Advanced CNC finishing capabilities eliminate process variation, integrate rapid-fire operations, and create flexibility so you can design a better product. This post will examine four examples of how it can make a product created with centrifugal casting even better.

Because CNC machining removes unneeded metal fast and selectively, it’s a finishing process that works perfectly with centrifugal casting. The combination adds many advantages because it:

  • Requires fewer steps to deliver far more complexity
  • Creates highly repeatable components accurately
  • Adds improved performance to the design
  • Eliminates unnecessary waste

This video shows the efficiency of CNC machining and displays why it’s such a popular secondary process for finishing “as cast” parts.

Below are four examples of how some applications benefit from CNC machining as part of the manufacturing process. 

CNC provides better control over physical properties

Float glass roll bodies used in the glass industry must be perfectly round, concentric, and free from mid-wall voids.

Float Glass Steel Rollers
A CNC finish on float glass roll bodies provides a longer service life, lower manufacturing costs, and better control over the physical properties.

By producing the initial tube through centrifugal casting, the wall thickness can be controlled, requiring less machining and straightening. The CNC software will evaluate the tube’s physical properties and machine any deformations or weak points to achieve an exceptionally uniform surface in the resulting roll body.

And, if the machining is in house, there’s no need to risk damaging the roll body by moving it from one location to another.

The speed of CNC means less labor and often lower costs

Conical drums are simple designs but critical transport for the oil and gas industry. They need to be made sturdy and lightweight to meet precise specifications.

Conical Drum
Made up of alloy steel, Spuncast Centrifugal Foundry produced this conical drum. A centrifugal foundry like Spuncast offers CNC machine tolerances of up to .002.

Designs that need fewer surface features like conical drums work well with machining. Each drum can be produced to match precisely with no variations. And the speed of the process means less labor with lower costs.

It offers improved efficiency, strength, and compatibility to the as-cast parts produced by centrifugal casting.

CNC delivers precision and accuracy to critical components

Pump and valve components are critical to the hydraulic systems used within the mining industry. They’re required to handle incredibly challenging workloads and must be reliably made to precise standards. 

Centrifugal Casting and CNC Machining
By using centrifugal casting and CNC machining, an engineer can take pump and valve designs from raw stock to an incredibly reliable part. A centrifugal foundry like Spuncast offers CNC machine tolerances of up to .002.

Manufacturing valve and pump components like closures, carriers, housings, and sleeves require precision. Combining the robust results of centrifugal casting with the accuracy of CNC technology delivers higher levels of performance and durability required. 

Anything less could mean an inferior result. Because the risk of a failing pump or valve has significant environmental and human consequences, only the best will do.

CNC produces large-volume runs on detailed parts

Within the energy industry, the demand for wind turbines continues to increase. The hydraulic accumulators they rely on must work under severe pressures and have no vulnerable joints. Component design details are critical. 

The CNC process offers tight tolerances and excellent repeatability
Wind turbines rely heavily on the dependability of their hydraulic accumulators. It’s a system component made stronger with a CNC finish machining.

The CNC process offers tight tolerances and excellent repeatability, which makes it an ideal process for this application. It can take a centrifugal casted product and automate large-volume runs on detailed parts without unwanted variation or human error. 

The strength produced through centrifugal casting with the reliability of CNC machining means every part performs as expected. 

When is CNC machining not a good fit?

Even though CNC machining is a good option for finishing a large variety of metal parts, it has limitations.

Some specific materials aren’t a good fit with CNC machining. It also requires a certain amount of setup, which means it’s not the best option for jobs that need a quick turnaround.

In general, CNC accommodates most designs for components in many industries. However, some are more difficult for the machinist and not cost-efficient, which is when other options should be considered.

Value of CNC Maching

Will CNC machining work for me?

CNC machining is a popular finishing option and one of two standard secondary processes for metal parts used with centrifugal casting. Another method often used is heat treating, which can sometimes be used on its own or in addition to machining depending on the part requirements.

Whether or not CNC machining is the right choice for your component depends on a few factors like: 

  • Complexity: Is your part design easily repeatable? 
  • Accuracy: Does your part need to meet tight tolerances? 
  • Material: Have you chosen a metal that works with the process?
  • Quantity: Do you need large volumes, fast?

Of course, working with a well-qualified CNC machining professional will ultimately make all the difference. At Spuncast Centrifugal Foundry, we offer in-house machining that can meet the needs of most components. And, along with machining, we also provide heat-treating and metallurgical expertise. 

With over 45 years of experience in the metal foundry industry, our team serves a full range of needs, from prototypes to high-production pieces.