Machining Brass on a CNC Machine: 2023 Best Guide
CNC machines provide increased productivity and efficiency in a wide range of industries, for hobbyists and professional tradesmen/manufacturers alike. One of the most popular and effective applications of CNC machines is in the machining of aluminum and brass (non-ferrous metals), where the added capacity and precision allow complex work to be completed in the shortest possible time without sacrificing quality.
What is Brass？
Brass is a metal alloy composed of copper and zinc, which is one of the most commonly, used materials in the world. It is also one of the easiest materials to machine, especially when compared to aluminum. Where aluminum often sticks to the tool, brass, on the contrary, behaves extremely correctly.
Yet it is not uncommon for workshops to literally underutilize the machinability of brass by up to 85%. Its relatively low melting point and flow characteristics make it fairly easy to mold and use in electrical work medicine, plumbing, etc.
Advantages Of Brass
Brass is inexpensive and durable, resistant to corrosion, able to withstand extreme temperatures. It cuts much easier at higher speeds and feeds without adversely affecting tool wear, surface finish and chip formation.
In addition, it is 100% recyclable, minimizing waste and maximizing the use of the material. Brass is commonly used in musical instruments and in the manufacture of electrical components as it is a highly conductive material.
History of Brass Machining Parts
Two-component brasses are the oldest and simplest. Copper is mixed with zinc in various proportions. Known since the first century BC, although they were patented only in the eighteenth century after the discovery of metallic zinc in the 16th century.
Bronzes appeared much later and were more “domestic” material. Jewelry and utensils were made from them, while tools and weapons were made from bronze. The ability not to lose beauty under a thin oxide film for centuries allowed jewelers to use brass as a substitute for gold, which is why it was called gold for the poor.
After the development of navigation, due to its good anti-magnetic properties, it began to be used for the manufacture of navigational instruments. Good corrosion resistance contributed to the use for water supply systems (control equipment, fittings, nozzles).
The Brass Machining Process
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that is ideal for making CNC machined parts, including CNC milled parts. Brass CNC milling applies a block or sheet of paper to the form below the spindle, which holds the tool. This watch rotates and pivots, making two axes of motion. A cutting tool mounted on a rotating spindle removes the material to create the shape.
After completing various surface treatments including electroplating, polishing, heat treating, nickel, zinc, tin, silver, chrome plating, then you can get the final brass abrasive product. This CNC machined brass service precision milling components are suitable for industrial equipment, smart home, communication and computer fields.
Features of Brass Milled Parts
- long shelf life
- strong abrasion resistance
- good ductility
- flexible and rust resistant
- easy to shape
- excellent tensile strength, rust resistant
In some cases, there may simply be no choice and the work will be done with specific materials. And if aluminum and brass are such materials, then we list some key points that you should know when using a CNC machine to process them.
Brass classification for CNC machining
Brass, which is processed by pressure:
- red brass;
- lead brass.
- nickel brass;
- semi-tompak;
- iron-manganese brass
Machinability Of Brass Materials
CNC milling of brass, in terms of machinability, is more dependent on the specific brand. The fewer special additives that optimize chip formation, the worse the material is milled. The closer the physical properties are to pure copper, the more difficult metalworking is.
The addition of lead in the milling of brass is used in order to deprive brass of the main drawback of copper alloys, and in cutting – high ductility. The embrittlement of the cutting products makes it easy to remove them from the cutting edge area, and also gives an even, clean cut. Such alloys are called automatic, as they are created specifically for serial (mass) cutting on machine tools.
Advantages Of CNC Machining Brass
Brass strip has good mechanical properties, good hot ductility, good cold ductility, good machine ability, easy to weld and weld, corrosion resistant.
Brass milling parts are processed by the machine tool path with computer-controlled computer, using high-speed rotary cutting tool if you want to shape the material. As the size of products becomes more demanding, the processing from the original two is gradually changed to 3-axis machining, 4-axis machining, 5-axis machining center; the accuracy can reach 0.001mm.
The spindle speed of the machine tool is 20000 rpm, so that the surface of the workpiece is smooth and clean. We often processed brass material.
Applications of Brass Milled Parts
Medical and Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Military, Hardware, Toys, Telecommunications and many more. Precision brass CNC milled parts can be used in appliances, engineering and plumbing.
How to get a high quality brass machining parts?
1. Correct installation of the machine
This is the first step in the process, and if not done correctly, it will negatively impact the entire project. There are also many factors that affect the overall success of the job – from tool selection and material feed speed to spindle speed and depth of cut.
As you gain more experience using the machine on a variety of projects, you will learn how to effectively set up your machine for success. If at any point you are not confident in your settings, you should seek support from an industry expert or trusted sales representative.
2. Choosing the Right Tool
Part of choosing the right tool is tied to the previously mentioned mistake, but it is a key factor responsible for getting the best result. However, it is important to understand that at the very beginning of work in the field it is not always easy to determine the only right choice. In many cases, several tools can do the job at once, and one that will provide the highest quality result still needs to be able to identify.
Each tool supplier usually provides torch guides to help you choose the right tool for your project. Don’t be afraid to make a few test cuts if you’re working with new material to see how different cutters or knife blades perform
3. Make sure the material is in place
Part of choosing the right tool is tied to the previously mentioned mistake, but it is a key factor responsible for getting the best result. However, it is important to understand that at the very beginning of work in the field it is not always easy to determine the only right choice. In many cases, several tools can do the job at once, and one that will provide the highest quality result still needs to be able to identify.
Each tool supplier usually provides torch guides to help you choose the right tool for your project. Don’t be afraid to make a few test cuts if you’re working with new material to see how different cutters or knife blades perform
4. Errors in CNC machining
CNC routers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to achieve maximum precision and efficiency in signage, furniture, aluminum and brass processing, and more. But these benefits only come to fruition if we know how to use our existing equipment efficiently.
CNC machines are very complex machines, so it happens that even experienced craftsmen can make mistakes in their work, reducing productivity and causing problems that they could have avoided. When working under tight deadlines, this loss of productivity will almost certainly result in a loss of profitability.
From programming to manufacturing, here’s a rundown of some of the most common mistakes encountered when using CNC milling machines and how to avoid them in day-to-day operations to maximize productivity.
5. Maintain the machine properly
Like any high-performance technical machine, CNC routers need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure continuous operation. Improper maintenance can cause dirt, dust and debris to accumulate in the machine, resulting in malfunctions.
Materials may begin to slip, which can lead to accuracy errors, among other things. In addition to regular cleaning, lubricating the moving parts also ensures that nothing gets stuck during operation and moves as smoothly as needed.
Before each use, you need to make sure that the router is in working condition. This will help you achieve the best possible result and save you unnecessary time and waste when restarting projects.
Author
Gavin Leo is a technical writer at Aria with 8 years of experience in Engineering, He proficient in machining characteristics and surface finish process of various materials. and participated in the development of more than 100complex injection molding and CNC machining projects. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience.