A Single-Source Precision Machining Solution for Assemblies
Here at Reata Engineering, we pride ourselves on “making the complex simple for you.” We have the knowledge and expertise to see your product from conception to distribution, and we excel as your single-source solution for subassemblies and assemblies. Some of our past subassembly and assembly projects include: A plant maintenance product for the commercial […]
Could Your Part Benefit From 5-Axis Machining?
5-axis machining has been a real game-changer in manufacturing. This versatile technology minimizes the number of operations required to manufacture a part. With the ability to access a workpiece from any direction with just one setup, contract manufacturing providers can machine complex parts quickly and cost-effectively, bringing to life intricate designs that were once only […]
DFM Tip: 3 Ways to Improve Your Prints and Get Better CNC Machined Parts
Our goal at Reata Engineering is to produce the highest quality parts in the fastest and most cost-effective manner possible. There are so many steps involved to manufacture each part—and as the saying goes, the devil is in the details. This principle applies to every aspect of the contract manufacturing process, including the prints customers […]
Best Practices for Achieving Color Consistency in Anodized Parts
When you need a high-quality part or assembly, every last detail matters—including, of course, the color. But did you know that a finishing process like anodization doesn’t always produce a consistent color every time? If you select black or clear anodize, you probably won’t run into this problem. But once you introduce other colors to […]
DFM Tip: How to Handle Flatness and Parallelism Specifications in Your Print
When you request prototype or production machining services, it’s essential to call out the part specifications accurately in your print. Inaccurate information could result in a part that doesn’t function as intended or extend your lead time as you and your contract manufacturer go back and forth to get the details right. Parallelism and flatness […]
DFM Tip: Clarify Cosmetic Surfaces to Reduce Cost and Lead Time for Contract Manufacturing
When you send your contract manufacturing partner the print for your CNC machined part, don’t forget to include detailed notes about cosmetic surfaces. Prints typically contain sufficient information to ensure that parts are machined to exact dimensional specifications. But all too often, cosmetic surface requirements are nowhere to be found. At Reata Engineering, we assume […]
Best Practices for Measuring Holes in CNC Machined Parts
Contract manufacturing companies like ours spend a great deal of time talking to customers about the hole sizes in their CNC machined parts. You might assume these discussions are relatively objective and straightforward, but in many cases the opposite is true. In fact, it’s quite common for manufacturers and customers to take conflicting measurements of […]
5 Benefits of Using GD&T in Complex CNC Machining
Most engineers and product designers have encountered geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, better known as “GD&T,” at some point in their careers. Some use GD&T quite often, whereas others rarely use it at all. This system for defining and communicating design intent and part function can be intimidating for those who don’t know it well. In […]
DFM Tip: Best Practices for Thread Design in Complex CNC Machining
We’re excited to begin a new series on our blog spotlighting Design for Manufacturing (DFM) best practices. We provide DFM services as part of our holistic approach to manufacturing success so that we can help customers improve cost, performance, and/or time to market while ensuring that they are fully prepared for the next step in […]
Low Volume Swiss Turning Services for Complex Assembly Components
At Reata Engineering, we provide advanced mechanical, electrical-mechanical, and turnkey assembly services as part of our commitment to “making the complex simple for you.” Today, we’re spotlighting one of the capabilities we use to support our assembly operations. Swiss turning, or Swiss screw machining, allows us to meet customer needs by providing low volumes (i.e. […]