CNC machining can be used to produce various metallic or plastic parts. Because of the broad range of materials that can be used in the long run, choosing the right material for CNC parts and your needs can be a daunting task that needs diligence. This blog post helps you select the right one in terms of the mechanical as well as thermal properties and cost, just to mention a few. It summarizes basic information that you may need using a step-by-step methodology.
Your selection processes
There are several steps of choosing the right material for your CNC machining needs
a.Define the requirements of the material
In defining the materials’ requirements, you need to check the thermal material requirements and the cost of finishing up the surface. Also, it would help if you considered the environment in which the part shall be used. Also, where will the components be used?
b.The candidate materials need to be identified
You should identify the candidate materials and pin the candidate materials which will fulfill the design requirements and needs for design
c. Choose a suitable material for your design needs
The third step involves ensuring that you select the right material, and this is usually where there are two design requirements. It could be mechanical performance or cost-related. It could also be design related.
d.Why go for aluminum
Aluminum has an excellent threshold to withstand the pressure exerted by CNC machining processes. The material can be machined since it also has a relatively lower bulk cost such that it is also economical in creating a custom metal part. Aluminum can also be used to create a prototype.
In many cases of CNC machining, aluminum 6061 is a common material used. It has excellent strength and weight ratio coupled with excellent machinability.
Then there is the 6082, which is used in various aerospace applications. The weight of this material is critical in metal processing.
Aluminum 5083 is also an ideal choice of CNC metal processing. It has exceptional resistance to water. Therefore, it is commonly utilized for marine applications.
On the other hand, alloys have a lower strength coupled with hardness as compared to steel. Even so, it can still be anodized to help create a hard structure of a protective layer on the outer surface.
e.Stainless steel 304
This is one of the commonly used materials. The stainless-steel alloy has an excellent mechanical property coupled with ideal machinability.
It is highly resistant to environmental conditions coupled with corrosive media in the long run.
Final Thoughts
CNC machining is a prominent manufacturing method used to create different machine parts and plastic for product development. The application of computer numerical controls will allow a particular part to be processed uniquely. This has been playing an upper hand on several conventional manufacturing strategies regarding speed and accuracy. But, determining the best material to use for the processes can be challenging. That is why it is important to know what it takes to choose the right material for the job.
