Custom Tooling for Manufacturing Trend Report

In the world of CNC precision machining, the possibilities extend far beyond just shaping and cutting materials. One of the most exciting aspects of modern machining is the ability to customize the surface color of your parts, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. At F&Q-Tech, we offer a wide range of color customization options to meet your specific needs. In this article, we'll explore the different color surface treatment methods we use, their advantages and disadvantages, and which materials they are best suited for.




#unit-umC45XBGIWXdROZ .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-umC45XBGIWXdROZ .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}#unit-umC45XBGIWXdROZ .ce-image{height:100%;width:100%;--image-effect:2;}











1. Electroplating


Electroplating involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of a part using an electric current. Common plating metals include chromium, nickel, zinc, and gold.
• Advantages:
Enhanced Durability: Provides excellent corrosion and wear resistance.
Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a shiny, reflective finish.
Versatility: Can be applied to various metals, including steel, brass, and copper.
• Disadvantages:
Environmental Concerns: The process can involve hazardous chemicals.
Cost: Can be more expensive due to the need for specialized equipment and materials.
• Suitable Materials:
Metals: Steel, brass, copper, and other conductive materials.
Not Ideal For: Non-conductive materials like plastics and ceramics.




2. Anodizing



Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant oxide layer, most commonly used on aluminum.
• Advantages:
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent for protecting aluminum parts.
Color Stability: Colors are embedded in the oxide layer, making them resistant to fading.
Hardness: Increases the surface hardness of the material.
• Disadvantages:
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent for protecting aluminum parts.
Color Stability: Colors are embedded in the oxide layer, making them resistant to fading.
Hardness: Increases the surface hardness of the material.
• Disadvantages:
Limited to Aluminum: Primarily used for aluminum and its alloys.
Color Limitations: While versatile, the color range is not as extensive as some other methods.




3. Powder Coating



Powder coating is a dry finishing process where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the part, then cured under heat.
• Advantages:
Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, chips, and fading.
Environmentally Friendly: Produces less hazardous waste compared to liquid paints.
Versatile Color Range: Offers a wide variety of colors and finishes.
• Disadvantages:
Thickness: Can be thicker than other coatings, which may not be suitable for precision parts.
Curing Time: Requires heat curing, which can be time-consuming.
• Suitable Materials:
Metals: Steel, aluminum, and other metals.
Plastics: Certain types of heat-resistant plastics.
Not Ideal For: Materials that cannot withstand the curing temperature.




4. Chemical Coloring



Chemical coloring involves immersing the part in a chemical solution that reacts with the metal to produce a colored oxide layer.
• Advantages:
Uniform Color: Provides a consistent and even color distribution.
Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other methods.
Simple Process: Requires less equipment and setup.
• Disadvantages:
Limited Color Range: Typically limited to black, blue, and brown shades.
Durability: Less resistant to wear and corrosion compared to other methods.
• Suitable Materials:
Stainless Steel: Commonly used for stainless steel parts.
Copper Alloys: Suitable for brass and bronze.


Not Ideal For: Aluminum and other reactive metals.




5. Laser Coloring



Laser coloring uses a laser to create microstructures on the surface of the material, which interact with light to produce colors without the use of pigments or dyes.
• Advantages:
Permanent Colors: Colors are embedded in the material and do not fade.
Eco-Friendly: No chemicals or pigments are used.
Precision: Allows for intricate designs and patterns.
• Disadvantages:
Cost: Can be more expensive due to the high cost of laser equipment.
Limited to Certain Materials: Primarily used for metals and some plastics.
• Suitable Materials:
Metals: Stainless steel, titanium, and other reflective metals.
Plastics: Certain types of transparent and reflective plastics.


Not Ideal For: Materials that are not reflective or cannot withstand laser energy.




6. Hot-Dip Galvanizing



Hot-dip galvanizing involves immersing the part in a bath of molten zinc, creating a protective coating that is highly resistant to corrosion.
• Advantages:

Long-Lasting Protection: Provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other corrosion protection methods.
Durability: The coating is thick and robust.
• Disadvantages:

Aesthetic Limitations: The finish is not as smooth or visually appealing as other methods.
Weight: Adds a significant amount of weight to the part.
• Suitable Materials:

Steel: Commonly used for steel structures and components.


Not Ideal For: Aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous metals.




Conclusion



At F&Q-Tech, we understand that the color of your CNC machined parts is just as important as their functionality. That's why we offer a variety of color surface treatment methods to ensure that your parts not only perform well but also look great. Whether you're looking for corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, or a combination of both, we have a solution for you.




Key Takeaways:



Electroplating is ideal for metals requiring high durability and a shiny finish.
Anodizing is perfect for aluminum parts needing corrosion resistance and color stability.
Powder Coating offers a wide range of colors and is highly durable.
Chemical Coloring is cost-effective and suitable for stainless steel and copper alloys.
Laser Coloring provides permanent, eco-friendly colors with high precision.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing is best for steel parts needing long-lasting corrosion protection.
By understanding the different methods and their applications, you can make an informed decision about which color surface treatment is right for your CNC machined parts. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you achieve the perfect finish.




Call to Action



To ensure we deliver exactly what you envision, we require two crucial elements for our quoting process: detailed drawings and color swatches.


#unit-vz7n1wOIFybuzwZ .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-vz7n1wOIFybuzwZ .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}#unit-vz7n1wOIFybuzwZ .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}











Ready to explore the possibilities of color customization for your CNC machined parts?
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help bring your vision to life.

#cell-QMMMdYRqxJdhgnD{order:0;}

In April 2025, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in an interview: "The core reason why Apple insists on manufacturing in China is not cheap labor, but China's irreplaceable 'skill density'." This view not only reveals the underlying logic of Apple's supply chain, but also reflects China's global competitiveness in the field of precision manufacturing. This article will deeply analyze how China has become the preferred partner for CNC processing and mold injection services for European and American companies by relying on its technical talent reserves, supply chain efficiency and innovation ecology.



#cell-7GRgaiuYdSwt5JK{order:0;}

1. The core competitiveness of China's manufacturing: the transition from "cheap" to "skill density"

#cell-7Ez1SRBBuOE7qIS{order:0;}

1.1 “Skill Density” in Cook’s Eyes

#cell-X1ayZPY6E8vzj6k{order:0;}

Cook has repeatedly stressed that the core advantage of China's manufacturing industry lies in its large-scale and systematic talent pool. For example, the number of mold engineers in a certain province in China can "fill several football fields", while the United States "can't even gather enough engineers for a meeting." This gap stems from:
Education system support: China's vocational education system focuses on training technical workers, covering high-skilled fields such as CNC programming and mold design.
Industry chain collaboration: From raw materials (such as aluminum alloys and engineering plastics) to precision processing, China has formed a "one-hour industrial circle" to achieve rapid response and cost optimization.


#cell-6eUrqyDHloBWEVQ{order:0;}

1.2 The “micrometer-level” threshold for precision manufacturing

#cell-ocEcFNU7NS3zFFg{order:0;}

Apple products require mold precision up to micron level (such as the surface fit of iPhone shell), which relies on the following technological breakthroughs:
Popularization of 5-axis CNC machining: China's leading factories have widely used 5-axis linkage machine tools, which can process complex curved parts with an accuracy of ±0.01mm.
Injection molding process innovation: For example, the glass panel produced by Lens Technology for Apple Vision Pro uses high-precision hot bending technology, with a yield rate of over 99%.








#unit-51DxwTGf9vsxjdB .ce-video_inner{justify-content:center;}





×









#unit-5xnM9ujRXiYvsrU .ce-video_inner{justify-content:center;}





×









#cell-lhD3z5svYZ3Qcr1{order:0;}







2. Four major driving forces for European and American companies to choose Chinese suppliers



2.1 The ultimate balance between cost and efficiency

#unit-zLWmmq7Y2ss95OD [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:solid none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Dimensions

#unit-LDUT8AhIbAl7QZX [ce-data-type="text"]{border-width:1px;border-style:none none solid none;}

Comprehensive cost

#unit-k5WFaWgVQNKvW3y [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Delivery cycle

#unit-3kOv2RoveFT0bsZ [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Technical adaptability

#unit-9aWQNnIqvzp125w [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:solid none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Chinese Manufacturers

#unit-kxrzPwSJrjraZzg [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Labor + equipment depreciation costs are 30%-50% lower

#unit-AzNRsKuaJigjFAy [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Average 2-4 weeks (relying on clustered supply chain)

#unit-n9m3TFMZkARl4QT [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Support flexible production from prototype to mass production

#unit-vXwT7pdTOOlmheQ [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:solid none solid none;border-width:1px;}

European and American local suppliers

#unit-1uVnWws9VuzPjbx [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

High labor cost, suitable for small batch customization

#unit-lCcSineBaITa2EK [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Prefer standardized large-volume orders

#unit-WkiinjqKU7WWeKk [ce-data-type="text"]{border-style:none none solid none;border-width:1px;}

Complex parts take 6-8 weeks



Case:
A German car brand transferred its aluminum alloy wheel CNC processing orders to China, reducing costs by 40% and shortening delivery time to 3 weeks.
A US medical company commissioned a Chinese manufacturer to produce disposable endoscope housings by injection molding, which passed ISO 13485 certification and had a defect rate of less than 0.1%.




2.2 Green Manufacturing and Compliance



Carbon neutrality goal: China's leading suppliers (such as BYD and Luxshare Precision) have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality for Apple orders by 2030, using environmentally friendly materials such as recycled aluminum and bio-based plastics.
Process optimization: Through AI-driven tool path planning, material waste in CNC processing is reduced, and the waste recovery rate exceeds 90%.








#unit-9P1nmfcJeMm7AEP .ce-video_inner{justify-content:center;}





×

















3. The hidden advantages of China’s supply chain: Taking Apple as an example



3.1 Upgrading from “assembly” to “core technology”



Cook clarified: "The iPhone is not only 'assembled in China', its core components (such as glass cover and metal structural parts) rely on the precision processing capabilities of Chinese manufacturers." For example:
Lens Technology: Provides super-ceramic glass panels for iPhone, with 4 times higher drop resistance, relying on nano-level CNC polishing technology.
Everwin Precision: Uses 100% recycled aluminum to manufacture MacBook shells, taking into account lightweight and environmental protection requirements.




3.2 Intelligentization and Digital Empowerment



Industrial 4.0 factory: For example, BYD's "Using iPad to Produce iPad" project uses automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment to achieve real-time defect identification.
Cross-border collaboration: Chinese manufacturers provide online quotation systems and production progress tracking platforms, and European and American customers can remotely monitor order status.




4. Cooperation Guide for European and American Enterprises: How to Select High-Quality Chinese Suppliers?



4.1 Key Evaluation Indicators



Certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management), IATF 16949 (automotive), ISO 13485 (medical).
Equipment list: factories equipped with high-end machine tools such as DMG MORI and MAZAK are preferred.
Intellectual property protection: Sign an NDA agreement and select compliant suppliers that have served Apple, Tesla and other companies.




4.2 Risk Avoidance Strategies



Phased cooperation: Start with small batch trial production (e.g. 500 pieces) to verify quality stability, and then expand to large-scale orders.
Third-party quality inspection: CMM test report and material composition analysis certificate are required.




5. Future Trends: Challenges and Opportunities of Made in China



Challenges: low-cost competition in Southeast Asia, and the "nearshore outsourcing" policy in Europe and the United States (such as the US "CHIP Act").
Opportunities:
High-end technology: China's 5-axis CNC machine tool localization rate is expected to reach 29.2% in 2029, breaking the monopoly of Germany and Japan.
Globalization of services: China-Europe Express and RCEP agreements reduce cross-border logistics costs, and door-to-door time is compressed to 15 days.






Conclusion：
Cook's affirmation of Made in China confirms the core logic of "technological density" replacing "low cost" in the reconstruction of the global industrial chain. For European and American companies, choosing Chinese CNC processing and mold injection molding service providers is not only a cost consideration, but also a strategic investment in precision manufacturing capabilities and supply chain resilience.

For businesses and buyers involved in injection molding procurement, the "Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)" is a critical factor that directly impacts production costs, inventory management, and business operations. Understanding what MOQ entails, the factors that shape it, and how to navigate it can help optimize procurement strategies and boost operational efficiency. This article breaks down the concept of MOQ in injection molding and shares practical insights for businesses and buyers.




1. What Is Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) In Injection Molding?



Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) in injection molding refers to the smallest number of units a manufacturer or supplier requires for a single production run. It is not a fixed number but is determined by a combination of factors, including mold costs, production cycles, material procurement, and production efficiency.



A key principle to note: higher MOQs often lead to lower per-unit costs. This is because large-scale production allows manufacturers to spread fixed costs (like mold expenses) across more units, reducing the burden on each individual product. For example, if a mold costs $10,000, producing 10,000 units would amortize $1 per unit for the mold, while producing 1,000 units would add $10 per unit—making the latter significantly more expensive per piece.


#cell-EgtkayvPVLTdI4K{padding-top:2vw;padding-bottom:2vw;}#unit-90mpHHiqssyMdkd .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-90mpHHiqssyMdkd .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}#unit-90mpHHiqssyMdkd .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}











2. What Factors Influence MOQ in Injection Molding?



MOQ is not arbitrarily set; it is shaped by three core factors that directly affect a manufacturer’s costs and efficiency:


Mold Costs
Molds are one of the largest upfront investments in injection molding. Designing, manufacturing, and maintaining high-quality molds can cost thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on complexity (e.g., multi-cavity molds vs. single-cavity molds). To recoup these costs, manufacturers set MOQs that ensure the mold investment is spread across enough units. For instance, a complex mold for automotive parts may require a higher MOQ than a simple mold for plastic toys, as the former’s higher upfront cost needs more units to amortize.


Production Efficiency

Injection molding machines operate most efficiently when running long, continuous production runs. Stopping and starting machines for small orders wastes time (e.g., setup, calibration, and cleaning) and increases per-unit labor and energy costs. Manufacturers thus set MOQs to ensure each production run is long enough to maximize machine utilization. For example, a manufacturer with a machine that produces 1,000 units per hour may require an MOQ of 5,000 units to justify a 5-hour run, rather than stopping after 1 hour for a 1,000-unit order.


Material Procurement

Raw materials (e.g., plastic resins) are often purchased in bulk to secure lower prices and ensure a steady supply. Suppliers of materials may themselves have MOQs—for example, a resin supplier might require a minimum order of 500kg. If a manufacturer’s client orders a small quantity that only uses 100kg of resin, the manufacturer would be left with excess material, increasing costs. Thus, the manufacturer’s MOQ for the client may align with the material supplier’s MOQ to avoid waste.


#cell-TfzCn75CBXxhJZZ{padding-top:2vw;padding-bottom:2vw;}@media(max-width:1199px){#cell-TfzCn75CBXxhJZZ{padding-left:10vw;padding-right:10vw;}}#unit-WqPwRrJd8TvfAmp .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-WqPwRrJd8TvfAmp .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}@media(max-width:1199px){#unit-WqPwRrJd8TvfAmp .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}}











3. The Impact Of MOQ: Effects On Businesses And Buyers



MOQ affects both sides of the transaction—manufacturers and buyers—in distinct ways:

Impact on Businesses (Manufacturers)
● Advantage of higher MOQs: Larger orders allow manufacturers to achieve economies of scale, reducing per-unit costs (mold, material, and labor). This improves profit margins and makes pricing more competitive.
● Challenge of high MOQs: For small manufacturers or those serving niche markets, strict high MOQs may limit their customer base, as smaller businesses cannot meet the requirement.

Impact on Buyers
● Challenge of high MOQs: A high MOQ forces buyers to purchase large quantities upfront, tying up capital in inventory and increasing storage costs. This is especially burdensome for small businesses or startups with limited cash flow, as well as for buyers testing new products (where demand is uncertain).


● Advantage of lower MOQs: Lower MOQs offer flexibility—buyers can order smaller batches to test markets, reduce inventory risk, and adapt to changing demand. For example, a startup launching a new plastic gadget can use a low MOQ to produce 500 units, gauge customer response, and then scale up if sales are strong.




4. How to Lower MOQ?



If your business needs smaller orders but is faced with a high MOQ, consider these strategies to negotiate or reduce the requirement:


Multiple Small Batch Production
Some manufacturers offer "staged production," where buyers split their total order into smaller batches spread over time. For example, instead of a single 10,000-unit order with a 10,000 MOQ, a buyer could place two 5,000-unit orders, with the second batch produced 3 months later. This reduces the upfront quantity while still ensuring the manufacturer hits their overall volume target.


Shared Production Plans
Collaborate with other buyers to combine orders for similar products. For instance, two businesses needing plastic containers (same size, material, and mold) can share a production run, splitting the total quantity. If the manufacturer’s MOQ is 10,000 units, each buyer could take 5,000 units, effectively halving their individual MOQ.


Customized Mold Design


Work with manufacturers to design molds that are cheaper to produce or more flexible. For example, a "family mold" (which produces multiple small parts in one run) can reduce mold costs, allowing the manufacturer to lower the MOQ. Alternatively, using simpler mold designs with fewer cavities may reduce upfront costs, making a lower MOQ feasible.


#cell-CBTdsrVIP0oTOYG{padding-top:2vw;padding-bottom:2vw;}@media(max-width:1199px){#cell-CBTdsrVIP0oTOYG{padding-left:10vw;padding-right:10vw;}}#unit-4zLVt3p4DlNzjLh .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-4zLVt3p4DlNzjLh .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}@media(max-width:1199px){#unit-4zLVt3p4DlNzjLh .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}}











Conclusion



MOQ in injection molding is a balancing act between manufacturers’ need to cover costs and maintain efficiency, and buyers’ need for flexibility. By understanding the factors driving MOQ—mold costs, production efficiency, and material procurement—both parties can make informed decisions.


If you’re a buyer with small order needs, don’t hesitate to negotiate with manufacturers: explore staged production, shared runs, or customized molds. For manufacturers, offering flexible MOQ options can attract a wider range of clients, especially in a market where agility is increasingly valued.


By aligning MOQ with your business goals—whether scaling production or testing new products—you can optimize costs, reduce risk, and drive growth in the injection molding supply chain.

#cell-hte1benjf5oDI8m{order:0;}

In the world of CNC machining, the choice of metal materials directly affects machining efficiency, part accuracy and final cost. Although no metal can "take all" in all machining scenarios, some metals have become the "darlings" of CNC machining due to their excellent comprehensive performance. They are not only adaptable to a variety of machining processes, but also can show stable performance in the fields of auto parts, aerospace, etc.


#cell-sf5ykdgp7btLkmx{order:0;}

Aluminum alloy: the all-rounder in CNC machining

#cell-n2EfqeyJkwAiHb7{order:0;}





▶ Aluminum alloy is one of the ideal materials for CNC machining, especially in the fields of auto parts and aerospace.


In terms of processing performance, aluminum alloy has moderate hardness (the hardness of common 6061 aluminum alloy is about 95HB), low cutting resistance, slow tool wear, and can greatly improve processing efficiency. Its thermal conductivity is excellent, about 3 times that of steel, and the heat generated during processing can be quickly dissipated to avoid the accuracy of parts affected by thermal deformation. In addition, aluminum alloy has good plasticity, and smooth surface quality can be obtained whether it is milling, turning or drilling, without complicated subsequent processing.


In terms of cost, the price of aluminum alloy raw materials is relatively affordable, and the material utilization rate is high during processing, which is suitable for mass production. For example, engine brackets in the auto parts field and lightweight structural parts in aerospace are mostly processed with aluminum alloys, which can meet strength requirements and achieve weight reduction goals.


#unit-JiwtST2rBObN3b1 .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-JiwtST2rBObN3b1 .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}#unit-JiwtST2rBObN3b1 .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}









#cell-yM6YUncJHFDbB4G{order:0;}

Brass: The “stable” material for precision machining

#cell-RI1CNylw30ktqH0{order:0;}



▶ Brass has become a popular choice for precision parts processing due to its excellent cutting performance.


Brass has a low hardness (about 50-100HB) and a uniform internal structure. It is not easy to produce burrs and cracks during processing, and can easily achieve high-precision dimensional control (tolerance can be stabilized within ±0.01mm). It has good self-lubrication, is not easy to stick to the tool during cutting, and can reduce tool loss. It is especially suitable for processing parts with fine threads and complex holes, such as hydraulic valve components in auto parts and connectors in precision instruments.


In addition, brass has good conductivity and corrosion resistance. After processing, it can meet the needs of some scenarios without additional plating, further reducing production costs. However, brass has a high density and is relatively limited in its application in weight-sensitive aerospace parts.

Compared to brass, copper is widely used in new energy vehicle charging systems, with CNC-machined copper and copper alloy components being widely used. High-precision copper parts (such as charging gun terminals and battery connection pins) ensure stable current transmission. In the battery system, CNC-machined copper tabs and busbars efficiently collect power, while copper sleeves precisely adapt to the heat dissipation structure, balancing electrical and thermal conductivity. In the cooling system, precision-machined copper tubes, with their excellent dimensional accuracy, ensure reliable heat dissipation under high-voltage environments. Connectors and sensor contacts made from brass and other alloys, manufactured through CNC machining, maintain excellent conductivity while meeting complex assembly requirements through high-precision morphology, fully supporting the efficient operation of the vehicle's power transmission and thermal management systems.


#unit-ZtQbrQCj6DD2heh .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-ZtQbrQCj6DD2heh .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}#unit-ZtQbrQCj6DD2heh .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}









#cell-Ivc0eD6y8fWr5Kg{order:0;}

Mild steel: a cost-effective choice

#cell-KmoRi3w3UkWEc0L{order:0;}



▶ Low carbon steel (carbon content <0.25%) is a "frequent visitor" in the industrial field and also occupies an important position in CNC processing.


Its strength and toughness are balanced, and the cutting force during processing is moderate, which is suitable for various conventional processing technologies. Low carbon steel is cheap and the raw material supply is sufficient, which is suitable for mass production of structural parts, such as chassis brackets in auto parts and gear blanks in mechanical transmission. After heat treatment, low carbon steel can also improve the surface hardness and meet the wear resistance requirements.


However, it should be noted that low carbon steel is easy to rust, and usually needs to be electroplated or painted after processing; and its thermal conductivity is not as good as aluminum alloy, so it needs to be cooled during high-speed processing to avoid deformation of parts.


#cell-rKUmHsusNx5cDKr{order:0;}

Stainless steel (304/316): the “preferred material” in the field of corrosion resistance

#cell-FMvPGMnafa6EgaQ{order:0;}



▶ In scenarios with high requirements for corrosion resistance, 304 and 316 stainless steel are the first choice for CNC machining.


304 stainless steel contains chromium-nickel alloy, has strong oxidation resistance and stable processing performance, and is suitable for making parts for food machinery and medical equipment; 316 stainless steel has better resistance to salt spray and high temperature corrosion due to the addition of molybdenum, and is often used in aerospace pipeline systems and exhaust parts in auto parts.


Although stainless steel has a high hardness (about 150-200HB) and the tool wears faster during cutting, high-precision parts can still be efficiently processed by selecting carbide tools and optimizing cutting parameters (such as reducing feed speed and strengthening cooling).


#cell-MQmLx3oJ6Va6DQB{order:0;}#unit-46nOCFh3JPB5DUx .ce-image_inner{justify-content:center;}#unit-46nOCFh3JPB5DUx .ce-image_item{--svg-color:rgba(2, 190, 240,1);}#unit-46nOCFh3JPB5DUx .ce-image{--image-effect:1;}











Key principles for choosing the right metal





▶ To determine whether a metal is suitable for CNC machining, the following factors need to be considered comprehensively:


• Machining efficiency: Material hardness and cutting resistance directly affect machining speed and tool life;


• Precision control: Thermal conductivity and plasticity determine whether the parts are easily deformed due to machining heat or stress;


• Cost adaptation: Raw material prices, machining energy consumption, and subsequent processing costs must match the project budget;


• Scenario requirements: The strength, corrosion resistance, weight and other properties of the parts must meet the special requirements of the application field (such as the requirements of aerospace for lightweight and high temperature resistance).


Different metals have their own advantages, and the selection needs to be combined with the drawing requirements, performance indicators and cost budget of the specific project. If you are struggling with the selection of parts, or want to know the feasibility of machining a certain metal, please contact us. Our team of engineers is familiar with the machining characteristics of various metals and can provide customized solutions according to your needs, from material selection to process optimization, to escort your project throughout the process.