OEM CNC Milling Parts Precision Aluminum Plate for Electronics Industry

Service Progress in Producing OEM CNC Milling Parts Precision Aluminum Plate for Electronics Industry

1. Initial Inquiry & Project Assessment 

(1) Client Inquiry : The process begins when a client contacts the CNC machining service provider with a request for a custom aluminum plate part. This usually includes providing 2D drawings (DWG, PDF) and 3D models (STEP, IGES, STL), along with specifications for material (e.g., Aluminum 6061, 7075), quantity, surface finish, tolerances, and intended application.

(2) Feasibility Study & Quoting : The service provider's engineering team reviews the provided designs and specifications. They assess the manufacturability (Design for Manufacturability - DFM), identify potential challenges, and determine the optimal machining strategy. Based on material cost, machining time, tooling, and desired finish, a detailed quotation is prepared and sent to our customers.

2. Design & Programming

(1) CAD/CAM Programming (CAD/CAM): Once the quote is accepted,We use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to finalize the part design if needed, or to verify the client's design. Then, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software is used to generate the CNC program (G-code). This program dictates the precise movements of the milling machine, including tool paths, cutting speeds, feed rates, and depth of cut.

(2) Tooling Selection: Appropriate cutting tools (end mills, drills, etc.) are selected based on the material, part geometry, and desired surface finish.

3. Material Sourcing & Preparation

(1) Material Procurement: The specified aluminum alloy in the required form (plate, bar, billet) is sourced from trusted suppliers.

(2) Material Preparation: The raw aluminum material is cut to a suitable size, often slightly larger than the final part dimensions, to facilitate clamping and machining. It may also undergo initial stress-relieving processes if critical for maintaining flatness.

4. CNC Machining

Milling Operation : The CNC program is executed. The milling machine precisely removes material layer by layer from the aluminum plate using rotating cutting tools, shaping it into the desired complex geometry. Operators continuously monitor the process for optimal performance and quality.

5. Post-Machining Processes

1. Deburring & Cleaning : After milling, parts are deburred to remove any sharp edges or burrs. They are then thoroughly cleaned to remove coolant, chips, and debris.

2. Surface Finishing : Depending on client specifications, various surface finishes can be applied to the aluminum plate:

(1) Anodizing: Improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and allows for coloring.

(2) Polishing: Achieves a smooth, reflective surface.

(3) Brushing: Creates a directional, satin finish.

(4) Bead Blasting: Provides a matte, uniform texture.

(5) Chromate Conversion Coating: Offers corrosion protection and serves as a primer for painting.

3. Additional Operations : This may include heat treatment, assembly, or other specialized processes if required by the client.

6. Quality Control & Inspection

In-Process Inspection: Throughout the machining and post-processing stages, quality checks are performed to catch any deviations early.

Final Inspection: Each finished part undergoes a rigorous final inspection using precision measuring equipment like CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify all dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish requirements are met according to the client's drawings.

Documentation: Inspection reports and material certifications are prepared.

Common Materials in Producing OEM CNC Milling Parts Precision Aluminum Plate for Electronics Industry

1. 6061 Aluminum Alloy

Material Characteristics:

(1) Highly Versatile: A very common and widely used general-purpose aluminum alloy.

(2) Good Mechanical Properties: Possesses good strength (especially after T6 heat treatment), toughness, and fatigue resistance.

(3) Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly atmospheric corrosion.

(4) Easily Weldable: Has good weldability, though strength may decrease after welding.

(5) Anodizable: Offers good surface treatment results, allowing for various colors and enhanced wear resistance through anodizing.

Processing Characteristics:

(1) Excellent Machinability: Very easy to CNC mill, with good cutting performance, and chips that are easy to break and evacuate. This helps improve machining efficiency and extend tool life.

(2) Surface Finish: Generally achieves a good surface finish, but for mirror or extremely high finishes, additional polishing or finishing steps might be needed.

(3) Stress Relief: Internal stresses generated during processing are relatively low, leading to a lower risk of deformation, which is particularly beneficial for manufacturing precision components.

2. 7075 Aluminum Alloy

Material Characteristics:

(1) Extremely High Strength: One of the highest strength aluminum alloys, comparable to many steels, especially in T6 or T73 heat-treated conditions.

(2) High Fatigue Strength: Exhibits excellent fatigue resistance.

(3) High Hardness: Possesses high hardness.

(4) Moderate Corrosion Resistance: Compared to 6061 and 5052, its corrosion resistance is poorer, particularly its resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Anodizing or coating protection is usually required.

(5) Poor Weldability: Not easy to weld.

Processing Characteristics:

(1) Good Machinability, but High Hardness: Although it has good cutting properties, due to its high hardness, tool wear is relatively greater. This necessitates the selection of harder tool materials (like carbide tools) and appropriate cutting parameters.

(2) Chip Management: Chips generated during cutting might be finer and more fragmented, requiring an effective chip evacuation system.

(3) Deformation Control: Due to its high strength and potential internal stresses, greater attention to machining strategies is needed to control deformation when removing large amounts of material.

3. 5052 Aluminum Alloy

Material Characteristics:

(1) Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Particularly good resistance to seawater and industrial atmospheres because it does not contain copper.

(2) Good Formability: Has excellent cold forming properties, making it easy to bend, stamp, and deep draw.

(3) Moderate Strength: Offers moderate strength and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment.

(4) Good Weldability: Possesses good welding properties.

Processing Characteristics:

(1) Moderate Machinability: Compared to 6061, 5052's machinability is slightly poorer. It may be stickier during machining, prone to generating longer, stringy chips, which can affect surface quality and chip evacuation.

(2) Surface Finish: More challenging to achieve an extremely high surface finish, potentially requiring more finishing steps.

(3) Prone to Deformation: Due to its relatively lower hardness, it is more susceptible to deformation during thin-sheet processing or if clamping is improper.

4. MIC-6 Aluminum Alloy (Cast Aluminum Plate)

Material Characteristics:

(1) Exceptional Dimensional Stability: This is a pre-machined cast aluminum plate whose manufacturing process (special casting and stress-relieving procedures) ensures extremely low internal residual stress, thereby maintaining outstanding dimensional stability during and after machining.

(2) Uniform Hardness: Exhibits very uniform hardness throughout the plate.

(3) Easy to Machine: Possesses good machinability.

(4) Good Thermal Conductivity: Capable of effective heat dissipation.

Processing Characteristics:

(1) Minimal to No Deformation During Machining: Due to its extremely low internal stress, MIC-6 experiences very little to no deformation even during high-speed, heavy-material removal, which is its greatest advantage, especially for manufacturing large, complex, and precision components with stringent flatness and dimensional stability requirements.

(2) Excellent Machinability: Its cutting performance is very good, easily forming small, uniform chips, which helps improve machining efficiency and surface quality.

(3) High Precision Retention: Can easily achieve and maintain high precision and tight tolerances.

(4) No Additional Stress Relief Required: Typically, no additional stress relief treatment is needed before or during machining.

Why Choose Waltay for OEM CNC Milling Parts Precision Aluminum Plate?

1. Extensive Experience and Specialization

(1) Aluminum Focus: They explicitly specialize in R&D, production, and sales of aluminum machined parts. This dedicated focus means they likely have deep expertise in handling various aluminum alloys and their unique processing characteristics, which is crucial for precision aluminum plates.

(2) Product Breadth: They list a wide range of aluminum products, including heatsinks, enclosures (power supply, amplifier, inverter, shielding boxes), and general complex CNC milled and turned parts, indicating a strong understanding of electronic industry needs.

2. Comprehensive Manufacturing Capabilities

(1) In-House Tooling: Having in-house tooling machines (5 sets) is a significant advantage. This can lead to:

(2) Competitive Unit Prices: By making tools internally, we can reduce outsourcing costs.

(3) Faster Lead Times: Quicker turnaround on tooling means faster project completion.

(4) Diverse Processes: We offer CNC machining (milling, turning), drilling, grinding, wire EDM, stamping, welding, and various surface finishes like anodizing, powder coating, zinc plating, oil painting, riveting, silkscreen printing, laser engraving, and custom packaging. This broad capability allows for a one-stop solution for complex projects.

3. Focus on Precision and Quality

(1) ISO 9001 Standards: Waltay follow ISO 9001 standards for quality control. This indicates a commitment to a structured quality management system, ensuring consistent processes and quality output.

4. Customer-Centric Services

(1) Rapid Prototyping: Waltay offers rapid prototyping services with an overall lead time of 3-5 days, which is crucial for quick design iterations and product development in electronics.

(2) Design Assistance: We provide "mechanical design assistant, from concept to drawing, provide all-inclusive package." This is highly beneficial for clients who may need support in optimizing their designs for manufacturability (DFM).

(3) Mutual Toolings & Free Samples: We offer "universal enclosures" and "mutual toolings" where customers can modify existing drawings, saving tooling costs and time. We also provide "free samples for R&D, testing" from existing models, which can significantly benefit clients during their development phase.

(4) Quick Quotation:Quotation in 24-48 hours helps clients get pricing information rapidly.

5. Strategic Location

Shenzhen, China: Being located in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, places Waltay in a major manufacturing hub. This can offer advantages in terms of supply chain access, competitive pricing, and a skilled workforce.

Waltay is specializing in custom CNC machined parts for over 15 years. We are good at making high precision metal and plastic components. We also provide one stop service such as part design, prototypes, mold making, plastic injection and part assembling to better meet customers’ needs. Beside aluminum CNC machined parts, we also provide stainless steel, ABS, PC, PA,PP and POM CNC machined parts which can be widely used in cables, sensors, motors,connectors, etc.