So you need a custom metal part. Maybe it's a prototype for a new product, a replacement component for a machine, or something entirely new. You keep hearing about CNC machining, but what does it actually mean for you?
CNC Machining in Plain English
Think of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) as a robotic sculptor that carves parts out of solid blocks of metal with incredible precision. We give it a digital blueprint (a 3D CAD file), and it follows those instructions exactly, cutting away material until what's left is your perfect part.
The two main types you'll encounter are:
- CNC Milling: A spinning cutting tool moves around a stationary block of metal. Perfect for complex shapes, slots, and contours.
- CNC Turning: The metal piece spins while a stationary tool cuts it. Ideal for creating round or tubular parts like shafts, pins, and connectors.
Most quality machine shops offer both, and often use them together to make a single part.
Why Aluminum and Stainless Steel?
These two materials cover about 80% of all custom metal parts for good reason:
1.Aluminum (The Lightweight Champion)
- Pros: Light, easy to machine, good strength-to-weight ratio, naturally corrosion-resistant, and more affordable.
- Best for: Enclosures, brackets, heat sinks, prototypes, and anything where weight is a concern (drones, automotive parts, consumer electronics).
- Common Types: 6061 (the all-rounder), 7075 (super strong for aerospace), 6082 (great for structural parts).
2.Stainless Steel (The Tough Guy)
- Pros: Extremely strong, highly corrosion-resistant, can handle high temperatures, and has a premium look.
- Best for: Surgical instruments, food processing equipment, marine hardware, automotive fittings, and parts that face wear, corrosion, or high stress.
- Common Types: 304 (most common, great corrosion resistance), 316 ("marine grade," even more resistant), 17-4 PH (can be heat-treated to be very strong).
What "Custom CNC Parts" Really Means for You
This is where it gets exciting. Custom machining lets you:
- Create Exactly What You Need: No more adapting your design to off-the-shelf parts.
- Iterate Quickly: Test a prototype, find an improvement, and make a new version fast.
- Control Quality: Choose the exact material and precision level for your application.
- Scale Effortlessly: Go from one prototype to hundreds of production parts without changing processes.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're an engineer, a startup founder, or a maintenance manager, custom CNC machining gives you the freedom to create durable, precise parts in aluminum and stainless steel exactly to your specifications.
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
