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  1. Common Metal Machining Techniques

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    Despite other manufacturing technologies that have been developed in recent years, CNC machining still stands out as an efficient and reliable service for the production of precision parts in a range of substrates. At JBC Machine, we are your source for CNC machining services that can help you achieve your product goals.

    Below are four common machining techniques that are used extensively to produce various types of product components and prototypes.

    CNC Turning

    A turning operation rotates the workpiece with the cutting mechanism positioned on moving slides and conveyed toward the workpiece for the required material removal. The slide may be moved closer to or away from the centerline or rotated up and down the length of the workpiece. CNC turning is ideal for quickly removing a large quantity of material. Lathes are able to produce uniform, smooth surfaces and are a common type of turning machinery to create concentric shapes on the outer edge of a circular component.

    CNC Milling

    Utilizing multi-point rotary cutters, CNC milling eliminates material from a workpiece. With this machining technique, the workpiece is mounted in the midst of a moving table. With some CNC milling machines, the cutting tool is stationary and the table moves the workpiece to produce the designated cuts. Milling may be applied to a pre-machined workpiece as a finishing operation that adds slots, pockets, holes, and more. There are two main ways to perform CNC milling – face milling and peripheral milling. Face milling cuts the flat surfaces of a workpiece. Peripheral milling, as the name suggests, cuts the periphery or profile; the shape of the part. It can also cut pockets and slots into a workpiece.

    CNC Drilling

    Drilling utilizes a two-edged, narrow rotating device to create round small and large holes in a workpiece – with diameters as small as a few thousandths of an inch. As an economical machining technique, drilling is an essential process for many components and product designs.

    CNC Grinding

    When you need to produce a flat surface on a metal part, CNC grinding is an ideal technique. CNC grinding makes slight cuts on a workpiece by using a spinning disk. This type of grinding is implemented to create very small cuts or to texturize the surface.

    To learn about all of the CNC machining techniques we use to serve the needs of our customers, give us a call today at 920.779.1047, use our contact form, or ask us for a free quote.

  2. CNC Machining vs. 3D Printing

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    Whether your needs involve prototyping or manufacturing, most businesses have the option to choose either CNC machining or 3D printing. The right technology to use will depend on various factors. At JBC Machine, we provide an array of CNC machining services to meet a range of industrial requirements.

    Materials Used

    3D printing technology uses molten solid – often plastics – to produce 3D objects. These printers do not work with most metals, which have high melting points. On the other hand, CNC machining is utilized with a range of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.

    Cost

    The order quantity is a key variable to consider when comparing the cost between CNC machining and 3D printing. For smaller quantities, 3D printing is generally a less expensive option. It is ideal for fast prototyping since it is the faster option. However, CNC machining is more cost-effective for larger orders and mass production since it uses an assembly line approach with the various components being produced by different machinery.

    Quality and Precision

    Both CNC machining and 3D printing can produce high-quality products. However, 3D printing has some limitations that are not present with CNC machining. Greater precision and accuracy can be attained with CNC machining than with 3D printing. Most of the time, 3D printing uses plastic or other materials with low melting points that may not produce the level of quality desired for certain products. Also, the largest 3D printers will have limitations on size in terms of material thickness and volume produced. However, the advantage of 3D printing over CNC machining is that it can replicate uncommon geometric designs such as square internal corners.

    Material Waste

    Between the two methods, 3D printing produces the least material waste. 3D printing uses an additive manufacturing process in which layers of raw material are added to produce the desired object. On the other hand, CNC machining utilizes subtractive manufacturing in which a solid block of material is cut out and shaped to create the desired finished product.

    For information about the CNC machining services we offer at JBC machine to help you meet your project requirements, call us today at 920.779.1047, leave us a message through our contact form, or request a free quote.

  3. Hard Metals vs. Soft Metals for CNC Machining

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    CNC machining is one of the premier fabrication methods used to make components and products. The material selection in this process is crucial to producing the optimal part or product. When it comes to metals, choosing a hard or soft metal for a product or part may be based on various factors. At JBC Machine, we are your source for a wide range of CNC machining services that may be used to produce precision soft and hard metal items.

    There are a number of factors to consider before choosing a soft or hard metal for your CNC machining needs, as provided below.

    Metal Mechanical Properties to Consider for CNC Machining

    A material’s performance when subjected to various forces determines its mechanical properties. Some of the most important mechanical properties to consider when choosing hard or soft metals for CNC machining include:

    • Strength – Hard metals are generally stronger
    • Elasticity – Hard metals usually have greater elasticity than soft metals
    • Ductility – Soft metals are generally more ductile
    • Density – Includes both soft and hard metals
    • Hardness – A feature of hard metals
    • Damping – Hard metals usually have minimal damping capabilities
    • Fracture toughness – Hard metals have the higher fracture toughness

    It is important to research the properties mentioned above of potential materials you may use if any of those properties are important for your applications.

    Hard vs. Soft Metals

    Hard metals such as chromium and tungsten are rarely employed in manufacturing and industrial settings. Relatively speaking, most metals without enhancement are naturally soft. They can be made harder and stronger with the addition of alloys or by hammering, stretching, or bending the material.

    Soft metals that lack iron (nonferrous) are easy to cut and machine. They only require a small amount of heat treatment. The soft metals most commonly used in CNC machining are copper alloys. Another soft metal, aluminum, is also commonly used in CNC machining operations.

    Engineers and production teams frequently design and manufacture parts using soft metals through the CNC machining process. With that said, soft metals are also usable with other manufacturing methods.

    Hard Metal vs Soft Metal for CNC Machining

    For the CNC machining services you need for your applications look no further than our team at JBC Machine. To find out more about our CNC machining capabilities, call us today at 920.779.1047, reach us through our contact form, or request a free quote on our website.

  4. Material Options for CNC Machining

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    Depending on your specific design application and requirements, there are various types of materials that may be used for CNC machining operations, including metal, wood, and plastic. At JBC Machine, we offer CNC machining services to meet a wide range of industrial needs.

    Below, let’s look at some of the material options available for CNC machining:

    Steel

    In many cases, the steel alloys used for CNC milling are made to be easily machinable. Steel is often used for components that require strong welds and considerable formability.

    Aluminum

    Possibly the most commonly used material for CNC machining operations, aluminum is a great choice for mechanical and decorative components. Generally, aluminum is machined more easily than other metals, making it an economical choice for CNC milling.

    Stainless Steel

    Stainless steel has many applications when used in CNC machining operations. This metal offers excellent corrosion resistance and may be heat treated.

    Titanium

    The uniqueness of titanium as a material is its high-temperature melting point, which makes it an ideal option for many industrial applications. While possessing corrosion resistance, it is impervious to water and salt. Although this metal is lightweight and biocompatible, it also possesses a robust sturdiness and strength for certain demanding applications.

    Copper

    Among all of the CNC machining materials, copper is near the top of the list when it comes to electric conductivity. This metal also possesses high resistance to corrosion and rusting. The shaping and forming process of this metal during CNC machining is relatively easy due to its thermal conductivity.

    Brass

    As one of the most cost-effective and easiest materials to use with CNC machining, brass lacks the strength of some of the metals but makes up for its stability.

    Others Metals

    Additional metals that may be used in CNC machining operations include zinc, bronze, and magnesium, among others.

    Beyond the metals mentioned above, plastic, fiberglass, wood, and foams may also be CNC machined.

    To learn about the CNC machining capabilities we possess at JBC Machine to help you meet your fabrication and project requirements, give us a call today at 920.779.1047, leave us a message through our contact form, or ask us for a free quote.