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CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.
Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity
Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | < 10 days |
| Wall Thickness | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.125mm (±0.005″) |
| Max Part Size | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
99.90% pure copper, with high conductivity and durability.
99.90% pure copper, with corrosion resistance and formability.
Clarwe provides a wide range ofsurface finishes through its copper CNC machining service, designed to elevate the quality of each machined component. Each finish is specifically chosen to improve both the mechanical characteristics and the visual appeal of the copper parts.
Copper is a reddish-brown metal renowned for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it an essential material in many industries. It is one of the oldest metals used by humans, with a history spanning thousands of years, valued for its malleability and ductility, which allow it to be easily shaped and fabricated into various forms. Copper forms a natural oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air, providing a degree of protection against further corrosion, especially in outdoor and marine environments.
Copper is primarily used in electrical wiring due to its superior conductivity, which ensures minimal energy loss in electrical systems. It also plays a key role in heat exchangers, radiators, and cooling systems, where its high thermal conductivity is essential for efficient heat transfer. Copper is often alloyed with other metals, such as zinc (to form brass) and tin (to form bronze), which enhance its strength and durability. Additionally, copper's antimicrobial properties make it useful in medical instruments, touch surfaces, and coins.
CNC machining of copper requires careful consideration due to its softness and high thermal conductivity, which can affect tool wear and heat generation during the machining process.CNC Milling is commonly used to create complex shapes and features in copper parts. The soft nature of copper allows for precise cutting, but tools with sharp edges and appropriate cutting speeds are necessary to avoid excessive wear and to ensure clean, accurate cuts.CNC Turning is also frequently employed to machine cylindrical components like shafts, bushings, and fittings, utilizing carbide or high-speed steel tools to handle copper’s ductility and maintain surface finish.
CNC Drilling is another essential process for creating holes in copper components, often employing carbide drills to provide longevity and resistance to wear. Copper’s tendency to work-harden requires proper cooling and lubrication to reduce heat buildup during drilling. CNC Tapping is used to create internal threads, and it's important to use proper cutting speeds to prevent damage to the threads. CNC Grinding is sometimes used to improve the surface finish and to achieve tight tolerances, especially in components like electrical connectors or precision parts. Additionally,CNC Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) can be used for detailed designs in copper alloys, particularly when traditional machining methods may not be suitable.
Post-processing of copper parts is essential to enhance their appearance, performance, and durability. Polishing is commonly used to give copper components a shiny, smooth surface finish, especially in decorative or high-visibility applications like jewelry, coins, and architectural elements. This process also helps reduce surface oxidation, providing a more appealing aesthetic. Electroplating is often applied to copper parts to provide additional corrosion resistance or enhance the appearance by plating them with metals like gold, nickel, or chrome. This layer not only improves the surface properties but also adds a protective barrier to prevent tarnishing and oxidation.
Annealing is frequently used as a heat treatment process to relieve internal stresses, improve ductility, and make copper more workable for subsequent machining or forming operations. Coating with protective materials like lacquer or varnish is also common to prevent copper from tarnishing over time, preserving its appearance and resistance to corrosion. Deburring is an important post-processing step, removing any sharp edges, burrs, or residual material left after machining, ensuring safe handling and improving the fit of copper components in assemblies. Passivation can be used to further enhance corrosion resistance by forming a protective oxide layer on the copper surface, especially in environments that may cause oxidation.
Excellent Electrical Conductivity: Copper is one of the best conductors of electricity,
making it ideal for wiring and electrical components.
High Thermal Conductivity: Copper’s
ability to efficiently transfer heat makes it a top choice for heat exchangers, radiators,
and cooling systems.
Corrosion Resistance: Copper naturally forms a protective
oxide layer, which makes it resistant to corrosion, especially in marine and outdoor environments.
Malleability: Copper is highly malleable, allowing it to be easily shaped, drawn into
wire, or fabricated into complex parts.
Recyclability: Copper is 100% recyclable
without losing its properties, making it anenvironmentally friendly
material.
Durability: Copper is tough and durable, offering long-lasting
performance in various applications, from construction to electronics.
Low Friction: Copper’s low
friction characteristics make it ideal for bearings, bushings, and moving parts where reduced wear is needed.
Non-Sparking: Copper is non-sparking, which makes it safe for use in hazardous environments, such as oil rigs or
mining operations.
Electrical Wiring: Copper is widely used in electrical cables and wires
due to its excellent electrical conductivity and low resistance.
Heat Exchangers and
Radiators: Copper’s high thermal conductivity makes it ideal for use in heat exchangers, radiators,
and air conditioning systems.
Plumbing: Copper pipes and fittings are commonly used in
plumbing systems because of their corrosion resistance and durability.
Marine Industry:
Copper is used for marine components like boat propellers, fittings, and cooling systems due to its
resistance to seawater corrosion.
Industrial Machinery: Copper is used in bearings, bushings,
and gears for machinery due to its low friction and excellent wear resistance.
Construction: Copper
is used in roofing, gutters, and flashing for its durability and aesthetic appeal, as well as its
resistance to corrosion.
Musical Instruments: Copper is used in the construction of
musical instruments such as trumpets, saxophones, and cymbals because of its acoustic properties.
CNC machining of copper offers high precision and tight tolerances, ensuring consistent quality in complex parts. It enables efficient production of complex designs with minimal material waste. Additionally, CNC machining enhances copper's performance by maintaining its thermal and electrical conductivity in high-quality parts.
The complexity of a part increases CNC machining costs for copper due to longer setup times, more tool changes, and higher machining precision required. Complex designs often demand advanced techniques and specialized tools, which raises labor and equipment costs. Additionally, complex parts may result in more material waste or additional post-machining processes, further driving up costs.
The recommended feed rate for CNC machining copper depends on the specific copper alloy and tooling, but generally, it is higher compared to machining other metals due to copper’s excellent machinability.