Question 1

What are the most common materials used for CNC milled parts?

Accepted Answer

CNC milled parts can be manufactured from a variety of materials, depending on the requirements of the end product. In the metal sector, aluminum, steel and stainless steel are among the most commonly used materials. Aluminum is often chosen for its light weight, good machinability and corrosion resistance, while steel is preferred for its hardness and strength. Stainless steel is particularly suitable for applications that require high corrosion resistance, such as in medical technology or the food industry.

In addition to metals, plastics such as POM (polyoxymethylene), ABS or PTFE (Teflon) are also in high demand. They are often used in applications where lightweight construction, electrical insulation or chemical resistance are required. Special materials such as Inconel or titanium, which can withstand both high temperatures and extreme mechanical loads, are used for particularly demanding applications, such as in the aerospace industry.

Question 2

What tolerances can be achieved with CNC milled parts?

Accepted Answer

The precision that can be achieved with CNC milled parts is a decisive factor for many industries. State-of-the-art CNC machines are able to guarantee tolerances of ±0.005 mm to ±0.01 mm, which is particularly important in the automotive and medical technology sectors. However, the achievable tolerance depends on various factors. These include the quality of the CNC machine, the stability of the workpiece material and the type of machining.

For example, a material such as aluminum can expand thermally during machining, which can affect the accuracy. The shape of the workpiece also plays a role: complex geometries or very thin components require additional care to avoid deformation. Overall, the choice of tolerance is always a trade-off between precision and cost-effectiveness, as tighter tolerances can result in higher production costs.

Question 3

What is the difference between 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC milling?

Accepted Answer

The number of axes on a CNC milling machine determines how flexible and complex the machining options are. A 3-axis machine processes the workpiece along the X, Y and Z axes. This method is ideal for simple components with straight surfaces and is cost-effective for standard applications. With a 4-axis machine, a rotating axis is added, allowing the workpiece to be rotated during machining. This is particularly useful for cylindrical parts or applications where multiple sides of the workpiece need to be machined without having to reposition it.

5-axis machining is the most complex variant. Here, workpieces can be machined along two additional rotational axes, which enables the production of free-form surfaces and complicated 3D geometries. This technology is particularly indispensable in industries such as aerospace and medical technology, as it offers maximum precision and flexibility without the workpiece having to be reclamped several times.

Question 4

What cost factors influence the production of CNC milled parts?

Accepted Answer

The cost of CNC milled parts is made up of various factors that influence each other. Firstly, the material plays a decisive role: high-quality materials or materials that are difficult to machine, such as titanium or Inconel, are more expensive, both to purchase and to machine. The geometry of the component also has a major influence. Complex designs with tight tolerances or hard-to-reach areas require longer machining times and possibly special tools, which increases costs.

The number of pieces is also an important factor. While single pieces or prototypes often result in higher costs per piece, as the set-up time for the machine is allocated to a small number of parts, larger series can be significantly cheaper due to economies of scale. Additional steps such as surface finishing, quality controls or the creation of CAD/CAM programs can also increase the overall costs.

Question 5

Why are CNC milled parts so important in the production of prototypes?

Accepted Answer

CNC milled parts are indispensable in prototype development as they offer an ideal combination of precision, flexibility and speed. The direct implementation of CAD models means that prototypes can be produced without long lead times, which is particularly advantageous in iterative development processes. Another advantage is the variety of materials, as prototypes can be made from the same materials as the later series parts. This enables realistic tests with regard to load capacity, accuracy of fit and function.

CNC milled parts also allow a high degree of design freedom. Changes to the prototype can be implemented quickly by simply adapting the digital model without having to produce new tools. This significantly shortens the development time and allows companies to react more quickly to market requirements.

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Frequently asked questions on the subject: CNC Milled parts

What are the most common materials used for CNC milled parts?

What tolerances can be achieved with CNC milled parts?

What is the difference between 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC milling?

What cost factors influence the production of CNC milled parts?

Why are CNC milled parts so important in the production of prototypes?

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