In-depth Demand Report | Disassembling Custom CNC Machining Services

In the manufacturing industry, CNC machining is an efficient and precise process that is widely used in the production of various parts. From automotive parts to medical devices, CNC machining has a wide range of applications. However, for many businesses or individuals who need CNC machining services, one of the most concerned issues is: how much does it cost to CNC machine a part? This article will take a deep look at the various factors that affect the cost of CNC machining and provide some references for cost estimation.

1. Material cost



Materials are one of the main factors that affect CNC machining costs. The prices of different materials vary greatly. Commonly used materials include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, and plastic. However, among these materials, precious metals and special alloys are more expensive. For example, the price of aluminum is relatively low, while titanium alloy is much more expensive.



2. Processing complexity



The complexity of a part's design directly affects the cost of machining. Complex geometries, fine details, and high precision all require more programming time and more complex machining processes. For example, the machining cost of a simple cylindrical part is much lower than a part with complex surfaces and internal structures. In addition, complex parts often require multiple clamping and positioning, which increases machining time and labor costs. So a lot of times when you make small changes to your design, it doesn't reduce the cost. As long as there are changes, there will be costs.



3. Quantity



The number of parts processed is also a key factor in determining costs. Generally speaking, the cost per part of a large-scale production is lower than that of a small-scale production. The reason is that the fixed costs of programming, setting up and debugging required for production can be amortized on each product. If thousands or tens of thousands of parts are processed at a time, the unit cost will be significantly reduced. On the contrary, small-scale production of a single part will be more expensive. Usually, we all know that there will be additional charges for custom colors. But the cost of 50 pieces in 5 colors will be much more expensive than 50 pieces in one color. In this case, if the total quantity of 5 colors is increased. For example, for 500 pieces of 5 colors, you will find that the price will be much lower, and there will not even be any additional charges.



4. Machine tools and tools



Different CNC machines and cutting tools affect the cost of machining. High-end five-axis CNC machines can process complex parts, but the cost will be higher than three-axis machines. In addition, if the design is more complex, it will require customized specific cutting tools or special processing, which will also increase the cost. Cutting tool wear and replacement frequency are also factors, as they will affect machining efficiency and quality.



5. Labor costs



CNC machining requires experienced technicians for programming, operation and quality inspection. Complex parts require longer programming and debugging, which further increases labor costs.



6. Other costs



Other costs include final processing (such as surface treatment, heat treatment), packaging, logistics and transportation. Some parts need to be heat treated or surface coated after processing to improve performance and durability, and these steps will increase the overall cost. In addition, the customization of packaging, logistics and transportation costs also need to be considered, especially for large or heavy parts. You may wonder about the cost of packaging, but it is an unavoidable cost. After your product is surface treated, in order to prevent your products from rubbing against each other during transportation, we will pack the products one by one. In another case, when your product is more precise, in order to prevent damage during transportation, it will be packed in wooden boxes or pallets.



In summary, there are many factors that affect the cost of CNC machining, but as a rule of thumb, the average hourly cost is roughly between $50 and $200, depending on the factors listed above.But all of this will be dispensable costs when the order quantity is relatively large.

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Before we discuss what materials cannot be CNC machined, we first need to understand the principles and limitations of CNC machining, and then see what materials are not suitable for CNC machining. CNC machining has become one of the core technologies of modern manufacturing due to its high precision, high efficiency and wide applicability. However, not all materials are suitable for machining by conventional CNC processes. The physical or chemical properties of some materials can cause excessive tool wear, poor machining quality, and even damage to machine tools. This article will explore which materials are difficult or impossible to use CNC machining, and analyze the reasons behind it and possible alternatives.CNC machining is usually achieved by cutting materials with tools, which mainly depends on two factors. One is the hardness of the tool. The tool must be harder than the material being machined, otherwise it will wear out quickly. The second is material stability: the material must have a certain strength to avoid deformation or fragmentation due to cutting force. If the material cannot meet the above conditions, conventional CNC machining will be difficult to carry out.1. Superhard materials:Typical materials: natural diamond, cubic boron nitride (CBN)Processing difficulties: The hardness of diamond is as high as Mohs 10, and CBN is close to 9, which is much higher than conventional carbide tools (hardness is about 8-9). The tool will quickly become blunt or even break during cutting.Alternative solutions:Use electrical discharge machining (EDM) or laser cutting to remove materials using heat or discharge principles.2. Highly brittle materialsTypical materials: ordinary glass, unsintered ceramics, high-purity graphiteProcessing difficulties:The material is prone to breakage during cutting, and burrs or cracks are generated on the edges, making it difficult to ensure accuracy. For example, glass may shatter instantly under tool pressure.Alternative solutions:Use grinding technology (such as precision grinders) or water jet cutting to reduce direct impact.3. Highly viscous or soft materialsTypical materials: rubber, silicone, soft plastics (such as PE, PU)Processing difficulties:The material is highly elastic, and the tool is prone to "pulling" rather than cutting, resulting in deformation or rough surface. Soft plastics may also melt due to frictional heat and stick to the tool.Alternatives:Freeze curing: Processing after hardening the material at low temperature (such as cooling rubber with liquid nitrogen).Use high-speed spindles (above 20,000 RPM) to reduce heat accumulation.4. High-temperature sensitive materialsTypical materials: lead, tin, PVC plasticsDifficulties in processing:Low-melting-point metals (such as tin melting point 232°C) are easy to soften and stick to the tool during high-speed cutting; PVC releases toxic chlorine gas at high temperatures, which endangers operators.Alternatives:Control cutting temperature (such as using coolant), or use 3D printing or injection molding instead.5. Heterogeneous composite materialsTypical materials: Carbon fiber reinforced composite materials (CFRP), glass fiberDifficulties in processing:Material anisotropy leads to uneven cutting force and extremely fast tool wear; carbon fiber may also delaminate, affecting structural strength.Alternatives:Use diamond-coated tools and optimize cutting parameters (low feed, high speed).It is worth noting that although many materials are difficult to process with conventional CNC, they are not absolutely "unprocessable". The following methods can be used to break through the limitations:Special tools: such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools for processing carbon fiber.Process improvement: combined with cooling technology (such as cryogenic processing), vibration suppression, etc.Hybrid process: CNC rough processing first, then EDM or laser finishing.For example, although nickel-based high-temperature alloys (such as Inconel) have extremely short tool life due to high strength and high thermal conductivity, they can still be processed with special ceramic tools and extremely low feed speeds, but the cost is extremely high. ConclusionAlthough CNC processing is powerful, its limitations also remind us that material properties and processing technology need to be highly matched. When facing special materials, engineers need to comprehensively consider cost, efficiency and quality, and flexibly choose traditional cutting, special processing or additive manufacturing solutions. In the future, with the development of technologies such as superhard tools and intelligent cooling systems, the boundaries of CNC may be further broadened, but "applying technology according to materials" will always be the core logic of the manufacturing industry.

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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.

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Processing principles and core features of EDM machine tools

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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.

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Typical application scenarios of EDM

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1. Mold manufacturing fieldInjection 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 equipmentEngine 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 processingSpecial-shaped cutting edges of cemented carbide tools, precision slotting of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools.

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Comparison and selection between EDM and CNC machine tools

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Processing method
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EDM Machine Tools
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CNC Machine Tools
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Processing principle
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Spark erosion (non-contact)
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Mechanical cutting (contact type)
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Applicable Materials
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Conductive material (hardness not limited)
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Conductive material (hardness not limited)
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Processing efficiency
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Slow (low material removal rate)
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Fast (suitable for large quantities)
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Processing accuracy
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Within ±1μm (precision grade)
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±5-10μm (normal)
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Surface quality
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No knife marks, but remelting layer may occur
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Direct cutting surface formation
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Typical costs
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Electrode design and loss costs are high
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Tool cost is low, but depends on material machinability




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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.

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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.

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

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1.1 “Skill Density” in Cook’s Eyes

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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.

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1.2 The “micrometer-level” threshold for precision manufacturing

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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%.





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



2.1 The ultimate balance between cost and efficiency

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Dimensions
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Comprehensive cost
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Delivery cycle
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Technical adaptability
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Chinese Manufacturers
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Labor + equipment depreciation costs are 30%-50% lower
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Average 2-4 weeks (relying on clustered supply chain)
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Support flexible production from prototype to mass production
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European and American local suppliers
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High labor cost, suitable for small batch customization
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Prefer standardized large-volume orders
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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%.





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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.

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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.