What are the common types of CNC machining equipment?
Common CNC machining equipment is diverse, mainly classified according to its machining function:
Turning: CNC lathes/turning centers, primarily used for machining rotating parts such as shafts, discs, and sleeves.
Milling: CNC milling machines and more advanced machining centers. The latter are equipped with automatic tool changers, capable of performing multiple processes such as milling, drilling, boring, and tapping.
Grinding: CNC grinding machines, used for high-precision, high-surface-finish finishing of parts.
Special Machining: Solving special machining problems, such as CNC EDM machines (machining high-hardness molds) and CNC wire cutting machines (cutting complex and precise shapes).
Composite Machining: Turning-milling composite centers, etc., can complete multi-face machining in a single setup, with extremely high efficiency and precision.
These machines work together, supplemented by CNC systems, fixtures, cutting tools, and testing instruments, to form a complete CNC machining system.
CNC Machining
At Gold Chain, we are a precision parts supplier in Kunshan, providing precision CNC machining services for metal and plastic parts. Our factory is equipped with advanced five-axis machining centers, wire EDM machines, and other precision machine tools.
5-axis NC machining
Five-axis CNC machining, utilizing advanced CAM technology, improves machining accuracy and efficiency.
EDM processing
EDM machining offers high speed and precision for tasks such as corner clearing, bossing, groove making, irregular surface making, and mirror finishing.
In the field of CNC machining, commonly used parts materials can be broadly categorized into the following types based on their properties and applications:
I. Metallic Materials
1. Ferrous Metals
Carbon steel and alloy steel (e.g., 45 steel, 40Cr): High strength and moderate cost, they are a common choice for structural components, shafts, and gears. Mold steel (e.g., P20, H13) is specifically used for mold manufacturing due to its high hardness and wear resistance.
Stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316): Its excellent corrosion resistance is a core advantage, widely used in medical equipment, food machinery, and chemical parts.
2. Non-ferrous Metals
Aluminum alloys (e.g., 6061, 7075, 5083): The preferred material for lightweight applications, possessing good strength and excellent machinability. 6061 is highly versatile, 7075 is a super-hard aluminum used in high-strength structures, and 5083 has good corrosion resistance and is commonly used in shipbuilding.
Copper alloys: Represented by brass and pure copper. Brass is easy to machine and has a good appearance, often used in valves and decorative parts; pure copper has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it an ideal material for electrical components.
Titanium alloys: Possess extremely high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, but are difficult to process and expensive, mainly used in high-end fields such as aerospace and medical implants.
II. Non-metallic and Composite Materials
1. Engineering Plastics
POM (Polyoxymethylene): High rigidity, wear resistance, and self-lubricating, commonly used in the manufacture of precision gears and bearings.
PA (Nylon): Good toughness and fatigue resistance, suitable for pulleys and bushings.
PEEK: High-performance specialty plastic, resistant to high temperatures and chemical corrosion, used in high-requirement applications such as medical and aerospace.
2. Composite Materials
Carbon fiber reinforced composites: Extremely lightweight and stronger than many metals, but prone to delamination during processing, requiring specialized tools and processes, commonly used in high-end sports equipment and aerospace components.
CNC machining surface finish template
Metal CNC machining images
The parts have undergone machining and deburring, and sharp edges have been chamfered. Machining marks and minor surface scratches are visible.
conductive anodizing effect image
An anodizing process can form a conductive oxide layer on a surface, typically used for EMI/RFI shielding or electrical grounding applications.
Anodizing effect pictures
Anodizing can create a corrosion-resistant, uniform matte or glossy surface. Parts can be anodized in different colors—black, red, and gold are the most common.
Grinding effect image
Grinding tools are used to grind parts, creating a fine pattern of parallel lines on the material surface, thus producing a unique aesthetic effect.
Hard anodizing effect images
An anodizing process can form a thicker, harder coating on the surface, thereby improving wear resistance and durability.
Metal sandblasting effect pictures
The parts are treated with glass bead sandblasting to give them a smooth, matte finish and reduce machining marks.
Mirror polishing effect pictures
A surface finishing process that uses a series of increasingly fine abrasive tools and compounds to produce a highly reflective, mirror-like surface finish.
Laser marking effect pictures
Laser marking uses a laser beam to create permanent marks or patterns on the surface of a material, typically achieving high precision and high resolution.
What is the typical price for machining services at our company?
I. Our Company’s General Machining Prices (USD/Hour, December 10, 2025)
1. Basic and Common Machining
Common Turning/Milling/Drilling: Approx. $6.3 – $13.9/hour
Surface/Cylindrical Grinding: Approx. $8.6 – $13.9/hour
2. CNC Machining
Three-Axis CNC Milling/Machining Center: Approx. $13.9 – $30.6/hour
CNC Turning: Approx. $13.9 – $27.8/hour
3. High-Precision and Multi-Axis Machining
Four-Axis/Five-Axis Machining Center: Approx. $38.9 to $69.4/hour
Mill-Turn Machining Center: Approx. $31.9 to $69.4/hour
4. Specialized Machining
Wire EDM/Electrical Discharge Machining: Approx. $22.2/hour
Ultra-High Pressure Waterjet Cutting: Approx. $22.2/hour to… $41.70
II. Current Market Price Reference
General Range: Hourly rates for CNC machining typically range from $30 to $120.
Specific Examples:
Three-axis machine tools: Approximately $40 per hour
Multi-axis machine tools (e.g., five-axis): Approximately $75 to $125 per hour
Special Reference (Canadian University Internal Prices): For comparison, the benchmark rate for technical services at Western University, Canada in 2020 was approximately CAD 68.65 per hour.
III. Key Influencing Factors: Actual prices may fluctuate significantly due to the following factors:
1. Region and Supplier: Overseas prices (e.g., Europe and the Americas) are generally higher than domestic prices.
2. Equipment and Precision: Five-axis machine tools are significantly more expensive than three-axis machine tools.
3. Order Status: Bulk orders often enjoy substantial discounts.
Please provide specific part drawings, materials, precision requirements, and expected production volume so we can provide you with a more accurate estimate or quote.
