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.
Product Details
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
Applications of CNC Machining
1. Aerospace & Aviation: Our proficiency in precision manufacturing aligns perfectly with the
stringent demands of the aerospace and aviation sectors, delivering components that uphold
reliability and performance in critical applications.
2. Automotive: From pivotal engine components to intricate systems, our established competence
in producing high-quality parts contributes significantly to the efficiency and safety of automotive
technologies.
3. Industrial Machinery: Our capabilities extend to crafting components that power industrial
machinery, ensuring robustness and precision to meet the diverse requirements of manufacturing
processes.
4. Consumer Electronics: We stand out in the production of components for consumer electronics,
actively contributing to the innovation and functionality of cutting-edge electronic devices.
5. Robotics & Automation: In the ever-evolving landscape of robotics and automation, our
precision components play a key role, enhancing the seamless operation and efficiency of robotic
systems.
6. Medical: Precision is paramount in the medical sector, and our purpose-designed components
meet the exacting standards of medical applications, driving advancements in healthcare technology.
Our steadfast commitment to excellence and in-depth knowledge within these specialized sectors
positions us as a reliable partner, ensuring that our components consistently meet the distinctive
requirements and standards of each industry.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. How do I know my design will be kept confidential?
Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your design.
We are willing to sign and uphold any non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement.
Additionally, our factory strictly prohibits the taking of photographs of a customer's product
without explicit permission. Ultimately, our reputation is built on years of working with
numerous unique designs, ensuring that no proprietary information is ever disclosed to
third parties.
2. How does you ensure the quality of my parts?
Upon confirmation of your order, a comprehensive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review is
conducted to identify any potential issues that could impact the quality of your parts.
All incoming materials undergo thorough inspection and verification using a suite of testing
equipment.
Final inspection reports are generated before shipment. Additionally, we offer real-time sharing
of inspection data, fostering collaboration to address any quality concerns that may arise during
production.
3. What cosmetic standards do you guarantee?
Our commitment to quality includes standard deburring and edge-breaking procedures for all CNC
machined parts. Any critical edges requiring a sharp finish must be explicitly indicated in technical
drawings.
Surfaces are guaranteed to be free of defects such as scratches, dents, stains, blemishes, hanging
marks, and minor imperfections. Critical surfaces (primary (a) side, as specified in technical
drawings) will be void of mill steps and other marks.
For the secondary (b) side, minor hanging marks and up to 2 minor defects are deemed acceptable.
To enhance surface roughness, visual properties, and wear resistance, various post-processing and
finishing methods can be applied to CNC machined parts.
4. How much does CNC machining cost?
The cost of CNC machining is influenced by factors such as complexity, quantity, and lead time.
To obtain an accurate quote, we encourage you to submit a 3D CAD model, allowing us to provide
an interactive quote with design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
Leveraging proprietary software and automated fixturing processes, we eliminate upfront
non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs. This makes CNC machining cost-effective for quantities as
low as 1 to 200 parts. While prices may compare similarly or slightly higher than 3D printing,
CNC machining offers superior material properties and surface finishes.