CNC Machining

CNC Machining is a manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled machines to remove material from solid stock in order to create precise parts and features. By following programmed toolpaths, CNC machines produce accurate, repeatable components with tight tolerances. At Plummer Industries we offer CNC Milling and CNC Turning with live tooling. Below is an explanation of each process and how they may be applicable to your project.

CNC Milling is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled rotating cutting tools to remove material from a solid workpiece. The part is secured in a fixture while the machine precisely moves the cutting tools along programmed paths to create complex geometries, tight tolerances, and accurate features.

• High Dimensional Accuracy – Computer control allows parts to be produced with tight tolerances and consistent results across production runs.
• Complex Geometry – CNC milling can create pockets, slots, contours, and multi-axis features that are difficult or impossible to achieve with manual machining.
• Wide Material Compatibility – Commonly used for aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastics, and other machinable materials.
• Excellent Surface Finish – Proper tooling and toolpaths produce clean, repeatable surface finishes that often require minimal secondary processing.
• Repeatable & Scalable – Once programmed, parts can be reproduced accurately from prototype quantities through full production.

CNC Turning is a subtractive manufacturing process where a workpiece is rotated while stationary cutting tools remove material to create cylindrical features such as diameters, tapers, grooves, and threads. Computer-controlled motion ensures precise geometry, concentricity, and repeatability across parts.

• High Concentricity & Accuracy – Turning excels at producing round and coaxial features with tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes.
• Radial Live Tooling – Live tooling allows milling, drilling, and slotting operations to be performed perpendicular to the part’s axis without secondary setups, reducing lead time and improving accuracy.
• Reduced Part Handling – Combining turning and milling operations in a single setup minimizes repositioning, improving feature alignment and overall part quality.
• Wide Material Capability – Commonly used for aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, and plastics.
• Production Efficient – Ideal for both prototype and production quantities, delivering consistent parts with minimal cycle-to-cycle variation.

Inspection & Quality Control is an integral part of our manufacturing process, ensuring that every part meets design intent and dimensional requirements. Measurements are performed throughout production using a combination of standard manual metrology tools and advanced optical inspection systems.

• Manual Metrology – Calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and pin gauges are used for direct, hands-on inspection of critical dimensions and functional features.
• Keyence IMX Optical Measurement – The IMX system allows fast, non-contact measurement of complex features with high repeatability, enabling accurate inspection without part fixturing.
• In-Process Verification – Measurements are taken during production to confirm dimensions before proceeding to subsequent operations, reducing scrap and rework.
• Dimensional Documentation – Inspection results can be recorded and reported to support quality requirements, first-article inspection, and customer documentation.
• Consistency & Confidence – Combining traditional metrology with automated optical inspection ensures reliable, repeatable results across prototype and production parts.