Commonly used metal materials in CNC processing

CNC machining occupies an important position in modern manufacturing. It is a computer-controlled CNC machining technology. CNC machine tools can automatically complete precise cutting, milling, drilling, turning and other processes, becoming a tool for precision manufacturing and intelligent manufacturing. Metal machining near me is constantly improving. Machining metalworking is also gradually becoming popular.

In CNC machining, commonly used metal materials include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium alloy, copper, brass, zinc alloy, nickel alloy, tungsten alloy, iron, cast iron, etc. Each of these materials has its own characteristics and plays different roles in different engineering projects.

1.Aluminum alloy
Aluminum alloy is a lightweight and high-strength metal material with good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. In CNC processing, aluminum alloys are often used to manufacture aerospace components, automotive parts, electronic product casings, etc. Its lightness and strength make aluminum alloys the material of choice in engineering.

2.Stainless steel
Stainless steel is favored for its corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength, so it is widely used in CNC machining to manufacture kitchenware, medical equipment, chemical containers, etc. Its resistance to oxidation and ease of cleaning make stainless steel the material of choice for the food and medical industries.

3.Brass
Brass is an alloy material with good electrical and thermal conductivity. In CNC machining, brass is often used to make electrical connectors, instruments, and bathroom accessories. Its low magnetism and toughness make brass the material of choice in the electronics and construction industries.

4.Titanium alloy
Titanium alloys have superior strength and low density, so they are often used in CNC machining for aerospace, automotive and medical device manufacturing. Its excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature performance make titanium alloys the material of choice in the aerospace and medical industries.

5.Carbon steel
Carbon steel is a metal material with high strength and hardness that is widely used in the manufacture of mechanical parts and tools due to its durability, safety, long shelf life, affordability and environmentally friendly properties. In CNC processing, carbon steel can be used to make automobile parts, building structures, cutting tools, etc. Its wear resistance and plasticity make carbon steel the material of choice in the engineering industry.

6.Carbide
Carbide has high hardness, strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and is known as the “industrial tooth”. In particular, its high hardness and wear resistance remain basically unchanged even at temperatures of 500°C. , still has high hardness at 1000°C.

Widely used as tool materials, such as turning tools, milling cutters, planers, drill bits, boring tools, etc., used for cutting cast iron, non-ferrous metals, plastics, chemical fibers, graphite, glass, stone and ordinary steel, and can also be used to cut heat-resistant steel , stainless steel, high manganese steel, tool steel and other difficult-to-process materials. Widely used in military industry, aerospace, mechanical processing, metallurgy, oil drilling, mining tools, electronic communications, construction and other fields.

7.Titanium
Titanium is heat and corrosion resistant, making it a viable option 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.

8.Magnesium
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal widely used by precision machining service providers. Magnesium’s excellent machinability, strength and sturdiness make it ideal for applications in several industrial sectors.

9.Monel
Demand for CNC-machined Monel parts is at an all-time high. 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 processing because processing is difficult and requires a high level of experience. Widely used in aerospace, marine, high-end musical instruments and other fields.

10.Inconel
It is a nickel-based high-temperature alloy that has gained popularity in recent years due to its various beneficial properties. Inconel parts are suitable for use in environments where they may be subject to water corrosion or oxidation. It is also ideal for applications where parts may be subjected to extreme pressure and heat. Widely used in aviation, aerospace, petrochemical and other fields.

In CNC machining technology, tool selection is also very important. Different materials have different requirements for cutting tools. For soft materials such as aluminum alloy, we can choose high-speed steel tools, and for hard materials such as stainless steel, we can choose carbide tools. In addition, the blade shape and number of blades of the tool will also affect the processing effect. Choosing the right tool is an important part of CNC machining.

In addition to material and tool selection, there are some other considerations in CNC machining. The first is the setting of process parameters. In CNC machining, the settings of parameters including feed speed, cutting speed, cutting depth, etc. need to be adjusted according to the specific processing materials and requirements. Reasonable process parameter settings can improve processing efficiency and reduce processing costs. The second is the requirement for processing accuracy. CNC machining has the characteristics of high precision and high repeatability, but it also needs to set corresponding accuracy standards according to specific processing requirements. The other is the maintenance of the equipment. Regular maintenance of CNC machine tools to maintain the normal operation of the equipment can extend the service life of the equipment and improve processing efficiency.

Through the above introduction, we have a preliminary understanding of some basic knowledge of CNC machining. CNC machining is a high-precision, high-efficiency process technology with a wide range of applications. By rationally selecting materials, cutting tools and setting process parameters, we can achieve a more precise and efficient machining process. The development of CNC processing technology provides strong support for the development of manufacturing industry and brings more convenience to our lives.