In-depth Demand Report | Disassembling Aluminium Die Casting Manufacturer

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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.


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Aluminum alloy: the all-rounder in CNC machining

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▶ 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.


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Brass: The “stable” material for precision machining

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▶ 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.


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Mild steel: a cost-effective choice

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▶ 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.


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

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▶ 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).


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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.

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.


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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.


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Part ComplexityA 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.


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● 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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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▶ 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.

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▶ 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!