- The hybrid manufacturing sweet spot – CNC machining precision parts is highly cost-effective as a secondary operation for stamped parts, with annual volumes between 5,000 and 100,000 pieces EAU or even higher based on project parameters.
- Unwavering precision – The Westlake Tool & Die team can facilitate tolerances down to ±0.001″ on critical features, using smart machine feedback and robust in-house fixturing to ensure the 10,000th part is exactly as precise as the first.
- Full-lifecycle integration – CNC capabilities support the entire production lifecycle, from machining prototype parts and in-house progressive die components to performing secondary operations like threading and drilling on stamped parts.
Hybrid manufacturing is the ultimate solution for facilities, as it blends the economics of stamping with the precision of high-volume CNC machining. Many companies focus on a single service, forcing buyers to source different vendors for stamping and machining, but we offer machining as a value-added secondary operation on parts we’ve already stamped.
Supply chain complexity adds costs and delays – avoid
them with a single-source partner.
and machining, adding supply chain
complexity, cost, and delays.
already stamped – finished,
ready-to-install parts from one partner.
We’re ready to handle your metal stamping and provide precision CNC machined components in our 74,000-square-foot facility in Ohio, letting you avoid finding a separate CNC house. You’ll receive finished, ready-to-install parts or assemblies from a trusted manufacturer.
The Sweet Spot: When Do CNC Precision Parts Become Cost-Effective?
- CNC machining becomes highly cost-effective for runs of 5,000 to 100,000 pieces EAU or even higher based on project parameters
- Volume alone doesn’t determine cost-effectiveness, though, as the volume must justify stamping the base part as well as performing CNC machining work
- CNC is often needed for complex 3D contours, deep slots, pockets, tapped holes, and continuous safety-critical radii, so materials that need these aspects, or sharp-edge removal, are ideal candidates for CNC
Tolerances and Long-Run Consistency in Our Value-Added Service
Precision is non-negotiable for the critical components used by diverse industries, including fields like oil and gas and food processing. To ensure precision, Westlake Tool & Die generally holds tolerances in the ±0.002″ range, but can make tolerances as tight as ±0.001″ on critical features. Exact tolerances will depend on the material chosen – like higher-strength steel vs. aluminum – and how critical the feature is to function or safety.
Tolerances as tight as ±0.001″ on critical features.
Some companies might worry about precision degradation over long runs, thinking the 10,000th precision CNC machined component might be inferior to the first.
To avoid such issues, our team uses a three-tiered approach:
- Our dedicated in-house designed fixtures verify critical dimensions
- Our Haas TM-2P vertical machining centers monitor spindle load and cutting resistance, so operators know when tool wear reaches a threshold
- Our operators perform rigorous visual inspections to ensure part quality
Speed and Integration: Setup, Lead Times, and Turnkey Capabilities
The Westlake Tool & Die team strives to supply your CNC precision parts as quickly as possible.
| Run type | Typical setup and lead time |
|---|---|
| Fixture already exists | Just a few days to a week. |
| Prototypes and short runs | Faster programming with simpler fixturing to validate designs. |
| 5,000+ piece runs | A few weeks upfront to build robust, dedicated fixtures and tune the program for cycle time and tool life. |
Of course, ultimately high-volume CNC machining integrates with our broader capabilities. We support the entire production lifecycle, from prototyping to stamping to progressive die work to secondary operations like hole drilling, threading, and the adding of alignment features.
CNC isn’t just an end-stage service – it’s a core capability
that supports everything from early design to final
complex features.
FAQs on CNC Machining Precision Parts
What materials do you most commonly CNC machine for high-volume precision parts?
We commonly machine carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminum, copper, and brass, modifying our processes for higher-strength metals that can’t be formed by stamping alone.
Can CNC machining replace manual deburring for sharp edges?
Yes, using CNC machining is much more reliable and cost-effective than manual deburring or stamping when it comes to safely removing sharp edges and applying safety-critical radii over long production runs.
What kind of CNC equipment does Westlake Tool & Die use?
We use state-of-the-art Haas TM-2P vertical machining centers, which are highly respected for their reliability, ability to work concurrently on multiple axes, and built-in tool wear detection systems.
Our Value-Added Service Provides Precision and Scale
Westlake Tool & Die serves as your partner for CNC machining of precision parts, facilitating high-production runs and tight tolerances when required. Reach out today and we can assess your project.
