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Engineering Blog

This blog is dedicated to providing engineers design tips from a machinist perspective. These key components can help you and your team save time and money on you next project.

The Design Process

This is the most crucial part of the process where all considerations need to be taken into account. Saving time and money is important these days, that is why we work with our customers through every step, from Design to Final product. Below you will find a few key factors that we feel will have a huge impact on your final design.

Material Selection

Not only is this the first step, but it is also the most crucial step when looking to save costs. Review the requirements of the application and find the best material based on their properties. We find in many situations that the material chosen for the application is sometimes not the best material, but in many cases is over engineered for the application. Also make sure that the features and tolerances that are required to manufacture the part are achievable based on the machinability of the material chosen. Poor material selections could result in major quality issues down the road, which in the long run will continue to drive up costs.

Tolerance Planning

Over the years, tolerances have been getting tighter and tighter, which can be pricey depending on the tolerance and material you choose. Just because metrology equipment will inspect down to .0001 does not mean that the material or the manufacture can hold these types of tolerances. Make sure you consider your tolerance requirements when choosing your material, machining +/- .0001 on most materials is going to be a challenge but some are easier than others. The tighter the tolerance the more the costs are per part, we have to run slower to achieve tighter and more accurate tolerances.

Burr Free

When calling out a “Burr Free” requirement on your component, …… Understanding the inspection methods and equipment needed to ensure a burr free component is important. Remember that requiring magnification to a drawing or 100% inspection takes time. Make sure that your vendor and your inspection department are on the same page in regards to inspecting parts for burrs. By doing this you will not only save time and money but future rejections as well.

Marking Methods

Also keep in mind that some materials are not capable of being marked the same as others. Make sure you understand the materials properties to ensure the best method for marking your parts.

FAQ

Machining Frequently Asked Questions

We know every project is unique and that questions can arise when it comes to selecting the right partner for your manufacturing needs. Our team specializes in delivering precise, reliable machining solutions tailored to the exact specifications of each client. Below, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see your question here, please feel free to reach out – we’re always ready to assist with any additional information you need.

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What parts and component types does Tamshell machine?

Tamshell specializes in producing a diverse array of custom precision machined components tailored to our customers’ specifications. Utilizing modern, advanced 4th & 5th axis CNC mills, CNC Swiss and Swiss-screw, and CNC turning machines, we achieve tight tolerances with nearly any machinable plastic or metal material.

What’s on the shop floor?

Our primary machining department utilizes state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment to ensure precision and quality. The secondary department complements this with a variety of conventional tools and instruments. All our machinery is backed by our specialized in-house tooling department, ensuring seamless support and efficiency.

What materials does Tamshell machine and specialize in?

Our machine shop excels in precision machining of a wide range of materials, with a particular expertise in plastics. We also specialize in machining aluminum, brass, bronze, and stainless steel, ensuring high-quality results for diverse applications. Our advanced equipment and skilled team enable us to meet stringent tolerances and deliver custom components tailored to our clients’ specifications. Whether working with plastics or metals, we are committed to providing exceptional craftsmanship and reliable service.

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What tolerances can Tamshell hold?

We excel in close tolerance machining, holding tolerances as tight as +/- 0.0001″. Our capabilities include advanced 4th- and 5th-axis machining, complemented by a rigorous three-stage inspection process. This ensures burr-free parts and consistently exceeds the highest-quality finish requirements.

Does Tamshell offer manufacturing, material and other advice during the design phase of the project?

In short: yes, our team brings extensive expertise in the manufacturability of components and assemblies. As specialists in plastics machining, our in-house material experts will guide you in selecting the most optimal materials for your application, considering all usage factors.
Our skilled machinists are also proficient in working with various materials, including metals. We can review your 3D models and drawings, recommending any necessary changes before production begins.