TUOFA CNC Machining has unveiled a rapid manufacturing line specifically designed for hard-metal parts, targeting sectors such as aerospace, energy, medical, robotics, and electric vehicles. This initiative is set to significantly decrease lead times for projects that depend on challenging-to-machine alloys, addressing a critical bottleneck in these industries.
The new line focuses on three key areas: materials, processes, and equipment. It enhances the company's capability to work with hard CNC materials, including titanium alloys, nickel superalloys, hardened stainless steels, tool steels, and cobalt-chrome. Additionally, TUOFA offers CNC engineering plastic machining services, broadening its material expertise.
Process improvements include advanced 5-axis and multi-axis CNC milling, high-precision turning, and a comprehensive suite of finishing techniques. The equipment base has been expanded with the addition of a 5-axis cell featuring through-spindle coolant and in-machine probing, among other upgrades.
Applications for the new line are divided into structural components, which require fatigue strength and tight geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and functional or wear components that must withstand high-temperature or abrasive environments. Quality control measures are rigorous, with capabilities to achieve tolerances of ±0.005 mm and surface finishes to Ra 0.2 µm, ensuring parts meet the highest standards.
Andy, General Manager at TUOFA, emphasized the importance of the new line, stating, "Hard metals slow many projects; they can't slow ours. This line keeps schedules on track while meeting the mechanical requirements these alloys were chosen for." Future investments are planned to further enhance 5-axis capacity, superfinish grinding, and process controls aligned with NADCAP standards.
For more information on TUOFA's capabilities, visit https://www.tuofa-cncmachining.com.
