CNC Machining Parts

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that employs computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines and tools to produce high-quality, precision parts.

It combines the speed of additive manufacturing with the part quality achieved by milling parts from engineering-grade plastic and metal, allowing custom manufacturers—like us—to provide customers with a broader material selection, better part functionality, and higher quality, more aesthetic parts. 

Additionally, as parts produced through CNC machining are comparable to those produced by molding, the process is suitable for both prototype and production runs. 

Advantages of CNC Machining

CNC machining offers several advantages over other manufacturing methods, including: 

     • Rapid turnaround. For CNC machining operations, once the part design is approved and loaded to the machine, production can begin immediately. This capability allows manufacturers to produce high-quality, accurate parts with turnarounds of a few days.

     • Precision and accuracy. As the CNC machining process is highly automated, individual parts are more precise and are generated with greater accuracy from batch to batch. 

     • Versatility and customizability. CNC machining is suitable for several types of materials—including metals and plastics—and can be used to create a variety of standard and custom shapes and designs. Parts produced range from simple to highly complex and precise. 

     • Scalability. The process accommodates small to large production runs. As CNC operations only require a CAD/CAM file, it is both efficient and economical for prototype and production runs.

Materials for CNC Machining

As indicated above, CNC machining is suitable for a variety of materials such as engineered-plastic and metal. Some of the most notable and commonly utilized include:

     • Aluminum. It is lauded for its exceptional corrosion and temperature resistance, as well as its high strength-to-weight ratio. 

     • HDPE. It offers durability, impact resistance, and stiffness. 

     • Low carbon steel. It exhibits excellent ductility and malleability, making it suitable for several manufacturing methods, including CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication.

     • PVC. It is used for its chemical, corrosion, and flame resistance.

     • Steel alloys. This designation encompasses several different compounds, each of which presents different attributes, such as durability and strength.

     • Stainless steel. It demonstrates excellent corrosion and crack resistance and has a good strength-to-weight ratio.

CNC Milling and Its Advantages

CNC milling is a machining technique that utilizes rotating multipoint cutting tools to remove material from a stock piece. Depending on the part design and complexity, manufacturers generally rely on 3- or 5-axis milling processes. 

Similar to most CNC machining processes, CNC milling offers faster turnaround, greater precision and accuracy, and broader versatility and production scalability. It is commonly employed to produce jigs, fixtures, functional prototypes, and low volumes of production-grade components.

Common Industrial Applications

CNC machining finds application throughout the industry. Manufacturers employ the process to produce a wide range of prototype and production parts for use in the industrial sector. Typical end products include:

     • Bushings

     • Electronic components

     • Jigs and fixtures

     • Shafts

Design Considerations for CNC Machined Parts

When designing a CNC machined part, there are several considerations to keep in mind, such as:

     • Wall heights

     • Feature widths

     • Hole depths and diameters

     • Thread size and type

     • General and part tolerances

     • Size limitations