Operating as a subtractive manufacturing process, CNC machining involves the creation of parts
by removing material from a workpiece or workpiece stock.
The machine's movement is governed by preprogrammed software and codes, ensuring precise
control over material removal. This expansive process includes a diverse range of machinery,
such as turning mills, lathes, grinders, and plasma-cutting machines.
Product Details
Common Metal Materials for CNC Machining | |
Metal 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 | |
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 |
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 |
Titanium | Excellent strength to weight ratio, used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries |
Steel Mild Low Carbon | High machinability and weldability, high stiffness; good mechanical properties, machinability, and weldability at low cost |
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 |
CNC Machining Applications
Parts produced by this type of machining are commonly found in the automotive, aerospace,
medical, marine, and hydraulic industries. Such as headers, housings, shafts, shells, knobs,
rotors, terminals, fittings, pistons, valve stems, and similar products.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. What cosmetic standards do you guarantee?
Ensuring high-quality finishes, all CNC machined parts undergo standard deburring and
edge-breaking procedures. Critical edges requiring a sharp finish must be explicitly highlighted
in technical drawings.
Surfaces are guaranteed to be free from defects such as scratches, dents, stains, blemishes,
hanging marks, and minor imperfections. Specifically, critical surfaces (primary (a) side, per
technical drawings) will be devoid of mill steps and other marks.
On the secondary (b) side, minor hanging marks and up to 2 minor defects are considered
acceptable.
To further enhance surface quality, visual appeal, and wear resistance, a variety of post-
processing and finishing methods can be applied to CNC machined parts.
2. How much does CNC machining cost?
The cost of CNC machining hinges on factors such as complexity, quantity, and lead time.
For an accurate cost estimate, we recommend submitting a 3D CAD model to receive an interactive
quote along with design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. Thanks to our proprietary software
and automated fixturing processes, upfront non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs are eliminated.
This makes CNC machining economically viable for quantities ranging from 1 to 200 parts.
While prices may align or slightly exceed those of 3D printing, CNC machining offers superior
material properties and surface finishes.
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.