Additional Machining & Fabrication Services

Before the rise of CNC technology, manual machining was the primary machining process to rely on, and it remains a viable option when automated methods are not optimal for the required material or design.

The machinists at ACS CNC Machining & Fabrication are highly skilled at manual machining techniques and perform manual services whenever the project requires specialized designs, unique setups, or flexibility that computerized machining cannot offer.

Manual machining can entail:

• Turning
• Milling
• Drilling
• Grinding
• Cutting

The reverse engineering process includes:

Part deconstruction and analysis

Our engineers will disassemble a part (if needed), take detailed measurements of all dimensions, and evaluate the material(s).

3D Scanning

Using scanning technology, we capture the geometry of the part, which we then use to create the 3D model.

CAD Model Creation

The data from the scan is converted into a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This step is when any necessary modifications can be made to the piece.

Fabrication

Using the 3D model, the CNC machine will cut out the part from the material.

MIG Welding

MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), uses a consumable wire electrode and shielding gas to fuse two pieces of metal—like aluminum and stainless steel—together.

TIG Welding

TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), uses a non-consumable tungsten rod and shielding gas to create the weld pool that fuses pieces of metal—like aluminum and stainless steel—together. Our solutions allow us to combine CNC and TIG welding equipment to perform automated TIG welding for more consistent, repeatable, and intricate welding.

Stick Welding

Stick welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), uses a consumable electrode with a flux coating and high heat to weld two pieces of metal together.

There are a number of testing methods we use to evaluate the quality of the fabricated part or component, including:

Rockwell Testing

Rockwell testing evaluates a material’s resistance to deformation by measuring the depth of indentation of an indenter under a specified load. The test involves applying a minor load to establish a reference point (or zero position), using a major load, and measuring the depth of indentation. The Rockwell hardness number is the difference between the zero position and the indentation depth caused by the major load. This method is commonly used to test metals, plastics, ceramics, and other materials.

Brinell Testing

Brinell testing determines a material’s hardness by pressing a metal ball (usually hardened steel or tungsten carbide) under a specified load onto its surface and measuring the diameter of the indentation. This helps evaluate the hardness of metals such as aluminum, copper alloys, cast iron, and others.

Vickers Testing

Vickers testing forces a diamond indenter under a specified load onto the surface of a material to measure the material’s resistance to indentation. The size of the indentation is then used to calculate the Vickers hardness number (HV) by dividing the applied force by the surface area of the indentation.

There are several heat treatment processes, including:

Annealing

Annealing works to soften the material before cutting to improve its machinability (the ease with which it can be cut or shaped), reduce distortion, and optimize the cutting process.

Hardening

Hardening is the process of applying heat to a material to modify its microstructure. After a part is cut, it undergoes the hardening process to increase its strength and hardness.

Tempering

Tempering is the process of heating and cooling a part to reduce the likelihood of it breaking or cracking under pressure.

Case Hardening

Case hardening heats metal in a carbon-rich environment so that the carbon molecules will bond to the surface of the part, creating a protective outer layer (the casing) and increasing the part’s carbon content.

Precipitation Hardening

Precipitation hardening heats metal alloys to create fine, dispersed precipitates that help prevent the movement of dislocations (imperfections in the material’s atomic structure). This improves the material’s strength, hardness, ductility, and toughness.

Spray welding is also sometimes used to repair or maintain a part or component of a machine or piece of equipment.

There are several types of spray welding methods to use for different applications, including:

• Flame spray
• Arc spray
• Plasma spraying
• Cold spray
• High-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying

Plating is an effective way to improve a part’s:

• Durability
• Corrosion resistance
• Wear resistance
• Electrical conductivity
• Aesthetics