5 Common Metals Processed by CNC Machines

14 July 2022

The advances in technology have helped many industries become more efficient when it comes to their daily operations. One innovation that they utilise today is computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

CNC machining is a modern take on conventional machining. It relies on software to control the movement of machine tools that are intended to cut, drill, and conduct other alterations to workpieces. Mostly used against metal workpieces, this type of machining has been beneficial for industries since it is faster, more efficient, and safer.

Some tools that can be regulated by CNC machining are drills, lathes, and saws. As for the workpieces, here are some of the most common metals that can be processed by CNC machines.

  1. Aluminium

One of the most popular metals that can be processed by CNC machines is aluminium. Due to its high machinability, industries have opted for aluminium in creating products that they need. They also utilise aluminium in processing parts and products through CNC machines thanks to its notable strength-to-weight ratio and low cost. Two grades of aluminium that are being used by industries are grade 6061 and grade 7075. The former is well-known for its excellent workability and machinability, while the latter is utilised by industries as it has great ductility, high strength, and respectable fatigue resistance.

  1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another type of metal that is often processed by CNC machining tools. It may not be as machinable as aluminium, but it is still being used by many industries as it is cheap and sustainable in the long run. 304 and 316 are two of the most common stainless steel grades that can be machined through CNC tools. Stainless steel 304 is being utilised by industries today as it has good weldability and formability, making it useful for generating household and kitchen tools. Stainless steel 316, alternatively, is strong and can resist corrosion, making it useful for the aerospace and automotive industries.

  1. Copper

Copper is known for its excellent machinability. However, industries only use it occasionally as it can be expensive. Copper is often maximised in industries that use electrical products as this metal possesses high electrical and thermal conductivity.

  1. Brass

Known as an alloy metal generated out of copper and zinc, brass is a metal that can also be processed by CNC machines. Its high machinability allows it to be processed without any issues. Brass may be slightly more expensive than other metals, but it can still be valuable for industries since it can hold its value even after recycling it. Aside from high machinability, brass is also maximised for its high tensile strength and medium hardness, making it useful for medical, electrical, and automotive products.

  1. Magnesium

Magnesium’s high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties allow it to be machined without any issues. It is also lightweight, making its overall cost lower than other metals. These qualities make the material machinable for the automotive and aerospace industries. The only problem with this metal is it is flammable. Hence, industries that process this material are often cautious during its machining.

To know more about CNC machining, you can call us at Kinetic Engineering.

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