There are three processing methods for metal prototyping, namely CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication. This article discusses their materials available, manufacturing processes, and applications. 

1. CNC machining

Metal materials for CNC machining

The commonly used metals in industrial manufacturing are all available for CNC machining, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel, magnesium alloy, red copper, brass, and other metals.

Machining process

  • Get the 3D CAD drawings for prototyping
  • CAD programming for CNC prototyping manufacturing
  • Choose the tools and finish the settings of the CNC machines
  • Properly clamp all the tools and start trial machining
  • Start machining
  • Take out the workpiece and have it post-finished

Metal CAD Prototyping: What Are the Methods Involved?

Applications

CNC metal prototyping is usually applied in automotive, machinery, aerospace, mold industries, etc.

Metal CAD Prototyping: What Are the Methods Involved?

2. 3D printing

Metal materials for 3D printing

Metal materials for 3D printing are primarily in the powder state. They can be steel, titanium, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, copper and copper alloys, precious metals, and refractory metals.

Machining process

  • Get the 3D CAD drawings for prototyping
  • CAD programming for printing
  • Set the 3D printer, put the metal powders into the powder supply tank, and finish other settings, including filling the printer with inert gases to obtain the required oxygen content. 
  • Start printing
  • Cut the finished workpiece from the iron plate with a wire cutter

Notes:

Different metal powder materials require particular scrapers and machining processes. 

Different materials require different inert gas protection and post-treatment processes.

Applications

Metal prototyping via 3D printing embraces a broad range of applications in aerospace, medical (orthopedic implants), luxury cars, motorsports, professional sports equipment, energy production, oil and gas, jewelry and crafts fields, etc.

3. Sheet metal fabrication

Metal materials for sheet metal fabrication

The metal materials used in sheet metal fabrication are generally cold-rolled sheet (SPCC), hot-rolled sheet (SHCC), galvanized sheet (SECC, SGCC), copper (CU), brass, red copper, beryllium copper, aluminum (6061, 5052, 1010, 1060, 6063, hard aluminum, etc.), stainless steel, etc. The most notable difference between sheet metal fabrication is that the material thickness is less than 6mm.

Machining process

  • Unlike CNC machining, there are many machines involved in sheet metal fabrication. Therefore the production process is more complicated.
  • Get the 3D CAD drawings for prototyping
  • CAD programming for prototyping
  • Undercutting (punching), bending, riveting, and welding parts
  • Surface treatment 

Metal CAD Prototyping: What Are the Methods Involved?

Applications

Sheet metal parts have a wide range of applications in electronic appliances, communication, automotive, medical devices industries, etc.

Metal CAD Prototyping: What Are the Methods Involved?

The surface treatments for metal prototyping are sanding, polishing, electroplating (vacuum and water plating), blackening, passivation, sandblasting, etching, brushing, baking, oxidation, and laser engraving. Water plating is always for aluminum and copper). Passivation and blackening are often applied to steel. For more detailed information, please refer to our previous blog. 

X Rapid Technologies is a professional metal prototyping service provider. We sincerely welcome any further discussion about metal rapid prototyping. Just drop us a line today!