What to Consider Before an In-Situ Machining Project

In-situ machining can be a highly effective solution—but it isn’t always the right one. Understanding the options and gathering the right information early can significantly reduce risk, cost, and downtime.

The following points are designed to help you make informed decisions and set your project up for success—whether you work with Reekie Machining or another provider.

In-Situ or Off-Site Machining?

The first question to ask is whether in-situ machining is actually required.

If a component can be safely and easily removed and transported to a machine shop, off-site machining is often the most cost-effective and lowest-risk option. In many cases, the additional time and cost of machining on site can outweigh any savings in transport or workshop lead time.

In-situ machining is typically the best solution when:

• Strip-down is impractical or unsafe

• Removing the component would cause major disruption

• Transport is difficult, costly, or impossible

• Downtime costs are significant

Reekie Machining offers both in-situ and off-site machining, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate approach for your specific application.

Clearly Define the Scope of Work

A clear understanding of the required repair or machining is essential.

Where possible, provide:

• A written scope or specification

• Key dimensions and tolerances

• Engineering drawings

If drawings are not available, a marked-up photograph or simple sketch can still provide valuable clarity. Better definition at the outset allows the correct equipment, tooling, and fixtures to be prepared—reducing risk once work begins.

What Information Is Available?

With sufficient information, a site survey is not always required.

Site surveys can be time-consuming, particularly when time is critical, and it is often difficult to capture all dimensions and constraints during a short visit.

You can help streamline the process by:

• Locating existing drawings or records

• Providing clear photographs from multiple angles

• Noting access restrictions, clearances, and surrounding equipment

Good information enables effective planning and ensures the correct equipment arrives on site.

The First to Site Is Not Always the First to Finish

There is no single in-situ machine that suits every application.

Even when manpower is available, effective in-situ machining often requires time to:

• Develop a detailed work pack

• Design and prepare fixtures

• Select and assemble the correct tooling

Allowing time for proper preparation often results in:

• Faster execution on site

• Fewer issues or rework

• Reduced overall downtime

• Lower programme risk

A well-prepared team will almost always complete the job more efficiently.

Understand the True Cost of Downtime

The duration of an in-situ machining job can vary significantly depending on:

• The machining method selected

• The experience of the machinists

• The equipment and tooling used

• The number of required set-ups

More advanced machining solutions may carry a higher initial cost, but they can significantly reduce execution time. When comparing options, it is important to consider the cost of each additional day of downtime, particularly where lost production or generation is critical.

Some in-situ machining providers focus on minimising downtime—an important consideration when every day offline has a major financial impact.

Need Advice?

Good in-situ machining starts long before anyone arrives on site. If you’d like to discuss your application or need guidance on whether in-situ machining is the right solution, our team is always happy to help.

Contact Reekie Machining to discuss your project requirements.