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Article

How much does CNC machining cost?

As a buyer of machined components, cost is probably never far from your mind. In this blog, we break down what a CNC machining quote should cover to help you compare quotes between suppliers in the UK.

Article

Understanding manufacturing lead times: How to get your CNC machined parts faster

Discover essential tips for optimising lead times in precision machining, including effective design practices and alternative buying methods. Learn how Penta Precision can streamline your CNC machining projects for faster delivery and improved efficiency.

Designing better enclosures collection

Article

Electronic enclosure design for machining

Video

Manufacturing an enclosure using a pyramid fixture on a 5-axis CNC machine

Guide

Which manufacturing method is best for enclosures?

Guide

How to design a waterproof enclosure for machining

Guide

Custom enclosures: from design to manufacture

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Article

CNC milling 101: An introduction to the CNC milling process

CNC milling has become a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. It plays a crucial role in producing precision components for industries like aerospace, medical, and defence. If you're sourcing parts that need to be exact, fast, and reliable, this is a process worth knowing. You'll discover what the CNC milling process involves, how different machines and operations are used, and what steps are needed to get started.

Article

Hardness testing for material selection

Choosing the wrong material can lead to costly failures, production delays, and unreliable parts. Hardness testing helps you avoid these issues by showing how materials respond to pressure, wear, and force. It provides the data you need to make confident and cost-effective decisions. This guide covers the most widely used hardness testing methods, including Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, Knoop, and Shore.

Article

Best corrosion-resistant materials for CNC machined parts

When your components are exposed to moisture, chemicals, or saltwater, choosing corrosion-resistant materials is key to ensuring long-term reliability. Selecting the right corrosion-resistant metal helps protect both performance and your bottom line. This guide explores the best corrosion-resistant materials for CNC machining in harsh environments. You'll learn which corrosion-resistant metals offer the most durability, and when each is the most suitable.

Article

Tapped hole vs threaded hole: Comparing methods

Threaded holes are a small but essential detail in CNC part design. If they're not specified correctly, they can lead to fit issues, tool breakage, or even part failure during assembly. You'll learn how each threading method works, when to use them, and how to avoid common pitfalls. We'll also touch on materials, tooling limitations, and how to clearly communicate your thread specs. Whether you're prototyping or placing a production order, this guide helps you get threads right the first time.

Article

CNC machining thread pitch chart

Thread pitch might seem like a small detail, but getting it wrong can cause serious issues, misaligned parts, poor fits, or even mechanical failure. If you're designing or sourcing precision-machined components, knowing how pitch works is essential for ensuring proper fit and function. This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know.

Download

Penta Precision ISO 9001:2015 British Assessment Bureau certificate

Article

Additive vs. subtractive manufacturing: Key differences and use cases

Additive and subtractive manufacturing are two of the most important methods used to create parts today. As technology advances, more businesses are comparing these approaches to find the best fit for their projects. The choice you make can influence your lead times, costs, and design flexibility. In this guide, you'll learn how these manufacturing methods differ and when to use each one.

Article

JIT production 101: How just-in-time manufacturing works

Just-in-time manufacturing (JIT) has reshaped how you manage production and inventory in today's fast-moving industries. By focusing only on producing what is needed, when it's needed, you avoid overproduction and save valuable resources. This lean, agile approach helps improve efficiency across your entire operation.

Article

Green machining: How CNC manufacturing impacts sustainability

Environmental responsibility is becoming a key consideration in modern manufacturing. Green machining offers a smarter, more sustainable way to produce high-precision components without compromising on quality or performance. As industries adapt to changing expectations, sustainable machining is becoming essential for staying competitive and future-ready.

Article

Understanding unilateral tolerance vs bilateral tolerance

Tolerancing errors are one of the most common reasons for quality issues in manufacturing. In CNC machining, even small tolerance mistakes can lead to part failures, rework, or costly delays. If you work with CNC-machined components, understanding how different types of tolerance work could save you both time and money.

Article

The role of CMM in CNC quality control

Quality issues in manufacturing often come down to one thing: precision. When you're producing high-spec components for aerospace, medical, or defence industries, even the smallest deviation can create major problems. That's why more manufacturers are turning to Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to keep their quality consistent and their processes reliable.

Article

Hard metal vs. soft metal machining: Choosing the right approach

Material selection plays a critical role in the success of any machining project. Choosing between hard and soft metal machining can significantly impact your production time, overall cost, and the quality of your final part. Each approach has its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

Guide

How to cut costs on machined components

Guide

CNC machining guide: Process & materials

Article

A practical guide to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) helps eliminate confusion by providing a shared engineering language. It clearly defines how parts should look, fit and function across every stage of production. If you're involved in designing, machining or inspecting parts, understanding GD&T is crucial.

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