The Importance of Precision Engineering in the Manufacturing Industry
Without precision engineering, the modern manufacturing industry would be completely different today. Manual manufacturing has many shortcomings like the low tolerance for deviations in measurements and the demand to produce numerous exact components is also another requirement that manual manufacturing cannot handle. Precision engineering is best equipped to handle the fine requirements of technology and guarantee simultaneous and mass production of components.
Modern machinery requires more precise requirements and measurements which calls for even more precise requirements for the machinery used to make the components. The tiny parts inside a smartphone are a good example. They require high precision and are produced in high quantities which requires more advanced machinery compared to what was used to make the printing press back in the day.
Unlike manual manufacturing, precision engineering relies on computer programs that dictate the processes with incredibly high accuracy to within 5 microns. Even better is that these systems are able to mass reproduce the same components with the same accuracy over and over again. This makes mass manufacturing easier even with tiny and complex parts.
How is Precision Engineering Used?
A 3D image of the component being made on the precision machine is first made to make sure that pinpoint accuracy is achieved. The 3D image is fed into a software programme which calculates the movements, angles, and cuts to make sure the cut is according to the design required. The software also makes sure that the same angles, movements, and cuts can be repeated many times without deviation.
Precision engineering has a lot to do with some of the machines that are available in the manufacturing industry today and there are plenty of benefits associated with precision engineering in the manufacturing industry. Some of these advantages include;
Prolonged running life
There is less wear and tear and fatigue when the components of a machine are created with precision. The don’t rub and collide with each other which allows the machine and its components to run longer and enjoy an extended lifespan which is not the same case with parts that have been manufactured manually.
Cost-effective
Precision engineering can lower the initial costs and the running costs. With a longer running life and less maintenance required because of the accuracy with which the parts are made, reworking, scrapping, and a waste of components is reduced. The ability to mass produce with the same accuracy and quality also reduces the time required and fewer inspections are done. The quality of components is uniform and for a business, this means better and higher profit margins.
Reliability
With mass production, even a slight error can translate into millions of customer complaints and dissatisfaction. This can cost your business heavily in reimbursements to the unhappy customers and might also affect the reputation of your business. With precision engineering, all components have the same accuracy and quality ensuring reliability on quality and accuracy.
Safety
By removing human error, you are able to produce components that are more accurate and safer to use with reduced chances of malfunction or failure that would damage property or cause injury to people. The damage to your brand as a result of injury to people can be very costly as the claims pile up.
Precision engineering ensures safety and high standards are met in the manufacturing industry. It has also been responsible for the creation of machines that would have been impossible to make in the past.