Nowadays, most part manufacturers need innovative machining technologies to produce complex parts. You’ll find that CNC machining remains an indispensable tool in various manufacturing processes. That’s not surprising because the CNC’s unique features allow machinists to produce precise, quality specialty parts.
Hence, motorcycle machining industries joined the trend by using this technology to produce CNC motorcycle parts. Besides, these CNC machinery also apply as custom motorcycle parts to keep your ride in the best condition.
This article provides extensive information on the application of CNC technology in machining motorcycle parts. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Why CNC Machining is Better Choice for Motorcycle Parts?
To a large extent, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining is becoming a vital component of the world’s manufacturing space! Besides, you’ll discover that CNC machining applies in various industries to manufacture many essential parts. They include the CNC automotive, motorcycle, construction, medical, aerospace, military, electronic, marine, etc.
Hence, it is no wonder that CNC motorcycle parts are now widespread today. They include motorcycle engines, wheels, tires, lights, body panels, etc. These parts guarantee high performance, strength, lightness, and appealing designs. Further, look at a few reasons why CNC machining is a better selection for machining motorcycle parts below:
1. Precision and Accuracy
CNC machines use computer software programs to automate the operation of manufacturing tools. These calculated inputs and codes remain static throughout the manufacturing process as machinists only use new codes to fabricate a different part or to make specific design changes.
Thus, using CNC machines helps evade the possibilities of human errors to consistently produce precise and impeccable motorcycle parts.
2. Cost-Effective Production
Unknown to many, CNC machines comprise a range of complex types of machinery that can operate at much more rapid settings. More so, they do this with minimal material wastage. Likewise, these machines also consume sustainable energy during their extended production period. To crown all this, CNC machines help cut down potential liabilities from accidents and intensive labor.
As a result, machining motorcycle parts with CNC is an excellent choice as it helps reduce production costs. At the same time, these efficient machines offer better scalability in the production cycle of motorcycle parts. Thus, this helps to cater to the rising demand for these parts.
3. Higher Compatibility and Better Design
CNC machines showcase higher compatibility with different materials. With these machines, manufacturers design and fabricate custom parts with various materials. The notable materials include aluminum, steel, copper, titanium, nylon, etc.
Therefore, the wide-ranging compatibility of CNC machines makes them a better selection for motorcycle parts. Besides, these materials comprise different properties suitable for specific motorcycle parts. On top of that, manufacturers get to fabricate diverse CNC motorcycle parts with upgraded design and stylish appearances for bikers to select from.
Materials Used for Custom Motorcycle Machining
Generally, aluminum and steel alloys are the most common materials for fabricating custom motorcycle parts. Even so, both materials have specific pros and cons. Aside from this, brass and copper materials apply for specific purposes.
Below are some of the metal grades used in motorcycle machining.
1. Aluminum
Aluminum and its alloys are the most common metals for custom motorcycle parts. This is due to its low cost, abundance, and easy formidability into various shapes. Further, aluminum has characteristic impact strength and is lightweight. For this reason, manufacturers apply aluminum for most custom motorcycle parts, particularly motorcycle wheels.
2. Stainless Steel
This steel grade’s widespread use is due to its ability to resist corrosion and many other chemical reactions. As such, they are well-fitted for motorcycle parts where water resistance is pivotal. For instance, experts use stainless steel for motorcycle fixtures such as screws and bolts to prevent rusting. Moreover, it also has high tensile strength and aesthetic qualities. Aside from this, stainless steel has exceptional machinability and weldability. Thus, this makes it an ideal alloy for CNC motorcycle parts.
3. Brass and Copper
Brass motorcycle parts provide 100% machinability and shear resistance. Copper motorcycle parts also offer easy machinability and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, brass motorcycle parts provide better aesthetics due to their appealing color. Meanwhile, copper motorcycle parts apply for electrical components due to their excellent conductivity.
Common Manufacturing Processes for Motorcycle Parts
There are several machining processes manufacturers apply in the fabrication of motorcycle parts. To a large extent, CNC milling and turning remain the commonest. Even so, other machining techniques like grinding, drilling, and laser cutting exist. Learn more about the standard machining processes below:
1. CNC Milling
CNC milling involves an automated machining process that controls the speed of rotary cutting tools and feed rate. These cutting tools rotate and move across the surface of the workpiece. More so, during milling, the excess materials get removed until the needed shape and size of the motorcycle parts gets formed.
CNC milling is most compatible with aluminum, copper, and plastic materials. Besides, it is well-suited for fabricating asymmetrical motorcycle parts. This is because the excellent machinability of these materials allows experts to manufacture parts with curves while getting the necessary precision. Hence, you’ll find that experts often apply CNC milling in customizing motorcycle wheels.
2. CNC Turning
Similarly, CNC turning operations involve reducing the diameter of the workpiece. This machining process continues until the desired dimension of the motorcycle part gets shaped. But then, note that this machining method requires affixing the bars of the workpiece in a position. Then, the multi-bladed cutting tool removes the excess materials.
Turning is compatible with various materials. This includes aluminum, stainless steel, copper, plastics, zinc, magnesium, and titanium. Experts often apply CNC turning in the rapid manufacturing of high-precision motorcycle parts. More specifically, it applies to engine components. This includes pistons, cylinder heads, and camshafts.
Surface Finishes and Post-processing Options for Motorcycle Parts
Surface finishes are processes conducted after machining. To a large extent, these post-processes help improve the specific properties of the machined motorcycle parts.
Below are some of the standard surface finishes applicable to motorcycle parts:
1. Anodizing
This electrochemical process involves coating the surface of machined motorcycle parts with aluminum oxide. Thus, this helps improve the durability, aesthetics, and corrosion resistance of machined motorcycle parts. Even so, the suitable components for this surface finish are those that conduct electricity. Besides, most finished pieces get brittle after this finishing technique. So, anodizing is ideal for aluminum motorcycle parts.
2. Polishing
Generally, this surface finishing involves smoothening machined motorcycle parts using an abrasive material. It also entails creating a glittery surface through the addition of chemicals. Thus, polishing helps remove scratches and nicks while enhancing the shine and luster of the finished parts. But this surface finish method is not well-suited for CNC motorcycle parts that must maintain high precision.
3. Bead Blasting
Bead blasting involves shooting high-pressure glass or steel bed at the surface of machined motorcycle parts. Thus, this process aids in sealing up pores and cracks, creating uniform wear and tear-resistant surface. Bead blasting also improves the aesthetic quality of the CNC motorcycle parts. Yet, this post-process technique is unsuitable for small and high-precision motorcycle components.
Benefits of CNC Machined Motorcycle Parts
Without a doubt, Custom CNC machining is a better choice for machining motorcycle parts. Below are some of the benefits of CNC machined motorcycle parts.
1. Ease of Fabrication
CNC machines make custom prototyping services much more effortless, allowing manufacturers to quickly design and fabricate intricate parts. Besides, these precisely machined motorcycle parts continue to appeal to end users and ensure their safety. This is due to their automated feature that helps to manufacture corresponding precise and quality parts.
2. Quicker Production and Assembly
Generally, the CNC machining processes are more effective and efficient in high production settings. CNC machines can fabricate large quantities of intricate motorcycle parts in a short period. Aside from this, the high precision machining of these CNC motorcycle components allows their seamless fitting and assembly without disruptions.
3. Improved Design and Characteristics
CNC motorcycle machining allows expert machinists to fabricate different designs of motorcycle parts. Hence, this augments the aesthetic properties of CNC machined motorcycle parts.
Additionally, machining light metals with CNC tools helps fabricate motorcycle parts with upgraded characteristics. Suitable light metals include aluminum and magnesium. The riders get to buy durable and lightweight motorcycle parts. On top of that, these lightweight parts increase the acceleration of motorcycles, because fast motorbikes appeal to most motorcyclists.
Which Custom Motorcycle Parts Can You Make with CNC Machines?
There is a need to point out that custom CNC machining offers flexible and efficient manufacturing techniques across many industries. Likewise, manufacturing custom motorcycle parts with CNC machines is no exception. You’ll discover almost all the replaceable metal and plastic motorcycle parts available today are CNC machined.
Let’s examine some custom motorcycle parts fabricated with CNC machines.
1. Motorcycle Lights
Motorcycle lights are intricate parts to fabricate during motorcycle machining. They include brake lights, turn signals, and headlamps. The motorcycle lights consist of three main components for customization. These are:
- Light source (bulb)
- Lens
- Cover
CNC machining processes have made manufacturing custom motorcycle lights easier. For example, CNC milling procedures coupled with standard surface finishes apply in producing these parts. Experts use aluminum alloys to fabricate delicate lenses. Meanwhile, tough plastics apply to create light covers.
2. Motorcycle Wheels
CNC milling operations also apply in fabricating these custom motorcycle parts. Expert machinists fabricate motorcycle wheels to cope with radial and axial forces. Besides, the wheel serves as the stand for mounting other critical components.
Aluminum alloys are often used for fabricating the wheel disk into different sizes. And this is due to their exceptional machinability. Further, aluminum alloys are also compatible with several surface finishes. That way, manufacturers can enhance the machined motorcycle part’s aesthetic quality. Besides, these aluminum wheels are more visible, unlike aluminum car parts. The strength and aesthetics remain crucial criteria for customizing motorcycle wheels.
3. Motorcycle Engine Parts
You will agree that the engine is the most pivotal part of motorcycle machining. Why else? Machining defective motorcycle engine parts count as a futile endeavor. As such, engine parts remain an intricate part of customization. Most components of the motorcycle engine call for high-precision designs. They include:
- Camshaft
- Pistons
- Cylinder head
For this reason, CNC turning remains the most suitable machining technique for motorcycle engine parts. Experts often use aluminum and its alloys to make these engine parts.
4. Custom Aesthetic Parts
This refers to other custom motorcycle parts such as the body cover and the motorcyclist’s seat. These components require quality design forms due to their complex geometries. As such, you’ll find that the modern CNC technology called 5-axis machining is well suited for customizing these parts. With this machining technology, experts carve out suitable designs that appeal to riders.
Conclusion
CNC machines remain essential in most manufacturing industries today. Thus, these machines now apply to fabricate custom motorcycle parts in motorcycle industries. Even so, manufacturers must access the correct material for each motorcycle part before manufacturing. Above all, quality machining service remains essential.
Start to Work with WayKen to Get your Motorcycle Parts in Days
At WayKen, we have expert machinists ready to take care of all your motorcycle machining services. Our state-of-the-art processes and technologies assure quality, precise, affordable, and long-lasting custom motorcycle parts at any volume.
We provide CNC milling, turning, precision machining, and the 5-Axis CNC milling services to meet your specific part design. Contact us today for one-on-one support service, and get your motorcycle parts in days.
