CNC, short for computer numerical control, defines a machining process driven by computer
commands. This technology enables faster, more accurate, and intricate part production
compared to manual methods.
CNC machining reduces reliance on manual labor while enhancing precision and complexity.
Although humans are vital for programming and machine operation, the physical machining
tasks are automated. This synergy between human expertise and computer-driven automation
ensures seamless and efficient operations.
Product Details
Material have three main categories: plastics, soft metals, and hard metals.
These materials are versatile and suitable for various machining applications.
Examples of materials used in CNC milling include aluminum, bronze, copper, ceramics, plywood,
various types of steel, stone, wood, and zinc, among others.
Certain materials, such as aluminum and mild steel, are favored by machinists due to their ease
of workability and excellent properties, making them industry standards for many applications.
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. |
POM | High stiffness, high accuracy, low friction, easy to machine. |
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 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
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
How can I reduce the cost of my machined parts?
The expenses associated with CNC machining primarily encompass machining time, start-up
costs, material expenses, and feature-related costs. To minimize costs, it's essential to grasp
the impact of these factors.
1. To reduce machining time, opt for design features that can be machined swiftly.
For instance, choose appropriate radii for internal corners, limit cavity depth, increase wall
thicknesses, shorten thread length, and incorporate holes with standard sizes.
2. Cut material costs by considering the necessary blank size and assessing the cost and
machinability of the base material. Softer alloys tend to be faster to machine.
3. Mitigate start-up costs by minimizing the number of part rotations or repositioning steps
needed to complete the part. This can be achieved by segregating geometries into multiple
parts that can be assembled later.
4. To lower feature costs, employ tolerances only when absolutely necessary, eliminate any
text or lettering, and avoid multiple surface finishes whenever possible.