High Precision Machining Services Custom Metal Fabrication Machine Part Turning
Fast CNC Parts Supplier
Benefits of CNC Machining
CNC machining, a subtractive manufacturing process, offers numerous advantages for both prototypes
and production components.
1. Precision and Consistency
2. Tight Tolerances
3. High-Quality Materials
4. Rapid Turnaround, as quick as 1 day
5. Cost-Efficiency at Larger Quantities
6. Extensive Post-Processing Options for Enhanced Aesthetics and Material Properties
Product Details
What raw materials can I use with CNC machining?
Virtually any sturdy and solid material can be subjected to CNC machining, including mild and
stainless steels, aluminum, brass, copper, magnesium, titanium, and a wide array of engineering plastics.
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. |
Nylon | Excellent mechanical properties, thermal, chemical and abrasion resistant. |
PVC | Excellent chemical and weather resistance and good toughness. |
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
We’ve manufactured millions of parts for all sorts of applications,
but we’re especially knowledgeable in these areas.
1. Aerospace & aviation
2. Automotive
3. Industrial machinery
4. Consumer electronics
5. Robotics & automation
6. Medical
Company Profile
Advantages of CNC Machining
CNC milling and turning are highly precise and repeatable processes that can achieve tight tolerances
ranging from +/-0.001″ to 0.005″, depending on specific requirements.
CNC machines can be programmed to operate reliably 24/7, making them ideal for on-demand part
production.
CNC machining services are especially valuable for creating custom CNC parts, whether it's for replacing
legacy components or delivering specialized upgrades to customers.
Additionally, CNC machining can efficiently scale from producing one-off parts to runs exceeding 10,000
units.
Turnaround times for CNC machined parts can be remarkably short, often as quick as one day, and with
shipping and delivery, deadlines can be met within a week.
Another significant advantage of CNC technology lies in the mechanical properties it can achieve.
Unlike processes like injection molding or additive manufacturing, which may thermally transform
materials, CNC machining preserves all the desirable mechanical properties of the chosen metal or plastic
by removing material from the bulk.
CNC milling and turning can work with over 50 industrial-grade materials, including aluminum, brass,
bronze, titanium, stainless steel, PEEK, ABS, and zinc. The primary requirement for CNC machining is
that the material has sufficient hardness to be fixtured and cut effectively.
Challenges of CNC Machining
While CNC machining offers high-performance capabilities, there are certain challenges to consider.
Geometric complexity can impact costs, making simple and chunky parts more cost-effective for CNC
milling and turning processes. Design limitations may arise due to tool access, with the level of
complexity depending on the number of machine axes employed.
In essence, more axes allow for the creation of more intricate features.
Another challenge is the initial cost of CNC machining. Setting up and programming CNC mills and
lathes requires the expertise of trained professionals.
However, this setup cost can be fixed and become more economical when used for multiple parts.
Cost savings can also be achieved by minimizing the need for part repositioning.
For multi-faceted geometries, machining at 5-axis or higher can sometimes be more cost-effective
as it eliminates the manual repositioning step.
Additionally, the wire EDM machining method may be relatively slow and expensive compared to other processes.
It is also limited to electrically conductive materials, which can reduce the range of applicable materials.