We possess the expertise to CNC machine a wide range of components, from straight forward
"as machined" workholding fixtures to intricate geometries.
Our manufacturers utilize a comprehensive array of CNC milling and turning centers, and we
can also accommodate EDM and grinding upon request.
Our capabilities extend to achieving tolerances as tight as 0.05 mm (0.0020 in), and we can
deliver within lead times as short as 3 business days.
Product Details
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
The following industries gain the most from CNC machining:
1. Medical 2. Electronics 3. Publishing
4. Transportation 5. Woodwork 6. Construction
7. Agriculture 8. Aerospace 9. Manufacturing
10. Automotive 11. Firearms 12. Metalwork
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. What's the general surface texture of CNC milled and turned parts?
Typically, as-machined milled parts exhibit a surface roughness of approximately 3.2μm
(with the potential to reach 1.6μm for newer machines).
In contrast, for turned parts, achieving a surface roughness as low as 0.8μm is possible,
ensuring that machining speed adjustments are not always necessary.
2. How Much Does CNC Machining Cost?
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.
3. 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.