CNC Machining

CNC Machining

The core capability with precise machining, fast lead time, and sufficient engineering support.

Premium Parts provides high-precision CNC milling, CNC turning, and EDM machining operations to make complex tooling, functional prototypes, and final products for various industry applications. We work with different engineering-grade metals and plastics to make high-quality custom CNC machining parts and components delivered to specifications. With an excellent range of finishing services, pronounced product quality, on-time delivery, and service diversity, we can take care of all your CNC machining needs! Our in-house capabilities and quality control can deliver the best output fitting your specification and standard with high repeatability and scalability. We are an experienced team, and we will try our best to evaluate your project, production design, and suggest the best approach from process to material and budget.

WHAT IS CNC MACHINING?

CNC stands for computerized numerical control. CNC machining is an automatic manufacturing technique to make parts by milling, turning and EDM. The process involves using cutting tools that systemically remove materials from a material block or workpiece in a manner dictated by the design file. The process continues until makes final product or part. CNC machining operations are diverse and highly precise. It widely applies to producing high-quality parts in low to mid volumes. Intricate processes like rapid prototyping and mold making for injection molding and die casting also utilize CNC machining. CNC machining can even finish parts made through other methods via etching, engraving, and more.

While CNC machining takes several forms, its CNC milling, CNC turning, EDM machining operations are the most common in industrial production. CNC machining services are employed explicitly for applications that require high accuracy, tight tolerances, and high functionality.

At Premium Parts, we offer high-precision multi-axis CNC machining services. We can make quality parts for all our clients with our 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machines suited for CNC milling and CNC turning.

Types of CNC machining

CNC Milling

CNC milling is an essential process of using CNC mill and computer to designate specific milling and drilling along axes to cut the material into the pre-set specifications and dimensions. In milling operations, the cutting tool revolves around the stationary workpiece and material to mill, shaping the final part. The tool's movement follows the computer-aided design (CAD) file's toolpath. Our CNC milling processes at Premium Parts can make ball joints, valve bodies, spindles, brackets, swiss equipment, and other parts with complex geometries.

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CNC Turning

Like CNC milling, CNC turning is another method to eliminate material from a workpiece. Turning operations, however, removes material from the workpiece by rotating the workpiece around the stationery tool. CNC turning is more suitable for making parts with round, cylindrical shapes, threads, and internal bores. CNC turning is also relatively more affordable than milling because of the machining speed. After turning operations, the workpiece may be transferred to a CNC mill to add features and finishing that may not be possible with CNC turning.

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EDM Machining

Electric discharge machining (EDM) is a technology that uses electric and heat energy to process. The difference between EDM and general cutting is that EDM is a non-contact machining method. The spark discharge is continuously generated by the tool and workpiece pulse, utilizing partial discharge and instantaneous high temperature to remove the metal material gradually. It works particularly well for delicate structures like deep pockets and complex features.

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Applications of CNC Machining

Rapid Tooling

CNC machining can make aluminum and steel cavities and tools for injection molding and die-casting operations. CNC machining services can deliver the tight tolerances, precision, and detail required for making a tool. We can also use CNC machining to create master patterns for vacuum casting operations.

Prototyping

CNC machining services can use digital manufacturing solutions and CAD data files to make on-demand prototypes for trials, idea validation, consumer testing, investment pitch, and pilot trials. CNC-machined prototypes are excellent for functional testing, helping you to accelerate your product development cycles where possible.

Low-volume production

CNC machining services can make low to mid-range functional parts and components volumes. The high accuracy, automation, and speed of CNC machines make them ideal for urgent parts that require tight tolerances and dimensional accuracy. Industries such as medicine, robotics, and aerospace, frequently utilize CNC machining for producing crucial components.

Custom fixtures

CNC machining can create small batches of customized parts to meet the demands of specific audiences and markets. CNC machining can also make specialty parts, tooling, and task-specific spare parts for use across various industries. We can also use CNC machines to make custom jigs and fixtures for direct mechanical end-uses.

Finishing solutions

CNC machining can finish parts that have been machined or those manufactured through other means. CNC machining can texture, mill, engrave, etch, and mark parts' surfaces to deliver desired finishes accurately and precisely.

Type of Machining

3-Axis CNC Machining

Standard CNC machining operations for milling along X, Y, and Z axes. 3-axis machining is relatively simple, allowing the cutting tool to move back to front, side to side, and up and down.

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4-Axis CNC machining

The 4-axis CNC machining creates parts like the 3-axis machining but includes an extra A-axis that facilitates the cutting tool's rotation along the X-axis. 4-axis CNC machining is very useful for cutting operations that require holes and cut-outs around a cylinder or inside a piece.

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5-Axis CNC machining

5-Axis CNC machining consists of all the axes in the 4-axis setup, with an additional B-axis. The 5th B-axis allows for more precision and control as it rotates around the Y-axis in the X-Y-Z plane. 5-axis machines are fast and efficient. They also offer single-step machining that shortens lead time and improves tool efficiency.

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CNC machining services are mostly free of human intervention. It makes them capable of producing parts with high precision, attention to detail, and dimensional accuracy. The setup and design freedom of their automated controls along up to 5 axes make CNC machining a top pick for applications where tight tolerances are crucial to product functionality.

Advantages of CNC Machining

Precision and Tight tolerances

CNC machining services are mostly free of human intervention. It makes them capable of producing parts with high precision, attention to detail, and dimensional accuracy. The setup and design freedom of their automated controls along up to 5 axes make CNC machining a top pick for applications where tight tolerances are crucial to product functionality.

Low-volume production

CNC machining has a relatively lower tooling cost for making parts than die casting and injection molding. Its ability to work with low to medium budgets and the lack of hard tooling make it an excellent solution for making small batches of high-quality custom parts, rapid prototyping, and tooling. Before mass production, industries can use low-volume parts for pilot testing, bridge tooling, and quicker market introduction.

Material selection

CNC machining can work with various engineering-grade material categories, including metals, plastics, etc.

Rapid Turnaround

The automated nature of CNC machining enables rapid and precise cutting into the workpiece, following a predefined toolpath outlined by the G-code/CAD file.CNC machining operations do not need time-consuming hard tooling and will make prototypes and finished parts in hours.

Complexity

CNC machining can handle various intricate curves and complex shapes, effectively addressing specific requirements across diverse industries.

Why You Should Choose Premium Parts For CNC Machining

No minimum quantity required

At Premium Parts, our CNC machining services are available to all clients without restrictions and minimum order quantities. We can make CNC machined parts varying in volumes from a single piece up to their hundreds.

Efficient Low volume production

Premium Parts has optimized their low-volume manufacturing services to deliver the best value for money without compromising quality. We know how to optimize our tool, manage our team, and use specific machines for an efficient low-volume production process. We can save more lead time than our competitors and offer a competitive quote for small batches of production runs.

Quick turnaround delivery

At Premium Parts, we understand the essence of a quick turnaround and on-time delivery. With our optimized quality control, supply chain, and delivery logistics, you can assure of receiving your CNC machined parts on or before agreed timelines. We are dedicated to helping you iterate and produce as many parts as possible in the shortest time frame.

In-house capabilities

Our manufacturing facilities consist of a full one-stop-shop range of services. That means you do not have to worry about outsourcing any production or finishing service in your prototyping and product development cycles. Our machining capabilities of 3, 4, and 5-axis machining centers help you eliminate costly downtimes and reach your market quicker than the competition.

Multi-axis machining

You will benefit from our state-of-the-art multi-axis machining capabilities that cover design, prototype, and production needs. At Premium parts, we use our 4 and 5-axis CNC machines to quickly and accurately fabricate parts with the most complex geometries.

Uniformity and consistency

Our quality control system and manufacturing standards guarantee that all of your products are uniform and consistent across material and other functional product properties.

Material options and finishing

We provide quality CNC machining services with a decent range of production-grade materials and finishing options to compliment your parts' beauty, appearance, and functionality.

CNC Machining Materials

We can generate instant machining quotes for 50+ metals and plastics

Metals

  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • Mild Steel
  • Tool Steel
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Titanium
  • Magnesium

Aluminum

Aluminum alloys have a good strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal and electrical conductivity, low density, and natural corrosion resistance. Can do Type II/ Type III anodizing.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel alloys have high strength, ductility, wear, and corrosion resistance. Easily welded, machined, and polished.

Mild steel

Mild steels are low-carbon metal alloys with good mechanical properties. They can be heat treated to achieve a higher hardness and a better mechanical performance.

Tool Steel

Tool steel can maintain high and red hardness at high temperatures and has good wear resistance and appropriate toughness.

Brass

Brass is an excellent conductive material, and it can be machined easily.

Copper

Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Widely used as busbar, wire connectors, and other electrical applications.

Titanium

Titanium alloy has high strength, good corrosion, and high-temperature resistance. Widely used for aerospace and biomedical.

Magnesium

Magnesium has low density (1.8g/cm3), high strength, large elastic modulus, good heat dissipation, shock absorption, and greater impact load capacity.

Plastics

  • POM (Derlin/Acetal)
  • Nylon
  • ABS
  • PEEK
  • PTFE
  • PC
  • PEI
  • PVC
  • PMMA (Acrylic)
  • PET
  • PP
  • FR4

POM (Derlin/Acetal)

POM has excellent fatigue resistance, creep resistance, self-lubrication, and machining properties and can work for a long time at a temperature of -40° C -100° C.

Nylon

Nylon has superior comprehensive properties, including mechanical strength, stiffness, toughness, mechanical shock absorption, wear resistance, and good electrical insulation and chemical resistance. Use for manufacturing mechanical structure parts and maintainable parts, can work in temperatures -40-105 ° C.

ABS

ABS sheet has excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, low-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical properties. It also has the characteristics of easy processing, product size stability, good surface gloss, easy painting, and coloring.

PEEK

PEEK has excellent comprehensive properties and resistance to energy radiation irradiation and has excellent dielectric properties before the use temperature of 260 ° C. It can meet the requirements of food contact materials in the EU and the United States and has good biological compatibility.

PTFE

PTFE is basically corrosion resistant to all chemical substances except some fluorides and alkaline metal liquids, and the temperature range is very wide – 180 -260° C.

PC

PC has excellent comprehensive performance and environmental protection and is a plastic building material widely used in the world nowadays, with strong light transmission and impact resistance.

PEI

PEI has good mechanical properties and heat resistance, strong creep resistance, excellent dimensional stability, the best torsional strength plastic, and continuous work in high-temperature water and steam is also very stable. Withstand temperature up to 170℃. Meet the requirements of biocompatibility and food-grade material.

PVC

PVC has good chemical stability, corrosion resistance, self-extinguishing, excellent flame-retardant effect, and can replace some highly used stainless steel and other corrosion resistance synthetic materials.

PMMA (Acrylic)

PMMA has excellent transparency, weather resistance, good processing performance, suitable for mechanical processing and easy hot forming, good aging resistance, good chemical resistance, and good sound insulation effect.

PET

PET has good mechanical properties, stiffness, and physiological inertness and can be used for food contact materials, with a temperature of -40-110, and better mechanical properties and temperature resistance after fiber filling.

PP

PP has superior chemical, heat, and impact resistance and is non-toxic and tasteless. It is one of the most environmentally friendly engineering plastics and a food-grade material. The operating temperature is -20-90℃.

FR4

FR4 has high mechanical and dielectric properties, good heat and moisture resistance, and good machinability.

Surface Finishing Options for CNC Machining Parts

As machined

Machine parts to smooth directly without any treatment. Visible tool marks from the external surface.

Bead Blasting

Apply glass beads under high pressure to remove machined marks and scratches to obtain a uniform surface quickly without damage.

Brushing

Use a 120-180-grit paper or a belt for grinding to have a unidirectional (one-direction) satin finish.

Tumbling

Tumble the object with plastic pellets or oilstones to remove sharp edges and machined or tool marks.

Polishing

To create smooth, shiny, and reflective surfaces on an object.

Type II Anodizing

Aluminum type II anodizing can improve the parts' electrical insulation performance, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Anodized colors can be different.

Type III Anodizing

Create a thicker anodizing coat to improve the various properties of aluminum, including corrosion resistance, wear resistance, insulation, and adsorption.

Chromate Conversion Coating

The chem film is for maximum protection against corrosion, painted or unpainted, and where low electrical resistance is required.

Black Oxide

Create a chemical conversation coat to isolate air for rust prevention.

Passivation

Make a stable passivation film to protect the stainless-steel substrate from oxidation corrosion.

Zinc plating

A surface treatment technique that applies protective zinc for aesthetics and rust prevention.

Nickel plating

The technique of nickel-plating involves coating plastic or metal with nickel through electrolysis or auto-catalytic chemical methods.

Painting

Substrates with painting can obtain various mechanical, physical, and chemical properties like wear resistance, corrosion resistance, conductivity insulation, etc.

Powder Coating

Powder coating has many advantages, including friction resistance, impact resistance, cohesiveness, toughness, corrosion, and chemical resistance.

CNC Machining Materials

CNC Machining Tolerances

Typically, Premium Parts follow CNC machining tolerances from the control drawings provided from our clients. If any components are without 2D drawings, we use ISO 2768 (medium) for machined plastic and ISO 2768 (fine) for machined metals as our standard tolerances. Our engineering team will also give you more feedback about the tolerances after we review the files.

CNC machining across industries

CNC machining is used across industries for qualitative product development and concept testing. It also helps to shorten product development cycles, improve learning, and enhance product functionality and enhancement in a wide range of sectors. Premium Parts is trusted by diverse clients from different industries. Here are some of the industries that we serve:

 

Aerospace
Robotics & Automation
Education
Automotive
Industrial Manufacturing
Electronics & Semiconductors
Medical
R&D
Consumer Products
Energy & Power
Agriculture

CNC Machining FAQs

What determines the price of my CNC machining project?

The cost of any CNC machining project depends on the type of material and its cost, machining time, tolerances required, need of hole tapping, and finish.

What can I do to reduce CNC machining costs?

I. Avoid creating designs with sharp internal corners and use inner radii at the corners of your design.
II. Where possible, design all parts with standard sizes. For instance, it is more affordable and cost-effective to make parts that measure 10m in height than 10.5m, as the latter requires human intervention.
III. Try to design parts for CNC prototyping without a draft.
IV. Simplify part design to reduce the angles and sides from machining. With more angles, axes, and sides for part machining, the cost would be higher.

What is Premium Part’s standard tolerance for CNC machining operations?

At Premium Parts, we use DIN ISO 2768 (fine class) for metal machining. While for plastics, we use medium class as our standard.

How do I specify my part to leave sharp edges?

You can communicate your design needs to us with our “request a quote” form or add a note in your drawing files before upload.

Can Premium Parts machine ceramic?

Yes, we can machine ceramic.

Can Premium Parts machine the wood?

No, we can’t machine wood.

Do you install pins and threaded inserts?

Yes, Premium Parts can install pins and threaded inserts in our facility.

What part finish can I expect?

You can expect CNC-machined parts as milled or turned, without any obvious scratches or signs of oxidation if you don’t need any other after treatment on them.

Can I supply my raw material?

Yes. However, we need to know what material should be to ensure if we can machine it.

Can you do post-machining operations to our earlier fabricated parts?

No, we don’t offer post-machining for parts those we didn’t manufacture.

For plastics, how can you handle parts with complex structures?

We can split the parts for CNC machining and use adhesives to assemble them subsequently.

What plastics can you use adhesives for CNC prototyping?

Generally, PC, ABS, PMMA, PC/ABS can be good for gluing and adhesives.

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