Because their performance directly affects productivity, making parts for industrial machines requires special care. Learn more about the industrial parts that our customers produce, including the materials they are made of, design considerations, and other details.
Introduction Industrial machinery supports operational efficiency, productivity, and quality control in a variety of industries. However, these machines must be dependable, productive, and long-lasting in order to accomplish this, and the first step in this process is to assemble them from components of high quality.
To make these parts, you need to know a lot about the materials and processes used to make them, the best design practices, how to cut down on costs and lead times, and more.
What is machinery used in industry?
A broad category of equipment and devices used in manufacturing, processing, and production across a variety of industries is referred to as industrial machinery. It includes the following machines that are made to carry out particular operations and tasks:
Material handling equipment. CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, presses, and industrial robots are examples of machines used in production processes.
Equipment for handling materials Conveyors, lift tables, and forklifts are examples of machines that are utilized within a facility to move, store, and transport materials.
Machines for packaging. Filling, labeling, sealing, and wrapping machines—all of which are used to efficiently package goods—are examples.
The kinds of parts that are artificial intelligence + write for us for industrial machinery The kinds of parts that you will need to make will, of course, vary based on the kind of machinery and how it will be used. However, Protolabs Network is frequently utilized by our clients to create the following for industrial machinery.
movable parts Shafts and bearings, for example, are machinery-specific components that enable efficient power transmission and mechanical functionality.
Casings. enclosures or housings that provide structural integrity, safety, and frequently incorporate access points for maintenance while shielding machinery components from external influences.
Belts for conveyors. Systems with continuous loops that are used in industrial settings to move materials or products and make it easier to move, sort, and process them efficiently along production lines.
Jigs and fixtures used in industry. Custom tools that are used to hold, support, or guide workpieces during manufacturing processes so that precise assembly or machining operations can be carried out with accuracy and repeatability.
Parts for automation. Automated system components, such as actuators, controllers, and robotics, make it possible for industrial processes to be more productive, accurate, and efficient.
replacement components. parts made specifically to replace worn-out or damaged parts in existing machinery, thereby extending the useful life of industrial equipment and preserving its peak performance.
What kinds of materials are used to make industrial machinery component parts?
Industrial machinery is made of metals, plastics, and composites all of which are used in its construction. The load-bearing capacity, thermal properties, chemical compatibility, electrical conductivity, and other application requirements will all play a role in the precise material selection. To enhance performance, manufacturers frequently employ a variety of materials.
What metals are used to make industrial machinery component parts?
Metals are utilized in industrial machinery due to their excellent mechanical properties, durability, and strength. Metals used frequently include:
Steel. for structural frames, shafts, and other parts that need to be strong, tough, and resistant to corrosion.
Alloys and aluminum for parts like machine casings and components for conveyor systems that need to strike a balance between strength and lightness.
Which polymers and plastics are utilized in the production of industrial machinery component parts?
Polymers and plastics are electrically insulated, lightweight, and enable greater design adaptability. The following are a few plastics that are frequently utilized in the production of parts for industrial machinery.
Polypropylene and polyethylene (PE) for components like conveyor belts, rollers, housings, and casings that need to be strong and resistant to chemicals.
Acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). for components or parts that need to be transparent, like machinery displays, protective covers, and windows.
Polyamide nylon Nylon is frequently used to make gears, bushings, bearings, and other items with low friction coefficients due to its high tensile strength and wear resistance.
Elastomers. Due to their flexibility, resilience, and sealing qualities, materials like silicone and rubber are utilized in machinery for vibration isolation, damping, and sealing purposes.
Which composites are utilized in the production of industrial machinery component parts?
To achieve particular properties, composite materials combine various materials. A few different kinds of composites are used to make parts for industrial machinery.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass is suitable for structural components and equipment enclosures due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, and electrical insulation properties.
Fiberglass carbon Carbon fiber is frequently utilized in high-performance machinery components due to its exceptional strength, stiffness, and lightweight properties.
What manufacturing techniques HRMS Software to produce industrial machinery component parts?
Parts for industrial machinery are made using a variety of manufacturing techniques. The type of part, material properties, desired precision, production volume, and costs are all important considerations when choosing a method. Here are some common manufacturing techniques for making industrial machinery component parts.
Machining. involves removing material from a workpiece and shaping it into the desired shape with the help of tools and machines. Turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and other processes are used to produce precise parts with tight tolerances. CNC machining, on the other hand, is frequently used for automated and high-precision machining.
Casting. a method in which molten metal is poured into a mold before being cooled down to form a solid. Die casting is a good casting method for making intricate parts, especially those with intricate shapes or internal cavities.
Fabrication of sheet metal. used to shape and form small sheets of metal into various parts. Components like panels, brackets, and enclosures are made through processes like cutting, bending, and welding. Another common method for sheet metal fabrication is laser cutting.
Manufacturing by adding. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, uses plastics or metals to build parts layer by layer. It can make complex geometries, prototypes, and low-volume production parts and offers design flexibility.
molding by injection. a method in which molten plastic is injected into the cavity of a mold and cooled down to solidify into the desired shape. Parts with consistent dimensions and intricate designs that need to be produced in large quantities can be produced using injection molding.
What design considerations should be taken when producing industrial machinery component parts?
Engineers can create parts that are not only efficient and dependable but also optimized for cost-effective and efficient manufacturing in industrial machinery by taking the following design factors into account. The design process can be further enhanced and overall manufacturing efficiency can be enhanced through collaboration with manufacturing experts and feedback from the production team.
Functionality. Within the machinery, the part should perform its intended function. The load-bearing capacity, alignment, compatibility with other components, and overall system requirements should all be taken into account in the design.
Choosing the materials. To meet the part’s mechanical, thermal, and chemical needs, the right material must be chosen. When choosing materials, take strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, and temperature resistance into account.
Exceptions and fits To ensure proper assembly and fit, clearly define tolerances for vital dimensions. To avoid exceedingly tight tolerances, which could be costly or impractical to achieve, it is essential to strike a balance between the need for precision and the capabilities of the manufacturing process.
Safety. Make safety considerations a part of the design to avoid hazards and guarantee the safety of the operator and user. Guards, ergonomic considerations, and appropriate labeling or instructions are examples of this.
Sustainability. You can save money and meet regulatory requirements while producing greener parts by designing them with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Consider recyclability, energy efficiency, and the utilization of eco-friendly materials or manufacturing procedures to achieve this.
availability for use and upkeep. Consider serviceability when designing components. To accomplish this, think about accessibility for maintenance, ease of replacement, and the availability of spare parts to reduce downtime and make repairs easier.
Engineers can increase the efficiency with which they produce parts for industrial machinery by concentrating on minimizing costs and maximizing lead times.
Strive for uniformity. Utilize standardized components whenever possible. This makes it easier to interchange parts, makes it easier to find them, and makes repairs and maintenance easier.
Make a design that can be made (DFM). Consider the capabilities and limitations of the manufacturing processes that will be used when designing parts to make them easy to manufacture. Also, try to design parts with simple geometries rather than complicated features or hard-to-machine shapes, which can make production take longer and cost more.
Choose the right vendor. Establish strong connections with dependable suppliers who will give you favorable terms for services like materials, tools, and other things. Additionally, you can collaborate to streamline the supply chain, minimizing lead times and ensuring prompt component delivery.