Because of the differences in their basic structures, composites react differently than metals during machining. Whereas we cut most metals by shearing away parts of an essentially uniform structure, machining composites involves cutting through the layers of its various materials. Each of these layers reacts differently to the action of the cutting tool.
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If you machine brass parts through which drinking water will one day flow, you’re likely aware of the recent lead-free legislation affecting your customers. Federal law S3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, went into effect nationwide on January 4, 2014. In the near future lead will be removed from virtually all ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, so free cutting brass will no longer be available for any application. Which means manufacturers face a number of challenges to machine lead-free brass rather than the brass materials you have used for many years.
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Machining aluminum alloys for aerospace, electronics, computers, and other applications presents a number of challenges for CNC machine shops. If you’re considering expanding your capabilities to include making aluminum alloy parts, here are a number of important factors to consider:
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Over the past several years titanium alloys have become a popular choice for structural and other parts for the aerospace and other industries. However working with titanium is challenging due to its physical characteristics and chemical composition. For example, titanium is a poor conductor of heat and more heat is generated when machining titanium than many other metals.
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Every new part brings its own set of challenges to the machinist. Not the least of these is the metal to be cut, milled or drilled. Extremely hard metals like H-13, S-7, M-2, or CPM, and exotic metals like Titanium, Inconel® or Incoloy® can be particularly difficult.
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As with all hard-to-machine materials, nickel-based alloys present some significant challenges that can impact productivity, so it’s important to know what you’re up against.
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