Precision Forming Processes
These processes belong to near-net-shape forming technology, allowing parts to directly approach their final shape, significantly reducing subsequent cutting work and generally resulting in high material utilization.
Precision Casting
This is a general term for processes that obtain castings with precise dimensions. Compared to traditional sand casting, castings have higher dimensional accuracy and better surface finish. Core types include investment casting (lost-wax casting), pressure casting, and ceramic mold casting. It enables minimal or no machining of complex structural parts and is suitable for mass production of various metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum alloys.
Precision Forging and Stamping
These processes achieve plastic deformation by applying external force to metal blanks. Precision forging optimizes the internal structure of parts and improves structural strength, and is often used in the forming of precision connecting rods in automobiles and aerospace structural parts. Precision stamping relies on dies to efficiently produce thin-plate parts and is the mainstream manufacturing method for consumer electronics and automotive sheet metal parts, offering high production efficiency and good part consistency.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM): Metal powder is mixed with a binder and injected into a mold. After debinding and sintering, the finished product is obtained. Material utilization can reach 97%, making it particularly suitable for manufacturing complex, small-sized precision metal parts. It is widely used in the electronics and medical device fields.
Precision Machining Processes: These processes achieve micron-level precision control through material removal, ensuring the final forming of high-precision parts.
CNC Precision Machining: Using CNC machining centers and drilling/tapping centers as core equipment, turning, milling, and drilling operations are performed by programming-controlled tools. Tolerances can be stably controlled within 0.05mm. By 2025, five-axis CNC machining equipment will account for 34% of the industry. It can efficiently process complex curved surface structures and is compatible with almost all metal materials, making it the most widely used precision machining method currently.
High-Precision Hole Machining
Addressing the hole position requirements of precision parts, a complete process from positioning, drilling, tapping to reaming has been developed: First, pre-punching positioning pits prevent drill slippage; stepped drilling controls the feed force; and subsequent reaming removes only about 0.2mm of excess material, ultimately achieving high-precision hole dimensions and low-roughness hole wall quality to meet precision fit requirements.
Specialty Precision Machining
Includes sub-technologies such as laser cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and grinding. Grinding relies on abrasives to achieve nanoscale surface finishing, while laser/EDM can handle high-hardness metal materials, micro-holes, and irregular structures that are difficult to process with traditional tools, adapting to the machining needs of ultra-precision and special-condition parts.
