Tips for Reducing CNC Machining Costs

Key Design Tips for Efficiency

Deburring In-House to Reduce CNC Costs

Instead of specifying chamfers or corner radii in your design, consider handling deburring internally to reduce CNC machining costs. While automated deburring is available for stainless steel parts, other materials require additional machining time for edge breaks. Manual deburring using files, abrasive paper, or buffing wheels can be a cost-effective alternative to expensive automated processes.

Minimize Text Engraving for Cost Efficiency

Text engraving, while visually appealing, is a time-intensive operation that increases CNC machining costs. Consider avoiding decorative text on machined parts and reserving such features for injection-molded components, where the cost can be distributed across higher production volumes, ultimately reducing the overall machining cost.

Be Mindful of Wall Thickness to Avoid Increased Costs

Features smaller than 0.020 inches (0.5mm) are flagged as thin-wall geometry. While these can be machined, they pose risks that can increase CNC machining costs:

  • Potential breakage during machining
  • Post-machining flexing or warping
  • Deviation from original design specifications

Recommendation: Increase wall thickness wherever design requirements permit to reduce the risk of machining complications and the associated costs.

Maintain Simple Geometries to Lower CNC Machining Costs

Complex designs can significantly increase machining costs. Consider these guidelines to reduce CNC costs:

  • Avoid deep pockets, even with relieved corners
  • Minimize tall walls that may require additional support structures
  • Break complex parts into multiple components when necessary
  • Be cautious with sculptured surfaces and deep features that require more machining time and resources

Consider Material Alternatives to Reduce Machining Costs

Material selection can significantly impact both machining costs and part performance. When selecting materials:

  • Evaluate machine-friendly alternatives that require less processing time
  • Balance material costs with performance requirements
  • Consider both metals and plastics based on application needs to optimize cost-effectiveness

Design Best Practices for Reducing CNC Costs

FeatureCost-Saving Recommendation
Edge BreaksManual deburring instead of machined chamfers
Text/EngravingsAvoid unless functionally necessary
Wall ThicknessMaintain >0.020″ when possible
GeometryKeep simple, avoid deep features
MaterialsConsider machine-friendly alternatives

Summary: The simplest approach is often the most cost-effective. Always evaluate whether complex features are truly necessary for your part’s function, as streamlining your design can reduce CNC machining costs without compromising quality.

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Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Aluminum 6061602.68193117
Aluminum 6063732.721468.9
Aluminum 70501472.83490160
Aluminum 7075(Aerospace Grade)1502.81503159
Aluminum MIC-6652.7105N/A
Aluminum 5052602.68193117
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Copper 10165 - 908.89 - 8.9469 - 36576 - 90
Copper C11065 - 908.8969 - 36576 - 90
Copper C17280 - 858.25515 - 585275
Copper C26060 - 828.53103 - 44190
Copper C36063-1308.49124-310138
Brass CZ12190 - 1608.47360 - 500220 - 360
Brass CZ13170 - 1408.5340 - 480200 - 350
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Elongation at Break(%)
Stainless Steel 17-73887.812752046
Stainless Steel 3012178.0320521240
Stainless Steel 3031608.0324020050
Stainless Steel 3161878.0320519340
Stainless Steel 3322008.0329419644
Stainless Steel 4163607.89622009.5
Stainless Steel 4205067.8104020011.5
Stainless Steel 440C495 - 6537.8450 - 1900204 - 2152.0 - 14
Hardness(Shore D)Density (g/cm^3)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Tensile Strength(MPa)Elongation at Break(%)
HDPE50 - 760.92 - 0.990.565 - 1.511 - 433 - 80
UHMW-PE54 - 1200.8 - 1.80.3 - 1.111.6 - 403.5 - 800
PVC801.16 - 1.651.82 - 7.033.45 - 73.12 - 330
ABS/Nylon Blend641.04 - 1.210.9 - 5.327 - 1003.1 - 230
Acrylic600.7 - 1.30.95 - 3.7925 - 851 - 85
Nylon 6676 - 881.02 - 2.70.6 - 2510 - 981 - 300
PTFE11 - 700.7 - 3.350.392 - 0.750.86 - 41.470 - 650
PEEK62 - 941.26 - 1.722.14 - 2411 - 1251.7 - 100
POM-H811.423.27530
POM-C791.412.86740
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Elongation at Break(%)
Titanium(Grade 1)1204.5170 - 31010324
Titanium(Grade 2)2004.51276 - 44810320
Titanium(Grade 4)2654.51480 - 65510515
Ti-6Al-4V(Grade 5)3794.43110011410
Bronze11.6 - 4205.6 - 1469 - 80072.4 - 1380 - 70
Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5)916.720870 - 1007
Steel Alloy AISI 43403887.8597220012.1
Nickel Alloy175 - 2408.44414 - 75820716