CNC machining operates on subtractive processes, where the feedstock is machined to its final form
through the removal of material. This includes activities such as drilling holes, boring lots and
pathways, and shaping metal stock into new material with varying tapers, diameters, and shapes.
In contrast to additive manufacturing methods that involve the addition, layering, and deformation
of materials to achieve a specified shape, CNC machining achieves shapes by subtracting material.
This distinction also separates it from injection molding, where material is injected in a different state
of matter using a mold and formed to a specified shape.
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.
The Most Popular Materials | |
Material | 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 |
Copper | Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity |
Titanium | Excellent strength to weight ratio, used in aerospace, automotive and medical industries. |
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 Finishing
We specialize in the production of custom-made products and offer surface treatment services
tailored to meet our customers' specific requirements and industry standards.
Our comprehensive solutions are both efficient and cost-effective, making us a one-stop destination
with the capacity and capability to provide integrated services.
Surface Finishing Options for CNC Machining | ||
Name | Applicable Materials | Can be Applied with |
Alodine | Aluminum | Media Blasting, Tumbling, Type II Anodizing* Type III Anodizing*, Type III Anodizing with PTFE* |
Anodizing | Aluminum | Media Blasting, Tumbling, Alodine* |
Black Oxide | Steel, Stainless Steel | Media Blasting, Tumbling, Passivation |
Electroless Nickel Plating | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel | Media Blasting, Tumbling |
Electropolishing | Steel, Stainless Steel | — |
Hand Polishing | Acrylic | Enhanced cosmetic appearance |
Media Blasting | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, Copper | All post processes except Electropolish and Powdercoat |
Nickel Plating | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel | Media Blasting, Tumbling |
Passivation | Steel, Stainless Steel | Black Oxide, Electroless Nickel Plating, Zinc Plating, Tumbling, Media Blasting |
Powder Coating | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel | — |
Tumbling | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, Copper | All post processes except Electropolish and Powdercoat |
Vapor Polishing | CNC Polycarbonate (Clear, Black) | Enhanced cosmetic appearance, near optically clear applications |
Zinc Plating | Steel, Stainless Steel | Media Blasting, Tumbling, Passivation |
Specialist Industries
CNC milling machines have revolutionized manufacturing with their ability to produce complex
designs with exceptional precision.
This accuracy positions CNC milling as one of the most advanced manufacturing techniques.
Here's a comprehensive look at the diverse array of parts achievable with CNC milling machines:
1. Aerospace Components: Crafting precise landing gear components and fuselage structures for
aircraft, adhering to the exacting standards of the aerospace industry.
2. Automotive Components: Production of control panels, axles, and car molds, contributing to the
innovation and efficiency of the automotive sector.
3. Consumer Electronics: Manufacturing components such as enclosures for consumer electronic
devices, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and design.
4. Medical Components: Precision machining of surgical instruments and orthotics, meeting the
stringent quality and accuracy requirements of the medical field.
5. Oil and Gas Machine Parts: Crafting essential components like valves, rods, and pins for the oil
and gas industry, ensuring resilience in demanding operational conditions.
6. Prototyping and Modeling: Rapid prototyping and modeling for product development, facilitating
efficient design testing and refinement.
7. Sculptures: Translating digital artistic concepts into tangible sculptures, showcasing the artistic
possibilities of CNC milling.
8. Furniture: Precision crafting of components for furniture, ensuring consistency and quality in the
production of intricate designs.
9. Woodworking: Enabling precision woodworking for the creation of detailed and finely finished
wooden components.
The versatility of CNC milling machines extends across industries, providing a powerful means to
produce parts that demand both intricate detailing and uncompromising accuracy.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. What tolerances can achieve?
Tolerances are not universally defined and vary based on factors such as part size, design geometry,
the number and size of features, material selection, surface finish, and the manufacturing process.
After order confirmation, we conduct a comprehensive Design for Manufacturing review to identify
areas for potential modification to enhance manufacturability. It is advantageous if you can specify
critical tolerance areas in your design, allowing for adjustments to optimize production time and costs.
General tolerance guidelines are provided for CNC machining in metal and plastic, plastic injection
molding, CNC metals and plastic injection molding materials, metal 3D printing (+/- 0.5mm), and an
expected shrinkage rate of +/- 0.15% for vacuum casting. Clear specifications in the 2D drawings are
essential for precise adherence to manufacturing and technical requirements.
2. How does you ensure the quality of my parts?
After order confirmation, we conduct a thorough Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review to pinpoint
any potential issues that could affect part quality. Incoming materials undergo rigorous inspection
and verification using advanced testing equipment.
Final inspection reports are generated before shipment. Moreover, we provide the capability to share
inspection data in real-time, allowing us to collaborate on addressing any quality concerns that may
arise during the production process.
3. What type of surface finishes does provide?
Our services encompass a wide array of finishing options to attain the desired appearance and texture
for your parts. We offer treatments for metal, texturing specifically for plastic injection mold tools, and
painting for both metal and plastic, among other choices. Discover more about specifying your preferred
surface texture in our blog.
4. Can passivate my parts?
Passivation is a surface treatment that modifies the chemistry of specific metals. Our services include
passivation for purposes such as corrosion protection, increased durability, and enhanced cosmetic
appearance.