GLOSSARY
Like most areas of human activity, precison engineering has its own terminology and abbreviations; this page is designed to help those who are not familiar with all these terms.
| Precision Engineering | Is a subdivision of mechanical engineering. It involves the machining of structures that have exceptionally high tolerances and are repeatable over time. |
| CNC Machining | Computer Numerical Control machining is the automation of the machine tools by computer programmed commands as opposed to manually controlled via hand wheels or levers. |
| CAD/CAM | Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Machining
In modern CNC machining workshops component manufacture is highly automated using CAD/CAM programs. The part to be produced is designed in the CAD package, at Innova we use Solidworks. This is seamlessly linked to a CAM package which automatically programmes the toolpaths. The programmed toolpaths can be trialled and modified before being uploaded to a machine. |
| Milling | Milling machines exist in two basic forms: horizontal and vertical, which refers to the orientation of the cutting tool spindle. Unlike a drill press, in which the workpiece is held stationary and the drill is moved vertically to penetrate the material, milling also involves movement of the workpiece against the rotating cutter, the latter is also able to cut on its flanks as well as its tip. Workpiece and cutter movement are precisely controlled to less than 0.001 inches.
Milling machines can perform a vast number of operations, some very complex. |
| 3 Axis Machining | The table moves in and X, Y direction whilst the tool spindle moves in a Z direction. |
| 4 Axis Machining | The table moves in and X, Y direction whilst the tool spindle moves in a Z direction. The part can also be rotated in the 4th axis for angled holes and side operations. |
| 5 Axis Machining | The table moves in and X, Y direction whilst the tool spindle moves in a Z direction. The part can be rotated in 2 axis for machining very complex parts, compund holes and accessing hard to reach areas. |
| Turning | When turning, a piece of metal is rotated and a cutting tool is traversed along 2 axes of motion to produce precise diameters and depths. Turning can be either on the outside of the cylinder or on the inside (also known as boring) to produce tubular components to various geometries. |
| Custom Enclosure | This is housing designed specifically for electronic devices. With a consumer product, appearance is often the main influence. With an industrial product how to deal with thermal issues such as overheating of the boards may be of more importance. |
| Machined Enclosures | The enclosure is made entirely from a solid section of metal. Thereby reducing the capital ecpenditure of casting and moulding techniques.
Thermal and EMC performance are increased and any potential for leakage reduced. Machining enclosures from solid allows for accuracy of important features and offers design flexibility as the product matures. |