CNC Machining Material – How To Choose The Right CNC Material
Choosing the right CNC machining material is one of the crucial considerations. Indeed, an ideal material ensures the durability and efficiency of the
machined parts. Let’s say an example. You are about to make a machining part that would be used in high-strength applications. But you chose aluminum for
the job.
What might be the possible outcome? Yes, you are right. The system may fail because of not enough strength generated by the machining part. So,
studying the CNC machining material is very important before jumping into the final manufacturing.
Well, you can use a wide range of CNC machining materials. However, metal is considered to be one of the most used materials for CNC machining.
So, today, we are going to talk about popular types of metals used in CNC machining. We will learn their fundamentals and the different grades required in various applications.
CNC Machining Material: CNC Metal Cutting
Concerning CNC machine cut metal, you may have found a variety of metals used in different machining processes.
For example, you may wonder why SS304 is extremely popular in construction or machinery applications. On the other hand,
why is SS316 popular in the mechanical & medical industries?
So, When considering a metal, we usually learn about its grades & composition.
This section will highlight the overview of the three most common metals used in the CNC machining industry.
CNC Machining Metal: Aluminum
We all know about this CNC material. This is one of the most popular CNC machining materials. We can use it in many applications.
Aluminum is famous for its lightweight & corrosion-resistance properties. The popular application of aluminum machining part is transportation,
construction, aerospace, and machinery.
There are two primary grades of aluminum, notably 6061 and 7075. Well, both 6061 and 7075 aluminum offer good strength and corrosion resistance ability.
Although aluminum 7075 offers superior strength. As a result, you can often find this aluminum grade in aircraft parts and military equipment.
For all these properties, both of these grades are a top choice for engineers.
CNC Machining Metal: Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is everywhere! Similar to aluminum, stainless steel is also one of the most demanding metals used on earth.
Starting from construction to medical, machinery to automobile, we need high-quality stainless steel.
CNC stainless steel machining is more popular in these cases. Why stainless steel is so popular? Yes, it offers a wide range of properties and grades.
Stainless steel is famous for its outstanding strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
Stainless steel comes in various grades. Each grade offers unique properties. Well, the most popular stainless steel grades include the 300 series & 400
series. Considering 300 series, SS304 & SS316 are known for their corrosion resistance. SS300 series is prevalent in automation, food & beverage, marine,
and other industries. On the other hand, the SS400 series is prevalent in making motor shafts, turbines, agricultural equipment, and more.
CNC Machining Metal: Brass
Brass is also a popular material used in CNC machining. It is mainly made up of copper and zinc. The composition and properties may differ depending on the
criteria used. This material has outstanding machinability in CNC brass machining. These machined parts are resistant to corrosion & electrically
conductive. It is utilized for precise parts, connectors, and components that require these qualities.
The Versatility Of CNC Machines Over A Wide Range Of Materials
CNC machines are capable of machining a wide range of CNC machining materials. This adaptability makes them highly suitable for modern manufacturing.
In addition, this versatility makes them crucial production equipment in most industries.
Imagine the manufacturing process in an automotive industry that produces high-quality vehicles. You know, a typical car needs different types of metals.
It requires stainless steel, brass and aluminum. During the manufacturing of machined parts, they usually go through various shaping processes.
CNC machines like turning, milling, and drilling play a crucial role in this case. So, we can clearly observe that CNC machines are versatile over a wide
range of materials. Note that not only in automotive industries, CNC machines are popular in other industries as well.
How To Choose The Right CNC Machining Material?
Choosing the right CNC machining material is crucial for every CNC machining operation. It involves considering different factors that might affect the
functionality of your project. Let’s check out what they are.
What is the most crucial factor when choosing a CNC machining material? Understanding the specific requirements of the project, right? Yes, you must choose
a CNC machining material best suited for your applications. The next thing that you need to consider is the material properties.
In this case, you can check for moisture, strength, heat, and corrosion resistance. Since you are using CNC machines, checking the machinability is also essential. However, for electrical uses, check for electrical conductivity.
After considering all these essential factors, now consider the budget. Let’s say you are running a food & beverage industry.
You require high-quality food-grade metals. So, when considering the CNC machining material, you can first consider the most productive choice. In this case, you can choose between aluminum or stainless steel.
Returning Questions
What materials can not be CNC machined?
CNC machines are usually versatile. But still, it is not a suitable choice for machining glass, ceramics and rubbers. Well, they are highly suitable for machining metal, wood, plastics and many more.
Is CNC only for metal?
No. CNC machines can also work with other materials, like wood, acrylic and plastics. That’s why they are widely popular as versatile solutions for modern manufacturing.
What Is The Most Common CNC Metal?
The most common CNC metals are aluminum, stainless steel and brass. If you observe carefully, you can find vast applications of these three CNC machining materials. They also have different grades, such as aluminum 6061&7075 and SS304, SS306 & SS316.
Summary
Let’s wrap everything up! Choosing the right CNC machining material is essential for the performance of any machine. Each material has unique benefits. As a result, selecting the proper material is critical for both investment and overall business performance.
However, the preceding sections have addressed three common CNC machining metals. They are aluminum, stainless steel and brass. Well, we may often find
these materials in our nearby machinery, constructions or equipment. Choosing the appropriate materials is tricky, but it is really advantageous if you know
how. In this case, the primary objective is to consider the project requirements. Consider the material qualities as well.
