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The VMT blog is dedicated to sharing our hard-earned knowledge in prototype manufacturing. We hope these articles will help you optimize your product designs and gain deeper insight into the world of rapid prototyping. Enjoy the read!
Get an Instant QuoteYes, carbon steel is generally magnetic because it contains iron, a ferromagnetic material. Its magnetism depends on carbon content, crystal structure, and heat treatment. Most carbon steels used in CNC machining parts will strongly attract magnets, making them suitable for applications requiring magnetic properties.
Titanium is not magnetic under normal conditions. It is a weakly magnetic (diamagnetic) metal, meaning it is not attracted to magnets. Its atomic structure prevents strong magnetic alignment, making it ideal for applications like medical implants, aerospace components, and precision CNC machined parts that require minimal magnetic interference.
Brass is generally non-magnetic because it is an alloy of copper and zinc, both of which are non-ferromagnetic. However, trace impurities or mechanical processing can induce slight magnetism. To ensure non-magnetic performance in brass CNC machined parts, choose high-purity alloys and verify properties before production.
Yes, iron is magnetic because it is a ferromagnetic metal. Its unpaired electrons and aligned magnetic domains make it strongly attracted to magnets. Pure iron and many iron-based alloys retain magnetism, but some stainless steels and high-temperature conditions can reduce or eliminate this property.
To tap a standard 3/8-16 thread, use a 5/16 inch (0.3125") drill bit. This size ensures a proper thread engagement and minimizes the risk of stripping or tool wear, especially when producing CNC machining parts across various materials.
Stainless steel can be anodized, but the process is more complex than with aluminum. Due to its passive oxide layer, stainless steel requires specialized electrolytes and tightly controlled conditions. Alternatively, finishes like PVD, passivation, and coating offer similar results with fewer challenges. For most CNC machining factories, these alternatives are more cost-effective and visually consistent.
Magnesium is not magnetic in the conventional sense. It is classified as a paramagnetic material, which means it exhibits very weak magnetism only in the presence of a strong external magnetic field. In typical applications—including magnesium CNC machined parts—magnetism is virtually negligible, making it a practical choice for non-magnetic component manufacturing.
The main difference between 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 aluminum lies in their stress-relief processes. While both are heat-treated, T651 undergoes additional stretching to reduce internal stresses, making it more dimensionally stable than T6. This makes 6061-T651 the better choice for precision aluminum CNC machined parts requiring tight tolerances.
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