Our CNC Machining product line uses commercially available CNC machines to offer milling and turning. CNC milling is a manufacturing process that cuts plastic and metal blocks into one or more custom parts based on the 3D CAD model uploaded by the customer. CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process that rotates a metal rod while a cutting tool is used to remove material and create final parts. Quick-turn CNC machining works best for prototyping, form and fit testing, jigs and fixtures and functional components for end-use applications.
CNC Machining Capabilities
ALUMINUM
Aluminum is both temperature resistant and weldable in most forms. It is a great general purpose material. It is also corrosion resistant when treated and has a high strength-to-weight ration at a moderate price point. The most common aluminum we see for sheet metal forming is AL5052. but we can also work with AL6061 for flat patterns.
GALVANIZED STEEL
Galvanized steel is steel coated with zinc during a zinc solution heat batch. This process protects the steel from corrosion and cracks and. like aluminum. has a good strength-to-weight ratio. Galvanized steel has a lower cost per pound than aluminum but may have some issues in adhesion of paints depending on end use. Common u. are chassis for electronics printers and medical equipment.
GALVANEALED STEEL
Similar to galvanized steel. galvanealed steel has been taken one step further and heat treated after the initial zinc coating. While this process is more expensive. it adds paintability and surface aesthetics to the list of advantages.
STAINLESS STEEL SHEET IS AVAILABLE IN TYPES 301, 304, 316 and 430
Type 301 is excellent for high strength and corrosion resistance. Type 304 can be easily roll-formed or bent. and its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability make it one of the most popular grades. Type 316 is a high corrosion resistance alloy. providing greater resistance to pitting-type corrosion. Typical uses for stainless steels include marine. chemical. paper. textile. and food service applications. Type 430 is a ferritic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance. This grade does not work harden r-apidly and can be formed using both mild stretch forming. bending. or drawing operations. This gr-ade is used in a variety of interior and exterior cosmetic applications where corrosion resistance is more important than strength. Type 430 has poor weldability compared to most stainless steels due to the higher carbon content and lack of stabilizing elements for this grade. which requires post weld heat treatment to restore the corrosion resistance and ductility.
COPPER
Depending on the end use of the designed part. copper sheets have very favorable performance characteristics. It has a high thermal and electrical conductiv-ity and is resistant to corrosion. Copper is also ductile and malleable and is both anti-bacterial and biostatic. We typically use C1100 for sheet metal forming.
BRASS
An alloy of copper and zinc. brass is very ductile and corrosion resistant. Brass is strong and the hot versus cold working characteristics can be varied depending on the quantity of zinc in the alloy. This gives brass sheet a wider range of performance depending on end use of the designed part. We typically use C2680 for sheet metal forming.
LOW CARBON STEEL
Low carbon steel contains 0.05-0.32% carbon compared to medium. high and ultra-high carbon steel. This makes low carbon steel a more cost-effective choice. It is also malleable and ductile.
OTHERS
Although the above materials are most commonly used. we can also work with less common materials such as: Tinplate SPTE (thin steel coated with tin). Beryllium Copper (C1720). Nickel Silver (C7521). Phosphor Bronze (C5131). Spring Steel (SK7 and SK5). and Hot-Rolled Steel (SPHC).
Depending on end use of parts, a finish process may be needed. A finish can be to enhance aesthetics, further protect the part from elements that speed rust and corrosion or both.
Common finishing methods include:
Powder Coating
Powder coating can be done in both matte and glossy finish. Generally considered more durable than painting, powder coating is applied as a dry powder using an electrostatic process. The powder is then cured with heat to form a "skin" that provides a tougher finish than conventional painting.
Buff Polishing
Buff polishing uses a rotary wheel with an abrasive cloth or paper to polish the surface. Different grades of abrasive media can be used discerningly to render a smooth polished surface. It is especially effective on copper, brass and stainless steel and can be used as a finish itself or in preparation for another finish application.
Sand Blasting
Sand blasting renders a matte finish with a scored surface on metal parts. It helps remove impurities and prep the surface for additional finishing such as powder coating although it can be used as a finish surface as is. It is effectively used with metals such as stainless steel and low carbon steel sheet parts.
Brushing
Brushing uses rotary brushes to score and clean the surface and again can be used as is or as additional finish prep.
Plating
Plating is a broad term that applies to several different processes. It requires immersion into a chemical bath whereby elements within the chemical solution create a chemical reaction with the surface of the metal forming a plate or coat on the surface. Plating processes can be electrolytic or electroless, depending on the process. Examples of different plating processes include:
Tin Plating- Useful when joining dissimilar materials to the part.
Nickel Plating - Acts a substrate for other further plating when the base metal is averse to plating options.
Zinc Plating - Helps protect parts against water damage.
Anodizing - Hardens the part surface and protects softer metal parts, such as aluminum, from dings and scratches.
Chromate Coating - Provides a low friction part surface and an attractive aesthetic look.
Passivation - Application of a citric acid and predominantly a cleaning process used for stainless steel and other parts resistant to finish.
Within 10-12 hours we send you the design back for manufacture analysis and real-time quote.
Once everything is confirmed, we start the manufacturing process according to your CAD design.
Prototypes and parts according to order will be manufactured within few days and will be delivered directly to you.
Please fill out this form to submit a request for quote. One of our team members will review the details and be in touch within 12 business hours.