Overview
Custom CNC Machined Shafts
Check out our Custom CNC machined Shafts as below table:
FRIMA(ISO 9001& IATF16949 Certified), provides precision custom CNC machined parts in a wide range of materials to your specifications. We provide inventory management with release schedules, including in-time delivery and blanket orders that are available for our client’s convenience. We are able to save our clients’ money with the capability to stock our clients’ parts in our 8,000 sq. foot warehouse until they are needed.
We work with a wide variety of materials, specializing in precision custom CNC machined parts from 1″ to 6″ in length and .032″ to 4″ inches in diameter while holding tolerances to specification.
Which is the best material for custom CNC machined shafts?
Hard-Anodized Aluminum (6061-T6)
Centerless-ground, hard-anodized aluminum has been the default shafting material used with linear plain bearings for decades. Many of its features go hand-in-hand with the main benefits of plain bearings—it is lightweight, non-magnetic, easy to machine, and corrosion-resistant in many environments.
This also offers a serious cost benefit when compared to stainless steel, especially within applications that involve salt spraying, or those that may need to resist wash-down.
Please note that most aluminum shafting is stocked in six to twelve-foot lengths, which are then cut down to shorter lengths based on your orders. This means that the saw-cut ends will no longer be anodized, consequently introducing raw aluminum into the picture.
300 Series Stainless: 304 and 316
The 300 series family is your best bet for corrosion resistance since it is better than hard-anodized aluminum, chrome-plated, or the 400-series stainless steel that many linear suppliers offer.
316 stainless steel, in particular, is the absolute best possible solution for highly corrosive applications and is generally used in many of the marine-industry applications we see guide shafting for jets in large-scale water features, and many seating and furniture applications that are designed within yachts and motor boats. If you are looking for resistance to chlorides and chlorinates, 316 would absolutely be your best solution.
As a lower-cost alternative for applications that are not exposed to salines or chlorides, 304 is about 20-30% less than its 316 sister material. We see 304 being used frequently in packaging, food processing, and lab applications. It is important to keep in mind that the 300-series cannot be hardened, and therefore is not suitable for recirculating ball bearings—only plain bearings.
400-series stainless steel
This family, especially the 420C or 440C setting, is necessary for recirculating ball bearings because the surface hardness of the shafting is 50RC+ on the Rockwell hardness scale, which is required for resisting the high point-to-point pressures of ball bearings.
This hardness actually makes these materials popular for cutlery, knives, and surgical instruments. However, be careful about designing any snap-ring grooves or tapped holes into that hardened area since many a machine shop will no quote try to mill or drill into that hardened surface, or they will charge you for special tooling.
Another downside of the 400-series—it does not offer the same corrosion resistance as the 300-series, making it prone to corrosion in salt water and moderate-to-highly acidic situations.
Although, you could save a few dollars using the 400-series over the 300-series if your application is not prone to corrosion. A final benefit of the 400-series vs. 300-series stainless products is that they are less deflective for unsupported, higher-load applications.
Chrome-plated carbon steel
Chrome-plated 1060 or 1055 shafting is not as commonly used in North America as it is in Europe, but is available as a moderately corrosion-resistant material for chemical wash-downs while at a lower price than even the 400-series stainless.
The reason why some customers may choose a chrome-plated shaft is that it has a highly polished and shiny surface, whereas stainless steel products can sometimes have a more matte, or even dull, finish.
Since chrome-plated carbon steel is hardened to RC60 and above, it can be used for ball bearings as well. If you are using drying components, liners T500 (X) are the best liner options for lifetime and friction on this material.
Hardened carbon steel (1060/1055)
The workhorse of the linear bearing industry, especially for ball bearings, this shafting is hardened to RC60 and above and is a mainstay for linear ball bearings; however, it is not always as advantageous when it comes to self-lubricating plain bearings, where aluminum shafting or stainless steel shafting dominates.
Since linear plain bearings do not require oil, the steel will effectively corrode over time if not under perfect conditions, which makes ball bearings a better match because they do require maintenance and scheduled oiling.
With that being said, hardened carbon steel is a more rigid material than aluminum, although most engineers and manufacturers within the plain bearing industry would still direct customers to a stainless product if aluminum was not rigid enough for certain unsupported applications. If you are using drying components, E7 is a great liner material for dry running with hardened carbon steel.
Specialized plating is available upon request. For more quotes, please feel free to send us mail: [email protected]
Advance Products possesses all of the latest CNC precision machines to meet all of your screw machine part requirements:
- CNC Turn/Milling Centers
- CNC Turning Centers
- CNC Milling/Machining Centers
- Screw Machines
What are the applications of custom CNC machined shafts?
Custom CNC machined shaft is used in a wide range of applications in different industries.
Some of the common areas where it is common include the following;
Automotive industry – It is the sector, which mainly uses this component.
In vehicles, the custom CNC machined shaft is used for the design and construction of various types of engines and other moving parts.
General engineering – This mainly covers a wide range of engineering machines requiring the transmission of power to various components.
These shafts help in proving the necessary power to run and support its various components.
Why are you buying custom CNC machined shafts?
The design elements you need to factor in when selecting a CNC shaft include the following;
Deflection and rigidity – The designs of the CNC shaft should ensure the deflections are within tolerable extents.
The design for this component should also provide enough lateral rigidity to allow the lowest critical speed to be above the range of operation.
Stress and strength – The CNC shaft component must be strong and able to endure the stress subjected to it.
It is important because it determines efficiency in regard to performance.
Size and spacing – You must factor in the series of stepped diameters, which accommodate bearing mounts.
Material selection – Choose a material depending on the mechanical specifications and environmental conditions of the particular application.
Manufacturing constraints – It is also important to figure out the possible limitations when it comes to the design and manufacturing of CNC shafts.
Aspects such as tool geometry, material stiffness, and tool access are essential considerations.
What is the typical lifespan of a CNC shaft?
Typically, a CNC shaft is relatively durable. It is derived from natural materials, which tend to be hardy and resilient.
A normal CNC shaft is made from a material, which is resistant to a wide range of elements.
For example, resistance to chemical corrosion, mechanical friction, and resistance to high temperatures.
Nonetheless, the exact lifespan of this component is dependent on the particular application.
It is as well determined by the conditions subjected to it.
In a nutshell, there is no standard lifespan for a CNC shaft, but it can last for quite a considerable duration.
Is there a warranty upon purchasing CNC shaft?
The warranty policies usually vary from one manufacturer to another.
Most of them, however, offer a warranty upon purchasing a CNC shaft, but the period may vary.
One aspect, which determines the warranty period is the cost of the unit.
Relatively expensive CNC shafts often have longer warranty periods compared to the lowly priced ones.
Nevertheless, it is also fundamental to inquire about the warranty from the dealer before sealing the deal. It helps you to know the finer details surrounding purchasing contract.
What is the MOQ when buying a CNC shaft?
It varies from one manufacturer to another.
However, the nature of the CNC shaft makes it easy for you to negotiate with the manufacturer on the suitable MOQ for your needs.
Moreover, CNC shafts are manufactured by CNC turning, which makes it easy to produce any required MOQ without hitches.
In short, there is no standard MOQ for CNC shafts, but most suppliers are usually flexible hence easy to negotiate about it.
Therefore, ensure you engage with the manufacturer to obtain the ideal MOQ that suits your needs.
How much does a CNC Shaft Cost?
It varies based on a number of factors. For instance, the type of material, complexity, or simplicity of the pattern and size.
The price also varies depending on the type of surface finishing, minimum order quantity as well as delivery destination.
It is thus difficult to quote the exact figure for CNC shaft price since it is pegged on the mentioned factors, among many more.
Contact us more if you had your own design and feel free to send us drawings. We will send you the quotations ASAP. Thanks
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies based on a number of factors. For instance, the type of material, complexity, or simplicity of the pattern and size.
The price also varies depending on the type of surface finishing, minimum order quantity as well as delivery destination.
It is thus difficult to quote the exact figure for CNC shaft price since it is pegged on the mentioned factors, among many more.
It varies from one manufacturer to another.
However, the nature of the CNC shaft makes it easy for you to negotiate with the manufacturer on the suitable MOQ for your needs.
Moreover, CNC shafts are manufactured by CNC turning, which makes it easy to produce any required MOQ without hitches.
In short, there is no standard MOQ for CNC shafts, but most suppliers are usually flexible hence easy to negotiate about it.
Therefore, ensure you engage with the manufacturer to obtain the ideal MOQ that suits your needs.
The warranty policies usually vary from one manufacturer to another.
Most of them, however, offer a warranty upon purchasing a CNC shaft, but the period may vary.
One aspect, which determines the warranty period is the cost of the unit.
Relatively expensive CNC shafts often have longer warranty periods compared to the lowly priced ones.
Nevertheless, it is also fundamental to inquire about the warranty from the dealer before sealing the deal. It helps you to know the finer details surrounding purchasing contract.
The design elements you need to factor in when selecting CNC shaft include the following;
Deflection and rigidity – The designs of the CNC shaft should ensure the deflections are within tolerable extents.
The design for this component should also provide enough lateral rigidity to allow the lowest critical speed to be above the range of operation.
Stress and strength – The CNC shaft component must be strong able to endure stress subjected to it.
It is important because it determines the efficiency in regard to performance.
Size and spacing – You must factor in the series of stepped diameters, which accommodate bearing mounts.
Material selection – Choose a material depending on the mechanical specifications and environmental conditions of the particular application.
Manufacturing constraints – It is also important to figure out the possible limitations when it comes to the design and manufacturing of CNC shafts.
Aspects such as tool geometry, material stiffness, and tool access are essential considerations.
CNC shaft is used in a wide range of applications in different industries.
Some of the common areas where it is common include the following;
Automotive industry – It is the sector, which mainly uses this component.
In vehicles, the CNC machining shaft is used for the design and construction of various types of engines and other moving parts.
General engineering – This mainly covers a wide range of engineering machines requiring the transmission of power to various components.
These shafts help in proving the necessary power to run and support its various components.
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What our clients say
“ We are deeply grateful to the FRIMA Machining team for their outstanding R&D services and skillful craftsmanship. FRIMA has played a pivotal role in our project's success, and we are currently carrying out positive testing in Saudi Arabia. ”
Bill, Research & Development Manager