Small machined parts are found in everything from automotive assemblies and hydraulic systems to electronic equipment and industrial machinery. Although these components may be small, manufacturing them accurately and consistently—especially in large quantities—requires specialized equipment and careful process control.
At Avanti Engineering, we’ve been manufacturing precision-machined components since 1972. Our focus is high-volume production, helping manufacturers turn detailed part designs into reliable, production-ready components.
What Is Small Parts Machining?
Small parts machining is the process of producing compact, precision components from raw material using CNC turning, Swiss CNC machining, or automatic screw machines.
Common examples include bushings, pins, shafts, fittings, threaded components, and custom inserts.
The challenge isn’t simply making a small part. It’s producing components that meet dimensional and functional requirements consistently, whether the order involves 1,000 pieces or several million.
How Are Small Precision Parts Manufactured?
The manufacturing process begins with a detailed engineering drawing specifying the material, dimensions, tolerances, and required features.
Before production, the machine shop reviews the design to determine which equipment and machining operations are best suited to the part.
At Avanti, three primary approaches support small-part manufacturing:
Swiss CNC Machining
Swiss CNC machining is particularly effective for small-diameter, slender, or complex turned components.
Unlike conventional turning, Swiss machines support the workpiece close to the cutting tool with a guide bushing. This helps limit material deflection and improves dimensional control on parts that might otherwise be difficult to machine.
Avanti’s Swiss CNC capabilities accommodate diameters up to 1-1/4 inches.
CNC Turning
CNC turning uses computer-controlled cutting tools to create precise shapes and features, including grooves, threads, bores, and shoulders.
It offers flexibility for components requiring multiple machining operations and is well suited to repeat production.
Automatic Screw and Multi-Spindle Machining
For suitable small parts manufactured in large quantities, automatic screw machines and multi-spindle equipment can provide significant production advantages.
These machines perform multiple operations efficiently, making them especially useful for components with repeatable features and established production demand.
Avanti operates Davenport, New Britain, and ACME screw machines, along with CNC multi-spindle equipment. The company’s newer Hybrid Davenport adds CNC-controlled operations to a traditional multi-spindle production platform.
What Makes Small Parts Difficult to Machine?
Smaller components aren’t necessarily easier to manufacture. Their size can create challenges that require careful tooling, machine selection, and inspection.
Workpiece deflection: Thin or slender parts can bend under cutting forces, affecting accuracy. Proper workpiece support and cutting conditions help control this.
Tight tolerances: Small dimensional differences can affect how components fit or function within an assembly. Critical features require appropriate machining and measurement methods.
Tool access: Tiny holes, narrow grooves, and internal features may require specialized cutting tools or additional operations.
Burr formation: Machining can leave small raised edges that interfere with assembly or performance. Depending on the part, deburring or other secondary operations may be necessary.
Inspection: Small features can be difficult to measure with conventional tools. Specialized measuring equipment helps verify critical dimensions.
Addressing these challenges during production planning can reduce scrap, rework, and unnecessary manufacturing costs.
Choosing the Right Material for Small Machined Parts
Material selection affects machining performance, component durability, and cost.
Avanti works with several commonly specified metals:
- Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and generally easy to machine.
- Brass: Offers good machinability and is frequently selected for fittings, connectors, and threaded components.
- Carbon and alloy steel: Suitable for components requiring specific strength, hardness, or wear characteristics.
- Stainless steel: Commonly used when corrosion resistance and mechanical performance are important.
The right choice depends on the part’s intended application, operating conditions, and engineering requirements.
How Is Quality Maintained During High-Volume Production?
Producing one accurate component is different from maintaining dimensional consistency throughout a long production run.
Avanti Engineering operates under an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system, supported by documented inspection and process controls.
Depending on customer requirements, quality practices include:
- First-article inspection and ISIR documentation
- Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and optical inspection
- Statistical process control (SPC)
- C=0 acceptance sampling
- Material and production traceability
- PPAP documentation when required
These methods help monitor manufacturing processes, identify variation, and verify that components meet specified requirements.
How Can Small-Part Designs Reduce Manufacturing Costs?
Manufacturing cost depends on more than part size. Complex features, material selection, tight tolerances, and additional setups can all affect the price.
Engineers and purchasing teams can improve manufacturability by:
- Specifying tight tolerances only where functionally necessary
- Avoiding unnecessary machining features
- Choosing readily available, suitable materials
- Considering whether secondary operations can be reduced
- Providing realistic annual production quantities
For high-volume orders, even modest improvements in cycle time can produce meaningful savings across thousands or millions of parts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Parts Machining
How small can precision-machined parts be?
The minimum practical size depends on the material, geometry, and machining process. Avanti offers small-diameter Swiss CNC machining and other turning capabilities, with feasibility determined by the part specifications.
What quantities are best suited for small-part machining?
Small parts can be machined in many quantities, but Avanti specializes in high-volume production, typically starting at approximately 1,000 pieces. The most economical production method depends on part complexity and order volume.
What does a machine shop need to quote a small part?
A current engineering drawing, material specification, required tolerances, anticipated order quantity, annual usage, and any finishing or inspection requirements provide a useful starting point.
High-Volume Small Parts Machining at Avanti Engineering
With more than 50 years of manufacturing experience, Avanti Engineering helps OEMs and manufacturers source precision-machined components for ongoing production.
Our Glendale Heights, Illinois, facility combines CNC turning, Swiss CNC machining, automatic screw machines, multi-spindle equipment, and quality-control resources to support a wide range of small-part manufacturing requirements.
Need a dependable source for high-volume small machined parts?
Request a quote from Avanti Engineering to discuss your drawings, specifications, and production quantities.