Corten Steel for Designers: Creative CNC Applications and Cutting Techniques
Why Designers Love Corten Steel When I first worked with Corten Steel, I didn’t expect a rusty-looking material to be so beautiful, practical, and in demand. But over the years, I’ve seen how this weathering steel has turned into a favorite among designers—especially those working in architecture, landscaping, and sculpture. Corten Steel isn’t just about […]
How to CNC Cut Silicone Sheets Without Tearing or Warping
Why CNC Machine Silicone Sheets? Cutting soft materials like silicone sheets used to feel like guesswork. I remember the first time I tried running a CNC job with a soft silicone pad—it bunched up, melted slightly, and left ragged edges that were totally unusable. It taught me something early: silicone sheets behave nothing like plastic or […]
Avoid Melting and Delamination When Machining Plastic Laminate
Introduction Plastic laminate is a beautiful material when it’s done right—and a real nightmare when it isn’t. I’ve been working with CNC machines for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that plastic laminate is not as easy to machine as people assume. It looks strong, clean, and finished on the outside, but it hides […]
Aluminum Plate for CNC Projects: A Practical Buying and Application Guide
Introduction If you’ve ever worked on a CNC project—whether in a garage workshop or a full-scale production facility—chances are you’ve handled an aluminum plate. I remember the first time I used one for a small electronics enclosure. I thought it would be a breeze, but choosing the right aluminum plate turned out to be trickier than […]
CNC Plasma Table Explained: How It Works and What You Need to Know Before Buying
What Is a CNC Plasma Table and How Does It Work? A CNC plasma table is a machine that uses computer numerical control (CNC) to guide a plasma torch over metal to cut complex shapes quickly and accurately. If you work with steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, chances are you’ve either used one or considered […]
Is Surgical Steel CNC Machining-Friendly? Material Properties and Machining Challenges Explained
Is Surgical Steel CNC-Friendly? I still remember the first time I clamped a bar of surgical steel into a CNC mill. It looked just like any other stainless steel—shiny, dense, a little heavier than 304—but within minutes, I realized this wasn’t going to be a typical job. The cutter started to screech. Chips gummed up […]
Red Brass Machining Guide: Properties, Tools & Techniques Explained
Introduction Red Brass is one of those materials you hear about a lot if you’re in machining or fabrication—especially if you deal with plumbing parts, marine components, or decorative pieces. But what exactly is it, and why do so many engineers and machinists choose it? I first came across Red Brass while working on a […]
How to Polish Aluminum Parts in Precision Machining: A Professional Workflow Guide
Introduction I’ve worked in industrial manufacturing for over a decade. One of the biggest production bottlenecks I’ve faced is achieving quality surface finishes without disrupting manufacturing speed. Aluminum polishing is one of those critical processes that’s simple in theory but challenging to master in practice. Today, I’ll share my experiences on how to polish aluminum […]
18/8 Stainless Steel Machining Guide: Everything You Need to Know
I. Introduction If you’ve worked with stainless steel before, you’ve probably come across the term 18/8 stainless steel. It’s one of the most common stainless alloys used in CNC machining—and for good reason. Whether you’re in aerospace, kitchenware, automotive, or medical manufacturing, chances are this material has crossed your bench. In my case, I first encountered […]
Choosing the Right CNC Router Table: Your Ultimate Buying and Usage Guide
Chapter I: Introduction to CNC Router Tables What Exactly Is a CNC Router Table? A CNC router table is essentially a computer-controlled cutting machine. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, meaning the machine uses digital instructions to precisely guide cutting and engraving tools across various materials. Common materials include wood, plastics, aluminum, foam, and composites. […]
Gunmetal Machining Guide: From Properties to Real-World Applications
Chapter 1: Why Gunmetal Still Matters in CNC Machining Gunmetal, an alloy primarily composed of copper, tin, and zinc, has a rich history dating back to its original use in casting cannons. Despite advancements in materials science, gunmetal remains relevant in modern CNC machining due to its unique combination of properties. Historical Significance Originally developed for […]
Aluminum Square Tubing for CNC Projects: From Material Choice to Precision Cutting
Introduction When I first started getting into CNC machining, I experimented with a bunch of different materials — wood, steel, plastics. But over time, aluminum square tubing became my default choice. It’s strong but lightweight, incredibly versatile, and easy to machine with the right tools. If you’re here, chances are you’re already familiar with the term aluminum square […]