Materials Can Be Cut On Cnc Machine?

[Allen Hondsen]

What Materials can use CNC Machine to cut? Could anyone share a list of the metals that can be processed with CNC machines? Thanks

[YL]

High-precision CNC precision machined parts can be made of a variety of materials, as listed below:

aluminum:
Considered peculiar in terms of manufacturing, aluminum is probably the most widely used material for CNC milling. The ability to process faster than other materials makes aluminum a more useful material for CNC machining. Because of its light weight, non-magnetic properties, corrosion resistance and low price, aluminum is widely used in the production of aircraft parts, auto parts, bicycle frames and food containers.

Stainless steel:
Stainless steel alloys are not affected by most stains and rust. The material is favored 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, relatively lightweight and durable, which has expanded its application in various industries.

Carbon steel:
Carbon steel is also one of the popular materials considered for CNC machining. It has a variety of formulas to choose from, you can choose from them according to your application requirements. Due to its durability, safety, long shelf life, economy and environmental protection, this material is mainly used for CNC machining.

brass:
Brass is widely considered to be one of the simplest and most cost-effective materials for precision machining services, and was chosen to manufacture complex parts that require complex functions. Brass is easy to process, smooth and clean. It can be used to manufacture medical equipment, consumer products, electronic hardware and contacts, accessories, commercial products, etc.

titanium:
Titanium is heat and corrosion resistant, making it a viable choice for many industrial applications. Titanium is not affected by salt and water and is widely used in the manufacture of medical implants, aircraft parts and jewelry.

magnesium:
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal widely used by precision machining service providers. Magnesium has excellent machinability, strength and robustness, making it very suitable for applications in many industrial fields.

Monel:
The demand for CNC-machined Monel alloy parts is unprecedentedly high. It is mainly used for applications that are exposed to corrosive environments and require higher strength. There are few CNC machining workshops specializing in Monel alloy processing, because the processing is difficult and requires high experience.

Inconel:
It is a nickel-based superalloy, which has gained popularity in recent years due to its various beneficial properties. Inconel parts are suitable for environments that may be subject to water corrosion or oxidation. It is also very suitable for applications where parts may be subjected to extreme pressure and heat.

In addition to the above materials, there are several materials compatible with precision CNC machining processes. These include cemented carbide, tungsten, palladium, Invar, nickel, niobium, alloy steel, beryllium, cobalt, iridium and molybdenum. After considering the application field and other processing activities, it is important to choose the right material. Choosing the right material from multiple options is crucial because it determines the success of the application.

[Jacob]

5 common CNC machining materials
Since any material — metal or plastic — that’s hard enough for machining can be used for CNC manufacturing, product teams are spoiled for choice. This short list provides a quick gloss of some of the most common materials used in CNC manufacturing today.

1. ALUMINUM
Aluminum alloys are easy to machine in large volumes, have a good strength-to-weight ratio, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. They are also naturally resistant to corrosion. Aluminum 6061 is an all-purpose aluminum alloy often used for CNC machining. It is typically found in automotive parts, bike parts, sporting goods, and other recreational items. This material is highly machinable; however, it can be pricier than other metals and doesn’t hold up well in the presence of saltwater or certain chemicals. Aluminum 7075 is a step up from 6061. Ideal for aerospace frames and high-performance recreational equipment, it’s the strongest commercially available aluminum alloy.

2. STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel alloys are strong and resistant to distortion, wear, and corrosion. 303 stainless steel includes sulfur for improved machinability, but this material has a number of limitations that engineers must keep in mind.

303 cannot be cold-formed, heat-treated, or welded, and special care must be taken with speed/feeds and the sharpness of cutting tools during CNC manufacturing. That said, 303 makes excellent nuts, bolts, non-marine grade fittings, shafts, and gears.

304 stainless steel is a non-magnetic, all-purpose steel for CNC machining known for its toughness. It’s readily machinable and corrosion-resistant like 303, but it can be welded. 304 is well-suited for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications, kitchen accessories, tanks and pipes, architecture, and more. 316 stainless steel is even more corrosion-resistant than 304 or 303 thanks to the addition of molybdenum. It’s strong, weldable, and one of the few marine grade stainless steels.

Since it’s impossible to tell stainless steels apart by sight alone, engineers should make sure to test the raw material to confirm the characteristics of the steel they’re using.

3. CARBON STEEL
Carbon steel 1045 is a mild grade of carbon steel. Manufacturers often machine with this material because it is less expensive than most stainless steels but stronger and tougher. 1045 is easy to machine, weldable, and can be hardened or heat-treated to achieve various hardnesses.

This material is ideal for nuts, bolts, gears, shafts, connecting rods, and other strong, small mechanical parts. 1045 can also be used for architectural applications, but it must be surface-treated to prevent rust and corrosion.

4. TITANIUM
Known for its high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, titanium is often employed to manufacture parts for the most demanding aerospace, military, and industrial applications. This material is also biocompatible and suitable for use in medical device manufacturing.

However, titanium is more expensive than any other metal in its commercial form, doesn’t polish well, and is a poor conductor of electricity. Engineers should also be aware that titanium is challenging to machine, and requires special cutters.

5. NYLON
Nylon is an all-purpose, low-friction thermoplastic that is often used as an alternative to metal in CNC-manufactured parts. This material is stiff, strong, impact-resistant, chemical-resistant, but surprisingly elastic. Nylon responds well to additives and fillers, so engineers can feel free to manipulate this material to achieve their desired properties.

Popular applications for nylon include electrical molding, fuel system components, gears, food packaging, fabric, and more. However, nylon absorbs moisture easily, which may negatively impact the dimensional stability of a part.

[Author]

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