Titanium Parts CNC Turning Stainless Steel 304 Turning Spare Custom CNC Machining Parts
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 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 track record in crafting precision components aligns seamlessly with
the exacting standards of the aerospace and aviation sectors, ensuring reliability and performance
in critical applications.
2. Automotive: From essential engine elements to intricate systems, our proven capability in
delivering high-quality components contributes to the efficiency and safety of automotive technologies.
3. Industrial Machinery: Our expertise extends to the creation of components that power industrial
machinery, guaranteeing durability and precision to meet the demands of various manufacturing
processes.
4. Consumer Electronics: We excel in manufacturing components for consumer electronics, playing
a pivotal role in enhancing the innovation and functionality of cutting-edge electronic devices.
5. Robotics & Automation: In the dynamic realm of robotics and automation, our precision
components are instrumental, contributing to the seamless operation and efficiency of robotic systems.
6. Medical: Precision is paramount in the medical industry, and our components are purposefully
designed to meet the exacting standards of medical applications, fostering advancements in
healthcare technology.
Our unwavering commitment to excellence and industry-specific expertise positions us as a trusted
partner in these specialized sectors, ensuring that our components meet the unique requirements
and standards of each industry.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. Do you offer reverse engineering services or suggest cost saving measures?
We offer reverse engineering services, allowing us to extract design and engineering information
from a wide range of manufactured components. Our expertise goes beyond mere reproduction
– we can aid in designing your part, recommending optimal raw materials, and selecting the most
efficient machining protocols and finishing steps.
With the end-use of the part in focus, we often identify minor design adjustments, material changes,
or tolerance modifications that can potentially reduce the cost of your part without compromising
quality or performance.
2. Do you offer other services, like finishing, assembly, packaging, and logistical support?
From finishing processes to logistical support, we offer a complete suite of services to efficiently
and cost-effectively bring your parts from inception to completion.
Our capabilities encompass anodizing, plating, grinding, finishing, assembly, warehousing, packaging,
and just-in-time delivery. Our aim is to provide a one-stop, hassle-free production process, allowing
you to save time and money while concentrating on your core business.
3. What type of surface finishes does provide?
We provide an extensive range of finishing services to achieve virtually any desired look and feel for
your parts. Our offerings include treatments for metal, texturing for plastic injection mold tools,
painting for both metal and plastic, and a variety of other options. Learn more about specifying the
surface texture you desire in our blog.
4. How much import duty will I need to pay for my goods?
The specific import duty for your goods varies, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
For customers in Australia, new CHAFTA regulations enable a gradual implementation of duty-free
imports. Import duties are diverse and contingent on the type of goods being imported.
Globally, most countries adhere to international Harmonized System (HS) codes, categorizing almost
all commercial trade goods.