Case Study:
Precision in engineering

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Titanium Machining for Robotics: How We Hit ±0.00015” Tolerances with Swiss CNC

A returning client in the engineering sector partnered with Lee Machine for a complex titanium component used in a robotics assembly designed to spray aerosolized paint. We were selected based on previous successful projects and our reputation for precision and reliability.

Project Overview

  • Material: Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) 
  • Features: Twelve sub-0.020” holes 
  • Tolerance: ±0.00015” 
  • Quantity: 300 parts 
  • Cycle Time: 8 minutes per part 
  • Machine: Citizen K16 T7 Swiss-style lathe

The Challenge

This job involved twelve sub-0.020” holes drilled into Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), each requiring a total tolerance of approximately ±0.00015”. The combination of micro-scale features and notoriously difficult material made this a technically demanding order with little room for error.

The Solution

We used our Citizen K16 T7 Swiss-style lathe to produce 300 parts over a four-week timeline. After extensive trial and error with specialized tooling, we developed a dependable process. Each part now comes off the machine with an 8-minute cycle time and no need for secondary operations, keeping both lead time and costs down.

Results

The client was pleased with the outcome and has continued to place repeat orders. What started as a highly complex job is now a smooth, reliable process. That’s what we aim for, smart solutions that lead to long-term partnerships.