Custom CNC Machining Milling Parts CNC Lathe Machining Steel Parts CNC
Machined Part Aluminum Stainless Steel CNC Parts
CNC machining is well-suited for single-run manufacturing tasks and for producing moderate
to low quantities of parts ranging from several hundred to 1000 pieces.
When it comes to creating metal prototypes, CNC machining is the most cost-effective choice.
Additionally, if your parts require extremely precise tolerances, CNC machining is the
preferred method.
Product Details
CNC machines are capable of cutting a wide range of materials, including aluminum, bronze,
copper, ceramics, plywood, various steel alloys, stone, wood, zinc, and various engineering
materials.
This versatility makes them an excellent choice for crafting prototypes during product
development.
Furthermore, CNC machining allows for precise and rapid adjustments until the desired final
product is achieved.
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 |
Specialist Industries
Parts and products produced through CNC machining find application in many industries,
including, but not limited to, the following:
Industrial, Transportation & Vehicle, Medical, Consumer
Company Profile
Factors Affecting Machining Costs
The cost of CNC machining projects is influenced by various factors that have a significant impact
on the overall cost calculation.
Manufacturers looking to optimize their processes and manage expenses effectively should have a
thorough understanding of these key elements that determine machining costs.
Let's delve into the factors that play a crucial role in determining the cost of CNC machining:
1. Material Selection:
The choice of raw material directly affects machining costs. Different materials come with varying
costs, availability, and machining characteristics.
High-performance alloys, for instance, may be more expensive than common metals.
Material availability also affects pricing. When calculating machining expenses, it's essential to
consider the type of material required for CNC machined parts and its associated cost.
2. Complexity of Design:
The complexity of the machined part or component is a significant cost determinant.
Parts with intricate features, tight tolerances, and complex geometries often necessitate
advanced machining techniques, specialized tooling, and longer machining time.
These factors increase overall costs due to the additional precision and expertise required to
produce such complex components.
3. Machining Time:
Machining time is a critical factor in CNC cost calculation.
The longer it takes to machine a part, the higher the cost. Machining time includes cycle time
(the time spent cutting the part), setup time (preparation and tool changes), and overall
production efficiency.
Optimizing machining processes to reduce cycle time and enhance setup efficiency can
minimize costs and boost productivity.
4. Machine Tooling:
The choice and management of machine tooling have a significant impact on machining costs.
Considerations should include tooling costs, encompassing the purchase, maintenance, and
replacement of cutting tools.
The lifespan of cutting tools and the time required for tool changeovers affect production
efficiency and, consequently, cost.
Proper selection, maintenance, and optimization of machine tooling can help control expenses
in CNC machining.
5. Volume and Batch Size:
Production volume and batch size directly influence machining costs.
Economies of scale come into play with larger volumes. The cost per part typically decreases
as production quantities increase.
However, it's crucial to strike a balance between volume and setup time. Small batch sizes may
have higher costs per part due to increased setup time, while larger volumes benefit from
reduced setup time and lower costs per part.
6. Labor Costs:
Labor costs, encompassing the wages of CNC machining engineers and operators, make a significant
contribution to CNC machining expenses.
Skilled operators with expertise in CNC programming, setup, and operation are essential for efficient
and accurate machining.
Labor-intensive operations or intricate part requirements may involve additional labor costs.
Finding the right balance between utilizing skilled labor and cost management is crucial in controlling
machining expenses.
7. Overhead Costs:
Overhead costs associated with CNC machining operations can impact the overall cost calculation.
These costs include facility expenses, utilities, administrative costs, quality control, and inspection.
Managing and optimizing these overhead expenses are vital for cost control and maintaining a
competitive edge in CNC machining.
8. Scrap and Rework:
Scrap and rework costs are important considerations in machining expenses.
Material wastage due to errors or deviations from specifications can significantly increase costs.
Minimizing scrap through effective quality control measures, precision machining techniques,
and robust inspection processes helps reduce material waste and the need for rework, ultimately
lowering overall machining costs.
By comprehending and analyzing these factors that affect machining costs, manufacturers can
identify areas for improvement, implement cost-saving strategies, and optimize their CNC machining
processes to achieve greater efficiency and profitability.