In traditional machining, a skilled machinist manually operates a machine to remove or shape
metal based on specifications provided by designers and engineers, typically conveyed through
an engineering drawing or blueprint.
This process involves the use of turn wheels, dials, switches, chucks, vices, and various cutting
tools made of materials such as hardened steel, carbide, and industrial diamond.
Measurement instruments are then utilized to ensure the accuracy of all dimensions.
In contrast to this manual approach, CNC machining performs the same metal cutting, drilling,
milling, boring, grinding, and other metal forming and removal functions, but it relies on computer
numerical control instead of manual operation by a machinist.
It is automated, driven by code, and developed by programmers, offering precision consistently
from the first cut to the 500th. While traditional machining still has a place, CNC machining,
prevalent in digital manufacturing and low-volume production, allows for easy revisions and
alterations for modifications and different materials.
Product Details
CNC machining equipment excels in the precise cutting of a diverse array of materials,
encompassing aluminum, bronze, copper, ceramics, plywood, various steel alloys, stone, wood,
zinc, and other engineering materials.
This versatility makes it an optimal choice for prototype creation in product development.
Furthermore, users can make accurate and prompt adjustments, facilitating the attainment of
the desired end product.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the most popular materials.
The Most Popular Materials | |
Name | Characteristics |
Aluminum 6061 | Good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent machinability, low hardness |
Stainless Steel 304 | Excellent mechanical properties, resistant to corrosion & acid, relatively difficult to machine |
Brass C360 | High ductility, excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance |
ABS | Excellent impact resistance, good mechanical properties, susceptible to solvents |
Nylon (PA6 & PA66) | Excellent mechanical properties, high toughness, poor moisture resistance |
POM (Delrin) | High stiffness, excellent thermal & electrical properties, relatively brittle |
Surface Finishes | ||
Name | Applicable to | Machining marks |
As machined | Metals, Plastics | Visible, light surface scratches |
Smooth machining | ||
Fine machining | Metals | Slightly visible |
Polishing | Metals | Removed on primary surfaces |
Bead blasting | Metals | Removed for non-cosmetic, removed on primary surfaces for cosmetic |
Brushing | Metals | |
Anodizing Type II | Aluminum | |
Anodizing Type III | Aluminum | Visible under anodizing |
Black oxide | Copper, Stainless steel, Alloy steel, Tool steel, Mild steel | Visible |
Powder coating | Metals | Removed |
Brushed + electropolishing | Stainless steel | Removed on Primary surfaces |
Specialist Industries
With a production history spanning millions of components across various applications,
our expertise shines particularly in the following specialized industries:
1. Aerospace & Aviation: Our proficiency in precision manufacturing aligns perfectly with the
stringent demands of the aerospace and aviation sectors, delivering components that uphold
reliability and performance in critical applications.
2. Automotive: From pivotal engine components to intricate systems, our established competence
in producing high-quality parts contributes significantly to the efficiency and safety of automotive
technologies.
3. Industrial Machinery: Our capabilities extend to crafting components that power industrial
machinery, ensuring robustness and precision to meet the diverse requirements of manufacturing
processes.
4. Consumer Electronics: We stand out in the production of components for consumer electronics,
actively contributing to the innovation and functionality of cutting-edge electronic devices.
5. Robotics & Automation: In the ever-evolving landscape of robotics and automation, our
precision components play a key role, enhancing the seamless operation and efficiency of robotic
systems.
6. Medical: Precision is paramount in the medical sector, and our purpose-designed components
meet the exacting standards of medical applications, driving advancements in healthcare technology.
Our steadfast commitment to excellence and in-depth knowledge within these specialized sectors
positions us as a reliable partner, ensuring that our components consistently meet the distinctive
requirements and standards of each industry.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. How much do CNC machining materials cost?
The diverse range of materials available for CNC machining introduces variability in costs,
influenced by both the specific material properties and overall characteristics. When opting for
metal parts, Aluminum 6061 emerges as a cost-effective choice.
For budget-conscious projects, ABS stands out as the most economical option. It's essential to
note that machining difficulty plays a crucial role in cost determination.
Materials like stainless steel, being harder than aluminum, pose greater machining challenges,
leading to an escalation in overall costs.
2. The cost of CNC machining a part is contingent on various factors, including:
1. Material: The choice of material impacts costs, with some materials, like aluminum, being
more cost-effective to machine than others such as Inconel, due to considerations like tool wear
and cutting speeds.
2. Complexity: Parts with intricate features tend to be more expensive to machine. The complexity
of surface shapes, for example, directly influences machining costs.
3. Tolerances: Tighter dimensional tolerances increase the cost of CNC machining. It's crucial to
balance precision requirements with cost considerations to optimize overall expenses.
4. Surface Finish: Attaining mirror finishes necessitates specialized tools and machining strategies,
contributing to increased machining time and associated costs.
5. Quantity: The production volume plays a significant role in cost considerations. Low-volume
production tends to be more expensive per part, as initial setup and programming costs are
amortized over a smaller number of parts.
3. What are your tolerances for machined parts?
Our standards for machined parts encompass +.005”/- .005” local tolerances across most metal
geometries and +/- 0.010" for plastics. Notably, these tolerances may vary for larger parts,
particularly concerning flatness after heat treatment.
Achieving an "As Milled" finish for CNC parts necessitates a minimum surface finish of 125.
Fabricated parts adhere to a 0.010” dimensional tolerance and a 1° angular tolerance.
Tapped holes not explicitly marked as features in the CAD model may be machined according
to the specified diameters.
Importantly, surface treatments, including anodization, bead blasting, iriditing, powder coating,
etc., will only be applied if explicitly paid for and acknowledged.