If you’re designing, prototyping, or producing metal parts, you’ve probably heard terms like CNC turning, milling, stainless steel machining, and laser cutting thrown around. But what do they really mean for your project? And how do you know which process—or combination—is right for you?
What’s CNC Machining?
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It means machines are guided by digital designs to cut, shape, and finish materials with extreme accuracy. No shaky hands. No human error. Just precision, repeatability, and scale.
Common CNC processes include:
- CNC Milling: Rotating cutting tools remove material from a stationary block.
- CNC Turning: The workpiece rotates while a cutting tool shapes it (ideal for round parts).
- Laser Cutting: A high-power laser slices through sheet metal with clean, sharp edges.
Each method has its superpower. Your job is to pick the right one—or combine them.
CNC Turning: Perfect for Cylindrical Parts
If your part is round, tubular, or has radial symmetry, CNC turning is your go-to.
1.Think:
- Shafts
- Bushings
- Nozzles
- Fasteners
- Connectors
2.Why choose turning?
- High precision for round profiles
- Excellent surface finish
- Faster production for rotational parts
3.Materials well-suited to turning:
- Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316)
- Aluminum (6061, 7075)
- Brass, Copper, Titanium
CNC Milling: For Complex, 3D Shapes
When your part has complex features—pockets, slots, contours, or unusual angles—CNC milling is the answer.
1.Common uses:
- Mounting brackets
- Enclosures
- Prototypes
- Mold tools
- Custom machinery parts
2.Benefits of milling:
- Handles highly detailed geometries
- Multi-axis milling (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis) allows undercuts and organic shapes
- Great for one-offs and mid-volume production
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum: Which Should You Use?
This is a classic choice. Each metal behaves differently under the tool.
| Property | Stainless Steel | Aluminum |
| Strength | Very high | Moderate |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (esp. 316) | Good (if anodized) |
| Machinability | Tough, requires experience | Easy, fast, tool-friendly |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
- Choose stainless for high-strength, food-safe, medical, or marine applications.
- Choose aluminum when you need light weight, good conductivity, rapid machining, or anodizing.
Laser Cutting: Clean, Fast, Flat Parts
Not every part needs full 3D machining. If you’re working with sheet metal and need sharp, burr-free edges quickly—laser cutting is the answer.
1.Best for:
- Panels and enclosures
- Brackets and mounts
- Signage and decorative elements
- Precision cutouts
2.Why laser?
- No tooling costs
- Extremely fine details
- Smooth edges, minimal cleanup
- Great for prototypes and batch runs
Why Combine Services?
Imagine you’re building a custom drone frame:
- You might laser cut the main arms from aluminum sheet.
- CNC mill the motor mounts and camera holder from aluminum block.
- CNC turn the custom landing gear posts.
- Finish with black anodizing for looks and durability.
Having all these services under one roof (like with us!) means simpler logistics, better communication, and one quality standard.
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
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