Stecker Machine Blog

So much time and effort is put into machining CNC parts and components: designing, planning, casting, machining, deburring, washing, controlling quality, managing inventory … plus all of the coordination required. Yet, without properly shipping the finished CNC machined parts, all of this effort could be wasted.

Shipping CNC parts — some reaching tolerances to 0.001” — requires the right methods and materials to ensure they arrive undamaged and ready to perform. “Metal” sounds hard and unbreakable, so protection may not seem like a priority … but it is.

Precision CNC machining is a mainstay of modern American manufacturing. Its extreme accuracy, automation, and cost-effectiveness far surpass traditional machining technology when producing complex parts.

Although completed parts are the main goal, finding the right CNC machining service supplier to meet your specific requirements involves many factors.

In production manufacturing, efficiency is king. Any opportunity to reduce production time gets immediate attention.

CNC machines are an important tool for automating the production of mechanical parts to increase throughput while maintaining consistent quality. CNC machine centers play a critical role in a machine shop’s efficiency.

This article explains five big advantages of CNC machine centers and shares some experienced insights from a leader in CNC machining.

When you think of CNC machining, you may think about precision machining. Complex parts. Repeatability. Speed.

However, do you think of engineering expertise?

You should! An incredible value in partnering with the right CNC machine shop is engineering that drives the entire manufacturing process. From design through packaging, you should be receiving full CNC engineering services and benefitting from them.

A strong engineering team on the machine shop side ensures that CNC machining projects are done right — the first time and every time. Of course, thorough engineering impresses customers. More importantly, though, it leads to parts that consistently meet or exceed specifications.

QA, PPAP, APQP, CMM, PSW, etc. Wow, the world of quality assurance is an alphabet soup of abbreviations.

Many industries have the need for high-quality, precision machining. From automotive to aerospace, construction to agriculture (and many more), when a workpiece needs to be custom-machined to maintain tight tolerances, precision machining is usually the answer.

However, CNC (computer numerical control) machining is a bit different because it’s automated. Not only can CNC machining achieve extreme precision that cannot be achieved by traditional precision machining technology, it does so repeatedly, with cutting done by computer-guided equipment and complex tools.

Computer programming — a code sequence that tells the CNC machine what to do — makes a CNC machined part incredibly accurate, which is key for most parts.

This article begins to answer basic “why,” “how,” “when,” and even “who” questions of CNC machining services, helping you get started and enjoying its many benefits.

A new parent couldn’t be more proud to share the first photos of a newborn child. You’ve seen social media blow up and the comments come rolling in: “what a cutie!” “he’s got your eyes” “she’s perfect ❤️”

For those who live and breathe CNC machine parts, they feel that excitement nearly every day. Okay, the work created by a CNC machine may not reach a baby’s “wonder of nature” status, but it’s not far off for those in precision manufacturing. And, boy, do we love pictures!

CNC machine shops never tire of adding photos to their websites, showing off to the world what incredible parts they’re capable of making. Stecker Machine is no different. We’re proud of our work, and we want everyone to know it! So, you’re invited to view our CNC Machining Photo Gallery, a collection of CNC machined parts and projects.

“Don’t skimp on the maintenance!”

As far as manufacturing advice goes, that’s solid wisdom. Think about it: nothing gets done when CNC machines are down, and it takes proper machine maintenance to keep them up and running.

A machine breakdown can cost a business thousands of dollars in wasted hours, overnight shipping of replacement parts, and missed deliveries, not to mention a damaged reputation. With so much high-tech equipment in one area, breakdowns are inevitable. However, performing regular maintenance helps keep the machines running properly, eliminating the possibility of a costly shutdown.

Let’s explore CNC machine maintenance in more detail.

A computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine controls tools, such as a lathe or mill, using a computer program to achieve incredible precision. Just about all industries rely on these custom machined parts and have been for decades. Yet, there are still some myths that give people the wrong impression about CNC machining.

The metalworking industry needs more CNC operators. This rewarding career appeals to people who have a broad skill set: a good eye for detail, math, mechanical design, and the ability to read technical drawings. CNC operators use a combination of brains and hands-on work to properly transform a metal casting into a valuable working machined part.