Materials, Surface Finishes & Heat Treatment

Select suitable raw materials, surface finishing and heat treatment processes to meet your component performance and application requirements.

Materials for CNC Machining

We machine a wide range of materials: aluminum alloy, stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, copper, plus engineering plastics such as POM and PEEK.

Materials We Commonly Machine

Grade / Alloy

Typical Temper / Standard

Key Characteristics

Typical Applications

6061

T6 / T651

Good machinability, balanced strength and corrosion resistance

Housings, brackets, fixtures, machine components

6082

T6 / T651

Higher-strength structural alloy; widely used in Europe

Structural parts, frames, machine components

7075

T6

High strength-to-weight ratio and good machinability

Aerospace parts, high-load components, precision fixtures

2024

T3 / T4

High strength and good fatigue resistance

Aerospace and mechanical components

5052

H32 / H34

Good formability and corrosion resistance

Sheet-metal parts, covers, enclosures

5754

H22 / H32

Good formability and weldability

Sheet metal, tanks, general fabrication

 

Lightweight. Machinable. Versatile.

We machine a wide range of aluminum alloys for prototypes and production parts. With advanced CNC machining and reliable finishing options, we deliver high-quality aluminum components for demanding applications.

Key Considerations for Machining

Thin Walls & Distortion

Machining stress and clamping force can affect thin-wall parts. Appropriate workholding and machining sequences help maintain dimensional stability.

Tight Tolerances

Critical dimensions are controlled through process planning and appropriate inspection methods, including CMM inspection when required.

Surface Finish

Tool selection and cutting parameters are optimized according to cosmetic and functional surface requirements.

Anodizing Allowance

For tightly toleranced anodized parts, coating thickness and dimensional build-up should be considered before final machining dimensions are established.

Available Finishes / Post-Processing

Anodized

Hard Anodized

Powder coated

Nickel Plated

Materials We Commonly Machine

Grade / Alloy

Typical Temper / Standard

Key Characteristics

Typical Applications

1018

ASTM A108 / equivalent

Good machinability and weldability; low carbon

General parts, shafts, brackets, fixtures

1045

ASTM A108 / equivalent

Higher strength and hardness than 1018

Shafts, gears, machine components

A36

ASTM A36

Good weldability and formability

Structural parts, frames, base plates

1020

ASTM A108 / equivalent

Good machinability and weldability

Pins, bushings, general parts

4140*

ASTM A29 / equivalent

Higher strength and toughness; alloy steel rather than plain carbon steel

Shafts, gears, high-load components

 

Strong.Reliable. Cost-Effective.

We machine a wide range of carbon steels for durable, cost-effective components. Our CNC machining capabilities support prototypes and production parts for industrial and mechanical applications.

Key Considerations for Machining

Material Grade

Confirm grade, delivery condition and any material certification before production.

Heat Treatment

Where heat treatment is required, machining allowance and final finishing should be planned around dimensional change.

Surface Finish

Machining parameters and finishing processes are selected according to functional and cosmetic requirements.

Dimensional Stability

Stress, heat treatment and material removal sequence should be considered for long, thin or precision parts.

Available Finishes / Post-Processing

As Machined

Black Oxide

Zinc Plating

Powder Coated

Painting

Grade / Alloy

Typical Temper / Standard

Key Characteristics

Typical Applications

304 / 304L

ASTM A276 / A479 depending on product form

General-purpose corrosion resistance and good formability

Equipment parts, housings, brackets, food-related components

316 / 316L

ASTM A276 / A479 depending on product form

Improved chloride and chemical corrosion resistance

Marine, chemical, medical, food and process equipment

303

ASTM A582

Free-machining stainless with improved machinability

Precision turned parts, fasteners, fittings

17-4PH

ASTM A564

Precipitation-hardening stainless; high strength

Aerospace, high-load components, shafts

420

ASTM A276

Martensitic stainless; can be hardened

Shafts, blades, mechanical components

 

Durable. Corrosion-Resistant. Precise.

We machine stainless steels for parts requiring strength, corrosion resistance and precision. Our CNC processes deliver reliable components for industrial, medical and demanding applications.

Materials We Commonly Machine

Key Considerations for Machining

Tool Selection

Stainless work-hardens easily; rigid tooling and suitable cutting parameters are important.

Heat Generation

Heat should be controlled to protect dimensional accuracy and tool life.

Surface Finish

Surface requirements may include polishing, passivation or controlled machining finish.

Corrosion Resistance

Material grade and post-processing should match the actual service environment.

Available Finishes / Post-Processing

As Machined

Mirror Polishing

Electropolishing

Materials We Commonly Machine

Grade / Alloy

Typical Temper / Standard

Key Characteristics

Typical Applications

4140 / 42CrMo4

ASTM A29 / EN 10083

High strength, good toughness and heat-treat response

Shafts, gears, fixtures, mechanical components

4340 / EN24

ASTM A29 / BS 970 equivalent

Very high strength and toughness

Axles, shafts, drivetrain and high-load components

8620

ASTM A29

Good carburizing response and tough core

Gears, shafts, bushings

16MnCr5

EN 10084

Case-hardening steel with good core toughness

Gears, shafts, transmission parts

52100 / 100Cr6

ASTM A295 / EN ISO 683-17

High hardness and wear resistance after heat treatment

Bearings, rollers, wear components

D2

ASTM A681

High wear resistance; tool steel

Cutting tools, dies, wear tooling

Strong.Tough. Performance-Driven.

We machine alloy steels for high-strength and wear-resistant components. With precision CNC machining and heat-treatment support, we produce reliable parts for demanding mechanical applications.

Key Considerations for Machining

Heat Treatment

Plan rough machining, heat treatment and finish machining/grinding in the correct sequence.

Distortion Control

Heat treatment and asymmetric material removal can cause distortion; machining allowance may be required.

Precision Grinding

Hardened critical surfaces may require grinding to achieve final tolerance and finish.

Surface Finish

Machining strategy should reflect hardness, wear requirements and final functional surfaces.

Available Finishes / Post-Processing

As Machined

Black Oxide

Zinc Plating

Powder coated

Painting

Materials We Commonly Machine

Grade / Alloy

Typical Temper / Standard

Key Characteristics

Typical Applications

C36000

ASTM B16

Free-machining brass with excellent machinability

Connectors, fittings, valves, precision turned parts

C26000

ASTM B36

Good ductility and formability

Electrical and formed components

C46400

ASTM B21 / B124 depending on form

Naval brass with improved seawater corrosion resistance

Marine components, hardware

C38500

ASTM B455 / relevant product standard

Good machinability and hot-working properties

Architectural and machined components

H62 / H59

GB grades

Common Chinese brass grades; properties depend on exact specification

General machined components; use only when customer specification permits

 

Machinable.Stable. Versatile.

We machine brass for precision components requiring good machinability and corrosion resistance. Our CNC capabilities support fittings, connectors, electrical parts and custom components.

Key Considerations for Machining

Chip Control

Cutting parameters should support clean chip evacuation and stable production.

Tool Selection

Sharp tools help maintain dimensional accuracy and surface quality.

Dimensional Accuracy

Thermal effects, tool wear and workholding should be controlled for tight tolerances.

Surface Finish

Brass can achieve good machined appearance and can also be polished or plated.

Available Finishes / Post-Processing

As Machined

Polishing

Materials We Commonly Machine

Grade / Alloy

Typical Temper / Standard

Key Characteristics

Typical Applications

POM / Acetal

Delrin-type acetal where specified

Good dimensional stability, low friction and machinability

Gears, bushings, precision mechanical parts

PA6 / PA66

Nylon

Good toughness and wear resistance; moisture absorption must be considered

Bushings, rollers, mechanical components

PC

Polycarbonate

High impact resistance and good dimensional properties

Covers, guards, transparent or mechanical components

PEEK

High-performance thermoplastic

High temperature, chemical and wear resistance

Semiconductor, medical, aerospace and demanding industrial parts

PTFE

Fluoropolymer

Very low friction and excellent chemical resistance; relatively soft

Seals, insulators, low-friction components

UHMW-PE

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

Excellent abrasion resistance and low friction

Wear strips, guides, rollers, food/packaging equipment where grade is suitable

 

Lightweight.Versatile. Engineered.

We machine engineering plastics such as POM, Nylon, PTFE and PEEK. Our CNC processes deliver accurate, lightweight components for industrial, electrical and mechanical applications.

Key Considerations for Machining

Material Stability

Moisture absorption, thermal expansion and internal stress can affect dimensions depending on plastic type.

Heat Control

Excessive cutting heat can soften or distort thermoplastics; cutting strategy should minimize heat buildup.

Dimensional Stability

Workholding and machining sequence should avoid excessive clamping force and deformation.

Surface Finish

Tool geometry and cutting parameters should match the specific plastic and cosmetic/functional requirements.

Available Finishes / Post-Processing

As Machined

Frequently Asked FAQs

Common questions about CNC machining materials, surface treatments, heat treatment and processing specifications.

What is the tightest tolerance you can achieve on CNC machined parts?
We can reach precision tolerances up to ±0.005 mm. The final achievable tolerance is affected by material type, part structure and overall size. Stable tolerances between ±0.01 mm and ±0.02 mm can be guaranteed for most standard CNC components.

Have a Cast + CNC Part to Quote?

Send us your 2D drawing or 3D model. We can review the geometry, material, quantity and tolerance requirements and suggest a practical manufacturing route.

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