Our client is a UK-based premium lighting system designer, known for creating high-end architectural and commercial lighting solutions. For one of their flagship linear lighting products, they required a custom aluminum connector that would serve as both a structural support element and a visible exterior component.
Unlike standard internal brackets, this part would remain exposed after installation. That meant it had to meet not only strict mechanical requirements, but also exceptionally high standards for surface quality, visual consistency, and installation accuracy.
Material: Aluminum 6061-T6
Manufacturing Process: 3-axis and 4-axis CNC milling
Surface Finish: Off-white powder coating
Application: Linear lighting system connection and structural support
The component plays a critical role in aligning multiple optical modules and extruded aluminum profiles, ensuring seamless assembly and a refined final appearance.
To ensure perfect alignment with optical elements and extruded aluminum housings, the customer specified a fit tolerance of ±0.02 mm.
Maintaining this level of accuracy in aluminum machining required precise control of:
Heat generation during cutting
Machine stability
Fixturing and repeatability
Any deviation could result in visible gaps or misalignment during installation.
The internal structure of the connector included:
Intersecting reinforcing ribs
Dense threaded hole patterns
Internal chamfers and side features
Conventional 3-axis machining alone could not complete all features in a single setup. Multiple re-clamping operations would have introduced cumulative errors, compromising dimensional accuracy.
The off-white powder coating chosen by the customer delivers a clean, modern aesthetic—but it also exposes even the smallest surface imperfections.
As a visible component, the part had to be:
Free from tool marks and chatter
Completely burr-free
Uniform across all units
Any surface flaw would be amplified after coating and negatively affect the perceived product quality.
To achieve one-time forming of complex geometries, we utilized high-precision imported 4-axis CNC machines.
By leveraging the rotary axis for accurate positioning, we:
Reduced the number of setups
Eliminated tolerance stacking
Maintained dimensional stability across all critical features
This approach ensured consistent accuracy throughout the production run.
Based on the machining characteristics of 6061-T6 aluminum, we selected custom diamond-coated and high-polish finishing tools sourced from Japan and Germany.
These tools allowed us to:
Achieve precise internal dimensions
Produce smooth, near-mirror metal surfaces
Create an ideal substrate for powder coating
The result was a flawless surface that required minimal post-processing.
Throughout production, key dimensions were monitored using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
This real-time inspection ensured that every batch of connectors met assembly requirements and allowed the customer to achieve repeatable, zero-adjustment installation.
The final components exceeded customer expectations:
Measured accuracy: ±0.015 mm
Surface quality: Uniform off-white powder coating with no visible substrate marks
Production efficiency: Machining cycle time reduced by 15% through 4-axis optimization
These improvements helped the customer accelerate their product launch while maintaining a premium brand image.
This project demonstrates our ability to combine:
Tight-tolerance CNC machining
Complex 4-axis geometry control
High-end surface preparation for visible parts
From structural precision to visual refinement, we help design-driven brands turn detailed concepts into manufacturable, production-ready components.
Precision lighting components demand more than dimensional accuracy—they require craftsmanship, consistency, and an understanding of how design and manufacturing intersect.
At Honscn, we specialize in delivering CNC-machined aluminum parts that perform flawlessly and look exceptional.
If you are developing high-end architectural or commercial lighting systems, our engineering team is ready to support your next project.