Thursday, May 1, 2025

TECHNOLOGIESTRADITIONAL MANUFACTURINGCNC Machining

Short Run | CNC Machining

CNC MACHINING

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is an subtractive manufacturing technology. It is used to machine material from a block of material to obtain the final shape. CNC Machining is a manufacturing process that uses pre-programmed computer software to control the movement of machinery and tools.

Computer Numerical Control Machining

Precision Engineering Brought to Life

This advanced technique enables the production of highly precise parts by cutting, milling, drilling, or turning raw materials such as metals and plastics. Unlike traditional manual machining, CNC machining operates autonomously, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and repeatability. Let SICAM’s CNC machining capabilities empower your next project.

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How it Works

The CNC machining process begins with a digital blueprint, typically created in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. This design file is converted into machine-readable instructions using CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software.

Material Selection: Choose from a wide range of metals (aluminum, steel, titanium) and plastics, depending on your application needs.
Programming: The CAD model is translated into G-code, the programming language that guides the CNC machine’s movements.
Machining: The CNC machine executes the program, using high-speed cutting tools to remove material from the workpiece with extreme precision.
Finishing: Post-processing techniques, such as polishing, anodizing, or painting, are applied to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.

Get Your CNC Project Started

Request a Quote: Use our online quoting system to upload your CAD files and receive a detailed estimate within hours. Collaborate with

Experts: Our engineers will review your design to ensure it’s optimized for CNC machining, saving you time and cost.

Production & Delivery: Once approved, your parts are manufactured with precision, then shipped directly to you.

CNC FAQs

CNC machining is the ideal choice in several scenarios, particularly when precision, durability, and tight tolerances are critical. Here are the key situations where CNC machining excels...

High Precision and Tight Tolerances: When your project demands components with exact dimensions and tolerances as tight as ±0.001 inches, CNC machining is unmatched in delivering consistent accuracy.

Durable, Functional Parts: For applications requiring strong, end-use parts made from robust materials like metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium) or high-performance plastics, CNC machining is the go-to solution.

Low to Medium Production Volumes: CNC machining is cost-effective for prototyping and low-to-medium production runs without the need for expensive molds or tooling.

Complex Geometries: If your design features intricate details or requires multi-axis machining for complex shapes, CNC technology can handle these challenges with ease.

Critical Applications: Industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and robotics rely on CNC machining for mission-critical components where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.

Material Versatility: When you need flexibility in material selection—whether metals, plastics, or composites—CNC machining provides a wide range of options to meet your specific requirements.

Rapid Turnaround: For projects with tight deadlines, CNC machining offers fast production times, especially when paired with a streamlined process like SICAM’s 48-72 hour turnaround.

Post-Processing Needs: If your parts require advanced finishing techniques such as anodizing, polishing, or surface texturing, CNC machining provides the foundational precision needed for these enhancements.

CNC machining is best when you need high-quality, durable components with exceptional accuracy.

If you’re unsure whether CNC machining is the right fit for your project, SICAM’s engineering experts are here to guide you. Contact us or call 908-685-2211 to discuss your requirements and explore the best manufacturing solution.

While both CNC machining and 3D printing are advanced manufacturing technologies, they serve different purposes. CNC machining is subtractive, meaning it removes material from a solid block to create a part, offering higher precision and tighter tolerances. In contrast, 3D printing is additive, building parts layer by layer, which is ideal for complex geometries and rapid prototyping.

CNC machining is often preferred for end-use parts requiring durability and accuracy.

For optimal PMT success, consider:

CNC machining supports a wide range of materials, making it a versatile manufacturing method for various industries.

Here are the key material categories and their typical applications...

Metals

CNC machining is widely used for metals due to their strength, durability, and performance under high-stress conditions. Common metals include...

Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to machine. Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and electronics components.

Steel: High strength and durability, available in various grades like stainless steel, carbon steel, and tool steel. Perfect for structural and load-bearing applications.

Titanium: Known for its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Common in aerospace and medical industries.

Brass: Excellent machinability and corrosion resistance, often used for fittings, gears, and decorative components.

Copper: High thermal and electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electrical and heat-transfer applications.

Plastics

CNC machining is also highly effective for engineering-grade plastics, which are lightweight and often chemically resistant. Popular options include...

ABS: Tough and impact-resistant, used for enclosures and prototypes.

Polycarbonate (PC): High impact strength and transparency, suitable for lenses and protective covers. Nylon (PA): Durable and wear-resistant, often used for gears and bushings.

PEEK: High-performance plastic with excellent thermal and chemical resistance, ideal for aerospace and medical applications. Delrin (POM): Low friction and high stiffness, commonly used for precision mechanical parts like gears and bearings.

Composites CNC machining can also handle advanced composite materials for specialized applications...

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP): Lightweight and strong, commonly used in aerospace and automotive industries.

Fiberglass: Durable and corrosion-resistant, suitable for industrial and structural applications.

Specialty Materials

For unique applications, CNC machining can accommodate materials like...

Ceramics: Ideal for high-temperature and wear-resistant components.

Foams: Used for lightweight prototypes and insulation components.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

Selecting the ideal material depends on your application, performance requirements, and budget.

SICAM’s engineering team can guide you in choosing the best material for your CNC machining project, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

Would you like assistance in selecting a material for a specific project? Feel free to reach out at 908-685-2211 or email CustomerService@sicam.com.

CONTACT US

CALL: 908-685-2211

EMAIL: CustomerService@sicam.com

1 Harvard Way Hillsborough, NJ 08844

When You Call… We Answer.

Our high standards for quality and highly experienced technical staff here to assist you with your project solutions make us your best solution.