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How to Get Custom CNC Milled Parts

CNC Milling Parts(1)
Austin Peng
Published 20 Jun 2024
Table of Content

Whether you are here to learn about CNC milled parts or you are looking for a manufacturer that can service your milling project, you can find the answers to your questions by reading this article. Next, let's learn what milled parts are, what are their advantages, and more about CNC milled parts!

What are CNC Milled Parts?

What-are-CNC-Milled-Parts

CNC milled parts are customized machined parts made of metal, polymer, wood, or plastic, by a special computerized process known as CNC milling. CNC milling is one of the most important machining techniques used to manufacture various custom parts for different industries. It includes the use of highly mechanical gears and multi-point cutting tools to cut the material into different shapes.

The CNC milling parts are created by removing the unwanted parts of the material and turning it into a customized shape and design. The CNC milling parts produced at DEK use different axis for rotating tools whereas the workpiece stays in its place. DEK supports CNC milling for a wide range of materials. Using our advanced milling machines, we can create smaller-sized and custom-designed CNC milled parts for you.

What are the Advantages of CNC Milled Parts?

What-are-the-Advantages-of-CNC-Milled-Parts

CNC milled parts include items that we use in our everyday life without even noticing, in fact, we depend on many of the milled products in our industries. They vary from simplest designs to customized and intricate models for prototypes and large production batches. DEK produces high-quality CNC milled parts that serve the following advantages:

  1. They are used to develop prototypes for the new product, you can test the prototype for quality and functionality before placing a large quantity order.
  2. CNC milled parts can easily be customized into any desired shape or design, and they can be made into perfectly finished products.
  3. CNC milled parts have their applications in every industry, including but not limited to; automotive, medical, food, mechanical, construction, aerospace, and kitchen utensils.
  4. These parts save money for business when ordered at a larger scale, and they make testing the prototype easier without wasting many assets.

What is the Difference Between 3-Axis, 4-Axis, and 5-Axis CNC Milling?

What-is-the-Difference-Between-3-Axis-4-Axis-and-5-Axis-CNC-Milling

At DEK, we promise to develop precise CNC milled parts using our range of different axis milling machines. The most common CNC milling is done using 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machines, and the main difference between them is their movement. Here is a brief comparison of the three machining systems of CNC milling:

3-axis CNC Milling

This type of machine is used for performing the simplest kind of CNC milling operation, where the workpiece is kept stationary and the pointer works in the vertical direction. The 3-axis milling machines are suitable for the CNC milled parts in 2D geometry, due to the single fixture setup. The movement of the pointer is only possible in linear directions, such as x, y, and z axes. 3-axis milling is comparatively cheaper than other milling operations.

4-axis CNC Milling

Normally, the most commonly used CNC machine at any milling center like DEK is the 4-axis, because, unlike the 3-axis, it can rotate. The 4-axis spindle can not only move in x,y, z axes, it has an additional rotatory direction known as the A-axis. The workpiece in this type of machining is attached to the x-axis whereas the spindle can rotate and perform its milling in both horizontal and vertical manner.

5-axis CNC Milling

The 5-axis milling machines can perform the rotation in 2 more axes, which can either be B-axis and C-axis or A and C axes. The 5-axis milling can create the most elaborate and complex customized CNC milled parts with the finest finishing. DEK uses advanced 5-axis machines to produce complex 3D designs of milled parts for our clients, all over the globe.

What Materials can be Made into CNC Milled Parts

There is a wide range of materials that can be used to produce custom CNC milled parts, according to your requirement, budget, workability, and design. Here are some of the typical materials that DEK uses to manufacture CNC milled parts, are divided into two main types:

Metals

CNC Milled parts for different materials(1)

There is a large number of metals that can be used to develop CNC milled parts. Metals are used in milling when the milled parts need to be of high resistance, strength, and hardness. The following metals are frequently used in CNC milling:

Aluminum

Aluminum has all the properties that make a metal suitable for customized milling processes. Aluminum and its alloys have the greatest workability for any design of the CNC milled parts.

Brass

Brass is a soft metal alloy made from zinc and copper and serves a great purpose in the milling processes as it can be milled without lubrication. A great number of CNC milled products used in the auto industry are made from brass.

Titanium

Titanium holds such characteristics that make it easy to be welded and milled into customized shapes and designs. It is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and tough in nature which makes it best for CNC milling.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has countless applications in almost every industry, thus a great material to be made into CNC milled parts. Different alloys of stainless steel are continuously being used in milling processes with their ability to be readily machined.

Plastics

CNC Plastic parts(1)

Plastics are very lightweight yet they possess toughness and strength equal to some of the metal alloys, making them a renowned choice for milling materials. Several types of plastics can be used for making CNC milled parts, such as ABS, POM, Acrylic, Nylon, and HDPE, etc. Each kind of plastic used in milling has its own applications and benefits on a larger scale.

ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic polymer composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.

POM(Acetal/Derlin)

Delrin, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a specific brand name of Acetal and is manufactured by DuPont. It offers high strength, high stiffness, excellent wear resistance, low friction, low water absorption, chemical resistance and high dimensional stability.

Acrylic(PMMA)

Acrylic, also known as PMMA, is a polymer material with excellent optical transparency, weatherability and chemical resistance. Acrylic is lightweight but strong, unbreakable and has excellent processing properties.

Nylon

Nylon has excellent thermal, mechanical, abrasion and chemical resistance, and is easy to machine, making it a versatile material for a wide range of CNC machining applications.

PTFE(Teflon)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is a high-performance synthetic polymer famous for its nonstick properties and versatility.

Are CNC Milled Parts Suitable for Small Batches or Large Quantities?

Are-CNC-Milled-Parts-Suitable-for-Small-Batches-or-Large-Quantities

At DEK, we offer CNC milled parts for small batches as well as for large quantities, because we value your need and work according to your budget. However, CNC milling is best suited for large quantities as it creates a smooth workflow. For large quantities of the CNC milled parts, the components of each part are created in a separate step using specialized machines to create a large batch in the end.

This process saves time, creates parts with much more accuracy, and the speed of the production is increased. As opposed to the small-batch production of the CNC milled parts, the large quantities reduce the overall cost of the production, with minimum raw materials and faster end products. Despite all this, small-batch production has its own significance especially when your business needs unique designs for metal and plastic prototypes.

Which Surface Treatment is Used for CNC Milled Parts?

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Most of the CNC milled parts require surface treatment after completing the milling operation. Surface treatment provides excellent finishing to the product’s surface. DEK uses different treatments and methods for the surface finishing of the CNC milled parts. Some of them include:

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that enhances metals' corrosion resistance, durability, and appearance, particularly aluminum.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting(Bead blasting) is one of the surface treatments used for the milled parts where the workpiece is sprayed with water coming out with really high pressure. The high-speed water contains some abrasive substance that covers the metal surface and gives it a better finishing.

Black Oxide

Get functional and aesthetic benefits in one with Black Oxide surface finishing. It's a matte black finish that also adds protection to metals, reducing corrosion and wear over time.

Electropolishing

Electropolishing enhances the corrosion resistance of metal by removing impurities and creating a clean, passive surface.

Powder Coating

This method of surface finishing is achieved by spraying some powdered coating onto the metal surface of the workpiece. Powder coating is done by the static electricity process, which sprays the powder evenly on the CNC milled parts. This method creates highly corrosion-free and strong final products.

Can CNC Milled Parts be Customized?

Can-CNC-Milled-Parts-be-Customized

Yes, all of the CNC milled parts can be customized into any possible shape or design with the help of different axes milling machines. DEK provides custom-made milled parts to our clients all across the globe.

The client creates a 2D or 3D customized design using CAD, gets a free quote, places the order, and our efficient team delivers the customized CNC milled parts in 3-7 days. Customization of the milled parts is done with great accuracy and perfection at DEK CNC milling centers, along with other machining procedures.

How to Find A Reliable CNC Milled Parts Manufacturer in China?

How-to-Find-A-Reliable-CNC-Milled-Parts-Manufacturer-in-China

Despite the current rise of CNC milling production in Asian countries, China still stands unbeaten in the race of high-quality milling service providers. China has its name in the manufacturing of products at a large scale, so there is no exception when it comes to CNC machining.

You can choose the best CNC milled parts manufacturer in China based on the location, pricing, capabilities, and delivery time. DEK is one of the reliable CNC machining and manufacturing service providers in China. Our company provides cost-effective and sustainable machining services to its customers around the globe.

Does DEK Offer High-Precision CNC Milled Parts?

Does-DEK-Offer-High-Precision-CNC-Milled-Parts

Yes, DEK is well-known for the production of high-precision CNC milled parts. We have separate milling stations and departments for each type of milling you choose. Our experts have in-depth knowledge of advanced milling tools such as 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines. They understand the working principles of each type of milling which leads them to produce the high-precision milled parts. Not only do we create the most reliable and precise milling parts, but also deliver your order within a couple of days.

Does DEK Offer Rapid CNC Milled Parts for Prototyping?

Yes, DEK offers rapid CNC milling services for machining, your milled parts can be delivered to you at a much faster speed than other manufacturers. For the smaller batches of the CNC milling prototypes, we can deliver your order within the quoted time. Whereas, for the larger batches of the prototypes and CNC milled parts, the minimum days are around 14-15.

Our team at DEK is very well trained to perform all the milling operations, which saves time and mistakes, and we are able to deliver your orders faster. We promise to help you by rapidly manufacturing the milling parts whether you want simple designs or complex geometrical shapes.

Does DEK Offer Small Batch CNC Milled Parts?

cnc milled parts(1)

Yes, DEK deals in small batches of CNC milled final parts or prototype designs. We have no minimum order requirement, you can always place the order for our high-precision CNC milled parts. Despite the volume of your order, we treat our customers the same way. Our team is efficient to get back to you within 6 hours of your quote request. You can get guidance on the type and designs of your milled parts order and our experts will guide you according to your needs and budget.

Does DEK Offer Mass CNC Milled Parts Production?

Yes, DEK is proud to offer CNC milled parts production at vast scales, with our state-of-the-art milling operation centers. The order for large-scale production of the milled parts is cost-friendly as the raw material is wasted less and the production effort is slightly reduced at a large scale. In large-scale milling, each workpiece goes through different stages, and simultaneously each workpiece goes through the same step.

The overall workability and the production time for the large-scale items are also reduced due to the step-by-step process that follows. Another noticeable feature of the large-scale production of the CNC milled parts is the relatively lower production cost.

Why Do So Many Customers over the World Choose to Work With DEK?

Why-Do-So-Many-Customers-over-the-World-Choose-to-Work-With-DEK

Customers all around the world choose to avail our CNC milling and machining services for a variety of reasons and always leave positive feedback. Some of those reasons include:

Saving Time

The biggest reason for customers to choose DEK for the milling services is our efficient staff. You can contact us anytime and our team will guide you according to your requirements. We provide free quotes within hours which saves a lot of time for our customers and they decide to order from us. Another thing is our fastest delivery of the order which is why so many businesses around the globe choose to associate with us.

Reduced Cost

When it comes to the pricing of the top-quality CNC milled parts, DEK is one of the best choices you can make. We offer our services at a reduced cost of up 60%, and promise to deliver extraordinary products.

Lower Risk

With our positive customer care policies, the customer feels safe putting money in for the large-scale production of the milling prototypes. Our team at DEK makes sure that the final products are flawless and we are willing to take back or redo any defective parts after the inspection.

How to Cooperate with DEK?

You can get in touch with our highly capable team for getting a free quote, or calling us directly on our provided contact numbers. Our team gets back to you with an accurate estimate for your query within few hours. No matter how simple or complicated you think your project is, we at DEK are always looking forward to attending to our clients warmly. You can place your order and send us the CAD files of your designed parts. As soon as we receive your order, we start working on it and try to deliver it as quickly as possible.

How Long Does it Take for the Order to Deliver?

The delivery time for your order to be delivered depends on a number of factors, including the quantity of the milled parts, the difficulty, and the complexity of the milling design, and the finishing treatment used. On average, we make sure to deliver the small volume batches of CNC milled parts within 3-7 days.

Whereas, the delivery for the larger scale batches can take up to 30 days, due to the larger quantity of the milled parts. Some milling parts orders take a lot of time for their products even though the order is small, due to the complexity of their designs. Similarly, large-scale milling parts with 3-axis milling can be created and finished in less time because of their simplicity.

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Austin Peng
Co-founder of DEK
AUTHOR
Hello! I'm Austin Peng. I manage a factory that specializes in CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication for small quantity production and rapid prototyping solutions. When I'm not immersed in work, I love diving into football matches, exploring new travel destinations, enjoying music, and staying updated on the latest tech trends. Feel free to chat with me about anything, whether it's work or life!

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