1. CNC Machined Steel Grade Selection
Mold Machining
Pre-hardened mold steel, such as P20 or 718H, is commonly preferred for mold machining due to its moderate hardness, good polishability, and the fact that it requires no post-heat treatment. This makes it particularly suitable for mass-producing mold cavities while maintaining surface quality and reducing tool wear. Proper material selection in mold machining ensures that the CNC process can operate efficiently without frequent tool changes or post-processing.
Structural Part Machining
a. Ordinary structural parts: 45# carbon steel—low cost, excellent machinability
b. Load-bearing structural parts: 40Cr alloy steel—high strength after quenching and tempering, suitable for CNC milling and drilling
High-Demand Application
High-demand scenarios, such as aerospace or precision components, often require 304 stainless steel for corrosion resistance or H13 hot-work mold steel for high-temperature resistance. Machining these high-hardness materials requires dedicated tools, carefully adjusted cutting parameters, and sufficient cooling to prevent tool chipping, surface defects, and workpiece deformation. Optimizing both material selection and CNC settings is critical for achieving precise, high-quality results in these demanding applications.
2. CNC Process Optimization: From Machinable to Precision Machining
Tool Selection
Tool selection must match the material being machined. For soft steels like 45#, high-speed steel tools provide cost-effective performance while maintaining dimensional accuracy. For hard steels such as H13, cemented carbide-coated tools are necessary to increase wear resistance and ensure precision. Proper tool selection reduces tool chipping, prolongs tool life, and maintains surface quality during CNC milling operations.
Cutting Parameters
Cutting speed and feed rate are critical for process stability. Typical cutting speeds range from 80 to 120 meters per minute, with feed rates between 0.1 and 0.2 mm per revolution, adjusted according to material hardness, workpiece geometry, and spindle stability. Optimizing cutting parameters prevents excessive tool wear, avoids workpiece deformation, and ensures consistent machining accuracy.
High-Hardness Material Tips
Machining high-hardness steels requires special considerations. Reducing cutting speed, using multiple passes instead of full-depth cuts, and closely monitoring tool wear and workpiece temperature are essential to maintain surface integrity and prevent thermal damage. Proper coolant application and tool path strategies further minimize vibration and stress on both tool and workpiece, ensuring precision and quality in demanding applications.
3. Efficiency Improvement: Small Adjustments, Big Gains
Batch Programming
Generating CNC programs in batches significantly reduces repeated setup time for multi-specification parts. This approach streamlines production planning, minimizes human error during programming, and allows operators to focus on actual machining operations, improving overall workflow efficiency.
Process Integration
Integrating multiple operations, such as milling, drilling, and chamfering, on a single CNC machine minimizes the need for multiple workpiece clampings. This not only saves operational time, often exceeding 30% of total working hours, but also reduces the risk of misalignment and improves consistency across parts.
Machine and Fixture OptimizationCNC-machined
Maintaining machine condition through proper lubrication, spindle checks, and fixture rigidity is critical for stable and precise CNC machining. Optimized fixtures prevent vibration and micro-movement during cutting, while well-maintained machines ensure consistent spindle performance. Together, these measures enhance machining accuracy, prolong tool life, and support high-efficiency production.
4. Choose ASIATOOLS: Comprehensive CNC Steel Support
ASIATOOLS provides full-chain support for CNC machined steel applications, leveraging over 12 years of experience in mold steel supply and machining services. They maintain a stable supply of carbon steel, mold steel, and tool steel, with batch orders to reduce unit costs while ensuring consistent hardness and composition. Comprehensive machining services, including milling, grinding, drilling, and precision CNC processing, are complemented by pre-order sample testing to mitigate batch risks. The dedicated service team provides technical guidance and real-time support, ensuring that CNC machining precision, efficiency, and consistency are maintained from raw material selection through finished components.
