What are the different types of copper that can be machined by CNC machining?
CNC machining is a fast-reading and highly accurate machining and manufacturing process that can produce parts and components from various materials. One of the materials commonly used in CNC machining is copper. Copper is a highly versatile material used worldwide in multiple applications, such as the electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries. In this article, we will explore the different types of copper that can be machined with CNC technology, the differences in machinability, which parts are typically machined with copper, and in which industries.
Types of copper used for CNC machining
Several different types of copper can be machined using CNC technology. These include:
Oxygen-free copper: Oxygen-free copper has an oxygen content reduced to less than 0.001%. This makes it highly conductive and resistant to corrosion. Oxygen-free copper is commonly used in electronics for applications such as circuit boards and connectors.
Beryllium Copper: Beryllium copper is a copper alloy containing 0.5% to 3% beryllium. This material has excellent strength, hardness, and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electrical contacts and spring applications.
Copper tellurium: Copper tellurium is a copper alloy containing 0.4% to 0.7% tellurium. This material has good machinability, making it ideal for CNC machining applications such as electrical connectors and switch components.
Brass: Brass is a copper alloy that contains 5% to 45% zinc. Brass has excellent corrosion resistance and is commonly used in the plumbing and automotive industries.
Differences in workability
Brass is a relatively soft material, which makes it easy to machine. However, it cannot be accessible to machines due to its high flexibility and tendency to work hard. Machinability can be improved using higher cutting speeds and feeds and sharp tools with a cheerful front angle.
Different types of copper used for CNC machining have different degrees of machinability. Oxygen-free copper, for example, has high electrical conductivity but may be difficult to machine due to its high hardness. On the other hand, beryllium copper is relatively easy to machine but may be harmful to health due to the presence of beryllium.
Tellurium copper is probably the easiest of all copper alloys to machine, thanks to the addition of tellurium, which helps break up chips during machining. Brass is also highly machinable but can generate a lot of noise and vibration during machining.
Components typically machined from copper and in which industries
Copper is commonly machined into pieces for the electronics industry, such as heat sinks, RF shielding, and electrical contacts. It is also used in the automotive industry for brake parts and in the aerospace industry for bearings and gears. Copper is also often used to make various features and components, including.
Electrical contacts: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it an ideal material for electrical connections.
Heat sinks: Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, making it an ideal material for heat sinks in the electronics industry.
Connectors: Copper connectors are commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries for fuel lines and hydraulic systems applications.
Springs: Beryllium copper is commonly used to make springs because of its strength and hardness.
Calculating the cost of general-purpose CNC machined copper
The cost of CNC machined copper depends on various factors, including the type of copper used, the complexity of machining, and the number of parts produced. To calculate the cost of general-purpose CNC machined copper, use the following formula:
Cost per part = material cost + machine cost + labor cost + tooling cost
Material Cost: This is the copper material used to produce the part.
Machine Cost: This is the cost of running the CNC machine, including power and maintenance.
Labor Cost: This is the cost of the operator’s time to set up and run the CNC machine.
Tooling Costs: This is the cost of the CNC tools needed to machine the copper part, including milling tools, etc.
The cost structure involved in machining copper parts in all CNC machining shops comprises the abovementioned costs. Now you should understand very clearly so that it is also conducive to your future search for cooperation in the relevant CNC machining industry. You can also contact Anpllocnc directly for your service if you need it now.