Sierra Machine Works

Sierra Machine Works in Fresno has more than 19 years of custom machining experience and started out reverse engineering one-off parts for customers. It also does food-grade fabrication and retrofits.

Capabilities

• CAD drawing, 2D drawings and 3D models
• Reverse engineering
• Full CNC milling and turning
• Food-grade fabrication, retrofits and complex assemblies
• 5-axis waterjet cutting (5 x 10 ft table)
• Welding

Materials

Stainless steel, brass, bronze, plastics and food-grade materials.

Industries served

Food processing and manufacturing.

Request a quote

To request a quote from this shop, use the Request a Quote form. Tell us the part, material, quantity and deadline, and we will pass your request to the shop.

Reverse Engineering and Food Grade Fabrication in Fresno: Sierra Machine Works

When a part wears out and there is no drawing, the work begins with the part itself. Reverse engineering means studying an existing part to recreate it, from measuring dimensions to working out the material and function. It is a common need in factories where machines outlive their manufacturers. Buyers in Fresno who face this problem often search for a shop that does it regularly. Sierra Machine Works is listed here for precision machining, welding, fabrication, waterjet cutting, reverse engineering, engineering and design, plastics machining, food grade fabrication and retrofits. This page explains how the process works and how a buyer can help.

The reverse engineering process

The shop starts by examining the part. It measures key features, checks wear and studies how the part fits with others. Next comes a drawing or 3D model, which becomes the basis for machining. A reverse engineered part may match the original exactly, or it may improve on a weak point, if the buyer wants that.

What to bring

Bring the part if you can, even if it is broken. Bring the mating parts, or at least photographs and measurements of where it fits. Write down the machine name, the model and what the part does. If the part is worn, point out the places that look damaged.

CAD drawings and models

A 2D drawing shows each view and dimension. A 3D model shows the part as a solid shape. Many shops produce both. A model is useful for machining, and a drawing is useful for records and inspection. Ask for copies, so you do not need to reverse engineer the same part again.

Waterjet cutting

A waterjet cuts material with a thin stream of water, often mixed with abrasive. It can cut metal, plastic, stone and other materials without heat. That avoids heat distortion, which is useful for thin or heat sensitive parts. A five axis waterjet can also cut angled edges.

Food grade fabrication

Food processing plants need equipment with cleanable surfaces and suitable materials. Stainless steel and certain plastics are common. Welds should be smooth, and crevices should be avoided. Mention whether your part contacts food, so the right materials and finishes are chosen.

Retrofits

A retrofit adds or changes parts on an existing machine, such as a new guard, a different feeder or a modified conveyor. Retrofits often combine fabrication and machining. Photographs and measurements of the existing equipment are essential.

Complex assemblies

Some jobs involve many parts that must work together. Assembly tests the fit and function of the pieces before delivery, which can save trouble when you install them.

What to include in a request

• The part or clear photographs with a tape measure
• Machine name, model and function
• Material, if known
• Quantity needed now and later
• Date needed in Fresno

Keeping the files

After a part has been reverse engineered, store the drawing and model. The next replacement will be faster and cheaper, and you will have a record for anyone who services the machine later.

To ask about a part, send the details through the Request a Quote form and we will pass your details to the shop.

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