How to choose the right CNC machining material - KANOU

CNC is an automated manufacturing technology that controls the movement of machine tools and tools through pre-written programs. The emergence of this technology has greatly changed the traditional machining methods, improving production efficiency and product quality.

CNC technology is widely used in metal processing, plastic processing and other fields. It can process a variety of complex shapes of parts, to produce high precision, good repeatability of products. Because CNC system can easily achieve automation and mass production, it has been widely used in modern manufacturing industry, which is of great significance to improve production efficiency and reduce production costs.

However, in order to meet production, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing materials for CNC machining. So, what are the common materials suitable for CNC machining? How to choose CNC machining materials?

What are the metal and plastic materials processed by CNC?

Common CNC machining metal materials are: aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel and its alloys, copper and its alloys, titanium, magnesium; Common CNC processing plastic materials are: acrylic PMMA, polypropylene PP, polyformaldehyde POM, nylon,ABS, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMWPE, polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Considerations for selecting CNC machining materials:

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Make sure that the CNC material you intend to use is appropriate for the intended application and its environment. For example, let's compare stainless steel to carbon steel when used to manufacture components for the Marine sector.

Both materials are highly machinable, but stainless steel is more suitable because it has higher corrosion resistance. However, in a conventional drying environment, carbon steel will be a better choice because it is more durable and stronger.

weight

The weight of the part will affect the choice of CNC material, as it will affect the machining process and the overall performance of the part. Heavier parts typically require stronger, denser materials to ensure they can withstand the load. For lighter parts, less dense materials, such as aluminum or titanium, can be used to reduce weight and improve performance.

Accuracy and tolerance

Some materials are more difficult to machine to tight tolerances than others. For example, materials that warpage easily, such as some types of plastics (PVC), may require a larger machining allowance to achieve the desired tolerances. On the other hand, for applications that require high precision and tight tolerances, materials such as steel or titanium are usually preferred.

property

The properties required for a part depend on its intended use and the environment in which it is used. Factors such as strength, toughness and wear resistance are critical for parts subjected to high stress or wear. Materials such as steel, titanium, and certain plastics, such as nylon or acetal, are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for these types of applications. For parts exposed to high temperatures, materials with good thermal stability, such as ceramics or certain metals, may be preferred.

appearance

When selecting materials for processing, product aesthetics must be considered. This is because the market acceptance of a product largely depends on appearance, especially for consumer goods. CNC machinable materials such as plastics are available in a variety of colors and opacities, allowing people to choose between multiple material appearances. For metals, on the other hand, improving aesthetics requires post-treatment of surface finish.

Surface treatment options

The surface finish you want your product to achieve largely determines the type of material used for CNC machining. There are different surface treatment options for metals and plastics, such as polishing, anodizing, passivation, painting, drawing, powder coating, etc. These surface treatment options not only improve surface appearance, but also improve functionality. It is worth noting that these surface treatments interact with the material in different ways. Before selecting a material, it is best to confirm its ideal surface finish.

machinability

This means how easily the material can be processed. Softer materials like plastics and metals like aluminum are very easy to work with. However, for tougher materials such as carbon fiber and titanium, processing is slightly more difficult because these materials often damage cutting tools. Using highly machinable materials to make parts can save time and money in the long run.

cost

Of course, each material used in CNC machining has a certain cost consideration. However, we strongly advise all product designers to consider that it is never wise to save money in the long run by choosing lower grade materials. Choose high-quality materials that you can purchase that provide all the required features. Only by doing so can the durability of finished parts be improved.

How to choose the best precision parts manufacturer?

Choosing an excellent precision parts manufacturer requires many considerations. Whether the manufacturer has a strict quality management system,extensive industry experience and expertise, the use of advanced production equipment and technology. Understand their technical capabilities, quality control processes and supply chain management capabilities, and understand cost transparency and sustainability. Review customer references and case studies to assess manufacturers' communication skills while focusing on whether their products meet certification and compliance standards. By taking these aspects into consideration, the right manufacturer can be selected and a long-term relationship can be established.

KANOU has passed ISO9001, ISO13485 and IATF16949 quality system certification. Kailu Precision is a national high-tech enterprise that has been focusing on the research and development and processing of precision machinery parts and components for 19 years. We provide one-stop production services for precision parts and components for global customers in new energy, medical equipment, electronic semiconductors, robots, commercial equipment and other industries. Precision CNC machining, 5-axis composite machining, turning and milling composite machining, CNC lathe machining, precision sheet metal processing, precision deep drawing stamping processing, structure and structural parts assembly processing.

If you are looking for a manufacturer of precision machinery parts, choose KANOU! Our email: musk.lyu@kanougroup.com Tel: 188 2025 7979

Common problems:

What are the materials that CNC is difficult to process?

Relatively speaking, the metals that CNC is difficult to process usually include materials with high hardness, high strength and high melting point, such as high-speed steel, titanium alloy, superalloy and martensitic aging stainless steel. In modern manufacturing, the development and innovation of CNC technology has continuously improved the processing efficiency and accuracy of these difficult-to-process materials.

What are the most used machining materials for CNC?

Aluminum alloys are commonly used in aviation and automobile manufacturing because of their light weight and good mechanical properties. Various steels (carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel) are used for mechanical parts and structural parts; Plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are widely used in parts manufacturing and mold fields; Copper and brass are commonly found in electronics for their electrical conductivity; Synthetic materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastics and carbon fiber composites are widely used in aerospace and sports equipment.

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