Precision Machine Shop Services
Contact Customer Service for immediate assistance on Machine Shop Services.
Our passion is on creating and building power and reliability into racing motors. We do it for Dodge Motorsports as well as NASCAR and NHRA race teams. We specialize in the American V8 engine, including GM and Ford, with a particular focus on Chrysler/Dodge HEMIs, both late model and legend. Our work includes some of the most precision machining in the business. On a custom basis, you can take advantage of our capability in:
Engine Machining
All our hi-powered machines are networked to a server and accessed through our engineering workstations. Our exceptional engine builders and computer operators, who utilize the latest software such as Mastercam, Camplete, and Catia, as well as other programs and patches, operate these machines. Much of our equipment and software is unique, custom developed by our people in collaboration with the manufacturer. If we need to go beyond the limitations of existing software, we collaborate to develop cutting edge solutions. Many of our manual machines are used for production only after a standard is set by the newer, computerized version.
5-Axis CNC Milling Machines - we use these for cylinder head port and machine work and intake port work. From Prostock to street, these machines can convert a raw cast block to a completely machined head in about 7 hours. Originally designed for aerospace work, there are few machines like this, and we have 2 of them.
Heavy-load 5-Axis CNC - same as above but with extra size and power to handle bigger and beefier parts.
3-Axis CNC Mills – we have 5 of these, mainly for prototyping of small parts.
3-Axis Bed Mill – features a custom rollover fixture for block machining. Fully conversational, it generates code on-the-fly, not raw code and tool path input like many machines. Can be used like standard 3-axis machine if needed.
2-Axis Computerized Lathe - custom tooled for Arrington, it is used to cut pulleys: including both v-belt and serpentine.
Manual Lathes - we have 2: one for piston cutting with custom tools; and one for manual turning and prototyping.
Manual Mills - we have several of these, many with custom attachments built in house to do work on specific applications. They all have digital readouts for precision custom work and all of them have pneumatic (air powered) tool changers.
Crank Balancer – this machine is computerized, like most on the market today. Our difference in this area is the experience of our people who run this equipment.
Renishaw Digitizer – this machine is used to “reverse engineer” and generate workable computer models from a physical prototyped part. Most often used for cylinder heads and intakes, but can be used on any parts.
Head Surfacer - grinds down the deck of the head to obtain the correct cc’s for proper compression within the finished engine.
Head Shop Services
We make heads and valves for all applications, using precision equipment, much of which is unique to Arrington, for example:
Newen Epoc CNC Valve Seat Machine - this cylinder head machine utilizes a single tool to contour valve seats. It is phenomenal at cutting the extra hard valve seats in late model heads, but otherwise is used primarily for R&D because of its superb accuracy. At the touch of a button you can change the angle or radius on a specialized touch screen computer interface. Whereas a manual machine can cause deflection and uses a single cutter to do all angles, this machine cuts 1/300th at a time for almost no deflection.
Manual Seat and Guide Machine – cutting seat pockets and boring out guides are sometimes still done the classic way. There are some things machines just can’t do, and that is where our professionals, their rock solid skills and their proven experience take over with this older-style Serti 100 machine. We cut special applications by hand, for that personal touch.
Guide Hone - this custom-made machine uses liquid jets to hone the valve guides to 1/10000th inch accuracy.
Valve Grinders – these precision instruments are used primarily in valves for street machines and stock engines. Our precision engine builders use them to achieve increased seal and efficiency. Interestingly, we don’t use these machines to grind race valves, because our race valves are manufactured so precisely, grinding them on this machine can actually reduce the seal and efficiency.
Spring Testers - we have 3 of these machines, which are used to test forces the valve springs produce. We test our springs before and after usage to ensure uniformity through the entire compression and depression loading of the spring. We also test for load loss after heavy and light usage and abuse on our dynamometers and the track.
Block Machine Shop Services
We machine blocks to achieve winning power and performance, using precision equipment much of which is unique to Arrington, for example:
Vertical Head Honing Machine - controls the size and finish of the cylinder head; bores vertically only. We have 2 of these - one uses water as a lubricant, the other uses oil. Both are computer controlled.
Horizontal Borer - bores cam tunnels and main lines, this is also used to repair badly damaged blocks and create custom blocks from scratch.
Connecting Rod Machines - used to speed up process and improve productivity. We have 2 in house: one set up for large end, with automatic or “power-feed” to aid in manufacturing an even shaft; and one for small end, which is manual for more precise adjustments on the smaller end.
Cap and Rod Grinder - used primarily to repair badly damaged heads, or to customize stock heads.
Testing and Inspection
After machining, our blocks, heads and valves go through a vigorous battery of tests, using our custom evaluation equipment:
Magnaflux - uses UV light and checks for cracks or imperfections that decrease the life and performance of the part. This process magnetizes particles that cling to imperfections and cracks; which are then highly visible under UV light.
Flow Benches - we have 3 Superflow flow benches. Highly customized from their factory specs, these are set up to measure airflow, swirl & tumble. Vigorous tests allow us to pinpoint flow problems within the head and improving the efficiency of the engine, intake manifold and throttle body or carburetor. Using these techniques we created an engine that at one point in its efficiency curve had a 100% combustion rating!
Wet-flow Testing Booth – an Arrington exclusive, this process is so secret the only thing we can tell you is that it is in a special room under a black cloth in the corner of the shop. This test can aid in visualizing flow through the complete intake track at running position. Hardness Tester - we have portable and bench top models. These measure the hardness of the materials and check for inconsistencies through those parts and from part to part comparatively for uniformity from one part to another.
Coordinate Measurement Machine - the main piece of machinery for quality control that we use. This machine can measure every angle and deviation of surface down to 30 millionths of an inch (!!!) on any kind of part from valve seats to whole engines. Can also be use to digitize parts for solid modeling.
Process Quality Control
Critical to our operation is the management of parts during the machining process. Assembly/Disassembly - the only areas in our shop that look less like an operating room than a garage. While this area maintains the same cleanliness standards as the rest of the shop, these areas are used for disassembly and final assembly of complete or partial motors. Parts are carefully labeled and stored to insure accuracy in reassembly Parts Washers - state of the art “green” parts washers. Hot water is used to wash parts. That water it is filtered to remove any oils, particles, or impurities before it returns to the water system. The waste material from the filters is then removed of and professionally disposed of in the strict standards required to be called “green.”
Our passion is on creating and building power and reliability into racing motors. We do it for Dodge Motorsports as well as NASCAR and NHRA race teams. We specialize in the American V8 engine, including GM and Ford, with a particular focus on Chrysler/Dodge HEMIs, both late model and legend. Our work includes some of the most precision machining in the business. On a custom basis, you can take advantage of our capability in:
Engine Machining
All our hi-powered machines are networked to a server and accessed through our engineering workstations. Our exceptional engine builders and computer operators, who utilize the latest software such as Mastercam, Camplete, and Catia, as well as other programs and patches, operate these machines. Much of our equipment and software is unique, custom developed by our people in collaboration with the manufacturer. If we need to go beyond the limitations of existing software, we collaborate to develop cutting edge solutions. Many of our manual machines are used for production only after a standard is set by the newer, computerized version.5-Axis CNC Milling Machines - we use these for cylinder head port and machine work and intake port work. From Prostock to street, these machines can convert a raw cast block to a completely machined head in about 7 hours. Originally designed for aerospace work, there are few machines like this, and we have 2 of them.
Heavy-load 5-Axis CNC - same as above but with extra size and power to handle bigger and beefier parts.
3-Axis CNC Mills – we have 5 of these, mainly for prototyping of small parts.
3-Axis Bed Mill – features a custom rollover fixture for block machining. Fully conversational, it generates code on-the-fly, not raw code and tool path input like many machines. Can be used like standard 3-axis machine if needed.
2-Axis Computerized Lathe - custom tooled for Arrington, it is used to cut pulleys: including both v-belt and serpentine.
Manual Lathes - we have 2: one for piston cutting with custom tools; and one for manual turning and prototyping.
Manual Mills - we have several of these, many with custom attachments built in house to do work on specific applications. They all have digital readouts for precision custom work and all of them have pneumatic (air powered) tool changers.
Crank Balancer – this machine is computerized, like most on the market today. Our difference in this area is the experience of our people who run this equipment.
Renishaw Digitizer – this machine is used to “reverse engineer” and generate workable computer models from a physical prototyped part. Most often used for cylinder heads and intakes, but can be used on any parts.
Head Surfacer - grinds down the deck of the head to obtain the correct cc’s for proper compression within the finished engine.
Head Shop Services
We make heads and valves for all applications, using precision equipment, much of which is unique to Arrington, for example:Newen Epoc CNC Valve Seat Machine - this cylinder head machine utilizes a single tool to contour valve seats. It is phenomenal at cutting the extra hard valve seats in late model heads, but otherwise is used primarily for R&D because of its superb accuracy. At the touch of a button you can change the angle or radius on a specialized touch screen computer interface. Whereas a manual machine can cause deflection and uses a single cutter to do all angles, this machine cuts 1/300th at a time for almost no deflection.
Manual Seat and Guide Machine – cutting seat pockets and boring out guides are sometimes still done the classic way. There are some things machines just can’t do, and that is where our professionals, their rock solid skills and their proven experience take over with this older-style Serti 100 machine. We cut special applications by hand, for that personal touch.
Guide Hone - this custom-made machine uses liquid jets to hone the valve guides to 1/10000th inch accuracy.
Valve Grinders – these precision instruments are used primarily in valves for street machines and stock engines. Our precision engine builders use them to achieve increased seal and efficiency. Interestingly, we don’t use these machines to grind race valves, because our race valves are manufactured so precisely, grinding them on this machine can actually reduce the seal and efficiency.
Spring Testers - we have 3 of these machines, which are used to test forces the valve springs produce. We test our springs before and after usage to ensure uniformity through the entire compression and depression loading of the spring. We also test for load loss after heavy and light usage and abuse on our dynamometers and the track.
Block Machine Shop Services
We machine blocks to achieve winning power and performance, using precision equipment much of which is unique to Arrington, for example: Vertical Head Honing Machine - controls the size and finish of the cylinder head; bores vertically only. We have 2 of these - one uses water as a lubricant, the other uses oil. Both are computer controlled.
Horizontal Borer - bores cam tunnels and main lines, this is also used to repair badly damaged blocks and create custom blocks from scratch.
Connecting Rod Machines - used to speed up process and improve productivity. We have 2 in house: one set up for large end, with automatic or “power-feed” to aid in manufacturing an even shaft; and one for small end, which is manual for more precise adjustments on the smaller end.
Cap and Rod Grinder - used primarily to repair badly damaged heads, or to customize stock heads.
Testing and Inspection
After machining, our blocks, heads and valves go through a vigorous battery of tests, using our custom evaluation equipment:Magnaflux - uses UV light and checks for cracks or imperfections that decrease the life and performance of the part. This process magnetizes particles that cling to imperfections and cracks; which are then highly visible under UV light.
Flow Benches - we have 3 Superflow flow benches. Highly customized from their factory specs, these are set up to measure airflow, swirl & tumble. Vigorous tests allow us to pinpoint flow problems within the head and improving the efficiency of the engine, intake manifold and throttle body or carburetor. Using these techniques we created an engine that at one point in its efficiency curve had a 100% combustion rating!
Wet-flow Testing Booth – an Arrington exclusive, this process is so secret the only thing we can tell you is that it is in a special room under a black cloth in the corner of the shop. This test can aid in visualizing flow through the complete intake track at running position. Hardness Tester - we have portable and bench top models. These measure the hardness of the materials and check for inconsistencies through those parts and from part to part comparatively for uniformity from one part to another.
Coordinate Measurement Machine - the main piece of machinery for quality control that we use. This machine can measure every angle and deviation of surface down to 30 millionths of an inch (!!!) on any kind of part from valve seats to whole engines. Can also be use to digitize parts for solid modeling.
Process Quality Control
Critical to our operation is the management of parts during the machining process. Assembly/Disassembly - the only areas in our shop that look less like an operating room than a garage. While this area maintains the same cleanliness standards as the rest of the shop, these areas are used for disassembly and final assembly of complete or partial motors. Parts are carefully labeled and stored to insure accuracy in reassembly Parts Washers - state of the art “green” parts washers. Hot water is used to wash parts. That water it is filtered to remove any oils, particles, or impurities before it returns to the water system. The waste material from the filters is then removed of and professionally disposed of in the strict standards required to be called “green.”
