Aluminium is by far the most common manufacturing material used in the CNC precision manufacturing industry.
Precision Manufacturing
Precision manufacturing became the industry standard in the 1960s, and since then it has been accepted in numerous industries. This method is particularly used for producing parts with exact specifications. It offers great consistency and accuracy in comparison to other methods.
Talking about precision manufacturing, a wide range of materials are used for making complex parts and components. Each material is different and possesses unique qualities. Manufacturers choose materials depending on their characteristics as some of them are good for specific purposes.
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To learn about the different materials used in precision manufacturing, we suggest you give this post a read.
Common Materials Used In Precision Manufacturing
Whether it is precision custom manufacturing, different materials are used for production based on their qualities. To understand what material is used for what, you need to first know about the materials used.
Aluminium
Aluminium is by far the most common manufacturing material used in the CNC precision manufacturing industry. It is preferred by most manufacturers because it works well with CNC machines. When machined correctly, it can hold its strength and deliver great results.
In comparison to other materials, aluminum is easy to process, cut, and shape. This makes it a top choice for CNC precision machining processes.
Additionally, the metal is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and possesses non-magnetic properties. It is because of these reasons aluminum is widely used in the aerospace industry. It is used for making different aircraft components at a low cost.
Apart from aircraft parts, aluminum is also used for making food containers, car parts, and bicycle frames.
Aluminum Alloys
Not just aluminum, but aluminum alloys are also used in precision manufacturing. The good thing about aluminum alloys is that it is resistant to impact and has high dimensional stability and a low deformation rate. Due to these qualities, it can sustain correct dimensions even under external impact, temperature fluctuations, etc.
There are different aluminum grades available, and each of them is used for a specific purpose. These include:
Aluminium 6061
It has great mechanical properties including corrosion resistance, weldability, strength, and toughness. Maybe this is the reason why it is the most preferred choice among manufacturers.
Aluminium 2024
For high shock and thermal resistance, aluminum 2024 is great. It can also endure fatigue; therefore, it is used for aerospace and military applications.
Aluminium 7075
This grade of aluminum is largely used for making fuse glasses and aircraft wings. It has excellent fatigue resistance, making it ideal for intense industrial applications.
Aluminium 5052
The specialty of this grade is that it is highly resistant to corrosion and chemicals. Additionally, it is non-heat treatable. It is because of these reasons; that it is widely used for making marine components.
Aluminium 6063
Manufacturers use this grade in custom manufacturing for making complex parts. Since it is a heat-treatable alloy, it offers high durability and weldability.
Carbon Steel
This is another popular material that is good for precision machining due to its strength and durability. Due to its high versatility, it can be machined into various components, sizes, and shapes. Carbon steel is primarily used by manufacturers who need to produce bulk products. Since carbon steel is affordable, it makes an ideal choice for bulk production.
Another good thing is the variety. You can get different formulations of this material and use them for various applications depending on your requirements. It is not only more durable but also has a longer shelf life. In addition to that, it possesses environmental protection properties, which are essential for CNC machining.
Carbon steel is used in diverse industries including automotive, construction, and machine tools. It also makes a popular choice for medical instruments because of its corrosion resistance and strength.
Brass
Brass is a material that we are all familiar with. Due to its good machinability qualities, it is used in a wide range of applications. Just like carbon steel, brass is also used for making parts in bulks. This is possible because of the low costs compared to other materials.
In terms of quality, brass is durable and resistant to corrosion. It is also a great electric conductor and possesses hardness properties. As far as its weight is concerned, it is heavier than steel but lighter than copper. It is because of these qualities that brass is used by many manufacturers for mass production.
Speaking of which, it is used for making industrial fasteners, valves, and plumbing. It is also great for producing decorative things due to its shine and corrosion resistance.
While brass might appear simple, it has many strong features that make it a top choice for manufacturers. Due to its low cost, it can also be used for making complex parts and components. Not only that but it can also be cast into different sizes and shapes without compromising its durability or strength. Plus, it is easy to clean, and process; therefore, it is used for making consumer goods, medical devices, commercial products, electronic hardware, and more.
Titanium
Titanium is an expensive manufacturing material that is widely used in the medical and aviation industry. What makes this material great is its resistance to both corrosion and heat. Additionally, it has a higher weight ratio than other metals.
Other qualities of titanium that are worth mentioning are biocompatible, inert, and lightweight. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications, primarily in the healthcare and aerospace industries.
Despite all the good things, it does have some bad points. Unlike other metals, titanium is hard to machine. Plus, it is very expensive, so it might not be a suitable choice for everybody.
For making titanium components, you must take the help of an experienced CNC machining provider. This is crucial for proper handling of the metal.
Engineered Plastic
In precise manufacturing, manufacturers also use engineered plastics. It is mainly used for semiconductor applications, where it has replaced aluminum and quartz.
Due to its enhanced properties, engineered plastics make a great choice for making medical instruments. Another reason is that it can be self-lubricated and cleaned.
The purpose of engineered plastic is to compete with its metal counterparts. Since it is an affordable material, it is used by many manufacturers worldwide.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most versatile, and durable metals out there. It is also lighter than a few other metals, making it a top choice in many industries.
The good thing about stainless steel is that it can be both polished and treated with heat, resulting in a great finish. It is because of this reason it is used in a wide variety of aesthetic products.
Like many other metals in this list, stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion. When mixed with other metals, stainless steel alloys are resistant to rust and stains. It is because of its strength that it is favored by most industries. It is widely used for making electronic hardware and surgical equipment.
Precision machining is a crucial manufacturing method that makes use of various materials, depending on the product that is being made. All these materials have some unique properties because of which they are used for specific purposes. While these are the top choices, other metals are used in precision manufacturing.
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