Which product parts are more cost-effective to be processed with CNC?

CNC is a versatile subtractive manufacturing method that starts with a piece of material and, depending on the design complexity of the part, uses CNC machines with different number of axes to remove a portion of the material until it is cut into a finished part. This fine rotary process allows for extremely high dimensional accuracy and compatibility with many materials, including plastics, metals and wood.

This high degree of versatility allows CNC to machine almost most of the parts we use every day. So which product parts are more cost effective to machine with CNC? We have summarized a variety of parts suitable for CNC machining according to different classifications.

In the materials category, metals, plastics, wood, and other special materials such as ceramics, foam, and carbon fiber.

The industry classification includes aerospace, transportation, oil and gas, defense, electronics, marine, commercial, medical, and optical.

Parts performance classification, complex design parts, precision parts, single or low quantity parts, parts requiring fast delivery, parts with high surface finish requirements, parts with high prototype integrity, large size parts, repetitive finishing parts.

Products by material

The compatibility of CNC machining allows for the use of a wide range of materials in a way that other production methods such as 3D printing and injection molding production cannot. While 3D printing is moving toward greater durability and more material options, CNC is still the optimal choice for projects with specific material needs and properties, especially in the product testing phase where material validation is required.

Metals / Alloys

Aluminum, stainless steel, brass, etc. are the most common metal materials used in production. Depending on the properties required by the product, there are also alloys with different composition contents. cutting tools and speeds specific to CNC are an economical choice for machining metal materials.

Wide range of plastic types

Engineering plastics or polymers are popular because they have different characteristics such as high strength, toughness, and low cost. the subtractive process of CNC machining enables the internal structure of the part to maintain a uniform form at all times.

Modeling foam

Large stage foam letters, dimensional signage, set and scenic painting production, museum exhibitions.

Wood

Engraving, musical instrument parts, furniture

Carbon Fiber

Ceramic

Products by Industry

CNC machining utilizes computerized precision design and precision cutting to provide numerous complex parts for dozens of hundreds of industries. While mass production has been applied to many components, there are still parts that require more complex custom production.

Aerospace industry

High speeds, fast airflow and extremely high pressures are three factors that must be considered in the design of aerospace equipment. Engineers must precisely construct each part to avoid as much risk as possible. Accuracy has made CNC machining the preferred method of machining for aerospace equipment. The aerospace parts industry requires ultra-durable materials such as titanium, aluminum, nickel, and alloys, so CNC machining provides the ideal solution for creating all parts from simple to complex. Included are.

Manifolds Bushings Electrical Connectors

Bearings Airfoils Antennas

Bearings Landing gear parts RF suppression materials Ventilation ducts

The need for high precision, special materials, and repeatability in aerospace equipment, as well as the need to ensure audit of part history, made CNC machining of parts an obvious choice.

Transportation industry

The aerospace industry needs to make faster-than-sound aircraft, then the transportation industry needs long-lasting and durable parts to transport goods everywhere. Parts used on all kinds of vehicles need to be made by CNC machines, including transport ships, trains railroads, passenger cars, etc. A series of tests are also required before the transport vehicle is officially introduced into the market. And CNC machining can speed up the development process and meet the needs of the necessary vehicles, parts testing.

In addition to this since, the restoration of classic cars also need CNC turning repair, many discontinued parts rely heavily on CNC machining. Many CNC machinists can even replicate car parts without the original drawings. Without these amazing efforts of CNC machinists, a large percentage of classic cars would not be as valuable and safe as they are today.

As a result, these types of automotive parts are more cost effective using CNC machining methods, including.

Engines Transmission Valve Seats

Cylinder heads Shafts Pipes

Lights Suspension Components Brake System Components

Bushing Timing cover Fluid system components

Pins Titanium valves Exhaust parts

Sleeves Aluminum wheels Carburetor housings

Oil and Gas Industry

Parts for pipelines, refinery equipment and drilling rigs in the oil and gas industry are more efficiently machined using CNC. These pieces of equipment are often located in remote areas, and when parts of them don't work properly, they can be stopped for days waiting to be replaced and repaired. Parts for this type of equipment must be CNC machined to fit together accurately, perform high load work and withstand harsh environments. These parts include, but are not limited to.

Clamps Rods Cylinders

Fixture Piston Drill Bit

Pins Piston rods

Defense Industry

For security reasons, the exact products and processes used to manufacture military equipment must be kept secret. However, there are still a variety of parts that require CNC defense industry partners to deliver parts to tight tolerances. CNC equipment is upgraded periodically based on defense needs, and such parts typically include

Communication components

Electronic products

Transportation components

Flat parts

Electronics Industry

With the development of lightweight electronic devices, electronics are becoming smaller and smaller while becoming increasingly powerful. This requires ensuring extremely fine tolerances, and CNC small and micromachining processes that can maintain very tight tolerances during production. Delegating the task of controlling and cutting tools to computers and machines can bring precision to a level that is not possible for humans to achieve manually.

Heat sinks Housings RF interference shielding

Amplifier housings Semiconductor parts Electrical insulation

Marine Industry

Marine vessels are exposed to wet and corrosive salt water environments for long periods of time, and equipment parts require materials that are strictly waterproof, corrosion and wear resistant to last longer. CNC machining is the perfect partner for a variety of special materials, and these partner parts include

Insulation boxes Engine parts Prototype molds

Propellers Electronic parts Boat parts

Commercial

Commercial products iterate quickly and the flexibility of CNC machining allows for the production of shaped parts of various sizes from a variety of materials. For new product development, rapid prototyping, modeling, and 3D graphics can be checked and verified before being quickly put into mass production. Modifications to existing products can also be implemented quickly.

Medical Industry

CNC machining solutions are also commonly used in the manufacture of medical devices as well as orthopedic devices and surgical implants. CNC can even perform knurling or mirror machining until a complete end product is provided. For medical specific industries, CNC machines can record and generate their own documentation, which can provide the automated reports needed for product tracking and FDA process approval.

Optical Industry

CNC machining is particularly valuable in the optical industry. Glass eyeglass lenses, for example, are cut by a CNC-controlled waterjet. CNC cutting can produce complex features, such as precisely angled grooves and bevels, that are difficult to make by other manufacturing methods.