S30V Steel CNC Machining Guide: Tools, Techniques, and Real-World Tips
Introduction When I first started working with S30V steel, I thought I knew what I was doing. I had years of CNC machining experience, a decent tool library, and a solid understanding of stainless steels. But S30V? It humbled me. S30V steel isn’t your average high-end material. It’s aggressive, abrasive, and brutally unforgiving if you don’t treat […]
The Ultimate Carbon Fiber Case CNC Machining Manual for Custom Enclosures
Chapter 1: Introduction If you’ve ever held a carbon fiber case, you probably noticed how ridiculously light it feels—yet somehow, it feels tougher than metal. That’s not just a gimmick. Carbon fiber offers a unique combo: aerospace-grade strength with feather-light weight. When combined with the precision of CNC machining, it becomes a dream solution for crafting sleek, […]
Which Titanium Plate to Choose for Machining? Material Grades, Machinability, and Supplier Tips
Why Choosing the Right Titanium Plate Matters When I first got involved in custom manufacturing, I underestimated just how significant the choice of material—especially titanium plate—could be. Selecting the right titanium grade isn’t just about checking boxes on a specification sheet. It affects machining time, tool life, product performance, and even how profitable a project becomes. […]
Precision Meets Performance: A Comprehensive Guide to CNC Machining of M390 Steel
Introduction When I first encountered M390 steel, I wasn’t aware of the challenges and possibilities this remarkable metal offered. My experience began in a CNC workshop, facing persistent tool wear and inconsistent surface finishes. Curious and somewhat frustrated, I delved deep into understanding why CNC machining M390 steel was proving challenging. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re […]
What Makes 1095 Steel Ideal (or Not) for CNC Projects
Introduction Choosing the right material for CNC machining can make or break your project. It’s not just about whether a material is hard or tough. It’s about how it behaves under pressure, how it interacts with tools, and how it holds up over time. That’s where 1095 steel comes into play. I first came across […]
Cold Rolled Steel Machining Explained: From Material Choice to Cutting Strategy
Introduction When I first got into CNC machining, I didn’t pay much attention to material types. I just followed blueprints, mounted the blocks, and let the machine do its thing. But over time, I realized that what really determines the quality—and cost—of a part isn’t just the design or the toolpath. It’s the material. And […]
Brass Metal Use Cases You Didn’t Know: Machining for Electronics, Plumbing, and More
Why Brass Metal Is More Versatile Than You Think Most people I talk to associate brass metal with antique doorknobs, trumpet bells, or decorative light fixtures. That’s fair—brass is eye-catching and polished. But that’s only scratching the surface. In my experience working with both product designers and CNC machine shops, brass metal comes up in conversations far more often […]
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 […]
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 […]