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This section provides an overview for precision machining as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 precision machining companies and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked precision machining companies as of December, 2024: 1.Portland Precision Manufacturing Co., 2.Ultra Precision Machining & Grinding, Inc., 3.Ace Precision.
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Categories Related to Precision Machining
Precision machining is not defined in any particular way, but it can be defined as machining that is more precise than cutting and drilling with ordinary machine tools.
When machining materials, the term "tolerance" refers to the inevitable errors that occur during the machining process. Precision machining can be defined as machining with a tolerance of a few microns to a few dozen microns.
Precision machining is not only applied to a wide range of metal materials but also ceramics and resins, making it an indispensable technology in today's industry.
Precision machining is used to produce parts for precision instruments.
One of the most demanding industries for precision machining is the aerospace industry, which manufactures rockets and other components.
Rockets, satellites, and space stations have complex mechanisms, and even the slightest deviation in dimensions can affect their overall operation.
Precision machining is also indispensable in the manufacture of robots and medical devices that require precise movements.
Precision machining is not a single type of machine tool, but rather a variety of machines used to process materials into various shapes.
In recent years, even traditional machine tools such as lathe turning and milling have become capable of achieving extremely high precision. Other relatively new technologies, such as wire electrical discharge machining using wire electrical discharge machines, which melt materials by discharging wires, can produce very complex shapes with high precision.
Precision machining begins with the design of the part. This design is done using 3D CAD. The designed part shape is loaded into the machine tool and the machine will machine the part according to the dimensions of the part, rather than having a human operator manually machine the part. This is called computer-aided manufacturing, or CAM, and is currently the mainstream manufacturing method.
Because the design is linked to the various machine tools, the result is a precision machined part that is very close to the designed dimensions.
After machining is completed, surface treatment and other finishing processes are required. After machining, burrs and other such defects, which are thin layers of material sticking to the edges of the cut surface, are removed, and polished. If necessary, further fine-tuning is performed to bring the product closer to the designed dimensions.
Precision machining refers to high-precision removal machining since the precision of forming is lower than that of removal machining.
There are various types of removal processing, including "cutting," "grinding," "polishing," "electrical discharge machining," and "cutting."
Among these, cutting, grinding, and electrical discharge machining are those capable of precision machining. Grinding is positioned as a process to produce surface roughness.
The types of cutting include "milling," "turning," and "drilling."
In cutting, the selection of the cutting tool, coolant, and machining volume must be strictly controlled to achieve high-precision machining. This is due to residual stress and temperature rise during material removal, which leads to deformation after machining.
Grinding is easy to perform high-precision machining because the amount of work is very small and a large amount of coolant is used, resulting in a smaller temperature rise and less residual stress. However, because grinding is performed as if the surface is stroked with a grinding wheel, there are some restrictions on the shape of the workpiece. For example, the corners of a square hole cannot be machined.
There are three types of EDM: "Die engraving EDM," which digs into the material in the opposite shape of the electrode; "wire EDM," which performs contouring; and "small hole EDM," which creates a small hole by melting and removing the electrode, requiring an EDM machine that is suitable for each processing method.
EDM is a process in which electricity is passed through a thin electrode, causing an electrical discharge between the material and the electrode to remove the material, and the thinner the electrode, the higher the machining accuracy. The thinner the electrode, the slower the processing speed. Today, it is possible to manufacture parts that can be fitted together so precisely that no seams can be seen.
Electrical discharge machining is characterized by its ability to perform more delicate machining than cutting and its ability to process hard materials. Also, since the material is submerged in the machining fluid, heat-induced mutations are less likely to occur, and even materials with complex shapes or thin sheets that are prone to distortion can be machined precisely.
Machining accuracy does not simply depend on the accuracy of the machine, but also on various conditions such as material, machining method, fixing method, temperature, and so on.
For example, when machining two holes on different surfaces, if the first hole is machined, the direction of the material is changed, and the second hole is machined again, the distance between the two holes is the sum of the accuracy of the machine's movement and the repeatability of the material fixation.
Also, some machining centers can detect a reference (surface, hole, etc.) and machine by the relative distance from the reference, but in such cases, the measurement accuracy of the reference detection is also added.
In this way, the more processes are involved in machining accuracy, the more the error will accumulate. For example, use a machining center equipped with ATC and perform most of the machining in a single chuck.
Furthermore, since the condition of the tool cannot be ignored, various methods are used to improve accuracy, such as measuring the tool's installation length, outside diameter, runout, etc., and applying compensation.
Currently, high-precision machining is generally limited to an error of a few microns, but sub-micron accuracy is now possible for some products.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Portland Precision Manufacturing Co. is an AS9100D and ISO certified component manufacturer founded in 1967 and based in Portland, Oregon, USA. The company utilizes precision CNC machining, 5-axis machining, and turning to manufacture components made of steel, plastic, tungsten, teflon, and various other alloys and materials, additionally offering secondary value-added operations such as assembly, grinding, honing, and heat treating. The company is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition and primarily serves optics, electronics, medical, sport knife, and military aerospace industries.
Ultra Precision Machining & Grinding, Inc., founded in 1995 with headquarters in the USA, is a contract manufacturer specializing in precision machined components for prototype builds. The company's specialty capabilities include precision CNC machining, component assembly, production tracking, product manufacturability consulting, and CAD/CAM design for the aerospace industry. It offers short-run contract manufacturing to its clients, which include Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, L3 Harris, DRS Technologies, and Renesas. It is also an ISO 9001:2015 and AS91000D-certified, ITAR-registered, and SAM database-registered company.
Ace Precision Machining Corp., founded in 1982 with headquarters in the USA, is a contract manufacturer specializing in precision machined components and electro-mechanical assemblies primarily for the international gas turbine market. The company's specialist capabilities include process engineering, non-conventional machining, e-beam welding, CNC machine drilling, and engineered thermal spray coatings. It has also positioned itself as an on-demand manufacturer and remanufacturer serving the aerospace, space, defense, and energy industries and is a USA aerospace-accredited supplier.
Federal Group USA, founded in 1980, is a manufacturer of custom metal components for various industries, headquartered in Fernand, Michigan, USA. From fasteners to metal stamping and CNC machining, they provide a comprehensive range of engineering and manufacturing services. They are a Thomas Verified Supplier, Quality Systems Basics and ISO 9001:2015 certified company. The company’s capabilities include cold heading, metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, and precision CNC machining. Their product applications cater to diverse industries, from automotive and aerospace to medical and consumer goods.
DFF Corp., founded in 1969, acquired by Cadrex in 2022, and operating as DFF, a Cadrex company (Cadrex) with headquarters in the USA, is a contract manufacturer specializing in high-volume precision machined components and electro-mechanical assemblies. The company's specialty capabilities include plastic injection molding, automation, mechanical assembly, system integration, and supply chain solutions, serving original equipment manufacturers in the aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and security imaging industries. It offers support for initial design and concept engineering through prototyping to full-scale production and distribution on demand.
Celestica Inc., incorporated in 1994 as a subsidiary of IBM with headquarters in Canada, is a multinational full-service designer and manufacturer of data communications and electronics components, assemblies, and product solutions. The company specializes in end-to-end networking, storage, and computing product lifecycle solutions, from design, engineering, and manufacturing to logistics and fulfillment, for the smart energy, data communications, aerospace, and healthtech markets, among others. Its range of services also includes precision machining, supply chain services, product licensing, and more. It also provides the SpectrumPro software platform, which provides clients with real-time inventory information, machine integration, and shop floor visibility.
Zhuzhou Old Craftsman Precision Alloy Co., Ltd., established in 2007 and headquartered in Hunan, China, is a manufacturer of tungsten carbide products. The company offers a wide range of products, including carbide rods, carbide strips, carbide plates, carbide saw tips, and more. It also provides carbide mining tools, carbide cutting inserts, and carbide buttons. Its products are hip sintered, high hardness, and high wear resistance. Furthermore, the company has received ISO 9001 certification. It serves several industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, mining, and more.
Top Seiko Co., Ltd., founded in 2001 and headquartered in Nagahama City, Japan, is a manufacturer specializing in engineering ceramics, glass, and refractory metals. The company offers custom ceramics, quartz glass, and refractory metal components widely utilized in industries such as semiconductor and electronics, measuring and analytical, aerospace, automotive, and more. It offers not only materials from Japanese manufacturers but also from those outside Japan. In 2006, it acquired ISO 9001:2000 and JISQ 9001:2000 certifications, two international standards of quality management systems.
M-Plus Group, established in 1987 and headquartered in France, is a manufacturer of complex parts and sub-assemblies. The company provides complex parts and sub-assemblies using superalloys and stainless steels, serving the energy and aerospace sectors. Its capabilities include machining, sheet metal working, and production of components for gas turbines and combustion systems. It specializes in machining complex 5-axis parts and producing small to medium runs of superalloy components. The company's operations encompass laser cutting, CNC machining, and thermal treatments. It also offers design and assembly services, ensuring end-to-end production capabilities for specialized components and assemblies.
Hong Yang Precision Industry Co. Ltd. (THY Precision), established in 2010, is an injection molding manufacturer based in Chunghua, Taiwan. The company specializes in micro injection molding as well as automated cleanroom manufacturing and assembly solutions. Supported by over 80 units of electric injection molding machines, the company offers comprehensive services, ranging from development and manufacturing to assembly and packaging. Additional services like ultrasonic welding, spray painting and coating, and insert installation are also part of the company’s offerings. It further produces high-precision tooling and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) plastic components for various industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical.
Shenzhen DEK Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, as a manufacturer of precision parts and prototypes. The company's range of products encompasses CNC machining services, vacuum casting, 3D printing services, sheet metal, injection moulding services, precision machining, and fabrication. These products facilitate precise part production, prototyping, and component fabrication. From design to mass production, the company caters to a range of sectors, including aerospace, medical, automotive, consumer products, agriculture, and sports, among others.
Junying Metal Manufacturing Co., Limited, established in 2005 in China, is a manufacturer of machining parts with over 100 employees. The company's products include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys. It also offers services such as tuning, grinding, drilling, heat treatment, and assembly. Having attained ISO certifications and environmental compliance, the company prioritizes quality and production standards. As an original equipment manufacturer that uses computer numerical control precision techniques, it produces machining parts at a low cost for the medical, electronic, aerospace, mechanical and communication industries.
3ERP, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Zhongshan, China, is an ISO 9001-2015 certified manufacturer, supplier, and service provider of rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing services. Their comprehensive offerings encompass 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, metal stamping, sheet metal fabrication, as well as plastic injection molding, and engineering services like product design and CAD modeling. They produce prototypes of automotive parts, medical device components, consumer electronics casings and parts, and plastic molded components for various applications.
Imperial Carbide, Inc., founded in 1966, and located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, is a custom manufacturer of precision tool and die components. Its capabilities include precision CNC turning & drilling, milling, threading, broaching, and wire or sinker electrical discharge machining (EDM), which are caters to industries such as aerospace, packaging, automotive, medical, electronics. Its capabilities are utilized to fabricate intricate and precise components for various industries, ensuring accurate dimensions and specifications.
Millennium Machine Works, launched in 2000 and located in Coimbatore, India, is a manufacturer of various kinds of fixtures and similar products as well as a supplier of pertinent services. The company specializes in creating CNC machinery fixtures, industrial fixtures, machining fixtures, hydraulic fixtures, and tool mounts. It also provides both industrial machining and fixture designing services. Angle body machining fixtures, the subcategory of its CNC machinery fixtures, are made using suitable steels, facilitating higher cutting parameters and ease of clamping with excellent service life.
ZS Industries Co., LTD, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of mechanical and engineering metal parts. The company provides a range of products, including plastic parts, sheet metal welding, and precision machining. Additionally, it offers services such as computer-aided design, material analysis of the chemical and mechanical properties, and defining and selecting prototyping processes. These products and services are applied across various industries, including environmental protection, new energy fields, and hydraulic cylinders.
COSWORK Private Ltd, established in 2022 and based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of consumer goods. The company's product range includes CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, forging parts, casting parts, and advanced engineering polymers. These products have applications in creating components for various industries. It serves the OEM, Construction, and other product industries. The company offers services like providing manufacturing solutions through a network of manufacturers, leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, offering real-time visibility, and facilitating access to the global marketplace.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portland Precision Manufacturing Co. |
15.7%
|
| 2 | Ultra Precision Machining & Grinding, Inc. |
13.2%
|
| 3 | Ace Precision |
10.3%
|
| 4 | DFF Corp. |
9.2%
|
| 5 | Celestica Inc. |
8.2%
|
| 6 | The Federal Group USA |
8.1%
|
| 7 | Impro Industries USA, Inc. |
5.7%
|
| 8 | M-PLUS Group |
4.4%
|
| 9 | Millennium Machine Works |
3.7%
|
| 10 | 3ERP |
3.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the precision machining page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
6 | 46.2% |
|
China
|
3 | 23.1% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
France
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
India
|
1 | 7.7% |
