What Are CNC MACHINING SERVICES?
CNC is also called computer numerical controlled machining. It is a commonly used manufacturing process which uses automated, high-speed cutting tools to form designs from metal or plastic. CNC machining service is the most common subtractive manufacturing technology nowadays. It is flexible and robust way to create custom plastic and metal parts. By using CAD models, CNC machines remove material from a solid block material with cutting tools.
CNC machining creates parts with tight tolerance and impressive materials properties. As CNC machining services are highly repeatable, it is suitable for production in low to medium volume which is more up to 1,000 units. Compared to 3D print, CNC machining does have more design restrictions because of the subtractive nature of the technology.
At TEAM Rapid, we have standard CNC machines which include 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling machines, lathes, and routers. Our skilled machinists operate CNC machines by programming tool paths based on the geometry. A CAD model provide the geometry information. CNC machines cut any metal and rigid plastic with high precision and repeatability. CNC machining parts are suitable for many industries which include aerospace, medical, robotics, electronics and more. TEAM Rapid provides CNC machining services quotes for more than 40 materials ranging from aluminum to titanium and engineered plastic such as Teflon and PEEK.
How does CNC Machining Work?
CNC machining uses subtractive processes. Feedstock is machined to its end form though subtracting and removing material. Holes are drilled, metal stock is shaped into new material with taper, diameters and shapes. For subtractive manufacturing, shapes are done by the subtraction of material. This contrasts with additive manufacturing which material are added, layered and deformed to make a shape. It also contrasts to injection molding which material is injected in a different state of matter by a mold and formed to a desired shape. CNC machining is versatile. CNC machining services can be used with different materials which include metals, plastic, wood, foam, glass and other composite materials. Because of versatility, CNC machining is a popular manufacturing process in different industries which enable designer and engineers to produce products efficiently and precisely.
CNC Milling
CNC milling is one of the most popular CNC machining services. CNC milling machines remove material from a part mounted on the machine be by using rotational cutting tools. Most CNC milling system have X, Y and Z axes. Most advanced system have 5 degrees of machining freedom via A and V axes. 5-axis machines can create parts with high geometric complexity. 5-axis machines do not need multiple machine steps.
Here are the steps that a CNC milling machines turn a CAD model into a real part:
1, A CAD model is converted into a series of command which is interpreted by the G-code.
2, A block of material is cut to size and placed on the platform by a vice or by mounting it on the be directly.
3, The workpiece is positioned and aligned precisely to produce accurate parts. The special metrology tools can be used to help in positioning and alignments.
4, Specialized cutting tools, rotating at high speed and remove material from the block. The machine removes material fast at a low accuracy to get the approximate geometry. Then there are few accuracies step to produce the end parts.
5, If the model has features which cannot be reached by the cutting tool. The workpiece needs to be flipped and the steps need to be repeated.
6, After machining, a milled parts need to be deburred. Deburring process can remove small defects from the end parts. These defects usually come from material deformation machining.
7, Inspection of the part’s dimensions if the tolerance meets the technical drawing.
8, When above steps are completed, the milled parts are ready for use or for post-processing.
CNC Turning
CNC turning machines remove material from a part by using stationary cutting tools. CNC turning is an ideal way to produce parts with symmetry with their center axis. Compared to milled parts, CNC turned parts are produce faster and at lower cost.
CNC turning system is also known as lathes. It can be used to produce cylindrical parts. Here at TEAM Rapid, our multi-axis CNC turning centers are equipped with CNC milling tools. We combine high productivity of CNC turning with the capabilities of CNC milling and produce a large range of geometries with rotational symmetry like radial compressor impellers and camshafts, we offer excellent CNC machining services.
Here are the steps that a CNC turning machines turn a CAD model into a real part:
1, G-code is generated from a CAD model and loads the machine with a cylinder of stock material
2, The part begins rotating at high speed. A stationary cutting tool tracs a profile and remove material until geometry is designed.
3, Internal cutting tools and center drills cut the holes with the center axis of the workpiece
4, If the part needs to be flipped and moved, this process have to be repeated. Or when you finish cutting away material, the part is ready for use or post-processing.
Why Choose TEAM Rapid for CNC Machining Services?
TEAM Rapid offer CNC machining services to designers, product developer, engineers and more. Our high-quality CNC machining shops can produce any custom design no matter it is simple or complex. We provide rapid CNC prototypes, low and high-volume CNC machining production. Send your CAD file to get a free instant quote, you will receive your price, lead time and manufacturability feedback on your CNC machining parts. At TEAM Rapid, our CNC machining services provide metals and plastic to meet customers’ requirements at the reasonable price and product development stage. We ensure each customer will get their CNC machining parts with high quality and on time.
Here at TEAM Rapid, we use automation to create custom machining easier, quicker and more affordable:
1, We have a wide range of capabilities which are much more than most individual shops
2, We offer instant free quotes. You will not feel guilty even you request many quotes.
3, We did not hide cost. We quote all costs, and we commit to the pricing shown.
4, We don’t have limitation on order size. We can create one-off prototypes to millions of production parts.
5, We guarantee competitive pricing on each order.
What are the Characteristics of CNC Machining?
CNC machining can produce robust parts from a wide range of materials consistently. Unlike 3D printing, CNC machining parts have fully – isotropic physical properties which are identical to properties of material from which were machined. CNC machining involves metals for prototyping and high-volume production runs. It is difficult to machine plastics because plastics have lower stiffness and melting temperature.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of CNC Machining?
1. CNC machining is an ideal manufacturing process for many applications, it does not have flaws.
2. CNC machining provides high accuracy and repeatability. CNC milling and turning produce parts with tight tolerance. So, CNC is ideal for high end application in aerospace, aviation, automotive industries. Most CNC machining materials have excellent properties and are suitable for most engineering applications.
3. CNC machining is the most cost-effective manufacturing process to produce parts in low to medium volume which make it an attractive option for engineers. The subtractive nature of CNC machining makes complex geometries costly and even impossible to produce.
The setup cost for CNC machining is higher than 3D printing. If you want to produce prototypes from plastic at lower cost, 3D printing is a better option if set up cost is concerned. Compared to 3D printing, lead time of CNC machining is longer. And average lead time of CNC is 10 days and 2-5 days for 3D printing. CNC machines are not as widely available as 3D printers. CNC machines need more skilled knowledges to perform effectively.
What is Our CNC Machining and Turning Capabilities?
At TEAM Rapid, we have significant capabilities in CNC machining services.
- 5 Axis Machining up to 26″
- 4 Axis Machining up to 36″
- 3 Axis Machining up to 60″
- Wire EDM with a part depth of 18″
What Industries Use CNC Machining Services?
CNC machining is widely used in a wide range of industries which include aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, robotics, agriculture and other fields which need metal parts frequently. Common CNC machining applications include medical devices, household goods, energy, oil and gas. CNC machining is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes in the world.
What is the Difference between CNC Machining and Milling?
CNC milling is one of the styles of CNC machining. CNC machining is any process which a part is produce by a machine that is controlled by a computer. CNC milling, a cutting tool spins at high speeds and advances and across the piece to remove material. CNC turning, routing, plasma cutting, and water jetting are the other types of CNC machining. CNC turning and CNC milling can be combined to a machine because they can additive and subtractive operated and produce more complex types of CNC machining.
How Much do CNC Machining Services Cost?
When we receive a CAD file, we calculate the cost of machinable parts by machine learning algorithms. We are able to generate an exact quote instantly. Customers will always know the price up front. Just upload your CAD file to generate a quote simply. Our CNC machining services quotes are free. If you have made a new design iteration, just send load both order and new design into our quoting tool to compare the cost. This technology costs us less overhead and make the entire process less expensive, so, the price for our customers is lower.
How Much do CNC Machining Material Cost?
Here at TEAM Rapid, our CNC machining services have a wide range of material available. The cost of CNC machining varies a bit between materials. Each material has its price tag. The physical properties of each material effect on the cost of CNC machining services.
Aluminum 6601 is the most economical material with an approximate cost of USD$25 for a blank with size 150*150*25mm. ABS is the cheapest material, it cost around USD$17 for a blank of the same size. Stainless steel is a good example of how ease of machining affects the cost. Stainless steel is harder than aluminum. So, it is harder to machine and increase the total cost.
How to Reduce the Cost for CNC Machining Parts?
The main factors impact the CNC machining services cost are machining time, start-up costs, materials costs and feature costs. To reduce the machining time, the best way is to design features which can be machined fast. For example, reducing cavity depth, increasing wall thickness, limiting thread length and designing holes with standard size. To reduce the material cost, the size of the blank required, and machinability of the bulk material should be considered. Reducing the number part rotations or repositioning the finish can reduce the startup cost. Using tolerance when it is strictly necessary, removing text and letter, eliminating multiple surface finishes can lower the feature costs.
What are the Tolerances for CNC Machined Parts?
+0.005”/ -0.005” tolerances across most geometries in metals and ±0.010” for plastics. This will vary for large parts especially when holding flatness over large parts under heat treatment.
1. As milled finished requirements have minimum 125 surface finish for CNC parts.
2. 0.010” dimensional and 1 ° angular are the normal tolerance on for all fabricated parts.
3. No surface treatments such as anodize, bead blast, iridate and powder coat will be applied unless the treatment is paid.
How to Choose the Right CNC Machining Manufacturer to Produce Your Parts?
Algorithms is a good way to identify the right CNC machining manufacturer for specific order. Manufacturer’s experience with similar projects, their proximity, and their capacity will allow you to balance customers’ requirement for quality, cost and speed better than before.
How to Guarantee the Quality of the CNC Machining Parts?
At TEAM Rapid, we take quality seriously. We have a rigorous supplier vetting process and just accept top supplier to make sure we continue to deliver CNC machining parts with highest quality to our customers. Our QA team will do regular quality checks of our facilities. Our QC team will do a comprehensive, standardized inspection report with each order to make sure quality metric are met and provide a first article inspection service on each order, we guarantee of CNC machining services are affordable and qualified.
Where Can Learn More about CNC Machining Services?
TEAM Rapid, as a professional CNC machining manufacturer, we have many experienced engineers and technicians in our team. We have written and post a lot of content about rapid over the years. Here at TEAM Rapid, you can learn about many different kinds of mills and lathes work and the different materials available. You can compare their advantages and limitations very easily. You can also learn the design rules for machining and common applications of every material and surface finish.
Contact TEAM Rapid
TEAM Rapid, as a leading rapid manufacturing company, we have been providing CNC machining service for over 10 years. We focus on good working, high quality and small quantity order. Welcome any inquire about CNC machining projects, CNC custom parts, CNC turning parts, 3D print parts and more. Our CNC machined parts are made with various metal materials for automobile, motorcycle, photonics, bicycle, sports industries, electronics, telecommunications, microphone and more. Contact us today.if your need CNC machining services.
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