How is CNC machining less expensive?

cnc machining stainless steel

Now because of the material, process, the cost of different projects, we had a good chat today about CNC machining how to not expensive, and from what aspects of the start can save costs to achieve cost-effective maximization.

cost of stainless steel
Machinable Stainless Steel

What are the main factors affecting the cost of CNC machining?

The main factors come from the design, equipment, materials, and production of these four aspects.


Design

The more complex the parts, the more expensive to manufacture, all CNC machining parts are initially 3D models, so the need to use professional CAD software design, to design the final 3D model can be put into production of the resources required to account for the preparation of a very large part of the cost.

This also includes all the costs associated with design optimization and preparation of the model for production using specialized CAM software. As well as specific part features and designs that will inevitably lead to increased costs, this includes sharp internal corners, thin walls, deep cavities, non-standard hole sizes etc. In addition, specific design requirements such as surface roughness or tolerance options may require multiple machining and quality checks.

Equipment

Different equipment has different strengths and points of interest, and consideration should be given to selecting highly efficient machines with the right tooling. Equipment machinery is a production preparation cost and ultimately affects the cost of the machining program.

CNC encompasses a wide variety of different machining processes, including drilling, boring, chipping, milling, and more. Machining can be realized for most products. Of course, CNC milling machines (multi-axis milling machines) are generally more expensive to operate than other machine tools due to their more complex moving parts, which are more difficult to assemble, operate, and maintain, but allow for more complex operations.

In addition, the material, coating and geometry of the tooling all influence this cost. For example, carbide tools, which are harder, more resistant to heat, and able to withstand high speeds, cost as much as twice as much as steel tools.

Materials

Product material is one of the most important cost influences. Material costs vary based on availability, properties, and production costs. Metals are typically more expensive than other materials.

In addition to the cost of the material, machinability is another important cost determinant. Materials with low machinability require more time and effort in CNC machining, where time equates to money. The cost of a machined part is exactly proportional to the time it takes to machine it. Difficult-to-machine materials also consume more resources, such as cutting fluids, electricity and cutting tools.

Production

The larger the production lot of a product, the lower the cost

As the number of parts increases, the unit cost of making an identical set of parts decreases. CNC machining cost

CNC Machining copper part
CNC Machining copper part

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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