CNC Machining Turning Small Spare Parts Stainless Steel Material CNC Machining

Mini CNC Parts

While traditional machining involves a skilled machinist manually operating a machine to remove or

shape metal based on specifications from designers and engineers, CNC machining performs the

same metal cutting, drilling, milling, boring, grinding, and other metal forming and removal

functions with a crucial distinction — it employs computer numerical control rather than manual

operation.

Traditional machining relies on tools such as turn wheels, dials, switches, chucks, vices,

and cutting tools made of materials like hardened steel, carbide, and industrial diamond.

Measurements are taken to ensure accuracy. In contrast, CNC machining is automated and

code-driven, developed by programmers. It delivers consistent precision from the initial cut to

subsequent repetitions, making it suitable for digital manufacturing and low-volume production.

CNC machining's advantage lies in its flexibility for revisions and alterations, accommodating

modifications and different materials with ease. While traditional machining retains its place,

CNC machining has largely taken over in manufacturing, fabrication, and industrial production

due to its superior precision and automation.

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CNC machining encompasses a wide variety of materials, each requiring specific machining

parameters for optimal performance. The most common materials include:

1. Metal:
Metal is the predominant material in CNC machining, with the ability to cut various types, from

brass to nickel superalloys like Inconel. Applications range from injection molds to shafts and gears.

2. Plastic:
While injection molding is common for plastic parts, CNC machining is used for specific components

like ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate. Applications include valve bodies, bushings, and injection

molding prototypes.

3. Wood:
CNC routers are frequently employed for wood cutting, especially for decorative purposes like

furniture, window frames, and ornamental panels.

4. Foam:
Polyurethane foam, both closed and open-cell, finds application in CNC machining for creating

secure packaging, such as foam used in toolboxes for tool transportation.

5. Composites:
CNC machines are essential for processing abrasive composite materials like aramid, fiberglass,

and carbon fiber, commonly used in aerospace and marine components.

Post-processing and surface finishes for CNC machining

CNC-machined parts as they emerge from the machine often exhibit visible tool marks, a feature

that may not align with your specific part requirements.

Fortunately, there exists a multitude of post-processing techniques aimed at enhancing the surface

appearance and elevating attributes such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and chemical

resistance.

Methods like anodizing, bead blasting, and powder coating present viable options for refining the

final presentation of your custom parts, allowing you to achieve the desired surface quality and

performance characteristics.

Applications of CNC Machining

Turning, a precision manufacturing technique, is adept at producing rotational, axi-symmetric

parts featuring intricate details such as holes, grooves, threads, tapers, and contoured surfaces.

Its proficiency shines in crafting limited-quantity items, particularly custom-designed shafts and

fasteners utilized in prototypes. Furthermore, turning serves as a valuable complementary process,

enabling the addition or refinement of features to parts manufactured through alternative methods.

Notable examples of products shaped through turning include camshafts, crankshafts, baseball bats,

bowls, cue sticks, signboards, musical instruments, and the legs of tables and chairs.

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FAQ's

1. Why choose CNC machining?

The choice of CNC machining is characterized by its speed, precision, and versatility.

This manufacturing solution distinguishes itself by efficiently producing end-use parts across

various volumes, all without the necessity for significant investments in hard tooling or

elaborate set-ups.

2. How long does delivery time and quotation take?

The delivery time for parts is intricately tied to their complexity. Low-complexity parts usually

have a lead time of 2-3 days, while moderate complexity extends to 2-5 days.

High-complexity parts may necessitate a lead time ranging between 5 and 15 days.

Quoting time is also linked to design complexity, ranging from 1 business day or faster for

simpler designs to 3+ business days for more intricate ones.

If you have a design that requires assessment and quoting, do not hesitate to contact our team.

3. What are the advantages of CNC machining?

CNC machining offers a spectrum of advantages, prominently featuring rapid prototyping and

the expedited production of full-scale parts. Its hallmark is the ability to achieve exceptional

precision and accuracy in manufacturing, catering to tight tolerances for CNC parts of diverse sizes.

This method stands out for its flexibility, influencing factors such as volume, pricing, lead times,

and the array of materials and finishes available.

4. Factors Influencing CNC Machining Costs:

The cost of CNC machining a part is influenced by several key factors, including:
1. Material: Variations in material costs arise as some materials, such as aluminum, are more

cost-effective to machine than others like Inconel due to increased tool wear and slower cutting speeds.

2. Complexity: Parts with intricate features incur higher machining costs. Complex surface shapes,

for instance, are notably more expensive to machine compared to flat surfaces.

3. Tolerances: Stringent dimensional tolerances escalate machining costs. Specifying unnecessarily

tight tolerances on non-critical features can contribute to increased CNC machining expenses.

4. Surface Finish: Achieving mirror finishes necessitates specialized tooling and machining strategies,

extending machining time and subsequently increasing costs.

5. Quantity: Low-volume production inherently comes at a higher cost per part than large-volume

production. This is because initial setup and programming costs are distributed over a greater number

of parts in large-volume production.