminate the need for in-house sawing, grinding, flattening, and squaring operations. Each blank arrives deburred, clean, and individually packaged to avoid damage during shipping. Blanks are available in two ways: Ready-to-Ship blanks can be ordered online for same-day or next-day shipping and arrive square, flat, and parallel within ± .002” of specified dimensions all around; custom Made-to-Order blanks are made to customer specifications and are guaranteed as close as +/- .0005” dimensionally and as close as .002” flatness, squareness, and parallelism.
Founded in 1956, TCI Precision Metals is a family-owned, precision metal services company producing cut parts and Machine-Ready Blanks from aluminum, stainless steel, and other alloys. Sawing, Waterjet Cutting, Grinding, Milling, and Finishing services are also available. With the added benefit of being a plate and sheet distributor, TCI Precision Metals is a one-stop shop for value-added materials. TCI serves the needs of the medical, oil & gas, aerospace, industrial equipment, defense, food packaging, semiconductor, and many other industries.
When it comes to CNC clamping and tooling fixtures, choosing the right materials is essential. If you want to optimize your machining operations and increase performance while saving money in the long run, considering different materials for your setup could be an ideal solution.
These are some material considerations for CNC clamping and tooling fixtures to keep in mind.
For CNC clamping and tooling fixtures, stiffness and stability are paramount. A stable fixture is essential to ensure the machining operations are precise and repeatable. Aluminum, steel, and stainless steel are popular since they resist bending forces and rigidity.
Depending on the machining environment, you must choose materials that resist corrosion to ensure the longevity of the fixtures. Stainless steel and certain corrosion-resistant alloys are good options. Corrosion resistance is particularly vital when machining parts involve corrosive elements, like certain chemicals or moisture. A fixture made from a corrosion-resistant material will maintain its structural integrity over time, offering consistent performance and reducing the need for frequent replacements, thus saving costs in the long run.
The areas of the fixture that come into direct contact with workpieces and tools should have good wear resistance to prevent premature deterioration. Hardened steel, tool steel, and some surface treatments can enhance wear resistance. Not only does this prevent wear-related damage, but it also ensures the accuracy of machined parts.
Fixtures may be exposed to high temperatures generated during machining. Choose materials that can handle these temperatures without undergoing deformation or losing their mechanical properties.
For example, heat-resistant alloys are ideal for machining applications that involve higher temperatures. This difference makes them great for fixtures such as high-speed cutting and grinding.
Consider the machinability of the chosen material. Some materials might be challenging to machine, increasing production costs and lead times. When you choose a material with good machinability, it enables faster and more accurate machining operations. This machinability also reduces the need for frequent tool changes.
The weight of the fixture affects handling, setup, and machining dynamics. While heavier materials like cast iron provide stability, lightweight materials like aluminum can be advantageous for faster setup and reduced operator fatigue.
Different materials have varying coefficients of thermal expansion. Choose materials with similar coefficients to the workpiece material to minimize dimensional changes during machining.
Consider the electrical conductivity of materials for machining operations that involve electrical discharge machining (EDM). Some materials are better conductors than others, which makes them ideal for EDM operations. You should also be aware of the electrical properties of your workpiece material to ensure efficient EDM operations.
Let's look at some common material choices for CNC clamping and tooling fixtures.
Steel is the most common material for CNC clamping and tooling fixtures. It is known for its high strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Steel fixtures can support heavy workpieces and endure high clamping forces without deformation, providing stable and precise machining. Furthermore, steel fixtures can maintain accuracy over time, ensuring consistent part quality. Steel can be expensive, but its reliability and longevity make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Aluminum is another popular material for CNC clamping and tooling fixtures. It is lightweight, making it easy to handle and move, which reduces setup time. Also, aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, which can dissipate heat generated during machining, preventing workpiece distortion and fixture damage. However, aluminum is not as strong as steel, and clamping forces must be carefully controlled to avoid deformation. Nonetheless, aluminum fixtures are ideal for low to medium loads and are generally more affordable than steel fixtures.
Titanium is a high-strength material commonly used in aerospace and medical industries for its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Titanium fixtures offer excellent vibration damping, reducing chatter and enhancing surface finish. They can also withstand high clamping forces without deformation, making them suitable for heavy-duty machining. However, titanium is expensive, and its hardness can cause premature tool wear, increasing machining costs.
Plastics like nylon, Delrin, and PVC are used in CNC clamping and tooling fixtures for their low coefficient of friction, excellent chemical resistance, and non-marring properties, making them ideal for delicate or soft workpieces. The non-conductive properties of plastic fixtures make them useful in electrical and electronic applications, preventing electrical problems. Nonetheless, the durability of plastic fixtures is lower than metal fixtures, requiring frequent replacement due to wear and deformation.
Cast iron can be used for CNC clamping and tooling fixtures due to its excellent wear resistance, high strength, good thermal conductivity, and low cost. Cast iron is also an excellent choice for heavy-duty operations and offers a more rigid setup than aluminum or steel. However, cast iron has poor machinability and can be susceptible to corrosion. It is also much heavier than aluminum or steel, making it difficult to move and handle.
Composite materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar have gained popularity in CNC clamping and tooling fixtures, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. Composite fixtures are lightweight, strong, and durable, providing excellent stiffness and vibration damping that leads to high accuracy and surface quality. Additionally, composite fixtures can be designed to have a specific shape or pattern according to the part's geometry, providing customized solutions. However, composite fixtures are expensive and can be challenging to machine due to their anisotropic nature.
When selecting materials for CNC clamping and tooling fixtures, consider the requirements of your application and the properties of each material to make an informed decision. Furthermore, always remember safety protocols and environmental considerations when using machining tools. With these factors in mind, you can ensure successful results with quality parts that meet your project specifications.
Aside from choosing the right fixture materials, it is also important to consider the design of the fixtures. The fixture should provide even clamping force, easy accessibility, and reliable repeatability. It should also be designed according to the principles of ergonomics for operator comfort and safety. Proper design will make your machining operations more efficient, resulting in higher quality parts and increased production throughput.
If you need help with metal services, TCI Precision Metals can provide expert advice and assistance. TCI Precision Metals is here for all your metalworking needs, from choosing the right materials to precision sawing. Contact us today; we can help you create the perfect project!
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, particularly when working with aluminum plate and other alloys. Precision, repeatability, and efficiency are the name of the game. Yet, there's always room to enhance the machining process. Read on to find out a few tips to optimize CNC machining of sheet metal.
Choosing the right material is pivotal. Not all metals behave the same under machining conditions. Factors like ductility, strength, and thermal conductivity can impact the machining process. For instance, aluminum tends to be a favorite due to its lightweight nature and ease of machining.
However, if the application requires a tougher material, stainless steel or titanium might be more appropriate. Making an informed material choice can save time, reduce wear on your tools, and improve overall machining quality.
Sourcing materials through a typical distributor means receiving oversized saw-cut materials, which require further machining to make them flat, square, parallel, and dimensionally ready for finish machining. Pre-machined materials, or machine-ready blanks as they are commonly referred to, arrive flat, square, and parallel to close tolerances and near net finished size. This eliminates the need for in-house material prep and prevents wear and tear on CNC machines better suited for high-value finish machining.
The path your CNC machine tool follows can make a significant difference in the final product. It affects both the machining time and the finish of the part. Optimizing the toolpath to reduce unnecessary movements can expedite the machining process. Additionally, the strategy you choose should align with your desired finish and the geometries of the part, ensuring accuracy and a quality end product.
The rate at which the machine moves (feeds) and the speed of the tool's rotation can influence both the tool's lifespan and the finish of the metal. Pushing the machine too hard can cause tool breakage and produce subpar results. Conversely, being overly cautious can unnecessarily prolong the machining time. Striking the right balance between these parameters, possibly through some trial and error, can drastically improve efficiency and output quality.
A CNC machine is only as good as its condition. Regular maintenance checks ensure that all components are functioning optimally. This includes checking the alignment, lubrication, and overall cleanliness of the machine. A well-maintained machine not only produces consistent results but also has a longer operational lifespan, giving you more bang for your buck in the long run.
Now that you know these four tips for optimizing CNC machining of sheet metal, you're set to enhance your production process. In the realm of CNC machining, attention to detail and continuous refinement are paramount. When you need high-quality machined metal from reputable aluminum plate suppliers, you can always count on TCI Precision Metals!
For many manufacturers, the first step in a machining operation is to square off the blanks before moving on to machining part features. Keeping the workpieces in a production line as similar as possible is vital, as variances in dimensions can lead to machining errors or automation failures. This is a time-consuming, but necessary process that ensures precision machining can take place. But squaring blanks can also be a bottleneck that demands valuable machining time and slows down throughput. More.
TCI Precision Metals today announced the installation of a new Amada THV460, its latest addition to a growing line of precision duplex milling machines. The new THV460 joins an existing THV430 and THV800 used by TCI Precision Metals in the production of Machine-Ready Blanks. The ongoing addition of Amada mills to TCI’s shop floor improves efficiency and shortens customer lead time as demand for Custom Made-to-Order and Ready-to-Ship Machine-Ready Blanks continues to rise. More.
TCI Precision Metals has announced the expansion of its grinding services to meet the needs of customers wanting more value-added materials processing. Customers who have traditionally sourced materials and shipped them to and from TCI Precision Metals for specific grinding requirements can now eliminate additional in-house processing, shorten materials lead times, and increase production efficiency. TCI can source materials mill-direct, precision cut oversize, then grind or mill two or six sides to close tolerance customer specifications. More
TCI Precision Metals, Gardena, Calif., has expanded its grinding services. The company can source materials mill-direct, precision cut oversize, then grind or mill two or six sides to close-tolerance customer specifications.By expanding its machine-ready materials processing capabilities to traditional grinding orders, the company can help customers eliminate additional in-house processes while giving them the option to source and supply the raw materials or have TCI do it. More
TCI Precision Metals today announced the expansion of its grinding services to meet the needs of customers wanting more value-added materials processing. Customers who have traditionally sourced materials and shipped them to and from TCI Precision Metals for specific grinding requirements can now eliminate additional in-house processing, shorten materials lead times, and increase production efficiency. TCI can source materials mill-direct, precision cut oversize, then grind or mill two or six sides to close tolerance customer specifications.
The expansion of TCI value-added grinding services is made possible by the Company’s ongoing investment in high-production materials processing equipment to produce its precision machine-ready blanks. Blanks are close-tolerance materials that go directly from the customer’s receiving dock to finish machining or fabrication. By expanding the machine-ready materials processing capabilities to traditional grinding orders, customers can eliminate additional in-house processes while still having the option to source and supply the raw materials or have TCI do it.
“TCI Precision Metals has provided grinding services to manufacturers nationwide for over 70 years. As competition becomes greater and workforce development more difficult, many shops are looking for ways to do more with less. Expanding our machine-ready materials processing capabilities to our loyal grinding customers is one way we can help them maximize their business,” said Ben Belzer, President and CEO of TCI Precision Metals.
Precision Machine-Ready blanks eliminate the need for in-house sawing, grinding, flattening, and squaring operations. Each blank arrives deburred, clean, and individually packaged to avoid damage during shipping. Blanks are available in two ways: Ready-to-Ship blanks can be ordered online for same-day or next-day shipping and arrive square, flat, and parallel within ± .002” of specified dimensions all around; custom Made-to-Order blanks are made to customer specifications and are guaranteed as close as +/- .0005” dimensionally and as close as .002” flatness, squareness, and parallelism.
Founded in 1956, TCI Precision Metals is a family-owned, wholesale Machine-Ready Metals Distributor, producing precision cut parts and Machine-Ready Blanks from aluminum, stainless steel, and other alloys. Sawing, Waterjet Cutting, Grinding, Milling, and Finishing services are also available. With the added benefit of being a plate and sheet distributor, TCI Precision Metals is a one-stop shop for value-added materials. TCI serves the needs of the medical, oil & gas, aerospace, industrial equipment, defense, food packaging, semiconductor, and many other industries.
Planting a positioning stake in the ground signifies who you are as a company and cements a commitment to your customers. Manufacturing companies that do this are guided by the process and tend to be much more cohesive in how they communicate both internally and externally. Essentially, you are staking a claim about what you stand for and who you are as a company.
In today's fast-paced manufacturing world, customers are overwhelmed with choices. Without a clear positioning strategy, you risk blending into the sea of competitors and becoming indistinguishable. By standing for something specific, you can create an identity that resonates with customers and cultivates brand loyalty.
For example, at TCI Precision Metals, we leverage our grinding, precision sawing, waterjet cutting, flattening, and milling expertise to produce Machine-Ready Blanks. While these individual processes are essential in the production of our product, we emphasize the outcome, the Machine-Ready Blank itself. By productizing our processes and marketing the final result, we provide our customers with a turnkey solution, saving them time, money, and resources.
TCI Precision Metals is positioned as the leader in providing high-quality Machine-Ready Blanks. Instead of being just another metal services company offering various machining processes, we chose to focus on the unique value proposition of Machine-Ready Blanks. This singular focus allows TCI to be recognized as the go-to provider for this specific product, setting us apart from companies that offer a more generic range of services.
Don’t get me wrong, we still provide an excellent range of metal services, including material sourcing and value-added precision cutting, grinding, milling, flattening, and roughing. But we have chosen to position the brand around the highest value offering to our customers, Machine-Ready Blanks.
Remember, standing for something is the key to carving a meaningful place in the hearts and minds of customers, ensuring that you won't fall for anything in the dynamic world of business.
Thanks for reading –
Ben