Frequently Asked Questions
We have some answers to the usual questions about prototyping and manufacturing that can help you learn more about our services
Q
What is CNC machining service?
It is a manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled machines to process materials such as metal or plastic. CNC MACHINING SERVICE can provide high-precision, high-efficiency and high-quality customized parts.
Q
What are the advantages of CNC machining service?
It makes custom parts in any shape and size. It uses various materials and finishes for different needs. It does fast prototyping and mass production, saving time. It cuts labor costs and waste, boosting efficiency and profit.
Q
What kind of file format does CNC machining service require?
To ensure the quality and accuracy of the parts, CNC machining service requires customers to provide clear and complete drawings or 3D model data files. Common file formats are STEP, DXF, IGES, etc.
Q
How is the price of CNC machining service calculated?
The complexity, size and quantity of the parts.
The type, quality and price of the materials.
The method, degree and cost of the surface treatment.
The mode, distance and cost of transportation and packaging.
Q
How long is the delivery time of CNC machining service?
Without including packaging and shipping, prototyping or small batch orders can be completed in 3 to 7 days. If it is a large batch order, it needs to be determined according to the specific information.
Q
What quality assurance measures does CNC machining service have?
It has advanced equipment and technology for accurate and efficient processing. It has high-quality materials and accessories for durable and reliable parts. It has professional software and tools for precise design and measurement. It has strict standards and procedures for thorough inspection and testing.
CNC machining
Technology
We have CNC lathes, milling machines, plasma cutting machines, laser cutting machines, , routers and machine tool centers.
We support STL, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, SVG, and G-code file formats.
The accuracy of CNC machining depends on many factors. The typical positional accuracy is about 0.01 mm (0.0004 inch) for a 3-axis machine and 0.005 mm (0.0002 inch) for a 4-axis machine. The typical dimensional accuracy is about 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) for a 3-axis machine and 0.01 mm (0.0004 inch) for a 4-axis machine.
1-Direct measurement: Periodically, you can measure the tool’s cutting edge using a high-resolution microscope or a tool pre-setter, which provides accurate and quick measurements of tool geometry and dimensions. This helps to determine the level of wear and decide when to replace the tool.
2-Indirect measurement (sensor-based methods):
a. Spindle power monitoring: By monitoring the spindle power consumption, you can evaluate the tool wear condition. As the tool wears out, it requires more force to cut material, resulting in an increased power consumption.
b. Acoustic emission monitoring: The sound produced during machining changes as the tool wears. Acoustic emission sensors can detect these changes, helping you estimate tool wear.
c. Vibration monitoring: As the tool wears, the cutting process becomes less stable, resulting in increased vibrations. By using vibration sensors, you can monitor these changes and estimate the tool’s wear condition.
3-Built-in monitoring systems: Modern CNC machines are equipped with tool monitoring systems, which use sensors and software algorithms to measure and estimate tool wear in real-time. These systems are helpful in minimizing machine downtime and maximizing tool life.
4-Adaptive control technology: Some CNC machines are capable of utilizing adaptive control technology, which can automatically adjust machining parameters (speed, feed, depth of cut, etc.) based on the detected tool wear in order to maintain a consistent performance as the tool deteriorates.
1-Degrees of freedom: The primary difference between four-axis and three-axis machining lies in the number of axes (or degrees of freedom) that the machine operates on. A three-axis machine has the ability to move in three linear directions: X, Y, and Z axes. In contrast, a four-axis machine has an additional rotational axis, typically denoted as the A, B, or C axis, allowing the workpiece to be rotated during the machining process.
2-Complexity of parts: With an additional degree of freedom, four-axis machines can create more complex and intricate parts compared to three-axis machines. The fourth axis enables continuous rotation or indexing of the workpiece, allowing the machining of features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through solely three-axis machining.
3-Setup: Four-axis machines usually require fewer setups and workholding changes since they can access more of the workpiece’s surface in a single setup. This reduces the overall setup time, which can be an advantage for certain applications where production times are critical.
4-Tool life and surface finish: Thanks to the additional degree of freedom, four-axis machining can provide a superior surface finish and prolong tool life by spreading the cutting forces along curvilinear paths, which ensures a more even distribution of tool wear.
5-Cost and learning curve: Four-axis machines are typically more expensive than their three-axis counterparts due to their increased complexity and capabilities. The programming and operation of a four-axis machine may also require additional training and expertise.
In summary, the main difference between four-axis and three-axis machining is the number of degrees of freedom. Four-axis machines have the capability to perform more complex operations, produce intricate parts with superior surface finishes, and potentially reduce setup times. However, they are generally more expensive and may require additional training to operate efficiently.
Materials and
Design
Yes, we provide various surface treatment services to meet your functional and aesthetic needs. We can perform painting, anodizing, plating, powder coating, sandblasting, polishing, etc. for your CNC machined parts.
Your design should take into account the size and capabilities of CNC machines, avoid overly complex or delicate features, and choose appropriate materials and tolerance levels. Of course, you are welcome to send your designed parts to us for evaluation, and we will provide suggestions on how to design the machining features to ensure the highest cost-performance ratio for your components.
1-Functionality: Consider the purpose and operational requirements of your component. Critical mating surfaces, moving parts, and assembly points may necessitate tighter tolerances to ensure proper fit, function, and performance.
2-Material selection: Different materials have varying machinability properties and may require adjustments to tolerances. For example, the thermal expansion of certain materials might affect part dimensions and tolerances at operating temperatures.
3-Manufacturing process: Different machining techniques, such as milling, turning, or grinding, have different inherent precision levels, and you should take these into account when specifying tolerances. Some processes may require more stringent tolerances than others.
4-Cost optimization: The tighter the tolerances, the more challenging and time-consuming the machining process becomes. This, in turn, increases production costs. Striking a balance between the necessary levels of precision and affordability is essential for an economically viable design.
5-Inspection and measurement: Ensure that the specified tolerances can be properly measured and verified. If the required tolerances are beyond the capabilities of the available measurement tools or techniques, adjustments might be necessary.
The cost of CNC machining is mainly determined by the following factors: material cost, machining time, machining difficulty, surface treatment and transportation cost. Therefore, too large or too small size, overly complex or subtle features, too high or too low tolerance level, too many or too complicated surface treatments, etc. may increase machining costs.
Yes, we provide design optimization suggestions. We have a professional team of engineers who can provide you with reasonable suggestions and solutions to help you optimize your design, improve the quality and performance of your parts, reduce machining costs and time.
Ordering and
Quoting
We take bank transfer, and cash on delivery.
The costs vary by parts, materials, surface treatments, and delivery options. Contact us with your 3D model file and order details for a quote.
Yes, we give discounts based on the quantity and complexity of the parts.
Contact us with your order number to check your order status and progress.
We will send you a confirmation email with your order details and payment information.
Contact us to discuss your urgent order. We will try our best to deliver it as fast as possible.
Contact us as soon as possible with your order number and reason for cancellation. We will refund your payment according to our policy.
Yes, we have three types of quotes: standard, advanced, and custom. Contact us with your 3D model file and project details for the best quote type.
Production and
Quality
We check the materials, machines, parts, and inspections to ensure consistent quality.
We use various devices and methods to measure the dimensions, shapes, surfaces, and hardness of the parts.
1-Preventive Maintenance: We perform regular preventive maintenance on all our machining equipment, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. This helps reduce downtime and ensures consistent performance.
2-Routine Inspections: Our technicians perform daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of all critical machine components, such as bearings, gears, and guides. These inspections allow for early detection and resolution of any potential issues.
3-Lubrication: Proper lubrication of moving parts is crucial for efficient machine operation, so our technicians follow a strict lubrication schedule to maintain the longevity and performance of our equipment.
4-Equipment Calibration: We regularly calibrate our machining equipment according to industry standards and best practices, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in our work. The calibration process involves comparing our machines’ measurements against known reference standards and adjusting them when necessary.
5-Record Keeping: We maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities, inspections, and calibrations to track the history of our equipment and continue improving our processes.
6-Continuous Training: Our technicians receive ongoing training in equipment maintenance, inspection, and calibration techniques, staying up-to-date with the latest industry advancements.
Yes, you can see our CNC machines and workers in action and learn about our quality control process. Please contact us to schedule your visit.
We sign NDAs, encrypt and store your data securely, limit the access to your parts and drawings, and destroy or return any leftover materials or parts.
We follow ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 2768 for dimensional tolerance, ISO 4287 for surface roughness, and other standards as required by the customer or the industry.
The machining parameters that have the greatest impact on surface quality are cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, tool geometry, and cutting fluid.
Logistics and
Delivery
You can choose your own shipping company, as long as they can meet our shipping requirements and standards. We will provide you with the most suitable shipping solution and quotation based on your order and destination. If you have your own shipping partner, you can inform us when you place the order, and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
The time to receive the goods depends on your order quantity, machining difficulty, and shipping method and distance. Generally speaking, we will start processing your order after receiving your payment, and the processing time is about 5-15 working days, depending on the order situation. The shipping time varies according to the shipping company and destination you choose, usually 3-10 working days. We will provide you with a tracking number after shipment, so that you can track your goods status at any time.
If you need express shipping, you can inform us when you place the order, and we will try to arrange the fastest shipping method for you. However, please note that express shipping may increase your shipping cost, and may be subject to factors such as weight and volume of the goods. We will provide you with a specific express shipping solution and fee after confirming the order.
If you have specific delivery time requirements, you can inform us when you place the order, and we will try to meet your requirements. However, please note that delivery at a specified time may be affected by factors such as the shipping company and local traffic conditions, and may require additional fees. We will provide you with a specific delivery time solution and fee after confirming the order.
For fragile parts, we will use special packaging materials and methods to ensure that the goods are not damaged during transportation. We will use materials such as foam, bubble wrap, cartons, wooden boxes, etc., and pack and fix the goods according to their shape and size. We will attach a fragile label on the package to remind the transporters to handle with care. If you have any other packaging requirements or suggestions, you can inform us when you place the order, and we will try to consider and adopt them.
Payment and
Invoice
We accept various currencies, but we prefer to receive US dollars or euros.
Our payment cycle is generally 30 days. That is, you need to complete the payment within 30 days after receiving our shipping notice. If you have special payment cycle requirements, you can inform us when you place an order and we will try to meet your requirements.
For overseas customers, we suggest you use international payment channels to pay. We support the following international payment channels: PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, etc. You can choose your preferred payment channel when you place an order and follow the corresponding process to pay.
If you need overseas invoices, please inform us of your invoice information when you place an order, including invoice title, tax number, address, etc. We will send you an electronic invoice in PDF format to your email after shipment. If you need paper invoices, please inform us of your mailing address when you place an order and we will send you paper invoices along with the goods.
For large orders, we can provide installment payment options to ease your financial pressure. Our installment payment options are generally 3-6 installments, depending on the order amount and customer credit. If you need installment payment, please inform us when you place an order and we will make a suitable installment payment plan and contract for you.
Generally, we do not need you to submit a proof of prepayment, as long as you complete the payment within the specified time. However, if your order amount is large or there are special circumstances, we may ask you to submit a proof of prepayment to ensure the validity and security of the order. If you need to submit a proof of prepayment, please inform us when you place an order and we will provide you with the corresponding guidance and assistance.
Customer
Service
You can appeal to us by customer service phone, email, online customer service or service center, and provide order number, product model, description and photos of the quality issue. We will handle it as soon as possible and give you a satisfactory answer.
You can apply for a return within 7 days after receiving it, and provide relevant proof. If the product has quality issues or does not match the order, we will return it for free and give you a full refund or exchange. If the product has no quality issues or matches the order, but you do not want it, you need to bear the shipping cost and pay 15% of the handling fee. If it is more than 7 days or the product is damaged or missing, we do not accept returns.
If it is caused by transportation, we will replace or repair the product for free, and compensate for the loss.If it is caused by our machining or material problems, we will replace or repair the product for free, and give discounts or gifts.If it is caused by your improper use or insufficient maintenance, we will provide paid replacement or repair service, and give use and maintenance suggestions.
Our online customer service working hours are from 8 am to 10 pm (Beijing time) every day. During this period, you can contact us at any time through our website or WeChat official account, and get timely response and help. If you contact us during non-working hours, we will reply to you in the morning of the next day, please understand.
We currently provide services in the following languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, etc. You can choose your preferred language on our website or WeChat official account, and communicate with us. We will try our best to provide you with accurate and fluent multilingual service.
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