CNC Machining Services

Complex CNC Machining Capabilities

Overview to CNC Machining

Having different suppliers for a foundry and a machine shop is a thing of the past. LeClaire Manufacturing is the single-source supplier for all your casting and precision machining needs, freeing up your time so you can focus on your business priorities. Using a single company for all your aluminum casting and machining needs means that you experience less confusion and greater accountability. With our central location in Bettendorf, Iowa, why not make us your “local” CNC machine shop?

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What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining, or Computer Numerical Control, is a manufacturing process that uses computerized controls to handle the entire machining process from start to finish. It uses pre-programmed software which controls the movement of factory tools and machinery.

Cuts are programmed into the CNC software. This software then dictates to the machine how to cut out or carry out the task requested from the software. In this way, it is similar to robotic processes. You can update the software to change the process as needed. The process is fully automated, making CNC machining an efficient solution for your machining needs.

With this said, there are various levels of machines that make different parts. The objective of using this type of machining is to produce precise parts with lasting results. 

LeClaire Manufacturing’s CNC Machining Capabilities

  • Milling
  • Turning (lathing)
  • Broaching

CNC Milling Services

LeClaire Manufacturing is a provider of CNC milling services for the manufacture of 2-D and 3-D parts. Our services allow you to manufacture parts in virtually any shape. It’s a fast, effective way to manufacture complex shapes where precision accuracy is essential.

What is CNC Milling?

In CNC milling, a computer-controlled rotating cutting tool is used to systematically and precisely remove material from the part to reach the exact shape and specifications needed.

Advantages of CNC Milling

  • Produce parts of virtually any shape
  • Cost-effective for prototyping and small production runs
  • Tight tolerances are possible
  • Smooth finishes
  • Fair and competitive pricing
  • Consistency in quality and craftsmanship
  • On-time delivery

If you need custom milled parts, LeClaire can help. Contact us to get a fast quote based on your design or for design assistance.

CNC Machining at Le Claire Manufacturing in Iowa

CNC Turning Services

LeClaire Manufacturing provides CNC turning services in Iowa at our Bettendorf facility, serving customers nationwide. We’re here to help when you need a partner to manufacture a part with rotational symmetry.

What is CNC Turning?

As opposed to milling, where the cutting tool is spinning, in turning, the part is spinning and is being cut by a stationary cutting tool. 

While not as versatile of a machining tool as milling, for the parts that do require rotational symmetry in their design, turning delivers a high degree of precision.

CNC Broaching Services

LeClaire Manufacturing provides CNC broaching services for the manufacture of parts with keyways, shaped holes, and splines. Common applications include screw machine parts, stampings, forgings and castings.

What is CNC Broaching?

In broaching, the cutting tool doesn’t spin (like in milling) and neither does the part (as in turning). Instead, the cutting tool is moved back and forth parallel to the surface of the part, cutting grooves or keyways into the part.

Advantages of CNC Machining

Precision

One of the biggest advantages of CNC machining is precision. Our machines are able to achieve accuracy within 1/1000th of an inch. Plus, CNC machining services significantly reduce the risk of human error.

Uniformity

CNC machines can output unrivaled consistency. Each part is a perfect match to your prototype and manufactured to your exact specifications.

Lower Costs

In most cases, CNC machining achieves lower costs through efficiency, speed, reduced labor costs, and reduced material waste due to error. That all translates into a better bottom line for your business.

Versatility

A big advantage of CNC machining is the ability to manufacture virtually any part you need. From auto manufacturers to cabinet makers, and from defense manufacturers to agricultural machines, CNC machining services offer a unique ability to produce highly specialized parts.

What Products Are Made?

The amount of work that manufacturers can do with CNC machines is abundant. In fact, this technology is taking over where humans used to do the work. This is one of the reasons why manufacturers can make numerous types of products with such efficiency and less cost. Some of the products that are made serve a variety of industries such as:

More specifically, these manufacturing processes can produce products such as vehicle parts, marine and boat parts, aircraft interiors, electronic components, pipes, railings, and various consumer goods.

How to Design Parts for CNC Machining

Here are some tips to remember when designing products to be made with CNC machines.

  • Standardize your measurements
  • “Overshare” on your drawings
  • Avoid overengineering
  • Understand Standard Dimensions and Design Requirements

Read more about the process of designing for CNC machines.

Why Use LeClaire for Your CNC Machining

Tolerances

Meeting tight tolerances is a necessity in today's business environment. By investing in top-of-the-line machining centers and engineering innovative fixtures for parts, LeClaire Manufacturing provides customers with tighter, more precise tolerances. No one expects more from us than we do. Yesterday's best is today's minimum expectation.

Process

Our skilled, experienced machinists engineer efficiencies into design, material selection and finishing. You get the perfect parts you deserve — along with a high return on investment. From prototyping to delivery, we build quality and efficiency into the machining process.

Equipment

With state-of-the-art machining centers, a variety of mills and CNC machines, highly skilled design engineers, and advanced fixture and tooling capabilities, LeClaire Manufacturing provides superior casting machining solutions to meet even your most challenging requirements.

Why Do Customers Prefer LeClaire Manufacturing?

“I have seen nobody in the industry that has the combined level of capabilities, of both complex castings and complex machining, as LeClaire.”

CNC Cutting Tool Manufacturer