Custom Lathe Machine Stainless Steel CNC Machined Metal Parts Drilling Milling
Turning Machining Service CNC Aluminum Parts
CNC machining finds its sweet spot in single-job manufacturing and low-to-medium volume
production, typically ranging from several hundred to 5,000 parts.
It shines as the go-to choice for crafting metal prototypes, offering exceptional cost-efficiency.
Furthermore, CNC machining stands out when your parts demand exceptionally precise tolerances.
Product Details
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.
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 stands as a prevalent subtractive manufacturing method, with a vast array of
industries relying heavily on its capabilities.
Prominent sectors that extensively employ CNC machining encompass aerospace, automotive,
aviation, transportation, and various critical domains.
For instance, the aerospace industry demands the utmost precision in crafting airplane components
to guarantee flawless functionality and adherence to design specifications.
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FAQ's
1. What’s the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?
CNC turning is primarily used to create conical or cylindrical surfaces.
It involves the use of a lathe, which is a machine tool that rotates the workpiece around an axis of
rotation.
Various operations like cutting, drilling, turning, and threading are performed using a single-point
turning tool (SPTT) that maintains direct contact with the workpiece throughout the process.
In contrast, CNC milling is employed to produce flat surfaces using a milling machine. This process
utilizes a multi-point cutting tool or milling cutter. Unlike turning, milling relies on intermittent cutting
and involves multiple machine steps.
2. A quick guide to CNC machining parameters
Many of the crucial machining parameters are established by the machine operator during the
generation of G-code.
Among the primary parameters we will discuss are the CNC machine's build size and its precision.
CNC machines are equipped with a relatively spacious build area, particularly when compared to
3D printers.
CNC milling systems are capable of machining parts with dimensions of up to 2,000 x 800 x 100 mm
(78” x 32” x 40”), while CNC turning systems excel at machining parts with diameters reaching up to
Ø 500 mm (Ø 20’’).
CNC machining empowers the creation of components with exceptional accuracy and stringent
tolerances.
These machines are capable of achieving tolerances even finer than half the diameter of an average
human hair, with a precision of ± 0.025 mm or .001’’.
In cases where tolerances are not explicitly specified in the technical drawings, operators typically
machine the part with an accuracy of 0.125 mm (.005’’).
3. 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.