CNC machining became the industry standard in the late 1960's and has since been widely chosen to produce a wide variety of high precision parts. Using the best CNC machines or computer numerical control machines, it is possible to create many types of complex parts and assemblies that would otherwise be difficult to do with traditional machining processes. When it comes to precision machining services, many customers have this question in mind, which materials are suitable for machining? There is a wide range of materials that are compatible with CNC technology. This article here lists some of them.
Popular materials chosen by precision machining service providers
High-precision CNC precision machining of parts can be made from a variety of materials, as listed below.
Aluminum.
Considered exotic in manufacturing, aluminum is probably the most widely used material for CNC milling. The ability to machine faster than other materials makes aluminum a more useful material for CNC machining. Because it is lightweight, non-magnetic, corrosion resistant and inexpensive, aluminum is widely used in the production of aircraft components, automotive parts, bicycle frames and food containers.
Stainless Steel.
Stainless steel alloys are unaffected by most stains and rusts. The material is prized for its strength and corrosion resistance and can be used for anything from surgical equipment to electronic hardware. Stainless steel is a very versatile material that is relatively light and durable, expanding its use in a variety of industries.
Carbon steels.
Carbon steel is also one of the popular materials to consider for CNC machining. It is available in a variety of formulations from which you can choose according to the requirements of your application. This material is mainly used for CNC machining due to its durability, safety, long shelf life, affordability and environmental friendly nature.
Brass.
Widely considered one of the simplest and most cost-effective materials for precision machining services, brass is selected for the manufacture of complex parts requiring sophisticated functionality. Easy to machine, smooth and with a clean surface, brass is used in the manufacture of medical devices, consumer products, electronic hardware and contacts, accessories, commercial products and more.
Titanium.
Titanium is resistant to heat and corrosion, making it a viable choice for many industrial applications. Titanium is unaffected by salt and water and is widely used in the manufacture of medical implants, aircraft components and jewelry, among others.
Magnesium.
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal widely used by precision machining service providers. Magnesium has excellent machinability, strength and robustness making it well suited for multiple industrial applications.
Monel.
There is an unprecedented demand for CNC machined Monel alloy parts. It is primarily used in applications that are exposed to corrosive environments and require higher strength. There are very few CNC machining shops that specialize in Monel alloys because of the difficulty of machining and the high level of experience required.
Inconel.
It is a nickel-based high-temperature alloy that has gained popularity in recent years due to its many beneficial properties. Inconel parts are suitable for environments where they may suffer from water corrosion or oxidation. It is also well suited for applications where parts may be subjected to extreme pressure and heat.
In addition to the materials listed above, there are several other materials that are compatible with precision CNC machining processes. These include cemented carbide, tungsten, palladium, Inva alloy, nickel, niobium, alloy steel, beryllium, cobalt, iridium and molybdenum. It is important to select the right material after considering the application areas it will be used in, other machining activities, etc. Choosing the right material from multiple options is critical, as it determines the success of the application.
