Micromachining

CNC Micromachining of Complex Small Components

The demand for micromachining services is growing worldwide. Advancements in the medical, fiber optic, and satellite industries require micromachining companies to improve their precision capabilities. If you’re looking for a company that understands this and is ahead of the curve, Owens Industries is the right place.

Owens is ahead of the industry trend, offering ultra-precision micromachining services to clients. While our sweet spot is in medium-sized components comparable in size to a volleyball, we will take on micromachining projects where strict tolerances are a priority. Have problem parts or impossible components? Call upon our expertise.

$ Request a Quote

What is Micromachining?

Micromachining is a specialized machining process involving the production of small and intricate parts with high levels of accuracy and tolerance control. Micromachining typically involves using specialized tools, such as micro-drills and micro-lathes, to produce parts with dimensions in the micrometer range (less than 1 millimeter).

Precision micromachining is often used in the production of medical devices, aerospace components, and other critical components that require precise tolerances and high levels of detail. The process involves using advanced computer-controlled equipment to produce micro parts that meet strict design specifications. Precision micromachining requires skilled machinists and a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes and materials to ensure successful production.

Why Choose Owens Industries for Micromachining?

Owens Industries stands out as a premier choice for micromachining services, with unparalleled expertise, advanced capabilities, and a longstanding commitment to precision manufacturing. With over six decades of experience, Owens Industries’ machinists consistently demonstrate a mastery of the precision micromachining techniques required for intricate and small components. Our comprehensive suite of micromachining capabilities, including state-of-the-art EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) techniques such as Sink EDM and Wire EDM Cutting allow us to handle a diverse range of materials, from alloy steel and aluminum to brass, copper, and even specialized alloys like Hastelloy.

Benefits of Micromachining

These components can be cut down to one-thousandth of a millimeter, helping make the production of tiny parts more efficient and realistic. Also known as micro/mesoscale mechanical manufacturing (M4 processes), micromachining creates products one by one, helping to establish consistency with dimensions between parts. If you want access to predictable and controlled turnaround times and quality surface finishes, contact Owens Industries for more information regarding how micromachining can help save your company time and money.

Micro Precision Machining Using Sink EDM

Small and unusual shapes, such as gears or other micron parts requiring detailed intricacies, are best made using Sink EDM. During Sink EDM, complex shapes are formed through erosion, caused by a spark between the part being machined and the custom-designed electrode of the sinker EDM center.

 

Well-known Sinker EDM machined materials include:

  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Titanium
  • Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals

Micromachining Using Wire EDM Cutting

We also offer EDM micromachining using state-of-the-art wire EDM machines. Our Wire EDM is capable of .001” diameter cutting wire, offering extremely fine EDM micromachining options. To achieve true micromachining with EDM, our EDM machines have 0.1-micron resolution glass scales.

 

Micro Milling Through 5 Axis Technology

Owens’ 5-axis micro-milling centers come from leading German manufacturers and are specially calibrated to achieve the highest precision results during micro-milling. We ensure all elements of our micromachining process are carefully calculated and executed for incredible product results, whether it be the fluids used in micro-cutting, controlling vibrations from micro-drilling or component handling. Regardless of the CNC machining processes required to make your micro part, Owens Industries has the solutions you need to make it happen.

Materials

Micromachining Materials Trusted by Owens Industries

Owens Industries excels in micromachining services with extensive experience in treating parts made from various materials.

Brass

Brass

Brass is a metal known for its easy machinability and good electrical conductivity. It is ideal for applications requiring low friction, such as gears, locks, and musical instruments.

BrassUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
C36000 UNS C36000 CUZN39PB3 CuZn39Pb3
C46400 UNS C46400 CuZn38Al Naval Brass
C93200 UNS C93200 Saems 660 Bearing Bronze
C48500 UNS C48500 CuZn39Sn1 Leaded Muntz Metal
C26000 UNS C26000 CUZN30 Cartridge Brass
C37700 UNS C37700 CUZN40PB2 Forging Brass
Copper

Copper

Copper is excellent at conducting heat and electricity, making it perfect for electrical uses like busbars and wire connectors. It is easily recognized by its shiny reddish-orange color and is also used in plumbing and roofing.

CopperUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
C11000 UNS C11000 Cu-ETP Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper
C10100 UNS C10100 OF-OK Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper
C10200 UNS C10200 OF-Cu Oxygen-Free (OF) Copper
C28000 UNS C28000 CuZn40 Muntz Metal
C14500 UNS C14500 TeCu Tellurium Copper

 

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is known for its strength, heat, and corrosion resistance, along with its durability and attractive appearance. These qualities make it suitable for a wide range of uses, including kitchenware, medical instruments, and construction.

Stainless SteelUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
316L UNS S31603 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 Stainless Steel 316L
304 UNS S30400 X5CrNi18-10 Stainless Steel 304
17-4 PH UNS S17400 X5CrNiCuNb16-4 Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
303 UNS S30300 X8CrNiS18-9 Stainless Steel 303
420 UNS S42000 X20Cr13 Stainless Steel 420
440C UNS S44004 X105CrMo17 Stainless Steel 440C

 

Tool Steel

Tool Steel

Tool steels are hard, stiff, and resistant to abrasion, making them perfect for manufacturing industrial tools. Their robustness is essential for cutting, drilling, and molding applications in various industries.

Tool SteelUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
D2 UNS T30402 1.2379 X155CrVMo12-1
M2 UNS T11302 1.3343 HS6-5-2C
A2 UNS T30102 1.2363 X100CrMoV5-1
S7 UNS T41907 1.2355 50CrMoV13-15
O1 UNS T31501 1.2510 100MnCrW4
H13 UNS T20813 1.2344 X40Cr

 

Alloy Steel

Alloy Steel

Alloy steels include additional elements beyond carbon, which improve their hardness, toughness, and resistance to fatigue and wear. These steels are widely used in construction, automotive, and machinery due to their enhanced properties.

Alloy SteelUNS DesignationDIN DesignationISO Designation
4140 1.7225 708M40 42CrMo4
4340 1.6565 817M40 40NiCrMo6
8620 1.6523 805M20 20NiCrMo2
52100 1.3505 100Cr6 SUJ2
4142 1.7227 708M40T 41CrMoS4
6150 1.8159 735A51 50CrV4
Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum alloys are lightweight and strong, with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. They are also resistant to corrosion and can be anodized for added protection, making them ideal for aerospace and packaging industries.

Aluminum AlloyUNS DesignationDIN DesignationISO Designation
7075-T651 3.4365 76528 AlZn5.5MgCu
6082-T651 3.2315 64430 AlSi1MgMn
6060 3.3206 EN AW-6060 AlMgSi
5052 EN AW-5052 3.3523 AlMg2,5
2017A 3.1325 24530 AlCu4MgSi
Hastelloy

Hastelloy

Hastelloy is a group of nickel alloys known for their high resistance to corrosion, pitting, and stress-corrosion cracking. They are often used in harsh environments like chemical processing and aerospace, where durability is crucial.

HastelloyUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
C276 UNS N10276 2.4819 NiMo16Cr15W
C22 UNS N06022 2.4602 NiCr21Mo14W
B-2 UNS N10665 2.4617 NiMo28
X UNS N06002 2.4665 NiCr22Fe18Mo
C2000 UNS N06200 2.4675 NiCr23Mo16Cu
G-30 UNS N06030 2.4603 NiCr29Mo9Fe
Inconel

Inconel

Inconel is a strong, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, ideal for challenging aerospace applications. It can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for jet engines and gas turbines.

InconelUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
718 UNS N07718 2.4668 NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3
625 UNS N06625 2.4856 NiCr22Mo9Nb
600 UNS N06600 2.4816 NiCr15Fe
X-750 UNS N07750 2.4669 NiCr15Fe7TiAl
601 UNS N06601 2.4851 NiCr23Fe
725 UNS N07725 2.4668 NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3

 

Invar

Invar

Invar is a nickel alloy with very low thermal expansion, making it highly stable and perfect for precision applications such as instrumentation and aerostructure molds. It is also used in scientific instruments where dimensional stability is critical.

InvarUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
36 UNS K93600 1.3912 FeNi36
42 UNS K94200 1.3917 FeNi42
48 UNS K94800 1.3922 FeNi48
32-5 UNS K94610 1.3911 FeNi32-5
42-6 UNS K94620 1.3913 FeNi42-6
46 UNS K94630 1.3914 FeNi46
Maraging Steel

Maraging Steel

Maraging steels are ultra-high-strength steels that are easy to machine and weld without causing distortion. They gain their exceptional hardness and toughness from a special heat-treating process, making them suitable for aerospace and tooling applications.

Maraging SteelUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
200 UNS K93120 1.6359 20Ni Maraging Steel C200
250 UNS K92890 1.6358 18Ni Maraging Steel C250
300 UNS K93120 1.6354 18Ni Maraging Steel C300
350 UNS K93160 1.6356 18Ni Maraging Steel C350
400 UNS K91460 1.6352 Custom 465 Stainless
500 UNS K92810 1.6354 Custom Age 625 Plus

 

Titanium

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight metal with excellent strength, low thermal expansion, and high corrosion resistance. Its ability to be sterilized and its biocompatibility make it unique, especially in medical implants and aerospace components.

Titanium GradeUNS DesignationDIN DesignationAlternative Designation
5 (Ti-6Al-4V) UNS R56400 3.7165 Ti-6Al-4V
2 UNS R50400 3.7035 CP Titanium
23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) UNS R56401 3.7165 Ti-6Al-4V ELI
9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) UNS R56320 3.7195 Ti-3Al-2.5V
7 (Ti-0.2Pd) UNS R52400 3.7235 Ti-0.2Pd
12 (Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) UNS R53400 3.7105 Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni

 

Industries

Micro-Cut Components for Every Industry

Numerous industries are eagerly following the trend of utilizing miniature parts in their product applications. The extreme attention to detail, dedication to precision, and high level of expertise garnered in our employees is what sets us apart to serve these industries with precision micromachined components.

Industries Served
Industries ISO

Complex Components We’ve Micromachined

  • Miniature gears for the ophthalmic industry
  • Sonic nozzles with precision venturis for flow measurement
  • Miniature components for nuclear armament timing devices
  • Components for respiration monitoring equipment
  • Electron microscope accessories
  • Fiber optic components including MEMs
  • Optical switch components such as collimators
  • Impellers for VAD – Ventricular Assist Devices: heart pumps
Contact Owens Industries for machining services including micromachining for your complex parts today.

FAQ

Micromachining Frequently Asked
Questions

What is micromachining?

Micromachining is a type of manufacturing process that involves the production of small and intricate parts with dimensions in the micrometer range (less than 1 millimeter). It typically involves the use of specialized tools, such as micro-drills and micro-lathes, to produce parts with high levels of precision and accuracy.

What is micromachining used for?

Micromachining is used for the production of small and intricate parts with dimensions in the micrometer range (less than 1 millimeter). It is often used in the production of medical devices, such as stents, catheters, and implantable devices, as well as aerospace components, such as sensors and fuel injectors. In addition, micromachining is also used in the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which are tiny devices that combine mechanical and electronic elements on a microscale.

What is bulk micromachining?

Bulk micromachining is a type of manufacturing process that involves the removal of large volumes of material from a substrate to create microscale features or structures. It is often used in the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which are tiny devices that combine mechanical and electronic elements on a microscale. Bulk micromachining is typically performed using a combination of photolithography and etching techniques, which allow for precise control over the shape and size of the features being created.

What is surface micromachining?

Surface micromachining is a type of manufacturing process that involves the creation of microscale features or structures on the surface of a substrate. It is often used in the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which are tiny devices that combine mechanical and electronic elements on a microscale. Surface micromachining is typically performed using a combination of photolithography and etching techniques, which allow for precise control over the shape and size of the features being created.

What are the advantages of micromachining?

Some of the advantages of micromachining include enhanced accuracy, increased efficiency, improved functionality, increased durability, and added cost savings over other methods.

Back to top