Figure AI, Inc., an innovative leader in biomimetic robotics, demands extremely stringent precision, durability, and batch consistency for its core joint components. They faced challenges with traditional supply chains unable to meet these high-performance standards. Yijin Hardware customized the VV-43250U series of key components, providing advanced five-axis CNC machining and comprehensive quality management.
Our solution helped the customer improve joint motion performance by 40% and maintain a consistent yield rate of over 99.8% in mass production.
What did Figure AI Need?
Figure AI needed a manufacturing partner for its robot joints and load-bearing structural components. Specific requirements included:
Extremely high-precision complex parts: Producing a series of high-precision, multi-surface, special-shaped structural parts such as VV-43250U. These parts are the core to ensure smooth and accurate robot movement.
Excellent material properties: High-strength aluminum alloys or special alloys are required to achieve the perfect balance between lightness and durability to withstand repeated stress and friction.
Strict batch consistency: During the pre-production and mass production stages, thousands of parts are required to maintain consistency below the millimeter level to ensure the stable and reliable performance of each robot.
Prior to partnering with Yijin Hardware, Figure AI had worked with other suppliers but faced challenges in achieving extreme precision, surface finish quality, and stability in high-volume production. This impacted its prototype development progress and plans for large-scale production.
What Issues did Figure AI Face with Previous Suppliers?
Figure AI’s next-generation robot design requires unprecedented levels of precision and consistency in key structural components. Its existing supply chain and processing methods have become the main bottleneck for product performance breakthroughs and large-scale mass production.
What Specific Pain Points Did Figure AI Have?
Insufficient precision and consistency: Parts processed by old suppliers have micron-level error fluctuations, which requires frequent debugging of robot joints after assembly, and may even fail to achieve the designed movement smoothness and precision, directly affecting the core performance of the product.
The defective rate remains high: In complex multi-axis machining, especially in deep holes, thin walls and special-shaped surfaces, the scrap rate and rework rate have long remained above 20%, greatly increasing the unit cost and time cost.
Unstable production cycle: Due to high processing difficulty and yield issues, delivery delays often occur, seriously disrupting Figure AI’s tight prototype testing cycle and pre-production plan, and slowing down the pace of product launch.
Lack of technical collaboration: Previous suppliers only played the role of “order executor” and were unable to provide valuable suggestions in material handling, process optimization and design-for-manufacturing (DFM). The cooperation remained at a low level.
What Solutions did Figure AI Try To Resolve This?
Figure AI had tried screening parts by increasing inspection frequency and raising acceptance criteria, but this further increased costs and resulted in longer lead times.
They also contacted several other CNC machining service providers, but these service providers either could not meet the technical specifications or could not provide competitive prices and stable batch supply while ensuring quality.
How did Figure AI Choose Yijin Hardware?
Figure AI’s engineering team discovered Yijin Hardware’s reputation in the precision hardware processing field through in-depth searches on industry technical forums and Google Chrome. Our successful case studies and technical white papers on similar complex structural parts piqued their interest, leading them to contact us proactively.
What Were the Key Factors in their Decision-Making?
Technical Capabilities and Certifications: The five-axis CNC machining center we demonstrated was capable of completing the complex multi-faceted machining of the VV-43250U part in a single pass, avoiding the errors caused by multiple clampings. This perfectly met their demand for ultimate precision.
Strict quality commitment: We clearly promise and can verify the tolerance control capability of ±0.005 mm, and provide a complete First Article Inspection (FAI) report and material certification, which directly addresses their most concerned issues of accuracy and consistency.
Material expertise: To meet the needs of lightweight and high strength, we provide processing solutions and suggestions for a variety of high-performance aluminum alloys (such as 7075-T6), rather than just passively accepting orders, demonstrating our deep technical expertise.
Response speed and service: From the first contact, we assigned a dedicated project manager and technical engineers to provide support. The quick response to inquiries and clear technical communication gave them an unprecedented cooperation experience.
Yijin’s “Joint Engineering” approach: Rather than simply machining according to the drawings, we proactively provided design for manufacturing (DFM) analysis and proposed optimization suggestions for some subtle structural changes of the part. This made it easier to machine, improved its strength, and reduced its cost without affecting its functionality.
End-to-end quality control: We customized a full-process quality tracking solution for them. From the receipt of raw materials to final shipment, every key process is recorded with data to ensure that any potential problems can be traced. This provides crucial confidence for their large-scale mass production.
Flexible capacity configuration: We provide a seamless solution from rapid prototyping to small and medium-volume production, and ensure a stable delivery cycle, which perfectly matches the rapid iteration rhythm of Figure AI from R&D to pre-production.
How did Yijin Hardware Overcome Figure AI’s Production Problems?
To overcome the technical challenges posed by Figure AI, Yijin Hardware deployed a comprehensive precision manufacturing solution that integrates advanced equipment, professional materials knowledge, and digital management.
Technology and Processes
We utilize a “lean precision manufacturing” process. This begins with an in-depth design for manufacturing (DFM) analysis, collaborating closely with the customer’s engineering team to optimize the part design. Subsequently, we develop a detailed process flow chart and quality control plan to ensure that every manufacturing step is documented and traceable. The entire production process is conducted in a Class 10,000 cleanroom to minimize environmental impacts on precision.
Specific CNC Machines Used
Five-axis CNC machining center: The core processing equipment is a Japanese Makino five-axis high-speed, high-precision milling machine. Its exceptional dynamic accuracy and stability are key to enabling the VV-43250U to achieve single-step clamping and integrated molding of complex curved surfaces, deep cavities, and special-shaped features, completely eliminating the cumulative errors caused by multiple clamping.
Ultra-high-precision coordinate measuring machine (CMM): Use the Zeiss SPECTRUM CMM for first-article inspection, in-process inspection, and final inspection, generating detailed inspection reports and digitally verifying the tolerance of every dimension.
Processed materials
The primary material is American 7075-T651 aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. This material offers a very high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent machinability, perfectly meeting the extreme requirements of lightweight, high rigidity, and wear resistance for robotic joints.
All raw materials are sourced from reputable suppliers and come with complete Material Traceability Certificate (MTC) to ensure traceability and reliable performance.
Software or Automation Enhancements
CAD/CAM Software: Siemens NX™ software is used for advanced 3D modeling and CNC programming. Its powerful intelligent toolpath generation function optimizes cutting trajectories, minimizes tool stress, improves surface finish, and shortens machining cycles.
Automated quality monitoring: An SPC (Statistical Process Control) system has been introduced at key workstations to collect and monitor real-time data on key dimensions during the processing. Once an abnormal trend is detected, an early warning and adjustment can be immediately issued, realizing the transition from post-detection to pre-emptive prevention, ensuring the ultimate stability of mass production.
Customization and innovation
We designed and manufactured a modular vacuum fixture specifically for the complex geometry and thin-walled features of the VV-43250U part. This system enables rapid clamping and precise positioning, minimizing workpiece deformation caused by clamping forces and significantly improving material changeover efficiency during mass production.
Similarly, utilizing “micron-level micro-milling” and “high-speed hard milling” techniques, high-precision coated tools and optimized cutting parameters, all fine features are machined in a single setup, achieving an exceptional surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4μm), eliminating the need for secondary manual polishing.
We collaborated with Figure AI engineers to optimize several non-critical chamfers and undercuts on the part, converting a sharp internal corner to a rounded transition. This modification significantly improved tool accessibility and life, eliminated stress concentration points, and reduced machining difficulty and cost by 15%, without compromising functionality.
Quality Control Measures
First Article Inspection: We use a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to conduct comprehensive 3D dimension measurements and generate authoritative reports. Mass production can only begin after customer approval.
In-process inspection: Operators conduct 100% spot checks on critical dimensions every 50 pieces processed using precision micrometers, height gauges, optical projectors and other tools.
Final inspection: Each shipped product is accompanied by a unique traceability label and factory inspection report to ensure that all key dimensional tolerances are strictly controlled within ±0.005 mm, perfectly meeting the drawing requirements.
Certification and Compliance: The entire production and quality management system strictly complies with the ISO 9001:2015 certification standard to ensure the standardization and traceability of the process. Although this project does not involve military industry, we have ITAR compliance management and control capabilities, which demonstrates to our customers our highest commitment to data security and process rigor and wins their deep trust.
What Results did Figure AI Achieve with Yijin Hardware?
Through its partnership with Yijin Hardware, Figure AI not only resolved its pressing supply chain bottlenecks, but also achieved significant benefits in efficiency, quality, and strategic development. Improved efficiency.
Shortened production cycle: By optimizing toolpaths and adopting five-axis single-setup technology, the overall processing time per part was reduced by 35%. Furthermore, the stable high yield rate reduced the overall order delivery cycle by 40%, greatly supporting Figure AI’s rapid product development pace.
Cost reduction: Optimized machining processes and near-zero rework reduced raw material waste by 85%. Efficient production processes and low scrap rates ultimately helped Figure AI reduce the overall manufacturing cost per unit of this component by 25%.
Significantly reduced defective rate: through full-process SPC quality monitoring and precision machining, the scrap rate and rework rate in mass production have dropped from over 20% before the cooperation to a stable level of less than 0.2%.
Achieving consistent precision: Yijin Hardware successfully achieved the ±0.005 mm (5μm) tolerance required by the drawings and maintained this accuracy throughout multiple batches of production. The CPK (process capability index) remained stable at above 1.67, far exceeding the industry standard.
Increased production and scalability: A reliable supply chain and consistent, high-quality output enabled Figure AI to smoothly increase the pre-production scale of its next-generation robots by 300% without any worries.
Customer Satisfaction and Strategic Partnership: Yijin Hardware achieved a 100% on-time delivery (OTD) rate. Based on this exceptional performance and seamless partnership experience, Figure AI has promoted Yijin Hardware from its supplier base to a “Strategic Partner Supplier” for core structural components, signing a long-term, volume supply agreement.
Customer Insights from This Process
“Working with Yijin Hardware on the CNC machining of these robot parts exceeded our expectations! We were initially concerned about the difficulty of controlling the high-precision metal components, but they not only achieved tight dimensional tolerances, but also delivered a production cycle 20% faster than we anticipated. These precision components have significantly improved the assembly compatibility of our robot products, accelerating our R&D and testing progress. It’s incredible!”
— Head of Purchasing and Production at Figure AI, Inc.
“Yijin Hardware’s CNC machining technology was a huge help! This batch of metal parts has a complex structure and requires extremely high precision in milling and drilling. Other suppliers we had previously approached hadn’t been able to deliver. However, they solved the problem perfectly through precise process planning. The parts they delivered have made our robots’ performance more stable. We look forward to continuing our in-depth cooperation!”
—R&D Engineer at Figure AI, Inc.
“We made the right choice to choose Yijin Hardware for our CNC machining! From the initial communication and understanding of our needs, to the timely feedback on progress during the machining process, to the delivery of high-precision parts, every step was professional. These parts are used in our robots and are reliable and durable, which has really driven project progress. I give them a thumbs up!”
— Supply Chain Manager, Figure AI, Inc.
“For core robot components, quality is paramount. Yijin Hardware’s CNC machining service gives us complete peace of mind. The parts’ surface roughness and dimensional accuracy meet or even exceed standards, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality delivery of our subsequent products. I’m grateful for their professionalism!”
— Quality Control Supervisor at Figure AI, Inc.
Our Final Thoughts
The partnership with Figure AI demonstrates that choosing the right CNC machining partner goes beyond simply fulfilling orders; it also provides a sustainable competitive advantage. Leveraging Yijin Hardware’s expertise in precision manufacturing, rigorous quality systems, and customer-centric service, Figure AI successfully overcame technical bottlenecks, laying a solid hardware foundation for the mass production and market success of its revolutionary robot.
Are you also troubled by looking for CNC machining solutions that can meet the ultimate precision, reliable delivery and cost-effectiveness? Contact Yijin Hardware’s expert team today to learn how our precision CNC services can empower your project, help you optimize your production processes, and achieve breakthrough performance.
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