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 [...]
The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is a valuable tool for establishing confidence in a component supplier’s production processes. The PPAP process was initially specified in the automotive and aerospace industries. Today, it has been integrated into the requirements of some medical and industrial customers. At Pioneer Service, we [...]
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 [...]
Finishing Services that Add to or Alter the Component Surface There are a variety of surface finishing techniques that add to or alter the surface layer of metal for a precision turned component. These finishing techniques can be utilized for aesthetic reasons, to protect the part from environmental [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
