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5 Important Advantages of using Rapid Machining

Over the past decade, the manufacturing industry has gone through a renaissance. Large-scale production is now only feasible for large mega-corporations. And most manufacturers are now offering customizable and rapid machining services for small to medium-sized companies.

Rapid machining is a complex and confusing process that overlaps with several other manufacturing techniques.

So here is a simple explanation of rapid machining and its importance in the manufacturing sector.

What is Rapid Machining?

Rapid machining involves machining components, objects, and prototypes in such a way as to minimize the total lead time. CNC machining is the gold standard for rapid machining. It is quick, precise, and flexible. For larger assemblies, CNC turning and milling are used for complex parts, while manual machining may be used for simpler components.

Rapid-Machining

Rapid Machining vs. Rapid Prototyping (RP)

Prototyping is the process of creating models of designs and improving them with further iterations. Most products go through multiple prototype iterations before landing on a final design that enters mass production.

Rapid prototyping utilizes various manufacturing techniques to improve production cycle times. The goal is to shorten production times between each prototype iteration. Eventually, the time savings will stack, leading to a significant decrease in time costs.

This method utilizes both CNC machining and 3D printing techniques, meaning rapid machining is essentially a type of rapid prototyping. As a matter of fact, before additive manufacturing and 3D printing became popular, CNC machining was the preferred method of rapid prototyping.

RP is a necessity for most upstarts and newcomers. Though you might be tempted to use additive manufacturing options, in most cases, rapid machining is the best choice.

Here is a brief comparison of CNC machining against the most popular 3D printing option, FDM (fused deposition modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography).

Rapid-Machining

Rapid Machining vs. Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Instead of cutting material from a block of the workpiece, additive manufacturing builds up parts by adding more material layer by layer. Additive manufacturing is a whole collection of manufacturing techniques and processes. Following is a brief breakdown of the seven basic types of AM processes.

1.VAT Polymerization (Resin 3D Printing)

2.Material Jetting

3.Material Extrusion (FDM 3D Printing)

4.Binder Jetting

5.Powder Bed Fusion (Metal Powder 3D Printing)

6.Sheet Lamination

7.Direct Energy Deposition

Most of these processes are extremely expensive, as they require large, complicated machines and exotic material choices. 

Rapid machining uses standard CNC milling and truing operations, which are time and cost-effective alternatives. Additionally, unlike most AM processes, CNC machining uses standard commercially available materials. Making material sourcing much easier and quicker. Powder bed fusion specifically uses special metal powders that are very difficult to produce and has an exponentially higher cost.

Following is a brief comparison between rapid machining and additive manufacturing.

Rapid-Machining

Rapid Machining vs. Traditional Manufacturing (TM)

Just like additive manufacturing, traditional manufacturing is composed of several processes. The biggest drawback of TM is time, and prototype development can often take years to finish. The traditional manufacturing industry is aimed at mass production. Thus, it is not suited for customizations and changes, leading to a stagnancy in innovation.

Some common traditional manufacturing processes include the following.

  • Die-Casting
  • Injection Molding
  • Machining (CNC and Non-CNC)
  • Plastic Forming
  • Etc.

As you can see, TM also includes the CNC machining process. However, the rapid machining approach is a complete overhaul of the traditional method. Where traditional manufacturing relies on long conveyor belts and single-task CNC operations, rapid machining uses short setups designed for quick tool swaps and material changes.

Following is a brief comparison between rapid machining and traditional manufacturing.

Rapid Machining

Why is Rapid Machining so Important?

Rapid machining has always been the go-to manufacturing method for designers and engineers. However, recent years have seen an expansion in the rapid machining market, leading to a wider client base for the process. Rapid machining has become an integral part of the manufacturing sector.

The importance of rapid machining can be credited to the following factors.

Rapid Machining

Availability

Rapid machining services are more easily accessible to people all over the world. With mature global shipping routes, you can get machining services from other countries with the minimum effect of lead times.

Traditionally you would have had to track down large factories or manufacturers and spend time and money negotiating with them. But now, you can contact any of the several global rapid machining service providers.

China alone has several hundred manufacturers that offer rapid machining services and are just one click away.

Convenience

Modern product design revolves around digital files made using CAD (computer-aided design) software. CNC machines, like the ones used for rapid machining, are natively compatible with CAD files. Prototyping is as simple as sending a CAD design to the manufacturer and waiting for a day or two.

Additionally, if you need to make minor changes to the design, you can adjust it on the CAD file and resend it to the manufacturer.

The future of design revolves around 3D models that can be quickly machined using services like CNC turning and CNC milling.

Customization

Aside from ease of availability and unparalleled convenience, rapid machining is also very customizable. Unlike traditional manufacturing, where you need to create expensive molds for products, this process is more streamlined.

Since CNC machining is a mold-less process, customizations and changes are very easy to implement. Hence, rapid machining is the most popular method for prototyping. 

Rapid machining results in prototypes that are very close to the final product.

Quick Lead Times

Design and fabrication of parts have always been a long process. The production cycle typically has the following steps.

1.Concept

2.Designing

3.Early Prototyping

4.Testing and Verification

5.Working Prototypes

6.Final Testing and Evaluation

7.Marketing

8.Full-scale production

9.Distribution.

Rapid machining improves several steps in the production cycle. Both prototyping and final production are very time-consuming processes. And most people spend over a year working on these steps. Luckily rapid machining can cut your lead times in half.

Cost

Part design and manufacturing can be very expensive, especially for smaller businesses. Low-volume production runs are particularly harsh on small businesses. Traditional manufacturers are only price-competitive for mass production items.

Rapid machining is aimed at small and custom machining services. The cost per part is significantly lower for small volume and one-off custom designs.

Conclusion

Rapid machining services are availed by several commercial industries. Automotive, consumer goods, aerospace, medical, architecture, etc., all benefit from rapid CNC machining services. Consider your application before selecting the right manufacturing process. Most cases will benefit from rapid machining, but some rare cases might be better suited to traditional processes.

For rapid prototyping and low to medium-size productions, CNC machining is the ideal choice. But for mass production requirements, traditional manufacturing is more beneficial.

Why pick QBH for your Rapid Machining needs?

If you are looking for high-quality and precision rapid machining services, look no further than QBH Technology. We offer best-in-class CNC Machining OEM and ODM services. Additionally, we offer low MOQs on our CNC Turning, CNC Milling, and other services.

QBH also has a confidentiality policy that protects customer designs. So why waste time? Take advantage of our rapid machining services and Contact us Now!

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The Definitive Guide to Technical Drawings

Drawings are the best way to convey your design ideas to a manufacturer. The more detailed a drawing is, the more information it can convey. In the manufacturing sector, technical drawings are standard for sharing design detail. Technical drawings are less about technique and more about strategy.

We have broken down the process of details of technical drawings into simple and easy-to-understand bits. Here is a detailed guide on Technical Drawings

Technical Drawings

What are Technical Drawings?

Technical drawings are highly detailed diagrams of objects that convey all the necessary information about the construction of the said object.

Technical Drawings

What are technical drawings used for?

Technical drawings are used in various engineering and architecture-related fields. Technical drawings carry essential information necessary for construction and future repair.

Technical Drawings

Difference between Technical Drawings and Engineering Drawings

Technical drawing is a broad term that applies to many industries. While engineering drawings are a type of technical drawing. 

Engineering drawings are primarily used to detail the geometry information of objects. For complex objects, several drawings are required to give all the necessary information.

Technical Drawings vs. 3D model

3D models give a full 360° view of the final product. These detailed models are helpful but only to a certain degree. You can only view 3D models on a digital screen running on a reasonably powerful microprocessor. Dimensions cannot be labeled directly onto the 3D model as it would take up a lot of screen real-estate. Instead, you would need to manually click or tap the desired area to find details about its dimensions and tolerances.

Technical drawings present you with detailed views of an object from all six sides. Additionally, technical Drawings can be viewed on a digital screen or printed onto paper.

Technical Drawings

Basic Components of an Engineering Drawing 

When making a technical drawing, you need to be considerate of lines and views. Select the proper lines to convey the correct information. And use a view that shows off the maximum amount of object detail.

Different Types of Lines

The first and foremost important component of a technical drawing is line choice. Here is a brief guide to line thickness and line design. Each type of line corresponds to a different function in a technical drawing.

Continuous Thick Lines

Continuous thick lines are used to draw the outline of an object. This includes the perimeter, edges, and internal cutouts. 

Continuous Thin Lines

Continuous thin lines are used for a broader application. They represent everything that isn’t the outline of the object.

Thin lines are used as projection lines, keeping the six orthographic views of the object inline. Since dimension lines run parallel to the main object outline, we use continuous thin lines to distinguish between the two line types visually.

Thick Dashed Lines

Thick dashes are commonly associated with hidden lines. Hidden lines represent cutouts, holes, or sections that lie behind a view.

Chain Thin Lines

Chain lines represent the center lines, symmetry lines, and trajectory lines. Center lines are the most common use of chain lines. Two chain lines intersect at the center of a hole or cutout.

Zig-Zag Lines

Zig-Zag lines shorten long object outlines to fit within a specific area. The technical term for shorting long lines is Break Lines.

Here are some additional line types that can add further detail to your technical drawing.

Technical Drawings
Technical Drawings

Types of Views

For technical drawings, Views refer to the depiction of objects in the 2D plane. There are various methods of depicting your object design, but the following are the most popular ones.

1.Isometric View

Isometric view is a method of depicting three-dimensional objects in a two-dimensional space. An isometric view is essentially the same as a photo of the object. The angle of the photo here is such that you can see at least three sides of the object.

Isometric views are most used for simple objects with very little complexity in design.

Technical Drawings

2.Orthographic View

An orthographic view is the most common and helpful depiction of a drawing. Basically, you take an image and break it down into its six sides. This allows you to draw each side of the object in detail and showcase information from all sides.

An orthographic view can be further divided into two subcategories.

a.1st Person Projection

b.3rd Person Projection

Both methods are similar, and the only difference is in the placement of the side and top view in the technical drawing.

Technical Drawings

3.Flat Pattern

Objects that require sheet metal fabrication can be drawn as flat patterns that can be stamped out of metal sheets. These flat patterns can then be bent into the appropriate shapes.

This method is not essential since it is the same as orthographic projection but with different placements of side views.

Technical Drawings

4.Section View

Section view adds another diagram to the drawing, showing the object’s internals if it was cut in half (sectioned).

Technical Drawings

5.Cutout View

Same as section view, but instead of an entirely bisected view, the diagrams selective shows cutout sections of some areas.

Technical Drawings

6.Detailed View

The detailed view uses an additional diagram to depict a zoomed-in view of the object.

Technical Drawings

How to draw a Technical Drawing?

Technical drawings have existed since the times of the earliest civilization. Ancient Chinese and Egyptians made technical drawings using ink and rice paper (or papyrus). Modern-day technical drawings rely on CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to achieve higher precision and technical refinement.

However, hand-drawn technical drawings are still popular among many manufacturers. They are a quick and easy way to generate a draft without a computer.

Hand Drawn Method

You can draw a basic technical drawing using nothing more than a pencil and a piece of paper. The paper should be A1 size or larger for accurate and detailed drawings. Outline the object using thicker lines and use thinner lines for projection lines and minor details.

CAD Software Method

CAD software allows you to input exact dimensions into the computer to draw shapes. You can draw lines at every angle possible and easily copy lines or entire drawings. The most significant advantage of CAD drawings is that they can be exported into different file types.

The following are common file types that can be created using CAD software.

  • PDF –  For easy sharing and printing.
  • STL – For Slicing and 3D printing.
  • G-code – For CNC machining.

Steps for making a Technical Drawings

The following are the basic steps involved in making a technical drawing. These steps can be applied to both hand-drawn and CAD methods.

Step 1

Carefully look at your object and determine a “Front View.” The front view is the center of your drawing, and all other sides will be designated right, left, top, or bottom.

Technical Drawings

Step 2

Now using either 1st Angle Projection or 3rd Angle Projection, determine the other sides of your object.

Technical Drawings

Step 3

Using the proper lines, draw the Front View of your object. Use hidden lines for any details that are obscured by parts.

Technical Drawings

Step 4

Using projection lines, define the general position of the side views relative to the Front View. Then draw the Left or Right View of the object. Your side views should have the same vertical height as your Front View.

Technical Drawings

Step 5

Now, using the same technique as before, draw the Bottom & Top Views of your object. Your top and bottom views should have the same horizontal height as your Front View.

Technical Drawings

Step 6

Draw the Rear View if necessary. If your Front View and Rear View are identical, you can skip this step.

Technical Drawings

Step 7

Go through your drawing once, and look for any missing details. If a hole is visible in the Front View, you need to show it in the side videos as Thick Dotted lines.

Technical Drawings

Step 8

Label all the dimensions in your drawings. Reference the dimension units (inches or mm) in the top or bottom right corner of the drawing. Any additional details regarding the object should be mentioned here as well.

Technical Drawings

Step 9

If you drew the technical drawing, save it on your computer in the desired file type.

Manufacturing Using Technical or Engineering Drawings

Now that you have mastered the art of technical drawings, it is time to put your skills into practice. Technical drawings can be used with most manufacturing techniques with little to no difficulty.

But some manufacturing processes will benefit from additional tweaks to your technical designs.

CNC Machining

Manufacturing using CNC machines is slightly different from other methods. CNC machines can use multiple cutting tools on a single object. And each tool will come with different internal tolerance.

  • Properly mention the different tolerances for different sections of the object.
  • Hole and cavity details should include information about countersinks and variable diameter.
  • If your design includes thread sections, use standard thread specifications.

Sheet Metal Fabrication

As discussed previously, you can use both orthographic and flat pattern drawings for sheet metal fabrication. Both convey the same amount of information, and the only difference is visual depiction. Either way, you need to include some additional information.

  • Mention the desired gauge (thickness standard) of metal.
  • Properly disclose the welding locations.
  • Dimensions should allow for bending and welding tolerances.
  • Mention grain bend direction if possible. Bending parallel to the grain requires less strength but results in a weaker being and vice versa.
Technical Drawings

Aluminum Extrusion

Extrusion techniques are generally suited for simpler designs. Most technical drawings need minimal alteration to be compatible with the extrusion process.

  • Mention the desired stock (billet thickness) size.
  • Grain direction is crucial for extruded metal parts.
  • Holes need to be adequately detailed in the technical drawings.
Technical Drawings

Conclusion

Technical drawing may seem complex and challenging, but the process becomes much simpler once you know the basics. When making technical drawings, make sure to include all the necessary information. Dimensions and tolerances are crucial bits of information, but material choices and finishing options are also appreciated. Keep your drawings as clutter-free as possible, evenly space your side views and be mindful of hidden lines.

Your technical drawings are only as good as the manufacturer’s skills. For high-quality metal parts manufacturing services, we recommend checking out QBH Technology. We offer all sorts of Sheet Metal , CNC Machining, and Stamped Metal fabrication services.

We offer competitive prices and flexible minimum order quantities. Additionally, QBH respects customers’ confidentiality and keeps your private designs safe. To achieve your product goals and get best in class services, Contact Us Now!