HOW IT’S MADE | High Speed Precision Nameplate Machining

March 3, 2008


At the Willington Companies, we are no stranger to odd shaped nameplates and parts. The above example shows a part that we made for a customer that only required low quantities along with complex mechanical configurations. Because of the low annual usage, the cost to build expensive compound tools would have been cost prohibitive. The Willington Companies can produce low-quantity, highly -complex parts on most metal and plastic materials without incurring a tooling cost. It can produce tolerances of +/- .001 and is great for prototypes as well. Check out our high speed machining work center, Datron EcoRaptor.

Our M35 EcoRaptor provides high speed, precision CNC machining with tolerances of one mircron or +/- .oo1″ making it possible to create the most intricate of parts. Below you can watch a set of videos that will show you how the part above was machined from full sheet to single part with a customer required + / – .004 tolerance.

This sheet will sit on a 24″ x 36″ (maximum machinable area) vacuum table ensuring that once the operator lays it down flat, it will not be moving.

The first stage of this process starts with the Datron probing to test sheet variances in the thickness of the material.

Next as you saw from the end of the last video, the holes in the upper right hand corner of each of the pieces are being drilled out.

This next video will show the indvidually pieces being cut out from the sheet. As you will notice the sheet appears to be “wet” in this stage, alcohol is being used as a lubricant for the cutting apparatus.

The final stage of this process uses a small tool bit to apply the finishing touches to the part ensuring all pieces are cut to there exact programmed specifications.

From sheet to single piece, the Datron EcoRaptor’s CNC machining capabilities are precise and if the situation is right, this machine can save you a hefty compond die charge. I hope you enjoyed watching these videos, bookmark our blog page or subscribe to our RSS feed for future articles.And from The Willington Companies that’s. . . . HOW IT’S MADE.