Quels sont les matériaux métalliques courants pour l'usinage CNC?

CNC (Commande numérique par ordinateur) l'usinage repose en grande partie sur le bon choix de matériaux métalliques pour obtenir une haute précision, durabilité, et performances. Différents métaux ont des propriétés uniques qui les rendent adaptés à des industries spécifiques, de l'aérospatiale à l'électronique., dispositifs médicaux à l'automobile. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common metal materials for Usinage CNC, leurs traits clés, candidatures, and selection guidance.

1. Key Properties of Common CNC Machining Metals (Comparison Table)

To quickly compare core characteristics, here’s a summary of 10 widely used metals:

2. Detailed Breakdown of Common Metals (with Models & Applications)

Each metal material has distinct advantages and ideal use cases. Below is a linear breakdown of their properties, popular models, et applications du monde réel:

2.1 Alliage d'aluminium

Why choose it? It is the most widely used material in CNC machining due to its léger (1/3 the density of steel) et excellente usinabilité—tools stay sharp longer, and complex parts (like aircraft frames) can be produced efficiently.

Key models:

• 6061: Traitement thermique, with balanced strength and weldability (used for automotive parts, boîtiers électroniques).
• 7075: Ultra-haute résistance (5x stronger than 6061) for high-stress scenarios (composants aérospatiaux, cadres de vélo).
• 5052: Résistant à la rouille, ideal for marine or chemical equipment parts.

2.2 Acier inoxydable

Why choose it? C'est superior corrosion resistance makes it indispensable for harsh environments (par ex., saltwater, produits chimiques). Cependant, its high hardness leads to fast tool wear, requiring specialized cutting tools.

Key models:

• 304: Usage général (food machinery, appareils de cuisine) due to good rust resistance.
• 316: Added molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance (pièces marines, implants médicaux).
• 17-4PH: Martensitic stainless steel that hardens with heat treatment (vannes, pompes).

2.3 Acier au carbone

Why choose it? It offers high strength at a low cost, making it a budget-friendly option for structural parts. The downside? It rusts easily—so surface treatments (galvanoplastie, peinture) are a must.

Key models:

• Q235: Ordinary structural steel (parenthèses, frames for industrial machines).
• 45# Acier: High-quality carbon steel (after quenching/tempering, used for gears, arbres).
• C45: European standard equivalent to 45# Acier (versatile for mechanical parts).

2.4 Other Essential Metals

• Cuivre & Alliages: Incomparable electrical/thermal conductivity (used for heat sinks, connecteurs électriques). Popular models: T2 pure copper (fils), H62 brass (plumbing fittings).
• Titane & Alliages: Le “aerospace metal”—haute résistance + léger (used for jet engine parts, implants médicaux). Key model: Ti-6Al-4V (most widely used titanium alloy).
• Zinc Alloy: Point de fusion bas, ideal for die-casting (jouets, pièces décoratives). Common model: les fardeaux 3 (good fluidity).

3. How to Select the Right Metal for CNC Machining?

Choosing the wrong material wastes time and money. Follow this 3-step guide to match your needs:

Étape 1: Prioritize Application Requirements

• Besoin léger + force? Choose aluminum alloy (aérospatiale/automobile) or titanium alloy (high-end medical).
• Besoin conductivité? Alliages de cuivre (électronique, dissipateurs de chaleur) are unbeatable.
• Besoin résistance à la corrosion? Acier inoxydable (316 for marine) or nickel-based alloys (températures extrêmes).

Étape 2: Consider Machinability

• Easy-to-machine materials (aluminium, cuivre, zinc): Best for complex parts (par ex., 3C product casings) because they reduce tool costs and production time.
• Difficult-to-machine materials (acier inoxydable, titane): Require high-precision CNC machines and coated tools—use only for high-stress or harsh-environment parts (par ex., implants médicaux).

Étape 3: Balance Cost

• Low-cost options: Carbon steel (pièces structurelles), alliage d'aluminium (general components).
• High-cost options: Alliage de titane (aérospatial), nickel-based alloys (turbines à gaz)—reserve for applications where performance is non-negotiable.

4. Yigu Technology’s Perspective

Chez Yigu Technologie, we believe the success of CNC machining starts with material selection. Over the years, we’ve supported clients in aerospace, médical, and automotive industries by matching them with optimal metals—for example, using Ti-6Al-4V for lightweight medical implants and 6061 aluminum for cost-effective automotive parts. We also invest in advanced cutting tools (par ex., carbide tools for stainless steel) to overcome machinability challenges. For clients, the goal isn’t just to “machine a part”—it’s to choose a material that maximizes performance while controlling costs. We recommend starting with a clear list of application needs (force, environnement, budget) to narrow down options quickly.

5. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Q: Which metal is best for CNC machining complex, pièces légères?

UN: Alliage d'aluminium (par ex., 6061) is ideal—it has excellent machinability for complex shapes and is lightweight, making it perfect for electronics or automotive components.

2. Q: Do I need surface treatment for carbon steel in CNC machining?

UN: Oui. Carbon steel has poor corrosion resistance, so surface treatments like electroplating (for rust protection) ou peinture (pour l'esthétique) are required to extend the part’s lifespan.

3. Q: Why is titanium alloy more expensive than other metals for CNC machining?

UN: Titanium alloy has very high strength and corrosion resistance, but it is extremely difficult to machine—tools wear out quickly, and production takes longer. These factors (material cost + temps d'usinage) drive up the overall cost.