Machined parts are ubiquitous in today’s world, and it’s not hard to see why. These components provide precision and efficiency in an affordable way, so they are part of most machinery. But what exactly are machined parts?
Definition
Machining can be a manual or digital process. Manual machining – a skilled machinist will use a manually operated cutting machine to shape the part. Digital machining – as the name suggests, this is an automated cutting method that involves the use of computer numerical control (CNC) machines. In this digital fabrication process, pre-programmed instructions are fed into the CNC machine and the part is cut to those specifications. The result? Unrivaled accuracy, uniformity and efficiently machined parts.
CNC machines are a revolutionary technology in manufacturing. And with online CNC machining services, you can easily get CNC parts that fit your unique business needs. That said, there’s still a place for hand machining and other manufacturing processes like molding, casting and forging.
Common Materials
CNC machining can handle a wide range of materials, from metals to plastics and ceramics. Some CNC machined materials are easier to machine than others. Particularly hard materials are difficult to cut and can damage cutting tools. The manufacturing process can also produce severe vibrations that can affect the accuracy and surface finish of machined parts. Conversely, materials that are too soft tend to warp under cutting forces. This, of course, affects the quality of CNC-machined parts.
Metal Products
Metal is one of the most commonly used materials for CNC machining services. Characterized by electrical conductivity, high strength, and good mechanical properties, metal parts have a variety of industrial applications.
Different metals have different outstanding properties. For example, stainless steel is popular for its corrosion resistance, versatility and high strength. On the other hand, we will use aluminum because of its light weight, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Some of the most commonly used metals in CNC machining services include aluminum, stainless steel, copper, titanium, magnesium, zinc, and mild steel. Sometimes, we may use metal alloys in the production of machined parts. Bronze is a popular metal alloy favored for its striking surface finish, ductility and chemical resistance.
Plastics
Another material used in CNC machining is plastic. Plastic parts are lightweight, versatile and corrosion resistant. Plastics commonly used in CNC machining services include nylon, acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, PVC, polyethylene, and Delrin. Because of their versatility, plastic parts are used in consumer electronics, medical devices, and the automotive industry. Plastic parts are also used in the manufacture of electrically insulated components.
In addition to metals and plastics, CNC machining centers use ceramics and composites to manufacture parts. Composite materials consist of two or more constituent materials with different properties. They have matrix materials such as glass fibers and epoxy resins.