Guide to Shop CNC Machining Aerospace Parts in F&Q TECH
F&Q TECH, the reliable CNC machining aerospace parts producer, endeavors to optimize the production process. We adopt state-of-the-art facilities and practised technicians to enhance productivity and increase efficiency to save time. We operate following the management method of the leading international enterprise to make communication between colleagues more efficient. Moreover, we simplify data collection and transmission to make the production process more smooth.
The brand F&Q TECH represents our capability and image. All its products are tested by the market for times and are proven to be excellent in quality. They are well received in different countries and regions and are re-purchased in large quantities. We are proud that they are always mentioned in the industry and are examples for our peers who together with us will promote business development and upgrade.
We ensure timely response to customers' consultation through F&Q TECH. CNC machining aerospace parts is delivered with thorough services, including MOP, customization, packaging, and shipment. In such a manner, customer experience is greatly maximized.
EDM machine tools: the "invisible engraver" of precision machining
In modern manufacturing, the ability of precision machining technology to form complex parts directly affects the performance and quality of products. As a non-contact special machining technology, electrical discharge machining (EDM) has become an "invisible engraver" for high-hardness materials and complex geometric parts by virtue of its unique machining principle. This article will analyze the technical principles, core advantages and applicable scenarios of EDM, and compare it with traditional CNC machining to help you understand its key role in industry.
Processing principles and core features of EDM machine tools
The EDM machine tool generates instantaneous high temperature (up to 8000-12000℃) through high-frequency pulse discharge between the electrode and the workpiece, causing the metal material on the surface of the workpiece to partially melt and vaporize, and gradually eroding the material. The entire process does not require physical contact, so it is not limited by the hardness of the material and can achieve micron-level precision. EDM machine tools can process high-hardness conductive materials such as hardened steel, cemented carbide, and titanium alloy. And through electrode shape replication or wire cutting path control, complex structures such as deep grooves, micropores, and special-shaped cavities can be processed, and fine structures that CNC processing cannot perform can be processed. The EMD processing process has no mechanical cutting force, avoids deformation of the workpiece, and is especially suitable for thin-walled and fine parts. At the same time, EDM processing can achieve mirror effects or specific roughness requirements by adjusting the discharge parameters.
Typical application scenarios of EDM
1. Mold manufacturing field
Injection molds and die-casting molds: Processing complex cavities such as deep cavities, narrow slits, and sharp corners to solve the interference problem of traditional CNC tools.
Precision stamping molds: Directly process cutting edges and gaps with micron-level precision on hardened mold steel.
2. Aerospace and medical equipment
Engine blade film cooling holes, fuel nozzle micropores (aperture can be as small as 0.1mm).
Titanium alloy precision parts of surgical instruments (such as porous structures of orthopedic implants).
3. Superhard material processing
Special-shaped cutting edges of cemented carbide tools, precision slotting of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools.
Comparison and selection between EDM and CNC machine tools
Processing method
EDM Machine Tools
CNC Machine Tools
Processing principle
Spark erosion (non-contact)
Mechanical cutting (contact type)
Applicable Materials
Conductive material (hardness not limited)
Conductive material (hardness not limited)
Processing efficiency
Slow (low material removal rate)
Fast (suitable for large quantities)
Processing accuracy
Within ±1μm (precision grade)
±5-10μm (normal)
Surface quality
No knife marks, but remelting layer may occur
Direct cutting surface formation
Typical costs
Electrode design and loss costs are high
Tool cost is low, but depends on material machinability
Therefore, when the material used in your product is extremely hard, or the structure is complex and precise, or the thickness is extremely thin, or it is very fine, EDM processing is a good choice.
conclusion
EDM machine tools are not a substitute for CNC, but a "complementer" in the field of precision manufacturing. When dealing with high-hardness materials, complex microstructures, and zero-deformation processing requirements, EDM shows irreplaceable advantages. Engineers need to flexibly choose between the two technologies based on material properties, part geometry complexity, and cost budget to achieve the best balance between efficiency and precision.
In the manufacturing world, CNC machining has become a cornerstone for producing precision parts—from auto components to aerospace components—thanks to its unmatched accuracy and efficiency. If you’re considering CNC machining for your project, one question likely tops your list: How much does it cost to machine a part with CNC?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. CNC machining costs depend on a mix of factors, from the materials you use to the complexity of the part. Below, we’ll break down these factors, explain how costs are calculated, and share tips to keep your expenses in check. Let’s dive in.
Key Factors That Influence CNC Machining Costs
Material Costs
The type of material you choose is one of the biggest cost drivers. Common metals like aluminum, copper, and steel are budget-friendly, with prices often ranging from tens of yuan per kilogram. On the other hand, high-performance materials—such as titanium alloys (used in aerospace) or specialty alloys—are far pricier. For example, aviation-grade titanium can cost thousands of yuan per kilogram, due to its scarcity, difficult refining process, and tough machining properties.
Material specifications also matter. Higher-quality, precision-grade materials (with tighter tolerances or better surface finishes) will cost more than standard grades, as they meet stricter industry standards.
Part Complexity
A part’s shape and structure directly impact how much time and effort go into machining it—and thus, the cost.
● Simple parts: Basic shapes like cubes, cylinders, or flat plates are easy to machine. They require fewer tool changes, simpler programming, and minimal setup, keeping costs low. A simple aluminum cylinder, for instance, might cost just 1.5 USD.
The following example is a project we processed, which is a component of the gear lever for racing cars.
● Complex parts: Parts with intricate curves, irregular shapes, tiny features (like micro-holes), or internal channels are far more challenging. They need advanced programming to map tool paths, multiple setups (to reach all angles), and sometimes specialized tools. For example, an aircraft engine blade—with its complex, aerodynamic curves—can cost hundreds of dollars or more to machine.
The picture below is a project we processed, which is an aluminum automobile intake manifold.
Precision Requirements
Tighter tolerances and smoother surface finishes mean higher costs.
● Standard precision: Most everyday mechanical parts need tolerances around ±0.1mm. These are straightforward to achieve with basic CNC equipment, so costs stay reasonable.
● High precision: Parts for medical devices or aerospace often require tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm (or even less). To hit these targets, manufacturers must use high-end, ultra-precise machines, run multiple finishing passes, and conduct rigorous quality checks—all of which add time and expense.
Production Volume
How many parts you need affects the cost per unit.
CNC machining has “fixed costs” upfront: programming the machine, setting up tools, and debugging. For small batches (e.g., 1–10 parts), these fixed costs get spread across fewer units, making each part more expensive. For example, 1 custom part might cost 15 USD.
But with larger volumes (e.g., 100+ parts), those fixed costs are divided among more units, driving down the per-piece price. That same part could drop to 8 USD each when produced in bulk.
Machinery and Technology
Not all CNC machines are created equal—and their costs reflect that.
● 3-axis machines: These handle flat or simple 3D parts (like plates or blocks) and are affordable, with hourly rates often between 100–300 yuan.
● 4-axis or 5-axis machines: These tackle complex, multi-angle parts (like turbine blades) but are pricier to buy and operate. Hourly rates for 5-axis machines can range from 500–1000 yuan or more.
Processing techniques also matter. Milling, turning, and drilling are standard (and cheaper), while specialized methods like EDM (electrical discharge machining) or grinding cost more due to unique equipment and longer processing times.
The following pictures are the 5-axis machines and EDM machines in our factory.
How CNC Machining Costs Are Calculated
Manufacturers use three main pricing models, depending on your project’s needs:
▶ Hourly Billing
This is common for projects with hard-to-estimate timelines (e.g., one-off complex parts). The formula is simple:
Total cost = Processing time × Hourly rate
The hourly rate covers everything: machine depreciation, energy use, labor, and overhead. As noted earlier, rates vary by machine type—3-axis machines are cheaper than 5-axis ones.
▶ Per-Piece Billing
Ideal for mass production (e.g., 1000+ identical parts) where processing time and complexity are consistent. The per-piece price includes:
● Material costs
● Machining time
● Tool/equipment wear
● A small profit margin
For example, a simple plastic bracket might cost a few yuan per piece, while a complex metal gear could cost hundreds.
▶ Comprehensive Billing
Best for mixed projects (e.g., multiple part types) or long-term partnerships. This model combines material costs, processing time, complexity, and volume to create a custom quote. For instance, an order with 5 different parts would have each part’s costs calculated individually, then adjusted based on total volume and project difficulty.
Tips to Reduce CNC Machining Costs
Want to keep costs low without sacrificing quality? Try these strategies:
1. Optimize Your Part Design
Simplify shapes to cut down on machining steps. Avoid unnecessary curves, tiny features, or overcomplicating structures—ask: Does this detail serve a critical function?
Also, design for material efficiency. For example, combining two small parts into one larger piece reduces assembly time and material waste.
2. Choose the Right Material
Balance performance and cost. If a part doesn’t need aerospace-grade titanium, try a cheaper alternative with similar properties (e.g., aluminum alloys for non-critical components).
Buy in bulk or use standard-sized materials—custom cuts or rare sizes often come with premiums.
3. Order in Larger Volumes
If your project allows, scale up production. As we saw earlier, bulk orders lower the per-piece cost by spreading fixed costs across more units.
4. Partner with Experienced Suppliers
A skilled manufacturer can optimize tool paths, reduce setup time, and avoid errors—saving you money. Look for suppliers with advanced equipment, a track record of efficiency, and transparent pricing.
5. Plan for Long-Term Partnerships
Building a long-term relationship with a supplier often leads to better rates, priority scheduling, and tailored cost-saving solutions (e.g., bulk material discounts).
Final Thoughts
CNC machining costs depend on materials, complexity, precision, volume, and machinery—but with the right strategies, you can keep expenses manageable. Whether you need a single prototype or 10,000 production parts, the key is to align your design and volume with your budget.
If you’re ready to get a custom quote, reach out to us. Our team uses state-of-the-art CNC machines and decades of experience to deliver accurate, cost-effective parts—on time, every time. Share your part drawings and requirements, and we’ll craft a detailed, transparent estimate tailored to your project.
Let’s make your next project a success—contact us today!
In the world of manufacturing, CNC machining stands as a cornerstone of precision—yet not all materials play by the same rules. While metals like aluminum or mild steel glide through the machining process, others pose unique challenges, testing the limits of tools, equipment, and expertise.
What makes a material "difficult" to CNC machine? It’s a mix of physical properties: hardness that resists cutting, poor thermal conductivity that traps heat, chemical reactivity that damages tools, and even work hardening that makes each pass harder than the last.
Let’s dive into the materials that top the list of "hardest to machine"—and how manufacturers tackle them.
1. Titanium Alloys (Especially High-Strength Grades Like TC4)
Titanium alloys are stars in aerospace, medical devices, and high-performance engineering—thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. But for CNC machinists, they’re a tough nut to crack.
High strength at high temps: Even when heated, titanium retains its strength, increasing cutting force and straining tools.
Terrible thermal conductivity: It conducts heat 5x less than steel and 10x less than aluminum. Most cutting heat stays trapped at the tool tip, accelerating wear.
Chemical reactivity: At high temperatures, titanium reacts with tool materials (like carbide), causing "built-up edge"—where material sticks to the tool, ruining surface finishes and shortening tool life.
For example, machining high-strength titanium alloys like TC4 often cuts tool life to a fraction of what it would be with steel. Shops need rigid machines and specialized tools to avoid vibration and maintain precision.
2. Nickel-Based Superalloys (e.g., Inconel 718)
Superalloys are designed to thrive in extreme heat—think jet engines, gas turbines, and nuclear reactors. But their resilience makes them a nightmare for CNC machining.
Extreme hardness and strength: Even at room temperature, they’re far harder than steel, requiring massive cutting force.
Severe work hardening: As you cut, the material’s surface hardens dramatically (up to 50% harder than the base metal), making subsequent passes exponentially harder.
Heat traps: Poor thermal conductivity concentrates heat at the tool tip, leading to overheating and premature tool failure.
Take Inconel 718, a common nickel-based alloy: tool wear rates here are 3–5x higher than with mild steel. Machinists must carefully select tools (like ceramic or cubic boron nitride) and tweak parameters to avoid disaster.
3. Ultra-High-Strength Steel
Used in automotive safety parts, armor, and aerospace structures, ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) offers unmatched toughness—but machining it demands next-level skill.
Off-the-charts hardness: Many grades hit HRC 50+, requiring tools with extreme wear resistance (like CBN or ultra-fine carbide).
Tough, unruly chips: Its high toughness leads to long, stringy chips that wrap around tools or parts, disrupting precision and safety.
Heat and vibration: Cutting generates intense heat (hard to dissipate), while the material’s rigidity causes vibration—ruining surface finishes and accuracy.
Machining UHSS often requires heavy-duty machines with vibration-dampening features to keep cuts stable.
4. Titanium-Aluminum Intermetallic Compounds
A newer class of high-temperature materials, titanium-aluminum (Ti-Al) intermetallics promise lightweight strength for aerospace—but their machining difficulty is off the charts.
Brittleness at room temp: Unlike pure titanium, Ti-Al alloys are brittle, making them prone to cracking during cutting.
Worse thermal conductivity than titanium: Heat builds up even faster, putting tools under extreme stress.
Low fracture toughness: The material cracks easily under cutting force, damaging both parts and tools.
As a newer material, machining Ti-Al intermetallics is still being refined—requiring experimental tooling and slow, precise feeds.
How to Machine These "Impossible" Materials
Tough as they are, these materials can be machined with the right strategy. Here’s what works:
Choose the Right Tools
Opt for ultra-hard, heat-resistant materials:
●Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN): Handles high temps and hard materials like UHSS.
●Ceramic tools: Resist heat and chemical reactions (great for superalloys).
●Ultra-fine carbide: Balances toughness and wear resistance for titanium.
Tweak Cutting Parameters
●Slow down cutting speeds to reduce heat.
●Use moderate feed rates and shallow depths to avoid overloading tools.
●Add high-pressure cooling (up to 1000 psi) or oil mist lubrication to flush heat and chips.
Upgrade Your Process
●Step-by-step machining: For complex parts, take smaller cuts to avoid stress.
●Pre-machining heat treatment: Soften materials temporarily to ease cutting.
●High-speed machining (HSM): Reduces vibration for brittle materials like Ti-Al.
Invest in Rigid Equipment
Machines with heavy-duty frames, high torque, and stable spindles minimize vibration—critical for precision with hard materials.
Why These Materials Matter
Despite the hassle, these "difficult" materials are irreplaceable. Titanium alloys lighten aircraft, superalloys power jet engines, and UHSS keeps cars safe. Their performance benefits far outweigh machining challenges—if you have the expertise to handle them.
Need help machining tough materials? Our team specializes in CNC machining for titanium, superalloys, and beyond. With 19+ years of experience, advanced equipment, and custom tooling, we turn "impossible" parts into reality.
Contact us today for a free quote—and let’s tackle your toughest projects together.
