Steel is a versatile, robust material commonly used in CNC machining. It offers excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and durability. It is ideal for parts that require robust performance in demanding applications such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.
CNC milling service
- From 10 to 40,000 CNC-machined parts
- ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001
CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a rotating cutting tool removes material from a metal or plastic workpiece, using 3- or 5-axis milling to create precise CNC-machined parts.
CNC milling use cases
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Precision mechanical components
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Flanges, plates and brackets
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Jigs and production tooling
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Moulds and inserts
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Parts for machinery and automation
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Replacement parts for obsolete components
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One-off parts and small production runs
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Components with precise holes, threads and seats
CNC machining materials
Metals
Stainless steel (5)
AISI 316L
AISI 4140
AISI 304
C45
AISI 420
Aluminium alloys (4)
Aluminium alloys are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy to machine. They are widely used in CNC machining for applications that require a combination of strength and low weight. Aluminium alloys are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics industries.
Aluminium 5083
Aluminium 6082
Aluminium 6082-T6
Aluminium 7075-T651
Copper alloys (1)
Copper alloys, including brass and bronze, are known for their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. These materials are easy to machine and are often used in applications such as electrical components, heat exchangers and plumbing fittings. Copper alloys also exhibit good corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
Copper C101
Bronze alloys (1)
Bronze alloys are composed primarily of copper and tin, offering good wear resistance, strength and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in applications such as bearings, bushings, and gears. Bronze alloys are also valued for their attractive appearance and are used in decorative and architectural elements.
Bronze 12
Brass alloys (1)
Brass alloys are composed of copper and zinc, providing excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Brass is often used in applications that require low friction, such as fittings, valves and gears. It is also appreciated for its aesthetic properties and is used in musical instruments, decorative items, and hardware.
Brass OT58
Magnesium
Magnesium is a lightweight metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is easier to machine than many other metals and is used in applications where reducing weight is crucial, such as in the aerospace, automotive and electronics industries.
Mild steel
Mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel, contains a small percentage of carbon and is known for its ductility and malleability. It is easy to weld and machine, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive components, and general manufacturing.
Our team of experts is at your disposal
Our engineers support you in material selection, optimising the part for metal 3D printing, and defining the required post-processes and inspections.
Finishing options for CNC milling
Painting
Aesthetic finish and part protection with custom painting on request.
Final result:
- Uniform aesthetic finish
- Customisable colour
- Greater surface protection
Anodising
Anodising for corrosion protection and colouring of 3D-printed aluminium parts.
Final result:
- Greater corrosion resistance
- More wear-resistant surface
- Customisable aesthetic finish
Comparison with other technologies
| Technology | Max. size | Min. detail size | Tolerances | Roughness | Min. detail dimension | Min. internal cut angle | Min. corner radius |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC milling Plastic | 550×550×500 mm | 6×6×6 mm | ISO 2768: Medium ISO 2768: Fine |
Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm | 3 mm | - | - |
| CNC turning Plastic | 550×550×500 mm | Approximate diameter: 1 mm Min. length: 5 mm |
ISO 2768: Medium ISO 2768: Fine |
Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm | 3 mm | approx. 30° | 0.5 mm |
Technology
CNC milling
Plastic- Max. size
- 550×550×500 mm
- Min. detail size
- 6×6×6 mm
- Tolerances
- ISO 2768: Medium
ISO 2768: Fine - Roughness
- Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm
- Min. detail dimension
- 3 mm
- Min. internal cut angle
- -
- Min. corner radius
- -
Technology
CNC turning
Plastic- Max. size
- 550×550×500 mm
- Min. detail size
- Approximate diameter: 1 mm
Min. length: 5 mm - Tolerances
- ISO 2768: Medium
ISO 2768: Fine - Roughness
- Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm
- Min. detail dimension
- 3 mm
- Min. internal cut angle
- approx. 30°
- Min. corner radius
- 0.5 mm
Pros and cons of CNC milling
Advantages
- High dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances.
- Excellent machined surface quality.
- Wide choice of metals and engineering plastics.
- Mechanical properties of solid material.
- High repeatability from part to part.
- Ideal for functional surfaces, holes, seats and threads.
Points to consider
- Geometries are limited by tool accessibility.
- More material waste than Additive Manufacturing.
- Time and cost increase with part complexity.
- Complex internal channels and undercuts can be difficult to machine.
- Multiple setups may be required to machine all surfaces.
CNC milling FAQ
What materials can be machined using CNC milling?
CNC milling can be used with a wide range of metals and engineering plastics, including aluminium, steels, stainless steel, titanium and various engineering polymers. Material selection depends on the performance required from the component, such as mechanical strength, weight, thermal behaviour, chemical resistance and operating conditions. The machinability of the material also affects production time, tooling and costs.
What tolerances can be achieved with CNC milling?
CNC milling is suitable when a component requires high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances. The achievable level of precision varies depending on the geometry, part dimensions, material, number of setups and surfaces to be machined. For particularly critical dimensions or fits, dedicated machining operations and specific dimensional inspections can be carried out.
When is CNC milling the right choice?
CNC milling is particularly suitable for producing precision mechanical components, functional parts, tooling, jigs, moulds and small production runs. It is an effective solution when solid-material properties, high dimensional accuracy and precise functional surfaces are required, especially for geometries compatible with tool access.
What is the difference between CNC milling and 3D printing?
CNC milling starts with a block of material and progressively removes material until the final geometry is achieved. It offers high precision, excellent surface quality and the typical properties of solid material, but places greater constraints on geometries that must be accessible to cutting tools. 3D printing, by contrast, builds the component layer by layer and allows greater geometric freedom, making it particularly effective for complex shapes, internal channels and lightweight structures.
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