Custom Turning CNC Machining Parts Custom Made Stainless Steel Hardware
Components Parts Manufacturing Service
One of the key advantages of CNC machining is its ability to reshape and redesign existing parts
without the need to start from scratch.
Machinists leverage CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create highly intricate designs with
minimal material wastage when crafting new components.
This approach not only reduces waste but also leads to cost savings, thanks to the precision and
automation offered by computers, eliminating the reliance on human operators.
Depending on the application, CNC machining offers additional valuable benefits that we'll explore
in this article.
Product Details
The cost of materials in CNC machining can fluctuate significantly due to the extensive array of
available options.
Each material carries its unique price tag, and the inherent physical properties of each material
play a substantial role in determining machining costs.
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
CNC machining finds extensive applications across various industries. It is prevalent in sectors like
aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, robotics, agriculture, and others that rely on
metal components.
Additionally, CNC machining plays a significant role in medical devices, household products, energy,
oil and gas, as well as various consumer-oriented applications. It stands as one of the most widely
adopted manufacturing processes globally.
Company Profile
Factors Influencing Machining Costs
The cost of CNC machining projects is influenced by various factors that play a significant role
in cost estimation.
Manufacturers seeking to manage expenses effectively and optimize their processes should be
aware of these key elements that determine machining costs:
1. Material Selection:
The choice of raw material directly impacts machining costs.
Different materials have varying costs, availability, and machining characteristics.
High-performance alloys may be more expensive than common metals.
Material availability affects pricing, and considering material type is essential for cost calculation.
2. Complexity of Design:
The complexity of the machined part affects cost determination.
Intricate features, tight tolerances, and complex geometries require advanced machining
techniques, specialized tooling, and longer machining time.
Producing complex components requires additional precision and expertise, increasing
overall costs.
3. Machining Time:
Machining time is a critical cost factor.
Longer machining times result in higher costs.
Machining time includes cycle time, setup time, and overall production efficiency.
Optimizing processes to reduce cycle time and enhance setup efficiency minimizes costs and
improves productivity.
4. Machine Tooling:
The choice and management of machine tooling impact machining costs.
Tooling costs, including purchase, maintenance, and replacement of cutting tools, should be
considered.
Cutting tool lifespan and changeover time affect production efficiency and costs.
Proper tooling selection, maintenance, and optimization control expenses.
5. Volume and Batch Size:
Production volume and batch size directly affect machining costs.
Economies of scale apply to larger production volumes, reducing the cost per part.
Balancing volume with setup time is crucial; small batches may have higher costs due to
increased setup time, while larger volumes benefit from lower per-part costs.
6. Labor Costs:
Labor costs, including wages for CNC machining engineers and operators, contribute
significantly to expenses.
Skilled operators with expertise in CNC programming, setup, and operation are essential.
Labor-intensive operations or complex part requirements may involve additional labor costs.
7. Overhead Costs:
Overhead costs related to CNC machining operations impact overall cost calculations.
These costs encompass facility expenses, utilities, administrative costs, quality control,
and inspection.
Managing and optimizing overhead expenses are vital for cost control and competitiveness.
8.Scrap and Rework:
Scrap and rework costs are crucial considerations.
Material waste due to errors or deviations from specifications increases costs.
Effective quality control measures, precision machining techniques, and robust inspection
processes minimize scrap and rework, reducing overall machining expenses.
Understanding and analyzing these factors enables manufacturers to identify areas for
improvement, implement cost-saving measures, and optimize CNC machining processes for
enhanced efficiency and profitability.