Case Study:
Precision
in Electronics
Brass Ferrule Manufacturing for Electronics: One-Step Swiss Lathe Solution
A returning client in the electronics industry came to Lee Machine for the production of a specialized ferrule—one that required precision, efficiency, and zero room for error. Known for producing challenging parts, this client trusted Lee to deliver the consistency their application demanded.
Project Overview
- Material: 5/32” brass bar stock
- Features: Small cross hole, burr-free
- Tolerance: Tight tolerances required for signal integrity
- Quantity: 5,000 parts
- Timeline: 4 weeks
- Machine: Citizen K16 T7 Swiss-style lathe
The Challenge
This component featured a small cross hole that had to be burr-free to preserve electrical signal integrity. Made from 5/32” gold-plated brass, the ferrule required extreme attention to detail during machining. Producing this part on a conventional lathe would have involved up to four operations, increasing the risk of inconsistency and higher production costs.
The Solution
We used our Citizen K16 T7 Swiss-style lathe to complete the entire process in a single operation. That allowed us to maintain tight tolerances, eliminate the need for secondary finishing, and deliver 5,000 clean, high-precision parts within a four-week window. The burr-free cross hole was achieved through careful tool selection and process optimization.
Results
The client didn’t provide formal feedback, but the repeat orders say it all. By reducing a multi-step process to one streamlined operation, we helped them lower costs, speed up production, and ensure signal quality in the final product.