CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process, meaning it achieves its final product
by removing material. It involves tasks like drilling holes, creating slots and pathways, and
shaping metal stock into different forms with varying dimensions and designs.
Unlike additive manufacturing, which builds up materials layer by layer, CNC machining
subtracts material to create shapes. It also differs from injection molding, where material
is injected into a mold to form a specific shape.
CNC machining is highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of materials, including
metals, plastics, wood, glass, foam, and composites. This versatility has made CNC machining
a popular choice in various industries, offering efficient and precise fabrication for designers
and engineers.
Product Details
CNC machining can be used for a wide variety of materials, with the most common being
aluminum, steel, brass, ABS, Delrin, and nylon.
But really, almost any hard material can be CNC machined.
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
CNC machining finds extensive applications across various industries.
It is prevalent in aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, robotics, agriculture,
and numerous sectors that heavily rely on metal components.
Furthermore, CNC machining is widely employed in the medical device industry, household
products manufacturing, energy sector, oil and gas industry, and various consumer-oriented
applications. It stands as one of the most prevalent and versatile manufacturing processes globally.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. Cost of CNC Machining
The cost of CNC machining a part can vary based on several factors, including:
1. Material: The choice of material affects the cost, with some materials being more expensive
to machine due to tool wear and cutting speeds.
2. Complexity: Parts with complex features are more costly to machine compared to simpler
designs.
3. Tolerances: Tight dimensional tolerances increase machining costs, so it's essential to specify
them only when necessary.
4. Surface Finish: Achieving mirror finishes requires specialized tools and strategies, which can
add to the overall cost.
5. Quantity: Low-volume production tends to be more expensive per part than large-volume
production due to setup and programming costs.
2. What are your tolerances for machined parts?
Our tolerances for machined parts are typically within +0.005"/-0.005" for most metal
geometries, and within +/- 0.010" for plastics.
However, tolerances may vary for larger parts, especially when maintaining flatness over
extensive sections post-heat treatment.
Regarding the finish requirements, an "As Milled" finish should have a minimum of 125
surface finish for CNC parts.
For all fabricated parts, there is a dimensional tolerance of 0.010" and an angular tolerance of 1°.
Please note that tapped holes not explicitly indicated as features in the provided CAD model may
be machined to the specified diameters in that model.
Additionally, surface treatments like anodizing, bead blasting, iriditing, powder coating, etc.,
will only be applied if they have been paid for and explicitly acknowledged in advance.
3. How long does delivery time and quotation take?
Our delivery time and quotation process are influenced by the complexity of your project.
For low-complexity parts, expect a lead time of 2-3 days. As complexity increases, the lead
time can range from 2-5 days. High-complexity parts may require a lead time of 5-15 days.
Quotation turnaround time varies based on complexity as well. For straightforward designs,
we can provide a quote within 1 business day or even faster. However, for more intricate projects,
the quoting process may take 3 or more business days.
If you have a design that needs assessment and a quote from our team, please don't hesitate to
contact us.