Precision: The Foundation of Modern Metal Manufacturing
In industrial manufacturing, precision determines function, safety and service life of a component. A gear with 0.1 mm deviation on the pitch circle wears ten times faster than one with correct fit. A valve seat with poor surface finish leaks. Precision is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
What Does Precision Mean in Practice?
Dimensional Precision
The ability to manufacture components within defined tolerance limits. In the CNC field, tolerances of ±0.01 mm to ±0.05 mm are common. For even tighter requirements, grinding or EDM are employed.
Form and Positional Precision
Beyond dimensions, roundness, cylindricity, flatness and parallelism must also be correct. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ISO 1101 defines these requirements in a standardised way.
Surface Precision
Surface roughness affects sealing, friction and wear. From Ra 6.3 µm (rough surface) to Ra 0.1 µm (mirror finish) — the requirement determines the effort. More on surface influences in our article about vibrations and surface quality.
How Is Precision Achieved?
Modern CNC Machines
High-precision machines with linear scales, thermal compensation and high-resolution encoders form the foundation. Machine accuracy sets the physical limit for achievable component accuracy.
Experienced Operators
Technology alone is not enough — experienced CNC specialists understand the relationships between cutting parameters, tool behaviour and material response. This process knowledge makes the difference.
Quality Tools and Metrology
High-quality tools with tight runout and regularly calibrated measuring instruments ensure precision. Modern 3D coordinate measuring machines fully capture components and document the results.
Industries with the Highest Precision Requirements
- Medical technology: Implants with tolerances in the micrometre range
- Aerospace: Safety-critical structural components
- Optics and laser technology: Highest surface quality and form accuracy
- Hydraulics: Leak-tight valve seats and piston guides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does higher precision cost?
As a rule of thumb: every halving of the tolerance doubles the manufacturing cost. This is why it is important to specify tight tolerances only where functionally necessary. More on cost factors.
How is precision verified?
Through documented measurement reports — ideally from a 3D coordinate measuring machine. For series production, statistical evaluations (SPC) can demonstrate process capability.
Conclusion: Precision Is a Matter of Trust
Precision in metalworking results from the interplay of machine, people and method. A partner who masters this interplay consistently delivers precise results.
Highest precision for your project? Contact us — we manufacture to the exact specification.