Manufacturing a sensor probe body using CNC milling and turning equipment.

Manufacturing a sensor probe body using CNC milling and turning equipment involves the following steps:

1. Design and CAD Modeling: Create a detailed design of the sensor probe using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The design should include all the necessary dimensions, features, and specifications.
2. Material Selection: Choose the appropriate material for the probe based on the specific requirements of the sensor. The material should have suitable mechanical and electrical properties for the intended application.
3. Prepare CNC Program: Translate the CAD model into instructions for the CNC milling and turning equipment. This involves creating a CNC program that specifies the toolpaths, cutting parameters, and operations.
4. Set Up the CNC Machine: Prepare the CNC machine for manufacturing by installing the required tooling, fixtures, and work holding devices. The machine should be properly calibrated and aligned.
5. Milling Operations: Use CNC milling to shape the probe’s components from the chosen material. This may involve cutting, drilling, boring, and chamfering operations to create the desired features and dimensions.
6. Turning Operations: If necessary, use CNC turning to machine cylindrical features such as shafts or inserts on the probe. This process involves rotating the workpiece while a cutting tool removes material to achieve the desired shape.
7. Quality Assurance: Inspect the machined components to ensure they meet the required dimensions and specifications. This can be done using measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, or coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
8. Assembly and Integration: Assemble the machined components with other electronic parts and sensors, if applicable, to create the final sensor probe.
9. Testing and Calibration: Perform thorough testing on the assembled sensor probe to verify its functionality and accuracy. Calibrate the sensor to ensure accurate measurements.
10. Packaging and Distribution: Package the sensor probe for shipment and distribute it to customers.

It is important to follow proper safety protocols and guidelines while operating CNC milling and turning equipment. Additionally, the specific steps and processes may vary depending on the complexity of the sensor probe being manufactured.

The sensor probe body we manufactured used 316SS bar stock and the OD diameters are left oversized to allow for finishing multiple thread sizes. All threads are single-point cut on CNC and then pilot drilled for the final ID step down size per print requirements. OD/ID surfaces are critical to function. OD requires an O-ring seal, and ID controls fluid flow. A portion of OD is then knurled to facilitate toolless assembly.