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Custom Precision CNC Turning Milling Machining Service Custom Metal Parts
Custom CNC Machined Parts CNC OEM Machining Part
CNC milling represents a machining process that seamlessly integrates computer numerical
control machining systems with multi-point cutting tools, often in the form of milling cutters.
As a pivotal branch of CNC machining, CNC milling entails securing the workpiece onto a
machine bed and methodically removing material from a solid block.
This meticulous process results in the fabrication of diverse products, encompassing materials
such as glass, metal, plastic, wood, and specialized materials.
This comprehensive guide delves into the mechanics of CNC milling machines, explores the
various categories of CNC milling machines, and furnishes valuable design insights to optimize
CNC manufacturing outcomes.
Product Details
In custom milling projects, CNC machine shops can work with a variety of metals and plastics,
provided they are suitable for machining.
The prevalent choice for precision CNC machining is aluminum alloys, prized for their natural
corrosion resistance.
Aluminum stands out as a favored material for CNC milling machine prototypes, thanks to its
combination of strength and machinability, enabling the precise fabrication of intricate features
in a single prototype.
Among aluminum alloys, the 6000 series is the most frequently encountered in milling machine
shops. Stainless steel alloys are another common choice due to their resistance to corrosion
and wear.
Additionally, carbon steel, titanium, and nylon—a chemically resistant, robust, durable
thermoplastic—are materials often employed in CNC milling projects.
| 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 |
| CNC Milling Tolerances | ||
| Limits for nominal size | Plastics | Metals |
| 0.5mm* to 3mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
| Over 3mm to 6mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
| Over 6mm to 30mm | ±0.2mm | ±0.10mm |
| Over 30mm to 120mm | ±0.3mm | ±0.15mm |
| Over 120mm to 400mm | ±0.5mm | ±0.20mm |
| Over 400mm to 1000mm | ±0.8mm | ±0.30mm |
| Over 1000mm to 2000mm | ±1.2mm | ±0.50mm |
| Over 2000mm to 4000mm | ±2.0mm | |
| *Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing. | ||
CNC Machining Applications
CNC machining is widely used throughout the aerospace, medical, automotive industries for its
ability to rapidly manufacture precise parts in production-grade materials. Typical CNC parts,
include:
1. Housings and enclosures
2. Brackets
3. Fixtures for manufacturing
4. Gears and bearings
5. Internal mechanical components
6. Medical instrumentation
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. Additional Advantages of CNC Milling
CNC milling machines are engineered for exacting manufacturing and consistency, making
them ideal for rapid prototyping and small to large-scale production.
Their versatility extends to various materials, ranging from common aluminum and plastics
to more specialized options like titanium, making CNC mills suitable for a wide range of
applications.
2. Considerations for Custom CNC Milling
Custom milling offers manufacturers the ability to rapidly produce CNC prototypes and
robust machined parts for a wide range of applications.
When selecting materials for CNC machining, it's important to note that only stainless steel
offers corrosion resistance. For lightweight products, low-density metals like aluminum,
beryllium, titanium, and magnesium alloys are excellent choices.
CNC milling machines are highly capable of swiftly and accurately producing prototypes,
making them an ideal option for product development.
By utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model of the prototype,
CNC milling machines can craft a physical representation of the design.
This empowers designers to create and test a single prototype to refine and perfect their
concepts before transitioning to mass production.
Materials and alloys that can withstand high machining temperatures encompass titanium,
stainless steel, nickel, and tantalum.
Additionally, material costs should be taken into account for custom CNC milling projects,
as they directly impact the overall project cost.
3. How do CNC milling machines work?
CNC milling machines operate through a concise four-step procedure:
Step 1: CAD Model Creation
Machinists employ design software like Autodesk Fusion 360 to generate a CAD model for
a specific component.
Step 2: CAD Model Conversion for CNC Machine
The CAD model is subsequently imported into a CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)
system, where it undergoes conversion into digital instructions, known as G-code.
G-code serves as a set of commands that instruct the CNC machine on movement and
velocity, enabling the production of the designated component.
Step 3: CNC Milling Machine Setup
The CNC milling machine setup begins by affixing the workpiece or material block to the
machine bed, ensuring precise alignment through metrology tools or touch probes.
The machine spindle is installed, and all essential configurations are executed.
Step 4: Commencement of Milling Process
Upon loading the program, the CNC milling process is initiated. Specialized cutting tools
rotate at high speeds or specific revolutions per minute, systematically removing material
from the workpiece until it accurately replicates the desired component.