FAQ Service Center

The Principle of CNC Machining

The main principle behind CNC machining is that computer-controlled machining tools bring the highest precision and repeatability. It starts with creating and converting a CAD drawing into CNC machine-readable instructions (G-code). Then. CNC machine controls their movements and operations with these digital instructions.
The CNC machine operates on multiple axes, from 3-axis (X, Y, and Z) to more advanced 5-axis machines. They can perform a variety of operations, including milling, drilling, turning, and grinding, depending on the machine’s capabilities.

The CNC machining service with the creation of a detailed 3D model, including all geometrical features, dimensions, tolerance, annotations, labels, etc. The designer often uses tools like AutoCAD and SolidWorks. You can also directly send the design to the manufacturer if you need custom machining.

G-codes are digital instructions about feed, tool movement, coordinate position, cutting depth, and speed. They are created with CAM or other similar software. Additionally, M-codes are needed for auxiliary function control. Then, these codes are uploaded to the CNC machine’s controller, ready for execution.

In machine setup, the workpiece is securely clamped or mounted onto the machining bed or in a fixture. Meanwhile, a suitable tool is set on the spindle. Here, the setup can differ on the machining method, like CNC turning, milling, and turn-milling. The tool selection depends on the equipment type and desired geometrical features. For example, end mills are ideal for complex profiles, whereas you need to use boring tools for enlarging the holes. Basically, every tool has its own capabilities.

On tool and workpiece and tools are set, then, the coordinates are fixed and the CNC controller executes the codes. It might process cutting, facing, drilling, and other operations to form the final shape. Moreover, it requires continuous monitoring and adjustment of variables if required.

CNC machining services often include post-processing and surface treatments. This step is crucial for achieving the tight dimensions and the desired set of surface properties, including aesthetics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to interrupt.

CNC Machining Materials Options

The properties of final parts or products depend on the material type. Therefore, CNC machining material selection is critical for any project. Make your choice based on requirements, metals, plastics, or composites.
You have a lot of options for CNC metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, titanium, etc. Consequently, each of these metals has different alloy grades with unique composition and properties. Meanwhile, You can machine CNC plastics like ABS, Acrylic, PEEK, PC, etc.

Aluminum
Aluminum alloys are known for being lightweight, having corrosion resistance, excellent thermal conductivity, and strengths (vary on alloying elements). They are highly machinable and offer high production speed.
Applications: Aerospace components, automotive parts, sheet metal products, structural parts.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most common metals used in CNC machining. Steel alloys provide corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, ductility, and excellent machinability.
Applications: High-strength and durable parts for automotive, food processing, medical equipment, etc.

Brass
Brass is a copper alloy that offers good conductivity, formability, strength, and corrosion resistance. Brass grades are also easy to machine and the machined parts can be solder and braze. easily.
Applications: Electrical and thermal components, decorative items, etc.

Steel
Steel grades provide high tensile strength, good plasticity, and varying hardness & ductility. The machinability also varies on particular alloy grades. Steel CNC machining produces durable, wear-resistant, high-strength, and heat-treatable parts.
Applications: Automotive parts, machinery components, structural applications, tool and die manufacturing.

Titanium
grades are renowned for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion protection, and biocompatibility. The machining of titanium is used for lightweight and durable parts that can withstand harsh environments.
Applications: Aircraft structural parts, medical implants, oils and gas structures, and high-stress components.

ABS CNC Machining
ABS is popular in CNC machining due to its high tensile strength and toughness. It can create parts with excellent impact-resistant, wear-resistant, flame retardantdency, and also leaves good as a machined finish. It is often used as a metal replacement in automotive and marine applications.

CNC Acrylic Parts
Acrylic or PMMA is a transparent and tough thermoplastic with excellent surface hardness, weather resistance, wear and abrasion resistance, and chemical inertness. The machining of acrylic surfaces can weaken the transparency, but further surface polishing can achieve that. Acrylic is ideal for applications requiring optical transparency or as a cost-effective alternative to polycarbonate.

CNC Machining PC (Polycarbonate) Part
Polycarbonate is also a transparent plastic but is more durable and shatterproof than acrylic. It is also UV-stabilized and flame-retardant. While machining, the PC is prone to stress cracking and requires slow feed rates and sharp tools. Polycarbonate machining is widespread in food and beverage, packaging, medical devices, eyewear, electronics, etc.

Machined PEEK Parts
It is high-performance CNC plastic with excellent mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. But it can be more expensive than other plastic materials. Some application examples include tubes, bearings, seals, valves, and medical implants.

Polypropylene (PP) Parts
Polypropylene is a CNC plastic material used in applications requiring high elongation and low flexural modulus. It has a transparent black-and-white appearance. Machining PP is mainly used for prototypes and large-size products like storage items.

General FAQ’s

CNC milling involves rotating cutting tools and stationery workpieces, whereas lathe machining or turning involves rotating workpieces. Milling is preferred for flat and complex profiles and turning excels in cylindrical parts manufacturing.

Choosing CNC machining over conventional machining has many advantages. You can achieve a high degree of accuracy, complex geometries can be created, and it significantly reduces production time.

Automotive, aerospace, medical, energy, Defense, transportation, ship, and many more industries use parts created from CNC machining.

The common types of CNC machining operations are milling, turning, turn-milling, drilling, tapping, threading, boring, laser cutting, plasma cutting, etc.