How to Achieve Specific Conductivity in CNC Machined Parts

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In the world of precision manufacturing, the functional requirements for CNC machined parts extend far beyond simple dimensions and tolerances. For components used in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications, achieving a specific electrical conductivity is often a critical performance criterion. As a onestopshop for custom CNC machining, we specialize in guiding our clients through the material and processing choices necessary to meet these exacting electrical properties.


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Understanding Material Selection

The primary factor dictating a part's conductivity is the base material. Metals are the obvious choice, but their conductivity varies significantly.

Excellent Conductors: Pure copper and certain aluminum alloys (like 6061) offer high electrical conductivity, making them ideal for electrical connectors, bus bars, and RF shielding components. While pure copper is challenging to machine due to its softness and gumminess, our expertise allows us to produce highquality parts from it efficiently.
Good Conductors: Brass, with its excellent machinability and decent conductivity, is a popular choice for electrical fixtures and terminals. Bronze is also used, though its conductivity is generally lower than brass.
Poor Conductors/Resistive Materials: Stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316) and titanium offer high strength and corrosion resistance but have significantly lower conductivity. These are selected when structural integrity is paramount, and electrical insulation or specific resistance is required.

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The Impact of CNC Machining Processes

The machining process itself can influence the final part's conductivity. Key considerations include:



Surface Finish: A rough surface can create microimperfections that disrupt the smooth flow of electrons, slightly reducing effective conductivity. For critical applications, specifying a finer surface finish or postprocessing treatments like polishing can optimize electrical performance.
Work Hardening: Aggressive machining can create a hardened surface layer on some metals, which can alter local electrical properties. Our skilled programmers and machinists use optimized cutting parameters to minimize this effect.
Stress and Cracking: Internal stresses induced during machining can, in rare cases, lead to microcracks that interrupt conductive pathways. Proper toolpath strategies and fixturing are essential to produce stressfree, reliable parts.

PostMachining Treatments for Enhanced Performance

For applications demanding the highest conductivity or specific surface properties, postprocessing is a powerful tool.

Plating: Applying a thin layer of a highly conductive metal like gold, silver, or tin over a base material (often copper or aluminum) is a common practice. This combines the excellent conductivity of the plating material with the strength, costeffectiveness, or machinability of the base metal.
Anodizing (for Aluminum): It is crucial to note that anodizing creates a thick, nonconductive oxide layer. For aluminum parts that require conductivity, anodizing must be avoided or selectively applied to insulating areas only.

Partner with a Knowledgeable Manufacturer

Achieving specific conductivity is not a matter of chance; it is a result of deliberate choices in material, machining, and finishing. Our engineering team possesses the deep industry knowledge to help you navigate these options. We ensure your CNC machined parts are not only dimensionally accurate but also functionally perfect for their electrical role, enhancing the reliability and performance of your final product. Contact us today to discuss your project's conductive requirements.