High Precision Screw Machining of Aluminum Knurled Threaded Knobs for the Electronics Industry

Elge Precision Machining, Inc. was contracted by an electronic parts manufacturer in need of a reliable manufacturer for aluminum knurled knobs. Used within a custom application, these knobs needed to be produced accurately and economically in large volumes — a screw machining approach was chosen to satisfy those goals. Elge’s single spindle Brown & Sharpe screw machines were retained for production of the knobs, with individual fabrication processes including rough turning, drilling, form turning, counter boring, trepanning, thread rolling, and knurling. 6061-T6 aluminum was specified as the build material, with tolerances held at ±0.001″ and a 32 RMS finish placed on most surfaces. All completed parts were subject to dimensional and fit tests before being individually packaged and shipped out on lead times of 4–5 weeks. The customer was very pleased with the results — parts were machined well within the tolerances requested, on time, and without any interruption to the customer’s existing workflow.