The Guide To CNC Machined Parts: Benefits, Materials & Applications

Maybe you have a lot of questions about CNC machined parts in your mind, so here we write the basic guide of machined parts and how we guarantee the best quality for you. Please read on, and you will have a different harvest. If you need to get a quick quote, just click the “Get A Quote” button on the right.

What Are CNC Machined Parts?

The term CNC denotes “Computer Numeric Control”. CNC machined parts are a number of machined parts produced by CNC machining. CNC machining is referred to as a manufacturing process in which pre-program software helps to determine or decides the tools or parts movements. This process varies in varieties and can range from lathes and grinders to milling machines.

Benefits When Using CNC Machines To Build Your Parts

There are many advantages to machining your parts through CNC machines, including fast, precise, stable quality, and low price, etc.

Precision, Consistency & Redundancy

While the use of CNC machining to build parts comes with the ease of production, it also helps to achieve consistency, precision, and avoid redundancy. Human errors and inconsistencies can be avoided as result. The use of computer software in designing those parts makes it easy to perfectly replicate the same design of any quantity.

Increase Productivity & Efficiency

When CNC machining is used for building parts, continuity is achieved over a long period. Unlike manual labor, the process goes on continuously without break. As a result, it helps to greatly increase efficiency and productivity.

Require Low Skilled Personnel

For the production of CNC machined part, low skill requirement is involved. This is because most of the important processes have been done by programmed computer software. This means that operators of CNC machines require little skills and training in comparison with manual machine operators.

Few Personnel Required

When CNC machining is used for part creation, the processes are programmed to be carried out by specific computer software. As a result, only a few of these processes require manned labor. Furthermore, few operators are used since most of the processes have been programmed to be carried out.

Enhance Flexibility

The use of software in part production can be reprogrammed easily and quickly in the production of other parts. This makes it easy to keep up with the demands of other customers.

Enhance Capabilities

With the use of CNC machining technology, computer software used precision to go beyond manual capabilities. This is evident in the ease of performing complex and intricate operations.

Safety is Achieved

The use of CNC machines are much safer compared to manually operated machines. As a result, little or no casualties are recorded as they work behind a guard or even a closed transparent safety door.

Экономическая эффективность

The use of traditional machines requires one operator per machine. On the other hand, CNC machining requires fewer operators to function. One interesting thing is that one skilled operator can operate several machines at a time without stress. While this process of producing parts is precise and accurate, it also helps to eliminate unnecessary waste. In the long run, the cost of employing operators and the cost incurred on waste is effectively reduced to the barest minimum.

Allows Improvement

The CNC machines used in the production of parts can be updated to align with the latest styles in the manufacturing industry. This is done by the use of software updates that can be used to drive the machines.

What Materials Can Be Machined?

When it comes to CNC machining and CNC machined part productions, there are a wide variety of materials to be utilized. Before deciding on which material is the best fit for your project, it is required to be familiarized with the materials available. Material to be used can be divided into three groups, they include:

• Металлы
• Пластик
• Others including solid wood/plywood, foams, and many more.

Металлы

Metal is one of the most common materials used for CNC milling in the industry. There are vast varieties of metal materials to be selected for a project. Let’s take a closer look at the commonly used options as well as their applications.

Алюминий

In the CNC machining space, the most commonly used CNC milling material is aluminum because it’s the best option for aspect and mechanical components. The reason for its wide usage is because it is generally easy to machine compared to other materials. As a result, aluminum usage in CNC machining is economically viable. Aluminum made CNC machined parts form protective layers which give them more strength and corrosion resistance. The application includes electronic housing, gears, shafts, aircraft fittings, medical devices, and many more.

Сталь

Steel exists in different alloys and most steel parts are always available for CNC milling services which are engineered for excellent machinability. This material – steel, is mostly used for parts in situations where stronger welds and enhanced formability are required. While its application is dependent on the alloy type, its application is found in commercial products, gears, and shafts, parts that require strong welds, and high-stress applications. Commonly used alloys of steel include 12L14, 1018, 1215, and many more.

Нержавеющая сталь

Stainless steel is applicable for CNC machined parts and it’s majorly used because it is heat treatable and highly corrosion resistant. Its application exists in vast varieties ranging from electronic hardware to surgical equipment and to other parts that require more weldability and formability. Its application can be found in the aerospace and automotive industry.

Латунь

Brass is an alloy of copper and it’s one of the easiest and cost-effective materials for CNC machines. It is durable and strong in its application as it is used in medical equipment, electrical hardware, consumer goods, and more. Besides, brass features high corrosion resistance and low friction coefficient. As a result, it is also found in the fields of engineering, steam work, plumbing, musical instrument, and many more.

Титан

Titanium is one of the common materials used or CNC machined parts due to its high melting point. As a result of this, it is a viable choice for many applications and industries. Titanium is impervious to salt, water, and ductility with high corrosion resistance. Titanium features strength and sturdiness coupled with lightweight and biocompatibility. This is why it is used for medical implants, jewelry, aircraft components, and more.

Медь

Only a few metals in CNC machining space offer the electric conductivity of copper. It is highly resistant to corrosion while its thermal conductivity properties make the shaping process easier during CNC machining. It is mostly used in the automotive industry while other applications include heat exchangers and cooling systems. Others are found in various engineering applications such as radiators and valves.

Пластик

All plastic materials are applicable to CNC machining. Let’s take a look at a few of the vast varieties of plastic materials used for CNC machined parts.

ПВХ

PVC as a form of plastic material is highly applicable in all industry ranging from the production of water to gas pipes to toys and many more. This is because PVC provides a vast variety of impressive properties including resistance to chemicals, flames, corrosion, and many more. It is cost-effective and most affordable of all plastic CNC milling materials.

Нейлон

While nylon is one of the generally used CNC milling materials, it features impressive properties in its application. It is easy to machine with moderate resistance to flame. CNC machined nylons are commonly found in applications including bearings, insulators, short-run products for injection molding, and many more.

PEEK

One of the commonly used plastic materials in the CNC machined part is the Ceramic PEEK. It features superior dimensional stability as well as impact strength. Besides, PEEK features adequate impact resistance which makes it a perfect fit for applications including test sockets, connectors, switches, and many more.

Другие материалы

Apart from the metals and plastic CNC machining materials, there are other forms of materials that can be used. They include foams and woods.

Foam

This material is light in weight, relatively cheap, and easily machined. It can be used to perform a test run in form of a model before a more expensive CNC milling material. For example, it can be recommended for amateurs in CNC milling technology such as the extruded polyurethane – a blue foam. However, these materials have shortcomings as it is susceptible to dimensional instability including wear and tear.

Plywood & solid wood

Plywood & solid wood are used aesthetically in CNC milling as they offer the ability to resist wear and tear. Although both are widely used in this space they have slight differences. One of the major differences is that plywood offers more dimensional stability compared to solid woods. Plywood is quite expensive and requires specialized cutting tools in its applications.

What Are The Common Applications Of CNC Machined Parts?

CNC machined parts are popularly known in the manufacturing industries today. Its application is not limited to any single sector because machining is virtually used everywhere. Application of CNC machined parts can be found in different categories of industries including:

Аэрокосмическая промышленность

The aerospace industry has been using CNC machined parts for quite an age. Metals used in this space especially for aircraft components are machined to a high level of precision. This is essential for safety-critical applications. CNC Machinable aerospace components include:

• Fuel flow components
• Landing gear components
• fuel access panels

Автомобили

CNC machined parts are regularly used in this industry for both production and prototyping.  Its application is widely used for creating one-off custom automotive parts as well as replacement parts. This is because its CNC machining turnaround times are faster with no minimum required production quantity. CNC machining can be used to machine extruded metal into the following:

• Редукторы
• Клапаны
• Аксельс
• Блоки цилиндров

Plastic can be machined into the following:

• Газовые манометры
• Панели приборной панели

Бытовая электроника

CNC machined parts are normally used for prototyping and production of consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and more. For example, the chassis of an Apple Macbook is machined from extruded aluminum and then anodized. In this industry, CNC machined parts are used in the creation of the following:

• PCBs
• Electronic Industry Support
• Semiconductor Support
• Jigs
• Fixtures
• Корпуса

Оборона

CNC machined parts are majorly used in the military sector for prototyping and production of rugged and reliable parts. These parts withstand wear and tear with low maintenance and they overlap with other industries like electronics and aerospace. CNC machining is relevant here to provide on-demand replacement parts. Also, upgraded components are useful in an industry that demands constant innovation as well as security. Its application can be found in the following:

• Satellite Systems
• Internal Computer Assembly
• Box Cases

Медицина

CNC machined parts are applicable in various medically safe materials as well as one-off custom parts. CNC machined parts offer tight tolerances and are essential for the high performance of medical components. CNC machined parts are found in the following:

• Electronic closures
• Хирургические инструменты
• Implants
• Orthotics
• Rapid Diagnostic Test Security

Oil & Gas Industry

In the Oil and gas industry, tight tolerance is required for safety-critical applications. This sector uses CNC machining for precise, reliable parts as well as corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum 5052. These CNC machined parts are used for pipelines and refinery equipment. Applications can be found in the following:

• Cylinders
• Pins
• Valve Bodies
• Крепеж
• Rail and Switch Gear

Tooling Industry

CNC machined parts can be found in the direct manufacturing industry and indirect manufacturing industries such as injection molding and many more. These parts can be used to machine various tools including metal molds and tooling, plastic products, and many more in large quantities. They include:

• Ball Joints
• Coinage Die Making
• Module Blocks
• Output Shafts
• Ratchet Gears
• Spindle Housing Hubs
• Suspension Arms
• Tensioners
• Thermal Control

What Machines You Will Use?

We have a complete range of CNC machining equipment that offer impressive function with enough capacity to produce vast varieties of parts. They include:

3-Axis CNC Milling Machine

The 3-Axis CNC Milling Machine is known for its rudimentary option and has come a long way in terms of modernization. It is most widely used in the production of mechanical parts in industrial work, architecture, manufacturing, and many more. Its process uses 3-axis including X, Y, Z to shave down the material into the desired shape.

4-Axis CNC Milling Machine

With the introduction of the fourth axis, the 4-Axis CNC Milling Machine will be able to rotate around the vertical axis. It is applicable for machining involving millwork and in advance carvings.

5-Axis CNC Milling Machine

The 5-Axis CNC Milling Machine moves in the 5-axis including (A, B, X, Y, and Z,). In essence, it allows for parts manipulations from all directions in one operation of the machine. This machine is ideal for deeper parts, more precision, and harder materials. Its advantage is that it is faster compared to the 3-Axis CNC Milling Machine because of its flexibility.

Токарный станок с ЧПУ

This machine is mostly called a lathe and can either be vertical or horizontal depending on the tolerance and weight of the workpiece. It features a turning center that rotates your workpiece. Another impressive part is a tool that moves back and forth into the workpiece to cut your workpiece into the desired shape.

CNC Swiss Turning Machine

The CNC Swiss turning machine is a machine used for swiss turning. Swiss turning is a specialized process for machining high and small precision turned parts.

Бесцентровая шлифовальная машина

The centerless grinder is used for centerless grinding in CNC. This centerless grinding involves a machining process that uses abrasive cutting to remove materials from a workpiece. In this case, no spindle or fixtures is used to secure and locate the workpiece. It is typically used in a situation where many parts must be processed in a short period of time.

Поверхностный шлифовальный станок

The CNC surface grinder features a grinding wheel that rotates on a horizontal axis cutting around the circumference of the grinding wheel. They are intricately designed to accommodate infinite demands of production at a high rate no matter how big or small the project can be. The surface grinder features an abrasive wheel, a reciprocating or rotary table, and a work-holding device known as a chuck.

Honing Machine

Honing machines are referred to as metal abrading tools as well as honing processes utilizing hard tooling. The CNC honing machine is used for correcting shape, diameter, surface finish, and positional tolerances of bores.

EDM Machine

The EDM – also known as electrical discharge machining is a metal fabrication process in which the desired shape is obtained by using electrical discharges such as sparks. It s also known as spark eroding, wire burning, wire erosion, spark machining, or die sinking. For those parts that need surface special-shaped processing or need to drill precision inner holes, we will use the EDM machines to process.

Deep Hole Drilling Machine

In the CNC space, a deep hole drilling machine is a metal cutting machine tool that is designed to produce very deep as well as precision holes into virtually any metal. These machines provide and integrate technology used by tools and optimize all aspects of the process o drill deep holes with reliability, efficiency, and accuracy.

Can You Provide Surface Finishing Services After Parts Machined?

Yes. Use DEK Company as your one-stop solution for both production and surface finishing of your custom CNC machined parts. Our surface finishing services exist in vast varieties as shown below:

• DLC coating
• PVD-покрытие
• Spraying
• Пескоструйная обработка
• Анодирование

Smooth machining and many more depending on your request

How Do We Guarantee The Quality Of Machined Components?

Irrespective of the industry, the quality of machined components is crucial. This will ensure that the machined components meet the expectations of the customer, industry regulations and trade standards. For everyone’s benefit, DEK company implements quality control with varieties of measures and tools to inspect CNC machined parts we produce. Quality control is referred to as an overall inspection of manufacturing processes and products. In essence, it helps to avoid defective products, ensure dimensional accuracy and quality, minimize risk, conserve resources, improve efficiency, and reduce cost. Here at DEK company, we focus on CNC machined component’s quality control. The following tips are our way of ensuring effective quality control:

We learn about the background of our client’s industry

As soon as we receive orders, we learn about the client’s industry. This is because each industry has different standards. For example, military and medical machined parts require outstanding precision, tight tolerances, and excellent quality. DEK company specializes in custom CNC machined parts in a wide range of industries including food processing, packaging, electronics, automobile, aerospace, marine, military, high-tech, machine tools, and many more.

Understanding of the product's design

Before we embark on production, our designers and engineers take their time to analyze the design in detail and carefully. This is done in accordance with our customer’s specifications.

We examine our parts with precise measuring tools

We make use of a variety of advanced tools for the measurement of dimensions, colors, hardness, tolerance, and many more. This quality control processes are done when the parts are on the machine or after removing from the machine.

Inspection of parts during operations

We normally carry out quality inspection whenever the machine parts are running. This is mostly done to identify problems that may arise at an early stage to rework it before finishing. Some operations can be done to adjust the machine for holding tighter tolerances such as allowing the tool to machine the workpiece, measuring what the tool has done, and adjusting the tool offset to leave a little excess stock.

Effective communication with customers during the whole process

We normally prefer effective communication with our customers right from the time samples are sent to the time we complete production. This helps to achieve our client’s requirements. As soon as we spot any discrepancy, we’ll get in touch. Even when it comes to giving you updates on production progress as well as giving out tests and material reports. All this helps us achieve excellent quality control overall.

What Testing Equipment You Will Use?

CMM

A CMM is also known as a coordinate measuring machine. It is a machine that accurately measures the geometry of an object or workpiece. The measurement is mostly done along X, Y, and Z axis using a torch trigger, vision, or scanning probe to note a series of precise points on the workpiece.

Micrometer

In CNC machined components, accurate measurement is critical for precision. The Micrometer otherwise known as micrometer screw gauge is a precision measurement tool with a calibrated screw. This is mainly used to measure small thickness or distances between two faces of machining parts. It is also used alongside other metrological instruments such as verniers, digital calipers, dial, and many more.

Video Measuring Machine

Video Measuring Machines are tools in CNC machining for precision dimensional measurements of small parts. These measurements are done purposely offline to minimize environmental variables with the use of a video camera and lens system. The system enables 3-dimensional measurement of small parts by magnifying the part image and then identifying the edges using metrology software.

Altimeter

The altimeter is designed for a wide range of metal finishing, woodworking, and more in the CNC machining space. It features a digital display for digital reading for use on milling machines, planning machines, drill press, tables, milling machines, and many more.

Density Instrument

The density instrument is one of the testing equipment used in CNC machining. Its application is in the measurement of parts to be measured for machining. It boasts of high precision results in every repetitive measurement and helps to ensure that final test results meet with exact desired specification.

Roundness Tester

The roundness tester machine is used for measuring the axis in an additional range of parameters including cylinder form, straightness, parallelism, perpendicularity, and many more. It is more effective in its application through the use of the semi-automatic function of measurement at a specified speed.

Rockwell Hardness Tester

The Rockwell Hardness Tester is a hardness testing machine that uses either a conical diamond or steel ball. The hardness of the material is then indicated by determining the depth of penetration of the indenter under a known load. This machine measures the hardness of a material by measuring effects on its surface of a localized penetration by a pointed or rounded indenter of carbide, diamond, or hard steel.

Gauges: Pin Gauge, Plug Gauge, Thread Gauge

For some standard size parts, we have various pin gauges, plug gauges and thread gauges for testing.

How To Buy CNC Machined Parts?

The following are the steps involved in buying CNC machined parts from us

Step 1: The first step is to confirm your drawings either in 2D or 3D as well as other requirements including the type of material, hardness, tolerance, surface finish, and surface treatment.

Step 2: After your project requirements have been confirmed, send us your inquiry. This can be sent via quote@dekmake.com, or submit via our контактная форма on our website.

Step 3: After we receive your inquiry, we’ll send you our quotation via the same channel with which we were contacted. Please makes sure that you fill our contact form correctly so that we will be able to contact you effectively.

Step 4: After the steps above, confirm our quotation. Then, you will be enjoined to make a purchase order to us.

Step 5: On the receipt of your order, we will process your order and begin production as soon as possible.