There are a lot of various materials that can be machined using CNC machinery. You must choose the right one for your CNC machining project to ensure that it is produced accurately and efficiently.
In this article, we will discuss other different CNC materials and how to select the right material for your project. Stay tuned!
Consider Material Requirements
The Application
When choosing a CNC machining material, it is vital to consider the compatibility of the material with the intended application.
Some materials, such as aluminum and brass, are soft and malleable, making them ideal for precise shaping applications.
Other materials, such as steel and titanium, are much harder and more resistant to wear. So, they are often suitable for high-stress environments or for applications where durability is paramount.
The Weight
When you are looking for right CNC materials for your next project, make sure to consider their weight. Depending on the application, you will want to ensure that the materials you are considering have the right weight. Not the bigger, the better!
Mechanical Property
Machinability
“machinability” refers to how easily a material can be machined using CNC (computer numerically controlled) technology. This includes the ability of the material to withstand the process and the CNC machine’s ability to cut and shape the material accurately.
The materials that are easier to manufacture will have a higher machinability rating. Several factors contribute to a material’s machinability, including hardness, toughness, and ductility.
Materials that are too hard or too tough may break or chip during the manufacturing process, while materials that are too ductile may deform.
Tensile Strength
When using CNC manufacturing, knowing the tolerable tensile strength limit of the parts is crucial.
Tensile strength measures a material’s resistance to being pulled apart by forces acting on it in opposite directions.
If you are creating a part subject to high-stress levels, such as a gear or pulley, you will need to choose a material with high tensile strength. Otherwise, the part is likely to fail under pressure.
Electrical Conductivity
One of the critical factors to consider is electrical conductivity. Metals such as copper and aluminum are suitable for CNC machining because they have high electrical conductivity. It means they can easily carry an electrical current, which is essential for many applications.
In addition, metals with high electrical conductivity often have high thermal conductivity, which means they can dissipate heat quickly.
Rigidity
Rigid materials are those that resist deformation under load. In other words, they’re less likely to bend, warp, or otherwise change shape when force is applied. This is especially important in CNC machining, as even small deformations can lead to inaccurate results.
So, Many engineers choose rigid materials such as steel or aluminum for their CNC projects.
Flexibility
Flexibility is also an important consideration. After all, not all materials can be processed using the same processes and tooling. Some materials, such as aluminum, are relatively easy to machine using many methods.
Others, such as stainless steel, require more specialized tooling and may be suitable for certain types of processes.
Chemical Property
Heat Resistance
Different materials have different heat resistance levels, and choosing a material that can withstand the high temperatures of the CNC machining process is essential. Otherwise, the material may deform or melt, resulting in poor-quality CNC parts.
Heat Resistance is also crucial for ensuring the longevity of the CNC parts. Parts that are exposed to high temperatures will eventually break down over time.
Corrosion Resistance
One common property is corrosion resistance. Corrosion resistance is the ability of a material to resist damage from exposure to the environment. It is essential to consider because it can affect the lifespan of the part and its performance in service.
Many factors contribute to corrosion resistance, including the alloy’s composition, the material’s microstructure, and the surface finish.
Hardness
Harder materials are more resistant to wear and tear and can also hold tighter tolerances. They are often the best choice for applications where precision is critical. However, harder materials can also be more difficult to machine and may require specialized cutting tools.
The Cost
The more expensive the material, the more it will cost to machine. However, there are some circumstances where the cost of the material is less important than other factors.
If you need parts that require exact tolerances or will be subject to high-stress levels, you may need to use a more expensive material to ensure that the part meets your requirements. In these cases, the increased cost of the material may be offset by the savings you realize in terms of time and labor.
Find And Choose CNC Machining Materials
If you’re planning on using CNC machining to create a product, choosing the right material is one of your most important decisions.
Metal Material Selection
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of common materials for machining. It is strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for parts that need to be sturdy but not too heavy.
And it is resistant to corrosion and wear, retaining its shape and appearance over time. Plus, aluminum is relatively easy to CNC milling and turning, meaning that it can be quickly and accurately cut into the desired shape.
Brass
Brass has a long history of machining to create various products, one of the most versatile and commonly used metals in both industry and at home.
Its high resistance to wear and tear means that brass CNC machined parts are often suitable for applications with a lot of friction, such as bearings and gears.
Brass is also non-magnetic and has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, making it a prevalent metal for use in electrical components.
Plus, you can easily polishe brass to get a high shine, so, brass is an attractive choice for decorative items.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is extremely strong and durable, making it ideal for parts that suffer a lot of wear and tear.
It is easy to machine, meaning it can be quickly and accurately cut into the desired shape. And it is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for large-scale projects.
Stainless Steel
Thanks to its corrosion-resistant properties, stainless steel can withstand the rigors of machining better than other materials. This means that your components will retain their strength and integrity even after being subjected to high speeds and heavy loads.
Stainless steel is also highly resistant to heat, making it ideal for applications where thermal management is a concern.
Titanium
Titanium is widely recognized as the right material for CNC machining due to its combination of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and low density.
It is also non-toxic, making it ideal for applications where aluminum would be a concern. Titanium is difficult to manufacture due to its high strength and toughness. And it is typically more expensive than aluminum parts.
Plastic
Acrylic
Acrylic is often a good choice for several reasons. It can be machined to tight tolerances, making it ideal for precision applications. We can machine acrylic parts.
It is available in many colors and finishes, giving designers many options. Thanks to these advantages, acrylic is commonly suitable for many applications, including signage, acrylic displays, and medical devices.
Nylon
Nylon is a versatile engineering plastic used for various CNC machining applications. Its key benefits include strength and stiffness, low friction, excellent wear resistance, and good chemical resistance.
PEEK
Peek is a semi-crystalline polymer with outstanding mechanical and chemical resistance properties. It is suitable for numerous applications where long-term high performance is required, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas industries.
Peek is corrosion-resistant and has a low coefficient of friction, making it suitable for use in harsh environments. We can machine PEEK parts.
Foam
Rigid Foam
The insulation value of rigid foam is higher than other materials. Rigid foams are less likely to settle over time, which can create gaps and reduce the overall insulation value of the material.
Carve Foam
In the world of CNC machining, flexibility is critical. That’s why carve foam is such an essential material for machinists to master.
Carve foam is a high-density polyurethane foam known for its exceptional versatility. It can create various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for small and large projects.
When carve foam is machined using a CNC router, it can quickly and easily shape into just about anything imaginable.
Machining Capability
We hope this article has helped you have a better understanding of how to choose materials for your product. Our team has the service to help you select materials, and we also have rigorous quality control. If you have any questions or need our help to select suitable material for your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Conclusion For CNC Machining Material
We’ve seen that the CNC machining material of a product dramatically affects its quality. By understanding this, you can produce better products and give your customers what they want.
The complete material selection guide provide the most common materials used in CNC machining and helps you select a material for your application.
If you’re interested in learning more about improving your products’ quality, please visit our homepage for more information on our services. You can find out how we can help you create high-quality products that exceed your customer’s expectations.
