For a fully comprehensive guide on CNC machining, check out of CNC Machining Guide.
Choosing the suitable metal for CNC Machining involves analysing various factors. Depending on the part or product being CNC machined, the metal you choose and its properties will play a vital role in the success of the final part. For example, the metal may need to be resistant to extreme temperatures or be resistant to bending or breaking under pressure. Corrosion resistance, workability, price, weight and cosmetic appearance all factor in when it comes to choosing the right metal.
CNC machines can indeed cut metal and are widely used due to their high precision and accuracy. Depending on the material in question and its strength and hardness, CNC machining will yield different results and finishes.
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There are various CNC machines, and depending on cost, material, finish quality and design, a suitable CNC machine will be used. Popular methods of CNC Machining include:
CNC milling and machining are extremely common manufacturing processes, and it’s easy to see why. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining offers rapid production while requiring minimal human input compared to traditional methods. Benefits of this include a more cost-efficient workforce but, more importantly, less room for human error.
Not only are parts made swiftly, but CNC machining allows for extremely high levels of quality, repeatability and precision. There is also a wide range of materials that CNC machining can be used for, ranging from plastics, metals and ceramics.
There is a multitude of metals available for CNC machining. In this blog post, we will look at a selection of commonly used metals used within CNC machining. These recommendations also apply to CNC turning and multi-axis machining.
Titanium is a particularly strong and resilient metal whilst maintaining an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is highly workable and can be welded with ease. Although it conducts heat well, it possesses poor electrical conductivity. Whilst titanium responds well to anodising for a clean finish and protection, it reacts unfavourably to polishing. Titanium is lightweight and offers high strength, and has brilliant corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance. For this reason, it is a popular choice for aircraft industry parts, biomedical and military. A popular titanium grade is Ti6Al4V (also known as TC4 and Grade 5).
There are many different grades of stainless steel, which are categorised into four main types: Ferritic, Austenitic, Martensitic, Duplex.
The most common Stainless Steel is Austenitic, which is our focus today. Their chemical structure includes Manganese, Nitrogen and Nickel, which provides good machinability and weldability. The three most common grades used in CNC machining processes are:
Aluminium is the most commonly used material in CNC milling processes due to its machinability, workability and versatility. It also provides a modest strength-to-weight ratio.
Aluminium 7075 is a high-grade metal with excellent strength. However, its strength can make it more challenging to produce designs with more complexity. Al7075 is ideal for CNC machined parts which require sustained durabilities, such as frames within the automobile and aerospace industries. Al7075 has great properties such as ductility, toughness, high strength with good fatigue resistance. This means it is a common material choice for high-stress structural components in aerospace.
Aluminium 6061, however, has far better workability and is generally considered to be an economical grade. It has good atmospheric corrosion resistance but low resistance to corrosion from chemicals. Al6061 is the most commonly used aluminium grade and is ideal for automobile parts, frames and much more. Aluminium 6061 is generally seen as a general-purpose aluminium, with good strength to weight ratio and good machinability. However, when exposed to saltwater, it has poor corrosion resistance and is not as strong as other aluminium alloys required for more demanding applications.
Magnesium AZ31: Although aluminium has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, AZ31 can be up to 35% lighter whilst maintaining the same strength. As you can imagine, this means it is also higher on the price scale. Lightweight and durable, AZ31 is great for aircraft components, power tools and laptops. However, despite good workability, it does have some flammable properties.
Brass is highly versatile and is commonly used in plumbing systems. It also tends to be used in musical instruments and cosmetic applications, and home decor. This is because it is highly workable and can achieve an extremely high polish, making it aesthetically pleasing. In addition to this, it is naturally resistant to saltwater corrosion and is devoid of flammable properties. Brass is also used for electronic hardware, commercial fittings and aerospace parts. As it is a copper-zinc alloy, brass does not become brittle at low temperatures. It is a great choice for pipe fittings, with excellent thermal conductivity, and its attractive colour options make it a popular option for products that require a high-quality finish. Brass is also one of the easiest metals to CNC Machine.
EN 1045 steel is highly workable and particularly suitable for welding. This steel grade shows high strength levels and tends to be more economical than stainless steel. Like stainless steel 303, it is often used for gears, nuts and other resilient mechanical parts. It is a good steel for applications requiring greater strength or hardness, such as shafts, axles, bolts and studs.
D2 Steel is another member of the steel family and is significantly strong and durable. D2 Steel is also highly resistant to abrasion and wear. The strength and hardness of D2 steel make it suitable for parts that need high structural integrity and resistance to bending.
Get It Made offers a wide range of materials for CNC Machining, including materials not listed above. Explore more of our CNC machining services on our website or check our CNC Machining Guide. Why not get in touch to discuss your material requirements and kick-start your project today? Arrange a CNC machining quote today, and our team will respond within 24 hours.
CNC router machines commonly cut and carve wood, plastic, and acrylics, but many manufacturers question whether they cut metals. The short answer is “yes,” but we’ll explore how CNC routers for metal fabrication work. Plus, we’ll discuss how to find the right CNC router machine for metal and get set up for production.
CNC metal fabrication involves milling, engraving, hollowing, and cutting non-ferrous metals. CNC routers use bits to remove material from a workpiece in a variety of angles.
This process relies on numerical code when feeding a metal workpiece to a cutting tool, which is far more efficient and accurate than labor-intensive traditional machining. Non-ferrous metal materials often include aluminum and brass.
The advantages of CNC metal fabrication include:
Metal fabrication isn’t just limited to two-dimensional and three-dimensional cuts. The tools used on CNC routers can carve, engrave, and drill in-depth parts and products. We often see this with large signboards, nameplates, and building exteriors.
Many types of CNC routers exist for specific production needs – from small businesses to high production facilities. The same machine used for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials are often used for metal fabrication. Unlike traditional manufacturing machines, CNC routers are given digital instructions on how to cut, drill, carve, and embed parts and products. The process starts with the initial 2D or 3D design on CAD software. The CAD file is then translated to the CNC router via computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software down to the exact detail of each cut.
You don’t need a specific CNC router to cut metal; they all perform the same function. The tools you use and the techniques you employ when programming and setting up are critical.
However, you don’t want to apply the same methods used for cutting other materials to metal parts. For example, you can cut wood on a CNC router at high speed but doing the same with metal often damages the cutting tools.
The cutting speed required depends on the type of metal. Soft metals such as aluminum have a melting point of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which occurs at speeds greater than 13,000 RPM.
For soft metals, you can control tool temperature by doing the following:
The cost of owning and operating a CNC router for metal fabrication depends on the size of your business and production demands. You can find some CNC routers for as little as a few thousand dollars, while complex machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The more complex your production needs, the more additional tools you’ll likely need. Many of these parts are purchased separately.
Common factors that affect the cost of CNC metal fabrication include:
Before deciding which CNC router is right for you, consider working out a budget and weighing it with your production needs, capabilities, and configuration requirements. If you’re only producing 2D metal signs, a CNC machine with simple features will likely suffice. However, if your company produces high-end parts, you’ll need a more sophisticated product.
You should also compare the standard CNC machines and the more advanced machines to ensure that you’re getting the return on investment that you desire.
Once you’ve settled on a CNC machine, be sure to sign a contract with the manufacturer. A contract will protect your legal rights and provide details on the price, purchase, delivery, and after-sales service.
CAMaster has tons of CNC routers for metal fabrication to choose from. Plus, we offer financing options to make your purchase more affordable. Contact us today to request a quote.