CNC machining, which stands for Computer Numerical Control machining, involves the automated
removal of material from raw stock based on computer-generated instructions.
This versatile process can be applied to nearly any material, ranging from expanded polyurethane
foam to nickel superalloys. Common applications of CNC machining include the fabrication of parts
for various industries, ornamental furniture, and the production of turbine blades.
The cost associated with CNC machining is heavily influenced by factors such as required precision,
surface quality, quantity, material composition, and the overall complexity of the part.
Product Details
CNC milling machines excel at cutting a wide range of materials, including aluminum, bronze,
copper, ceramics, plywood, various steel types, stone, wood, zinc, and numerous engineering
materials.
This versatility makes them perfect for crafting prototypes during product development.
With CNC milling, you can easily fine-tune and make precise adjustments until you achieve
the desired final product, offering accuracy and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process.
Common Materials | |
Name | Description |
Aluminum | High machinability and ductility, good strength-to-weight ratio. |
Stainless steel | High tensile strength, corrosion and temperature resistant. |
Mild steel | High machinability and weldability, high stiffness. |
Brass | Low friction, excellent electrical conductivity, golden appearance. |
Copper | Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. |
Titanium | Excellent strength to weight ratio, used in aerospace, automotive and medical industries. |
ABS | Common thermoplastic, impact resistant, easy to machine. |
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
1. Aerospace Components: Precision-engineered landing gear components and fuselage
structures for aircraft, ensuring safety and reliability.
2. Automotive Components: Production of control panels, axles, and molds for the automotive
industry, contributing to the efficiency and innovation of vehicles.
3. Consumer Electronics: Crafting components such as enclosures for consumer electronic
devices, maintaining a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
4. Medical Components: Precision machining of surgical instruments and orthotics, meeting the
stringent requirements of the medical industry for quality and accuracy.
5. Oil and Gas Machine Parts: Manufacturing critical parts like valves, rods, and pins for the oil
and gas sector, ensuring durability and performance in challenging environments.
6. Prototyping and Modeling: Rapid prototyping and modeling for product development, allowing
for the efficient testing and refinement of designs.
7. Sculptures: Artistic creations and sculptures, showcasing the versatility of CNC milling in
transforming digital designs into tangible forms.
8. Furniture: Crafting precise components for furniture, ensuring quality and consistency in the
production of intricate designs.
9. Woodworking: Precision woodworking, enabling the creation of detailed and finely finished
wooden components.
The adaptability of CNC milling machines spans a broad spectrum of industries, making them
indispensable in the manufacturing of parts that demand both intricacy and accuracy.
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. 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.
3. Can make design drawings for me?
While we don't provide a standalone product design service, we do conduct Design for
Manufacturing reviews for all approved orders. This entails working closely with our clients to
optimize their 2D and 3D drawings, addressing design conflicts, and minimizing production costs.
Check out our guidelines on preparing CAD drawings for manufacturing.
4. 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.