Heat treating a precision machined component is a controlled heating and cooling process that alters the physical properties of the metal to achieve a specific requirement. In many cases, heat treatment is used to increase strength, hardness, and wear resistance. However, depending on the material and process involved, it [...]
Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in CNC Swiss machining and CNC turning. The main element of steel is iron (coming from iron ore) which is mined in over 50 countries around the world. Currently most the world’s iron ore (over 75%) comes from Australia, Brazil, [...]
Pioneer Service produces turned metal components to meet a wide variety of surface finish requirements. Some finishes are available “off the machine” and others will require additional finishing processes. The part geometry and the chosen material will affect the surface finish that may be attained during machining on a [...]
Some Pioneer Service customers will require a First Article Inspection Report with the shipment of their first order on a new part. This report provides a detailed verification that all specified requirements on a customer print have been consistently met in production. Years ago, FAI reports were most likely [...]
Approximately 30% of the components that Pioneer Service manufactures for our clients require grinding after the machining process. Standard grinding (both centerless and centered) produces a finer surface finish and/or more precise dimensions than can be achieved during the turning process on a CNC Swiss or CNC Turning Center. [...]
CNC machining is a general term used for a variety of machining applications. "CNC" stands for Computer Numerical Controlled and refers to the programmable feature of the machine, allowing the machine to perform many functions with minimal human control. CNC machining is the fabrication of a component using a [...]
In Illinois, we are in week 3 of the “shelter in place” mandate from Gov. Pritzker. What was initially going to be a 2-week event to “flatten the curve” has turned into a multi-month process to contain a virus that is a devious and fast-moving adversary. Within 30 minutes [...]
Precision machined components made from ferrous materials (stainless-steel alloys) can specify black oxide as a surface finish treatment to provide additional protection for the component parts. What is Black Oxide? Black oxide is a conversion coating that is produced through a chemical reaction when component parts are dipped in [...]
