CNC Milling Copper: An Informative Guide
Copper is important in modern applications. CNC-milled copper components offer thermal and electrical conductivity.
The guide below details the different methods of CNC milling copper, benefits offered by copper, applications of copper, and the challenges faced while machining copper. If you want to learn all of these, continue reading!
What is CNC Milling Copper?
CNC milling copper is a process that offers precision. The process uses computer-controlled milling tools. Such tools help remove the material from the copper block, which creates detailed copper components.
CNC milling uses a rotating cutting tool, which helps in carving copper out. Such a process is very important for manufacturing complex parts and designs with details. CNC milling copper requires choosing tools carefully so that high-quality copper components can be achieved.
5 Key CNC Milling Operations of Custom Copper Parts
The main CNC milling operations for custom copper parts are the following:
Fresado frontal
The process of face milling in CNC machining works by having a cutting tool axis perpendicular to the surface that is being machined. The material from the copper workpiece is removed, and a smooth and flat finished component is achieved.
The process of face milling is suitable for preparing the surfaces before they are subjected to further machining. This process is commonly used in electrical contacts and heat sinks, which require flat and smooth surfaces with uniform thickness.
End Milling
The process of end milling uses a cutting tool in a cylindrical form that has multiple cutting edges. It helps create pockets and contours on copper components. The axis of this tool is parallel to the surface of the workpiece.
End milling is a versatile process and helps create complex features in custom copper components like cavities and grooves. It is widely opted for manufacturing electrical connectors in which the dimension and shape of the component are crucial for its functionality.
Slot Milling
Slot milling is meant for cutting slots and channels in the copper components which are narrow. A slotting cutter helps create these features and is used in components where alignment is required for interlocking.
Slot milling is opted mostly for components like connectors in which the slot dimensions are crucial so that the proper fitting is achieved for mechanical performance.
Fresado de roscas
Thread milling is a CNC machining process that creates threads in copper components. It has a rotating cutting tool that cuts thread in the copper part. They create internal, as well as external threads of different sizes.
The process of thread milling is used to create highly precise copper components that need threaded parts like plumbing and electrical fittings.
Fresado de perfiles
Profile milling is a process of CNC machining that creates 2D and 3D shapes that are complex. It can also make curved surfaces in components. The process of profile milling helps create custom copper parts that have detailed features and decorative edges.
Industries that require copper components that are functional as well as aesthetically appealing use the profile milling process. Decorative hardware and electrical enclosures are made using this process.
Benefits of Using Copper for CNC Milled Parts
Opting for copper for CNC milled parts comes with multiple benefits, and some of these are given below:
- The copper material is known for its excellent formability and is suitable for hot, as well as cold processes.
- CNC-machined copper parts can be subjected to post-processing for surface finishing through various methods that are highly affordable.
- The process of CNC machining copper always helps create components that exhibit wear and chemical resistance.
- The copper components also offer high strength, machinability, and ductility.
Challenges of Using Copper for CNC Milled Parts
Although copper is a very suitable metal for CNC milling and is used widely in many applications, it still has some challenges to offer, such as:
- Due to a lack of appropriate machining parameters and tooling, burr formation is observed on the copper components. In order to avoid this, sharp tools can be used, and feed rates need to be optimized.
- During the milling process, copper may turn hard– which causes trouble. In order to deal with this problem, the process of cutting should be carried out in continuous form and at low speeds.
- Copper offers high thermal conductivity and softness which makes the tool wear out quickly. Hence, a carbide tool may help to ensure durability in its life while machining copper.
Applications of CNC Milled Copper Parts
Cobre CNC milling is observed in various industries, and some of these applications are given below:
Electrónica
Copper offers excellent electrical conductivity, and therefore the components manufactured by copper CNC milling can be used in electronics. Such components may include connectors, bus bars, and terminals. The process of CNC milling ensures that these components are manufactured with accurate dimensions and have smooth surfaces to meet the criticality of the application.
Industria médica
Copper has biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, which make it suitable for CNC milled components used in the medical industry. The precision of medical devices and surgical instruments is very important to ensure that these components meet the standards for accuracy and safety. Hence, various surgical instruments are manufactured by CNC milling copper.
Plumbing Components
CNC milling helps produce copper components that are used in plumbing. These components may include fittings, elbows, and valves. Copper is a high-corrosion resistant material and is known for its malleability which allows the creation of long-lasting and precise plumbing components.
Industria aeroespacial
The aerospace industry requires various types of components made using copper. CNC milling helps manufacture parts for aerospace fuel systems, heat exchangers, and avionics. The reliability and precision of CNC milling ensure that the parts manufactured meet the performance demands of this industry.
Conclusión
CNC milled copper parts offer usability in diverse applications. The properties offered by copper and the precision of CNC milling are a good combination to create these highly precise components. As you have read the guide above, you must have learned in detail about copper CNC milling and its benefits.
CNC Milling Copper Service at DEK
Custom copper parts are required in many applications. Hence, when looking to source these custom copper components manufactured using CNC milling, you can get in touch with DEK. We offer to serve a wide range of industries with our expertise and experience. We can provide you with copper components that are manufactured based on your specifications.
Preguntas frecuentes
How much does it cost to get copper CNC milled?
The cost of CNC milling copper may vary based on various factors, which include the required precision, grade of copper, and volume of components.
How to prevent copper from oxidizing?
In order to prevent copper from oxidizing, you can apply a thin layer of protection in the form of wax or oil. Also, copper components can be stored in environments that have low humidity, and chemicals like anti-tarnish sprays can also be used.
