To start with, CNC machining is a highly accurate and repeatable manufacturing process used for prototypes and production parts. Also, it is a subtractive process that involves cutting material away from a solid block using computer-controlled cutting tools like drills and lathes. As a result, you have a professional-quality part suitable for mechanical use.
One of the biggest advantages of CNC machining is its material versatility. This is because the process can use aluminum and steel alloys as raw materials as well as a wide range of engineering metals. Also, it is used to cut high-quality plastics. Have you decided on using CNC machining for your part production? If you did, you’ve probably made a great choice, considering the number of CNC material options you have at your disposal to bring your custom product to life.
You can treat many of these CNC machining materials with a variety of finishing options after machining. In most cases, such a wide range of options offers such flexibility. However, there is also that added dilemma that comes with having so many CNC machining materials at your disposal. Just as CNC machining can be used to machine different materials, it is also applicable in manufacturing different parts. Due to this reason, the application of the part is definitely a question that should be foremost when picking a CNC material. This is because the application would help determine the properties the CNC material used must have.
For example, a part needed for insulating functions would favor plastic as the CNC material for production. However, a metal may be more favorable to choose in cases of tensile strength. Another reason to know the material’s resistance to its operating temperature is to know if it can withstand the heat that comes from the CNC machining operations.
The operating temperature of the environment in which the part will be functioning is another important factor to consider before making a final choice. This is because the melting point of the CNC material used has to be greater than the operating temperature. If not, there might be a change in the part’s structure. Also, you have to ensure the CNC machining material can withstand extreme temperature changes. While some materials might be able to resist these temperature changes, some could show structure changes over a period of use.
