Direct CNC Machining Supplier in China
As an expert CNC Machining supplier over 16years, we have the right equipment and experience to meet your one-stop fabrication demand.
We were asked many questions about CNC machining during our long years of business, so we decided to start a series on the most frequently asked question we receive. If you don’t find anything you need, please leave your question or comment on this post and we’ll update it as soon as possible.
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which computer-controlled machines are used to cut, drill, and shape materials such as metals, plastics, and wood, and finally produces a custom designed product.
The tools used for the machining process can vary depending on the material being worked on; common tools include mills, lathes, routers, drills, end mills, grinders and saws.
CNC machining has become an essential manufacturing technology for many industries due to its accuracy and repeatability compared to manual operations. It is also capable of producing complex shapes with tight tolerances that may not be possible with traditional methods.
CNC machining is used in a variety of applications including aerospace components fabrication, automotive parts production, medical device production and commercial product development. They offer manufacturers the ability to produce parts with high accuracy and repeatability, reducing waste and ensuring consistent quality. The use of CNC machines also allows for shorter lead times due to the decreased setup time compared to traditional methods. This makes them an ideal choice for manufacturers who need components quickly and accurately. In addition, CNC machining is often more cost-effective than other manufacturing processes since it requires fewer manual operations and less material wastage. Overall, CNC machining offers numerous advantages that have made it an essential part of modern manufacturing processes.
CNC drilling is a kind of machining process of machining round hole on fixed workpiece by using rotary tool. Drilling should be aesthetically pleasing and fit screws and bolts.
What are the advantages of CNC Drilling?
Compared with manual drilling, Below are the benefits of CNC drilling:
- High accuracy and precision. The CNC machining precision is always very high and It also offers other benefits like increased productivity, lower costs, and better product lines in many industries.
- Versatility. Drilling is an often-needed operation that can be applied to a variety of materials, from metals to foams.
- Reproducibility: CNC drilling is especially useful for those same batch of machining products, it can Increase your capacity and shorten your lead times.
the application scope of CNC drilling is the following:
1) Metal fabrication. Drilling holes in solid metals in the automotive, aerospace and other industries is one common way.
2) Electronic components manufacturing. High-precision CNC drilling machine can quickly produce micro-size computer components.
3) Plastic Manufacturing. Plastic parts used for various applications and complex designs are often manufactured with CNC drilling machines.
CNC machining has been widely used for manufacturing production-quality parts in any quantity because of its good advantages like fast turnaround, high accuracy, Cost-Effectiveness and Increased Productivity.
Swiss CNC machining is one type of high precision and efficient machining and it has a wide range of capabilities like drilling, boring, turning, and milling and knurling. They can also run through threading processing like Internal and External Threading,tapping, and thread rolling.
Swiss CNC machined parts can be used in a wide range of industries becase of its high accuracy and tolerence, like Medical, Aerospace, Military, Automotive, Hydraulic, Electronics, Pneumatic, Power Transmission,etc.
Swiss machining was designed to achieve tight tolerances while improving the repeatability and quality of production components. There are many advantages including:
1) increase productivity, bringing down the unit price much lower.
2) high precision, suitable for small and complex parts.
3) Smoother Surface Finish, the overal surface finish will be improved.
A: The main advantages of CNC machining include accuracy and consistency, shorter lead times, fewer manual operations, reduced material wastage and cost-effectiveness. CNC machines can produce parts with high precision and repeatability, ensuring consistent quality. They also require less setup time compared to traditional methods resulting in shorter lead times for manufacturers. Additionally, since they require fewer manual operations there is a lower chance of human error or inconsistency in the final product. Finally, CNC machining offers significant cost savings over other manufacturing processes due to its ability to reduce material waste and use automated processes for production. These factors combined make it an ideal choice for many industries that need quality components quickly.
It depends on your own request if any critical size is a must, we will make everything from your drawings. The standard tolerence for machined metal parts is .05 microns, which is suitable for most commercial and industrial applications.
At shanghai Elue, we can machine majority metals and plastics. Common metal materials include aluminum, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel and titanium, and plasticslike PE, PP, PEEK, PVC, ABS, POM, PC, Nylon, etc.
1) restricted tool access results in design limitations
the subtractive process of CNC machining requested the tool to get access to all necessary machined surfaces. Features like undercuts or internal sharp corners can not be machined due to tool access restrictions.
2) Complex CNC machined parts are expensive
Geometrically complex parts will cost more because they often require the use of 4-axis or 5-axis CNC machines to manufacture.
3) Tighter tolerance will bring in bigger cost
The tighter machining tolerances will add extra costs because they always need special measuring tools and slower machining speeds. Besides, the tight tolerence for softer material will make it more difficult to machine, because of the material flexing during machining processing.
4) Initial start-up costs are relatively expensive
for small quantity prototyping parts machining, the set-up cost is very high, because there are some fixed cost. while manufacturing multiple machining parts at the same time can share the the fixed cost, making each individual part more economical.
Both CNC lathe turning and CNC milling play very important roles in custom precision parts processing. The primary difference bwteen them is that the CNC lathe cutting tool is stationary when turning parts, while the CNC milling machine tools will move to cut into the stationary parts.
As-machined finish is one type of standard finish without secondary surface treatment, there will be some visible tool marks but we’ll take care of the deburring, which is a fast and cost-saving machining method.
To reduce the machining cost, there are several points to be considered. That’s the material cost, start-up cost, machining time, design complexity, tolerances request.
1) the designs should be easily and quickly machined, for instance, choosing the correct radii for internal corners instead of sharp angles, reducing the depth of cavity, wall thickness should be suitable for processing, not too thin, limiting thread length and holes depth, applying standard threads which we can match you right screws here.
2) Material costs can be reduced by considering the standard thickness of the aluminum plates, so we can avoid machining this thickness which saves much time, and consider softer alloys which is faster to machine than those heat-treatment ones. Also the right type of standard angle aluminum or angle steel will save both materials and machining costs. But you have to make sure that the material can meet the function of your machined parts, not just to save money.
3)the Suitable applications of tight tolerence, only use tolerences when necessary, because the tight tolerance will be always much more expensive than normal sizes.
Rapid Prototyping emphasizes a fast turnaround, it is very useful in designing and engineering testing stage which will be used as a basis for production. Among those fabrication technics, many ones prefer to go for CNC prototype machining over other methods.
CNC prototype machining can be used in almost all industries where high precision is required. A functional prototype is mostly used in these industries to check how well the original product performs. Due to these functional prototypes, prototype CNC machining is mostly a top priority because it offers a pre-judging on the part’s strength, mechanical stability, or other characteristics. And these features are not offered by other prototyping methods like molding, cutting or 3d printing.
1)Expensive than 3D Printing. Greater human supervision, large power supply consumption, and expensive raw materials make CNC prototype machining more expensive than 3D printing.
2)Some Geometrical Restrictions. For some parts with complex internal geometric, CNC prototype machining is not suitable as it is restricted by cutting tool angles.
3)Waste Material. CNC machining is a subtractive process and by applying drilling, lathing, grinding, milling, and routing, a large percentage of the raw material is removed.
CNC machinists work with computer numeric controlled CNC machinery from program setup to machining operation to manufacture parts from various materials in metals, plastics or other materials. Computer numerical control equipment is precision mechanical about CNC cutting, precision grinding, or CNC drilling.
A: A 3 axis CNC machine has three axes of motion (x, y, and z) which allows for linear movement. This means that the material being worked on must stay in a single plane for the entire operation. A 5 axis CNC machine adds two additional rotary axes (a and b) which allow for complex multi-planar movements. This allows for operations such as milling, drilling and cutting of complex shapes in a single operation. The 5 axis CNC machine is more expensive than a 3 axis but offers greater flexibility and improved accuracy. It also increases the potential range of materials that can be used with the machine. Additionally, a 5 axis CNC can produce parts with a higher degree of complexity than a 3 axis machine.
A: The duration of a CNC machining job depends on the complexity of the project and the capabilities of the machine being used. Generally speaking, simpler projects may take a few hours to complete, while more complex projects may take days or even weeks. The duration also depends on the skill and speed of the operator. An experienced machinist with a high-end machine can often finish a project much quicker than someone using a basic machine. Furthermore, some materials require longer machining times due to their hardness or other characteristics.
A: It is important to use high-quality materials and measure the parts regularly throughout the machining process. Doing this will help ensure that all parts are within customer tolerances and specifications. Additionally, careful programming of the CNC machine is essential in order to achieve accurate results. Finally, it is important to use a suitable cutting tool for the material being machined, as this can affect the accuracy of the machine. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your CNC machining jobs are completed to customer specifications.
A: The most important factor in achieving a smooth surface finish is the selection of the right cutting tool. It is also important to adjust the speed and feed rate of the machine to ensure that it is running at optimal levels. Additionally, using a coolant or lubricant during machining can help reduce friction and improve surface finish. Finally, using a finer grit abrasive paper can help to polish and refine the surface of the machined parts. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your CNC machining jobs produce high-quality parts with smooth surface finishes.
A: One of the most common problems encountered during CNC machining is tool breakage or damage. This can occur when too much pressure is applied to the cutting tool or if a dull tool is used. Another common problem is an incorrect machine setup, which can cause incorrect cutting and lead to poor results. Additionally, mechanical failure of the CNC machine can cause operational issues. Finally, poor programming of the machine can lead to incorrect machining and inaccurate parts. By ensuring that all aspects of the CNC process are correct, these problems can be avoided and good results achieved.
A: While CNC machining is a versatile manufacturing process, there are some limitations to consider. First, CNC machines are typically only able to produce parts within a certain size range. Additionally, CNC machining is not well suited for materials that are difficult to cut or shape, like superalloys. Finally, the cost of CNC machining can be prohibitive for some manufacturers, particularly those who only require small batches of parts. Despite these limitations, CNC machining remains an important manufacturing process for many industries.
A: CNC milling is a machining process used to produce parts with complex shapes and tight tolerances. It utilizes cutting tools such as end mills or drills that are controlled by a computer program in order to shape the material being machined. In CNC milling, the cutting tool moves on three axes (X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis) in order to produce the desired shape. The accuracy of CNC milling allows for tight tolerances and complex geometries that would not be possible using traditional methods.
A: CNC turning is a machining process used to produce parts with complex shapes and tight tolerances. It utilizes cutting tools such as lathes that are controlled by a computer program in order to shape the material being machined. In CNC turning, the cutting tool is programmed to move on two axes (X-axis and Z-axis) in order to produce the desired shape. The accuracy of CNC turning allows for tight tolerances and complex geometries that would not be possible using traditional methods. Additionally, CNC turning offers shorter setup times compared to traditional methods making it an ideal choice for companies who need components quickly and accurately. Overall, CNC turning offers numerous advantages that have made it an essential part of modern manufacturing processes.
A: A good feed rate for a CNC machine will depend on the material being cut as well as the size of the workpiece. Larger materials require slower feed rates in order to prevent the tool from becoming overloaded, while smaller materials can be cut at higher speeds. Additionally, harder materials require slower feed rates as well so that the tool does not overheat or break.
A: The three types of tolerances are geometric, dimensional, and position. Geometric tolerance applies to the shape of a part and is often used when designing complex components. Dimensional tolerance refers to how close the dimensions of a part must be in order for it to be considered acceptable. Position tolerance is related to the location of features on a part and ensures that all parts are properly located relative to one another.
A: The main difference between a CNC lathe and a CNC mill is their function. CNC lathes are used for cylindrical parts that require turning, while CNC mills are used for cutting rectangular parts. Both machines can be programmed to perform various operations, but the type of work they are best suited for differs.
Shanghai Elue is a cnc machining engineering shop and we can work on various finishes after machining is finished. And Bead blasting is a very popular way for metal aluminum cnc machining with cosmetic demand, it is a reductive finish in which a pressurized gun fires an abrasive glass bead to remove a thin layer of the surface. This process will create a consistent satin finish on the surface of the part and is often used to remove tool marks.
here are the features of bead blasting
1)It’s a Low-cost finish that removes machining lines
2) Can be applied to both metals and plastics
3) it’ll Affect critical dimensions, and it’s not suggested to add blasting for these sizes.
Mirror polishing is a mechanical process that involves polishing any defects using a step-by-step fine abrasive followed by polishing the parts to provide a shiny, mirror-like surface. High finish, smooth, no scratches. Mirror polishing is usually done on hard materials such as stainless steel and steel alloy, while soft metals like AL6061 will get the deformation risk when polishing.
And the advantages of mirror polishing are its Improved corrosion resistance and Excellent surface finish, but on the other side, it increases the machining cost a lot.
Anodic oxidation is a kind of electrochemical finishing process with natural oxide layer on the surface of parts, and this coating will protect the parts from corrosion and can be dyed in a variety of colors (you can provide a RAL number).
The coating is non-conductive and can be applied to areas where conductivity needs to be maintained. And for those machined aluminum parts with critical dimensions like the threaded holes, we need to apply masking.
Anodizing are commonly used for Aluminum machining and titanium machining parts, and there are two types of anodizing vailable here, type II sulfur anodizing and Type III hard anodizing.
What is Type II Anodising?
Type II is a standard and most popular anodic oxidation used to improve aesthetics and corrosion resistance. However, its wear resistance is limited, because the coating thickness is usually 5-25μm.
What is Type III Anodising?
Type III anodising is type of hard anodizing and it’ll produce a thicker oxide layer, so that the corrosion and wear resistance will be increased. Generally speaking, the layer thickness can be achieved at 20-80 μm.
3D printing is a great tool for rapid prototyping, but when it comes down to producing parts that are functional and durable, machining has some clear advantages. Machined parts are more precise than 3D printed parts because the tolerances can be extremely tight. They also tend to be stronger since they don’t have the same layer-by-layer construction of 3D printed parts. Machined parts also generally have a smoother finish than 3D printed parts, which can be critical if the part needs to fit other components or move against them.
Finally, the machining process can allow you to get parts machined from solid plastics or metal blocks, with the true properties of the exact material you request.
A: A machining center is a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tool that combines the capabilities of milling and turning into one operation. The machining center consists of three axes, which are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis is the horizontal motion axis and moves left and right on the part being machined; the Y-axis is the vertical motion axis that moves up and down; the Z-axis is rotary motion that turns around either clockwise or counterclockwise. Each axis can move independently in order to produce complex shapes with tight tolerances. Machining centers typically utilize cutting tools such as end mills or drills to shape materials like metals, plastics, and wood. The machining center is capable of producing parts with high accuracy and repeatability, making it a popular choice for many manufacturers. Additionally, the shorter setup times associated with CNC machines make them an ideal choice for companies who need components quickly and accurately. Overall, the machining center is a powerful tool in modern manufacturing processes that can produce complex parts with tight tolerances quickly and efficiently.
Injection moulding and machining are two popular methods of producing lastic parts. Both have their advantages, but there are some considerations that should be taken into account when deciding which process to use.
Firstly, If you want to test your design or market, it’s better to go with machining first before investing on molds, because CNC machining is very close to the molding production part and it can give you a good idea of how the final part looks like.
On the other hand, machining is more suitable for smaller volumes of plastic parts or where intricate geometries are required. Since each part is produced individually on a CNC machine, the design can be easily changed or modified depending on the application. Machining also allows for a wider range of materials to be used, such as metals and composites.
Injection moulding is the most cost-efficient option for mass production of identical plastic parts, and it typically requires less labor compared to machining, making it ideal for large scale production runs.
A: There are several types of CNC machining including milling, turning, drilling, grinding, EDM (electrical discharge machining) and laser cutting. Milling is the process of removing material from a workpiece by rotating a cutter against it. Turning involves rotating a workpiece to shape or cut it using tools such as drills, reamers and taps. Drilling is used to make holes in a workpiece and can be done with either manual or CNC machines. Grinding uses abrasive wheels to remove material from a workpiece by abrasion, while lathe operations involve turning or facing off materials. EDM (electrical discharge machining) uses electrical sparks to cut complex shapes into metallic materials, and laser cutting uses high-powered lasers to cut intricate shapes into different types of materials. All these processes are essential for successful CNC machining.
A: In general, CNC machining services can be more expensive than other methods such as 3D printing or traditional machining due to the added complexity of the process. However, the precise and repeatable nature of CNC machining often makes it worth the investment for companies that require high-quality parts on a regular basis. Additionally, the automated nature of CNC machining can lead to significant cost savings over other manufacturing processes due to its ability to reduce material waste and use automated processes for production. These factors combined make it an ideal choice for many industries that need quality components quickly.
A: CNC machines are capable of producing parts with high precision and repeatability, ensuring consistent quality. The accuracy of CNC machining is determined by the size and position of the cutting tool, as well as the programming of the machine. It can typically achieve tolerances within 0.1 millimeters for parts with complex geometries or high precision requirements. Additionally, since it produces parts in one continuous process there are fewer chances for error compared to traditional methods. This makes CNC machining a suitable choice for industries that require repeatable components with tight tolerances on a regular basis.
A: Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind when designing components for CNC machining. To ensure that the parts can be produced cost-effectively and without issues, designers should take into account the constraints of the machine such as its size and cutting tool limitations. Additionally, accounting for potential post-machining processes such as painting or welding is key to ensuring a smooth production process. Finally, it’s important to consider the material being used and how well it will hold up under extreme temperatures or pressure during machining.
A: Yes, CNC technology is capable of creating complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods. This includes features such as curved surfaces, sharp internal corners, and other intricate designs. The ability to create these types of parts gives CNC machining a significant advantage over other manufacturing processes for many industries.
A: Yes, there are a few important safety considerations to keep in mind when using CNC machines. First and foremost, you should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as goggles and ear protection while operating the machine. Additionally, it’s important to follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer and use the machine as intended. You should also keep the workspace clean and free of clutter to avoid any potential safety issues. Finally, you should never attempt to make repairs or adjustments to a CNC machine without first consulting the manual or qualified personnel.
A: There are various types of CNC machining tools available, each of which serves a different purpose. The most common type is the cutting tool, which can be used to make cuts in a variety of materials. Other types include grinding tools for producing smooth surfaces and drilling tools for creating holes. Each tool works by rotating at high speeds and using precision movements to create the desired shape or finish. Depending on the material being used, certain tools may need to be changed regularly to ensure optimal performance. In addition to this, there are also specialty tools designed for specific tasks such as engraving or die-sinking.
A: When selecting a CNC machine, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you should assess the type of work you need to do and determine what type of cutting tool is best suited for your needs. Additionally, you should think about the size of the parts you’ll be making as well as any additional features or capabilities that may be beneficial. Finally, it’s important to take into account not only the purchase price but also any associated costs such as training, maintenance fees, and replacement parts. By taking all these factors into consideration when shopping for a CNC machine, you can ensure that you get the most value from your investment.
A: There are a variety of post-processing techniques that can be used to further improve the characteristics of a CNC machined part. These include heat treating, surface grinding, polishing and coating, and sandblasting. Heat treating is used to harden or strengthen certain metals; surface grinding helps to create an even finish on a part; polishing and coating add protection against corrosion; and sandblasting smoothes out any imperfections in the material’s surface. By using these post-processing techniques in conjunction with CNC machining, manufacturers can produce parts with superior quality and durability.
A: To obtain high-quality results from a CNC machining process, it’s important to take certain steps. First and foremost, it’s essential to have a well-designed CAD drawing of the part you wish to produce so that accurate instructions can be sent to the machine. You should also use cutting tools that are suited for the material being used, as well as appropriate cutting speeds and feeds. Finally, regular maintenance of the CNC machine is required in order to ensure optimal performance and accuracy. By following these tips, manufacturers can achieve exceptional results when using CNC machines.
A: Titanium is one of the most difficult materials to machine using CNC. This is because it has low ductility, meaning it has a tendency to crack and fracture when subjected to high levels of stress or pressure. Additionally, titanium can be heat-treated which makes it especially challenging for CNC machines to cut and shape accurately. As such, manufacturers must take extra precautions when machining titanium with a CNC machine in order to avoid costly errors or mistakes.
A: CNC machining is used for a variety of applications across many industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, and manufacturing. It is often used for creating parts that require precise measurements and high levels of accuracy. Some common applications for CNC machining include the creation of engine components, medical implants and devices, electronic housings, and automobile frames. In addition to these examples, CNC machining can also be used for a variety of other parts and components that require precise cutting and shaping.
A: The most common type of CNC machine is the vertical machining center (VMC). VMCs are used for a variety of applications and can typically be programmed to perform complex tasks. They are also able to produce parts with very tight tolerances, making them ideal for many industrial applications. Other types of CNC machines include lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and routers. Each type of machine is suited for different types of projects and materials.
A: The thickness of the metal that a CNC can cut depends on the type of machine being used, as well as the setup and programming. Generally speaking, most CNC machines are able to cut metals up to 4 inches thick. However, for thicker materials, multiple passes may be necessary in order to achieve the desired result. Additionally, some machines are better suited for cutting thicker materials than others. For best results, manufacturers should consult with their specific machine’s manufacturer for more information about its capabilities.
A: CNC tolerances refer to the accuracy of the parts being produced from a CNC machine. Tolerance is measured in thousandths of an inch and can range from +/- 0.001 inches for very precise parts up to +/- 0.010 inches for less precise applications. It is important to consider the required tolerance when designing parts as well as when programming a CNC machine in order to ensure proper results are achieved.
A: The hardest steel that can be machined is tool steel known as tungsten cobalt high-speed steel (HSS). HSS is often used for applications requiring greater strength and durability such as cutting tools and drill bits. Due to its hardness, HSS can be difficult to machine with a CNC machine and requires extra care in order to achieve the desired result. Additionally, some CNC machines may not be suited for machining HSS, so it is important to consult with your machine’s manufacturer before attempting any projects involving this material.
A: There are several steps you can take to improve the accuracy of your CNC machine. Firstly, ensure that you program the machine correctly and with precise specifications. Additionally, regular maintenance is key to keeping your machine running smoothly. Regularly clean, lubricate, and check for any wear or damage on parts like bearings and spindles as this will help minimize errors while machining. Finally, it may also be beneficial to invest in quality tooling such as higher-grade cutting tools which can improve precision and make sure your CNC runs more efficiently.
A: To ensure repeatability when manufacturing components with a CNC machine, it is important to use high-quality materials and tooling. Using the right cutting tools can help minimize errors and improve accuracy, while also reducing wear on the tools themselves. Additionally, performing regular maintenance on the machine can help keep it running at its optimal performance level. Finally, double-checking your programming code before beginning a job is essential in order to make sure that all instructions are entered correctly so that no mistakes occur during production.
A: The type of steel that is best for machining depends on the specific application. Generally, low-carbon steels are easier to machine than higher-carbon steels due to their softer nature. However, if strength and durability are a priority, then higher carbon steels can be used as they offer better performance in these areas. Additionally, stainless steel and tool steels such as HSS (high-speed steel) may also be recommended depending on the desired outcome.
A: The best way to avoid tool breakage when using a CNC machine is to use the correct cutting tools for the specific application. Additionally, checking and adjusting the feed rate regularly can help prevent too much strain from being placed on the tool which can cause it to overheat or snap. Finally, regular maintenance of the machine itself should be performed in order to ensure optimal performance and reduce wear on parts that could lead to breakages.