CNC Milling for Mass Production That Gets It Right
from 10 to 10,000 units
Multiple machined surfaces, precisely positioned holes, or complex geometries require a milling approach that matches your design.
Brans works with you to determine manufacturability, clamping, and the machining sequence.
This ensures that your technical specifications are translated into a carefully prepared and reproducible milling process.
3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling
The geometry of your component determines which machining method and clamping method are appropriate.
Accuracy to 0.01 mm
Very tight tolerances are possible for specific dimensions and machining operations. We will assess feasibility based on your drawing.
Ready for repeat orders
Recorded production data and a fixed tooling setup help ensure that subsequent production runs are prepared efficiently.
CNC Metal Milling for Mass Production
CNC milling tailored to your design
In a milled component, multiple surfaces, chambers, and holes can together determine the functional geometry. Not only must the individual dimensions be correct, but their relative positions must also be accurate. For this type of CNC milling, Brans produces runs ranging from 10 to 10,000 pieces.
We mill components ranging in size from approximately matchbox size up to a maximum of 200 mm square. With 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling capabilities, we tailor the machining approach to the geometry and the required dimensions. This is relevant, for example, for enclosures, components for laboratory systems, and machine components with multiple connection or mounting surfaces. This ensures a production approach that meets both the technical requirements and the desired quantities.
A well-thought-out milling strategy for every production run
3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling
With 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling machines, we can tailor the machining method to the geometry of your design. During job planning, we assess which operations can be performed from a single setup and determine the appropriate sequence. In addition, we configure our machines to work with fixed tool chains and standard tools.
This allows us to minimize changeover operations and efficiently prepare recurring production runs. In this way, we take into account not only the technical design of your component but also the reproducibility of the production process.
Providing technical input before production begins.
From technical design to manufacturable CNC milling
Deep pockets, narrow slots, or holes in various positions may require extra attention when preparing for milling operations. We evaluate your drawing or 3D model for accessibility, clamping, and the dimensional relationships between geometric features.
For applications in, for example, the high-tech industry, mechanical engineering, and medical technology, these relative positions can be critical to a component’s function or assembly. Are there any considerations that could affect the execution? If so, we’ll investigate which milling strategy is appropriate and discuss the options with you in advance. The specified requirements remain the guiding principle throughout this process. This way, you’ll know exactly how your design is translated into a feasible milling process.
Material and geometry determine the milling approach
CNC milling of aluminum, stainless steel, and other materials
When CNC milling aluminum, the machining process requires different tools and cutting conditions than when machining stainless steel. The geometry and clamping method also play a role in the chosen milling strategy. Brans mills materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, and non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and bronze. Aluminum, for example, is used when weight is a key consideration. Stainless steel may be suitable when corrosion resistance and cleanability are required, such as for components in the food industry. Plastics are chosen, among other reasons, for their insulating properties or low weight.
Would you like to have aluminum CNC-milled or a component manufactured from a specific type of stainless steel? In that case, we’ll evaluate the chosen material in conjunction with the geometry, tolerances, and desired quantities. This ensures that the machining process meets the technical requirements of your component.
Ensuring Consistent Dimensions
Precision CNC milling with targeted quality control
For components with multiple mounting surfaces or precisely positioned holes, it is not enough for each dimension to be correct on its own. The relative positions are also critical. This can be important, for example, in components for equipment manufacturing or dosing, sealing, and conveying mechanisms in packaging machines. That is why we tailor our quality control to the critical characteristics of your technical drawing. To ensure precise measurements, we use equipment such as digital height gauges and CNC 3D measuring machines. Brans is ISO 9001-certified. Established procedures and agreed-upon inspections ensure consistent execution of the milling process.
Precision According to Your Specifications
With suitable components, we can achieve very tight tolerances using CNC milling—in specific cases, within 0.01 mm. For components up to 200 mm square, depending on the geometry and machining process, a dimensional accuracy of up to 0.01 mm is possible. The achievable accuracy depends on the material, the geometry, the clamping method, and the chosen milling strategy. The tolerances specified in your drawing always serve as our starting point. We assess in advance how these can be achieved and verified. This way, you’ll know which approach is needed to meet the required dimensions.
CNC Milling for Repeat Orders
A Consistent Approach to Sequel Series
For a repeat order, you want the new batch to be compatible with the previously produced components, without having to redesign the milling process. That’s why we record the relevant production data in tooling and machining lists. These include, among other things, the clamping setups, tools, and measuring equipment. This data is available again for the next order.
Combined with our fixed tooling setup, this helps minimize setup time and allows us to reuse the previous production approach. In this way, we ensure a reproducible milling process, even when there is a gap between orders.
Combining Different Operations in a Smart Way
Combining CNC Milling and Turning
Does your milled component also have turned features? If so, it may be beneficial to combine different machining operations. With multitasking machines, we can perform certain turning and milling operations in a single setup. This can reduce the number of setups and helps maintain dimensional consistency between different operations. We assess on a per-component basis whether multitasking is the right choice from both a technical and production standpoint.
Post-processing of CNC milling operations
Matching the finish to the milling work
Does your milled component need to be anodized, blasted, or treated in some other way after machining? If so, it’s important that the finish is appropriate for the material and meets the required specifications. In consultation with you, we can incorporate the post-processing into the production process. In doing so, we take into account the desired finish and the sequence of operations. This ensures that the CNC milling and the subsequent treatment are seamlessly coordinated.
From Your Design to the Right Milling Approach
Have CNC milling work done at Brans
Do you have a technical drawing or 3D model of a component that you’d like to have milled in series production? Send us your design, the desired quantities, the type of material, and any relevant specifications. We’ll assess manufacturability, determine the appropriate milling approach, and discuss any technical considerations. Based on that, we’ll prepare a quote.