The typical challenges encountered in machining projects include the relaxation of tolerances, modifications to specific features, and proposals for surface coatings. However, the true difficulties arise when our clients’ projects involve intricate details and extremely tight tolerances, where alternative proposals may be feasible but with very limited flexibility.

For instance, we collaborated with a local surgical robotics client in Singapore. Despite our commitment to precision machining and our capabilities in 5-axis turning and milling, we often find ourselves requesting tolerance relaxations due to the stringent requirements. Fortunately, our client is accommodating; although we cannot fully meet their design specifications, they continue to present us with new design challenges, providing valuable opportunities for learning and innovation.

Furthermore, this client, aware of our presence and connections in Japan, requested that we seek reliable Japanese partners who can collaborate with us to address the challenges. They are also open to working with our Japanese supply chain through our facilitation.

Another recent example involves working with titanium. While dimensions are manageable for us, the selective surface treatment presents significant challenges. The risk of excessive treatment in certain areas due to masking limitations has become a major concern for the client. This has led to numerous discussions with the client regarding our proposals, as we strive to understand their pain points, return to the drawing board, and re-propose solutions. This iterative process has continued for several rounds before we finally reached a mutually beneficial resolution.

Raymond Chew

Raymond.chew@kanouprecision.com

SGK

28.10.2024