PRECISION MECHANICS, WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS

Precision mechanics is a particular discipline of mechanics concerned with the production of components for machinery in the industrial, agricultural and medical sectors.

What is precision mechanics?

The term "precision mechanics" is used to identify a set of processes which, as the name suggests, are characterized by a high level of precision during the production and machining phase of a component, which can generally be made of metal or plastic. The final product, which in most cases consists of a tool, a finished part or a component that is then used by large industries, must be completely free from defects.
The precision and complexity of the processes are, in fact, the characteristics that distinguish this sector and that allow to have a product able to meet the requirements of the clients.
There is a wide range of products, which are the result of precision machining. Examples are flanges, bushings, gears, joints, valves which regulate the operation of machinery. If these parts were not manufactured with a precision to the detail, you could encounter several problems during the use in production line of the machines on which they have been installed. For example, a joint to be used in the automotive or mechanical field is characterized by a series of details and specific mechanical finishes, which the precision machine shop must respect for the component to be fully functional.
In addition to the production of individual parts or components, the companies involved in these projects also carry out strict quality control.
Each project is subject to an appropriate final verification, The objective of which is to identify potential defects or malfunctions and to remedy them promptly before they can have a completely negative impact during the use of the instrument in production.

What machinery is used in precision engineering?

Among the machines used in this sector there are certainly the lathe and milling machine (also called milling), which allow a precise processing of metal or plastics. These machine tools guarantee an optimal cutting of steel and sheet metal, with different properties and workability between them and a finishing and removal of the material from surfaces.
In the workshops there are also tools for cleaning the process, which must be free of residues and defects.
Today, thanks to evolution, there are precision machines with numerical control. The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe, symbol of precision metal-working, is an example. This machine is able to program a defined work by means of the control carried out by an integrated computer which guides its movements.
The machine is very precise, but needs human intervention. The staff employed in companies to carry out this procedure is highly trained and qualified, as well as being constantly placed in a position to be updated.
For a perfect piece produced by the use of the lathe, human intervention is very important. It is thanks to the staff, in fact, that all the parameters of the part to be produced are entered into the computer, and then allow the machine to move completely independently.
To ensure perfect production of the part, the lathe is equipped with sensors which signal any anomalies which, if necessary, the staff will correct by setting new parameters via computer.
In turning, there are two basic processes:
1. roughing: by specific tools, perfectly able to resist the stresses, you will remove the superfluous overcoat;
2. Finishing: the final output is finished. The surface of the workpiece is processed, improving its structure: dimensions and roughness are in fact customized.
The lathe allows a considerable number of operations to be carried out, which are divided into external and internal operations.
The first category includes turning, which is the removal of unnecessary material necessary for the formation of steps, chamfers or cones; grooving, that is, the engraving of grooves; the stripping, which is the removal of the thin layer of material in order to make the surface smoother; the cutting, where the lathe cuts and separates a section; and finally, the threading, which is done in more and more passes.
The second category includes drilling, boring, which is used for finishing holes, and finally tapping, which is used to export excessive material.
Precision mechanics is therefore a field where machine technology and human experience merge with each other. If one of the two parts were missing, the precision and complexity that characterizes this type of production reality would be lost.

Where is precision mechanics most used?

The areas where precision mechanics find fertile soil are industrial and agricultural machinery, medical/biomedical equipment, as well as in hydraulics, automotive and petrochemical.
Much of the credit for the excellent results achieved at national level by precision mechanics is due, in principle, to computerized numerical control which, as far as finishing materials are concerned, guarantees the highest degree of accuracy.