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Metal CNC Machining
AT offers a diverse range of metals for CNC machining, with applications in a variety of industries. Ideal for one-off prototypes as well as end-use custom parts.
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CNC Machining Metal
Choosing the proper metal for CNC machining involves considering some factors. The metal you select is critical to the final success. For example, the metal may need to be resistant to high temperatures or bend or break under pressure. When choosing the correct metal, corrosion resistance, workability, pricing, weight, and visual look all play a role.
Metals
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing A Metal for CNC Machining?
Choosing the right material goes a long way to determining the cost and function of the final product. With the right material, it becomes possible to balance, use, cost, and machinability. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a material for CNC machining;
CNC Machining Time
The type of metal chosen often determines the time spent machining it. Selecting a metal with low machinability would extend the CNC machining time considerably, as opposed to selecting a metal like aluminum with its high precision machinability. Furthermore, the longer the time spent machining, the more expensive the manufacturing process becomes.
Another factor that determines machining time is the complexity of the parts. A CNC machine would spend more time machining a complex part than a simple part, which also increases CNC machining costs.
Strength and Environment Requirements for the CNC Machined Parts
The proposed use of CNC machined parts is another factor that would determine the choice of metal. For instance, when making parts that would experience heavy stress and loading, a metal with high strength, like steel alloy, is better than copper.
On the other hand, where the final product should have strength similar to steel but without its weight, like in the manufacturing of aircraft, then titanium might be ideal.
Additionally, the environment in which the part would operate is another factor that should determine the metal used for making the part.
Finishes and Post-Processing for CNC Machined Metals
The type of metal selected also determines the finishing and post-processing of the machined parts. For instance, soft metals or hard metals with low machinability often have tooling marks and burs, which finishing and post-processing help remove.
Although finishing and post-processing improve the appearance of a metal part, it also raises the cost of machining significantly.
However, knowing the finishing and post-processing required makes it easier to choose the right metal for part metal fabrication. In most cases, it will be a metal with high manufacturability if a high-quality surface finish is important.
What Types of CNC Machine AT-Machining Can Machine Metals?
Metal machining is a complex process left to professional machinists. AT-machining is one of the best precision metal fabrication companies globally that offers offline and online CNC machining services at affordable prices.
Below are the metal CNC machines we utilize for CNC machining.
CNC Lathe
This stationary cutting tool is ideal for shaping metal and plastic. It has the lowest cost per part relative to other CNC machining operations and very high production parts capabilities.
3 Axis CNC Milling
This CNC milling machines produce parts with excellent accuracy, at a low cost, and with relatively simple geometries.
Milling-Turning CNC Center
This machine utilize the advantages of both CNC milling and turning in a single system to produce complex parts more affordably than 5-axis machining. It offers a high degree of design freedom and manufacturing capabilities.
Indexed 5-Axis
This machine produces parts that do not align with one or the main axis with high accuracy. However, using it for machining is quite expensive.
Continuous 5-Axis
This is the most expensive machine we use for machining. However, it produces complex parts with high accuracy that require minimal machining mark.
Process Selection
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no fixed cost for metal CNC machining, but there are ways to reduce CNC machining costs. The cost depends on many factors, including metal fabricators and the attributes of your project, such as tighter tolerances and computer-aided design complexity.
Metal machining refers to the fabrication of metal parts or products by CNC metal machines. It is a controlled subtractive manufacturing process for cutting raw materials into a desired final size and shape. It involves milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and other CNC machines.
You can make various metal parts and products like bolts, nuts, and parts for the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. With CNC machines, you can also make metal art through etching, engraving, or carving metals.