What Parts Can Be Made Using CNC Machining Process In Aluminum And Magnesium Alloys

If you are from the manufacturing sector, you must have heard about the CNC machining process. This puts into use the Computerized Numerical Control technology to control machines and tools that process different types of materials and items.

One can use almost any type of material in a CNC machine, depending on the application. Some of the common materials used would include metals like aluminum, brass, copper, etc. along with other things like foam, fiberglass, wood, etc. But it is to be noted that materials that are too hard or too soft cannot be processed in a CNC machine; taking care of the consistency of the materials is important to rightly manufacture products.

What products can be made using CNC machining?

CNC machining is known for its precise cutting and manipulating capabilities, so any material and alloys that can handle the CNC mechanism can be fully constructed or improved to give a new shape.  

The products that can be made using a CNC machine would depend on the type of machine that you are using. The machining capabilities of each of the CNC machines varies with the design and they are each used with a unique purpose.

Today, CNC aluminum machining and magnesium alloys are extensively being used to create various computer components that are used in various industries. Starting from computerized parts for marine devices to those used in aviation and even mechanical parts like flywheels, gears, shafts, propellers etc. can be manufactured using CNC machining.

Advantages of using aluminum and magnesium alloys for machining computer parts

Aluminum and magnesium, both are considered to be light materials and are preferred as construction materials for aerospace and automotive industries. There are certain advantages of creating computer parts from such alloys.

When we talk about aluminum, it does have some amazing mechanical and thermal properties. Along with that, it is very easy to create aluminum component by using CNC milling. The choice of the aluminum grade depends upon your machining projects which would help you to choose the right grade of aluminum-based on their individual characteristics.

The mechanical processing of magnesium is quite environment-friendly and this as an alloy is much lighter compared to aluminum alloy. The best thing about Magnesium machining is that a small amount of the alloy can be manually operated. For this metal alloy, strong cutting is performed at high speed and large feed rates, this reduces the total number of machining hours. This means when you use this alloy, you would be able to reduce variable costs, lowering your investment.

How does CNC machining work?

The technology is basically used to convert a piece of material to a finished product through a controlled process. There are different types of CNC machines available and you can choose the one depending on your needs. You would get machines with conventional as well as advanced technologies. 

Machines available under conventional technologies would include:

• Drills- This is commonly interpreted for mass production. To get a cost-effective solution, the appropriate drilling machine should be applied in the right place.

• Lathes- There are two types of CNC lathes, namely horizontal and vertical. When you choose CNC lathes, be sure to pick up the one that has high-quality clamps.

• Milling Machines- This process utilizes computerized controls to operate and manipulate machine tools that not only cut but also shape stock materials.

Machines available under novel technologies would include:

• Electric and Chemical machining - This process uses specialized techniques to cut materials. All of these technologies are highly specialized and are used mostly for mass productions that involve a particular type of materials.

• Other cutting mediums- This would include laser cutting machines, plasma cutting machines, water jet cutting technology and oxy-fuel cutting machines.

Conclusion

CNC technologies are put into a lot of use when it is needed to make highly detailed cuts out of the metal pieces mainly for industrial hardware products. In the case where complicated cuts are needed to be made at various levels and angles, all of those can be done with ease using a CNC machine. All that is needed is putting all the codes according to the design and the finished product would be delivered with ease.