CNC machining, standing for Computer Numerical Control machining, is the automated removal
of material from raw stock guided by computer-generated instructions. This process is versatile,
compatible with materials ranging from expanded polyurethane foam to nickel superalloys.
Common applications for CNC machining include fabricating various components, crafting
ornamental furniture, and producing turbine blades. The cost of CNC machining is contingent
on factors such as required precision, surface quality, quantity, material selection, and the overall
complexity of the part.
Product Details
CNC machines are employed across a diverse range of materials, each having its optimal set of
machining parameters (speeds and feeds) for successful processing.
The most prevalent materials include:
1. Metal:
Metal stands out as the most frequently utilized material in CNC machining. CNC machines have
the capability to cut nearly any type of metal, from free-machining brass to high-performance
nickel superalloys like Inconel. Metal machining caters to various applications, ranging from injection
molds to the production of shafts and gears.
2. Plastic:
Although the majority of plastic parts are manufactured through injection molding, CNC machining
finds application in producing specific plastic components. Common materials include ABS
(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), nylon, and polycarbonate. Plastic machining applications encompass
valve bodies, bushings, and the creation of injection molding prototypes to assess the overall
functionality before investing in costly molding tools.
3. Wood:
CNC routers are predominantly used for wood cutting and are generally more cost-effective than
standard metal-cutting CNC machines. Wood CNC machining is commonly employed for decorative
purposes, with applications such as furniture, window frames, and ornamental panels.
4. Foam:
Polyurethane foam, whether closed or open-cell, is frequently employed in CNC machining applications.
CNC routers can cut foam blocks to create secure packaging for high-value products.
An example is the use of foam in toolboxes to ensure the tools remain secure during transportation.
5. Composites:
CNC machines are regularly employed in processing composite parts. Composites may include
materials like aramid, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, which are highly abrasive to cutting tools.
Aerospace and marine composite components undergo machining for tasks such as adding fastener
holes and general trimming after the molding process.
Common Materials for CNC Machining | |
Material | Properties |
Aluminum | 2024: Good fatigue resistance and strength; excellent toughness at moderate to high strength levels; improved fracture toughness |
6061: Excellent machinability, low cost, and versatility | |
7075: High strength, hardness, low weight, and heat tolerance | |
Brass | Versatile and highly attractive copper/zinc alloy with warm yellow color accommodates severe forming/drawing |
Copper | High ductility and high electrical and thermal conductivity; develops attractive blue-green surface patina over time |
Stainless Steel | Excellent machinability and outstanding uniformity; good workability and weldability, high ductility and formability |
Steel Alloy | Mix of chromium, molybdenum, and manganese yields toughness, good torsional and fatigue strength |
Steel Mild Low Carbon | High machinability and weldability, high stiffness; good mechanical properties, machinability, and weldability at low cost |
Titanium | Excellent strength to weight ratio, used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries |
ABS | Excellent impact resistance, good mechanical properties, susceptible to solvents |
Nylon | Excellent mechanical properties, high toughness, poor moisture resistance |
POM | High stiffness, excellent thermal & electrical properties, relatively brittle |
CNC Milling Tolerances | ||
Limits for nominal size | Plastics | Metals |
0.5mm* to 3mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
Over 3mm to 6mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
Over 6mm to 30mm | ±0.2mm | ±0.10mm |
Over 30mm to 120mm | ±0.3mm | ±0.15mm |
Over 120mm to 400mm | ±0.5mm | ±0.20mm |
Over 400mm to 1000mm | ±0.8mm | ±0.30mm |
Over 1000mm to 2000mm | ±1.2mm | ±0.50mm |
Over 2000mm to 4000mm | ±2.0mm | |
*Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing. |
CNC Machining Applications
CNC milling, known for its precision, stands as a versatile manufacturing technique with
applications across diverse industries. Common uses include:
1. Aerospace Components: Precision machining for the creation of intricate parts crucial for the
aerospace industry, ensuring high standards of reliability.
2. Furniture: Crafting precise components for furniture, ranging from functional elements to
intricately designed pieces.
3. Medical Components: Manufacturing critical parts for medical devices, adhering to stringent
standards of quality and accuracy.
4. Prototypes: Rapid prototyping for product development, allowing efficient testing and refinement
of design concepts.
5. Titanium Pieces: Machining titanium components known for their strength and durability,
commonly used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.
6. Woodworking: Precision woodworking for the creation of finely detailed and finished wooden
components for various applications.
These examples illustrate how CNC milling technology caters to a broad spectrum of industries,
offering unparalleled accuracy and flexibility in the production of diverse components.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. What cosmetic standards do you guarantee?
Upholding stringent quality standards, our CNC machined parts undergo standard deburring and
edge-breaking procedures. Clear indications in technical drawings are required for any critical
edges that should be left sharp.
Surfaces are guaranteed to be defect-free, ensuring the absence of scratches, dents, stains,
blemishes, hanging marks, and minor imperfections. Critical surfaces (primary (a) side, as outlined
in technical drawings) will be meticulously free from mill steps and other marks.
On the secondary (b) side, minor hanging marks and up to 2 minor defects are considered within
acceptable limits. Additionally, a range of post-processing and finishing methods can be applied to
enhance surface roughness, visual aesthetics, and wear resistance for CNC machined parts.
2. What's the general surface texture of CNC milled and turned parts?
In the realm of CNC machining, milled parts typically display a surface roughness of approximately
3.2μm (or 1.6μm for newer machines). In contrast, turned parts exhibit a finer surface texture with
a roughness of 0.8μm. Importantly, this finer surface finish in turning is achieved without the need
for adjusting machining speeds.
3. How does you ensure the quality of my parts?
Upon confirmation of your order, a detailed Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review is carried out to
identify any potential issues affecting part quality. All incoming materials are meticulously inspected
and verified using a suite of testing equipment.
Final inspection reports are generated as part of our pre-shipment quality check. Furthermore, we
offer the option to share inspection data in real-time, enabling collaborative efforts to address any
quality concerns that may emerge during production.