Each process is different and depends on part size, quantity required, and finishing requirements. Quality prototyping parts can be made in 3-9 days. Rapid injection molding may take 2-5 weeks to complete. More complex parts requiring or other special features will take longer. As for shipping, most of our shipments are via air freight, which can take a few days from China to Europe or North America.
There is no minimum order quantity requirements at AOOM.Our services can support you scale from one-off prototypes all the way to mid- and high-volume production.
AOOM gives you instant pricing and lead times for your custom parts. There are two ways get a quote and DFM feedback from our sales team.
Send one or more 3D CAD file directly to chen@aoomtech.com
In most cases, we respond Quotation within 24 business hours of receiving an RFQ. If the quote is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Conventional Tolerance Standards Dimensional Tolerance: ±0.05mm (General Precision); ±0.02mm (Precision Grade); ±0.01mm (Ultra-precision Grade, requiring special processes) Geometric Tolerance: Straightness ≤ 0.03mm/m, Parallelism ≤ 0.05mm Factors Affecting Precision Machine Tool Type (Vertical/Horizontal Machining Center), Tool Wear, Workpiece Clamping Method, Cooling System Configuration
What Materials Can Be Processed by CNC Machining
Many manufacturers and engineers face uncertainty when selecting materials for CNC projects. Using the wrong material can lead to machining difficulties, poor surface finish, increased tool wear, or even part failure. Understanding what materials can be processed by CNC machining helps avoid these issues and ensures smooth production, cost efficiency, and high-quality results.
1. Metallic Materials for CNC Machining
Metallic materials for CNC machining are the most common choice due to their strength, durability, and versatility. Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, and copper are widely processed with CNC. Aluminum offers easy machinability and lightweight properties, ideal for automotive and aerospace components. Stainless steel provides corrosion resistance and high strength, while titanium is perfect for aerospace and medical applications due to its combination of strength and low weight. Understanding each metal’s hardness, work hardening tendencies, and thermal expansion is critical to achieving precise dimensions and consistent surface finishes.
2. Non-Metallic Materials Suitable for CNC Machining
Not all CNC projects require metal. Non-metallic materials suitable for CNC machining include plastics like ABS, PEEK, and PTFE, as well as composites and wood. These materials are ideal for lightweight parts, insulating components, or prototypes. Machining plastics requires careful control of feed rates and spindle speeds to prevent melting, chipping, or surface roughness. CNC machining of composites demands attention to fiber orientation to maintain structural integrity.
3. CNC-Processable Materials in Aerospace
The aerospace industry demands extreme precision and reliability. CNC-processable materials in aerospace include high-strength alloys such as Inconel, titanium, and aluminum-lithium blends. These materials can withstand high temperatures, stress, and fatigue loads. CNC machining allows precise control over tight tolerances and surface finishes, ensuring critical components like turbine blades, airframe parts, and engine mounts meet stringent safety standards.
4. Specialty Materials for Advanced Applications
CNC machining can also handle specialty materials such as ceramics, glass, and certain high-performance polymers. These materials are often used in electronics, medical devices, and high-temperature industrial equipment. Precision machining of these materials requires specialized tooling, cooling strategies, and careful parameter adjustments to avoid cracking, chipping, or tool wear.
Conclusion
Knowing what materials can be processed by CNC machining is essential for achieving optimal results and avoiding production setbacks. From metals and aerospace alloys to plastics and specialty materials, selecting the right material for your application ensures precision, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Learn more about compatible materials and machining strategies on our CNC materials guide page to optimize your manufacturing process.
What Types or Structures of Parts Are Suitable for Processing by CNC
Many manufacturers struggle to determine whether their parts are compatible with CNC machining. Questions about part complexity, material choice, and cost-effectiveness often delay production and increase project uncertainty. Understanding what types or structures of parts are suitable for processing by CNC can help streamline design decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Metal Components with Complex Geometries
Types of metal parts suitable for CNC processing include components with intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to create manually. CNC machining excels at producing parts with deep cavities, threads, or precise curves from materials like aluminum, steel, and titanium. By maintaining tight tolerances and consistent surface finishes, CNC ensures high-quality, repeatable results, even for complex metal parts.
2. Automotive Parts Requiring High Precision
In the automotive sector, certain part structures demand extreme accuracy. CNC-suitable part structures in automotive industry include engine components, transmission housings, suspension brackets, and gear assemblies. These parts benefit from CNC machining due to precise control over dimensions, true position tolerances, and repeatable production, reducing assembly issues and improving vehicle performance.
3. Electronics Components with Fine Details
Electronic assemblies often include small, delicate parts that require exact measurements. CNC-processed parts for electronics include connectors, heat sinks, enclosures, and circuit housings. CNC machining provides fine detail accuracy, excellent surface finish, and reliable repeatability, ensuring components fit precisely in compact and sensitive assemblies.
4. Flat, Curved, and Threaded Parts
Parts with flat surfaces, contoured shapes, or threading are ideal for CNC processing. Flat plates and panels can be machined with controlled surface roughness (Ra), while contoured parts benefit from multi-axis milling. Threads and grooves can be accurately produced with specialized tooling, minimizing the risk of misalignment or poor fit.
5. Low to High-Volume Custom Components
CNC machining is suitable for both prototype and production parts. Low-volume runs benefit from rapid setup and precise adjustments, while high-volume production benefits from repeatability and minimal scrap. By carefully selecting materials and machining strategies, manufacturers can optimize cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
Conclusion
Knowing what types or structures of parts are suitable for processing by CNC helps manufacturers make informed decisions about design, material selection, and production methods. From complex metal parts and automotive components to electronics assemblies, CNC machining offers precision, efficiency, and reliability. Explore our CNC parts manufacturing services page to learn more about compatible components and optimize your production process.