The precision is not enough, you think it is the tool problem? In fact, it is too many clamping times

At the manufacturing site, when parts have dimensional errors or reduced surface quality, the first reaction is often: "Is the tool broken?" So the tool is frequently changed, the speed is adjusted, and coolant is added... but the effect is still not ideal and the precision problem still exists.

In fact, many times the problem is not with the tool, but with the clamping itself.

Especially when processing medium-to-large and complex parts, the traditional process of distributing one processing to multiple machine tools and requiring multiple clamping and alignment is often the root cause of the decline in precision. This is one of the key problems that DONGS CNC equipment solves for customers.

一、Multiple clamping = "amplifier" of cumulative accuracy error

For large shafts, flanges, pipe fittings and other parts, the processing procedures often involve multiple steps such as turning, drilling, end surface treatment, tapping, etc. Many companies use traditional methods to process: rough turning on one machine, drilling on another, and then reworking or correcting after processing.

The problem is: every disassembly and re-clamping means new tool alignment, centering, and calibration. Even if the error is only 0.02mm, after 3-4 processes, the overall error may exceed the design tolerance.

At this time, problems such as poor precision, inconsistent coaxiality, and improper assembly arise - you think it is the tool that is failing, but in fact it is the accumulation of positioning errors caused by too many clamping times.

二、DONGS solution: one clamping to complete all processes

In order to solve this key pain point, Shandong Dongshi CNC Equipment Co., Ltd. (DONGS CNC) has launched a series of composite medium and large horizontal turning centers to reduce or even eliminate the necessity of multiple clamping from the source.

✅ Core idea:

“One clamping, multiple processes completed.”

Through the integrated modules of power turret, end face power head and automatic tool changing system, DONGS equipment can continuously complete the following tasks in one clamping state:

External turning, internal turning

End surface finishing

Drilling, tapping, chamfering

Compound path machining of specific complex contours

✅ Plus strong rigid bed structure + high through hole spindle + intelligent control system

Even when facing large workpieces such as long shafts and thick-walled pipes, processing can be completed steadily and dimensional consistency is significantly improved.

3. Real case: The customer skipped one clamping and the size no longer "jumped"

In a European wind power parts processing plant, customers reported that the flatness of the spindle end face fluctuated greatly. After trying to change the tool and oil, the effect was still unsatisfactory. After the DONGS team intervened, they found that the problem was the number of clamping times - the workpiece was first rough-machined on a lathe, then transferred to a vertical machine for drilling, and finally reworked to make additional cuts on the end face.

The solution is: integrate all processes into a DONGS TCK700 compound horizontal turning center, optimize the process sequence, design special fixtures, and complete all processes in one clamping.

result:

Processing cycle reduced from 9 hours to 5 hours

Dimension fluctuation is controlled within ±0.02mm

Surface accuracy is improved, and the customer's first-time inspection pass rate is increased to 98%.

四、Conclusion: Not every precision problem should be blamed on the tool

The phenomenon of "blaming the wrong tool" in manufacturing is very common. But the real fundamental problem often lies in places we don't see - such as too many clamping times, scattered processes, and fragmented process paths.

Instead of wasting time and energy on tools, cooling, and parameters, it is better to choose the right equipment and solve the fundamental problem from the source thinking of completing the processing in one clamping.

DONGS CNC is specially designed for the processing of medium and large complex parts. With stable, powerful and high-precision equipment capabilities, it can solve every precision problem that "should not have happened" for you.