English 
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 03-06-2025 Origin: Site
In today’s world of modern manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining plays a critical role in fabricating precision metal parts across industries—from aerospace and agriculture to electronics and oil & gas. Whether you're a procurement engineer, product designer, or manufacturer, one question often arises when working with metal: “How thick of metal can a CNC machine cut?”
The answer is not as simple as a single number. It depends on several factors, including the type of metal, the CNC machine's configuration, tool material, feed rates, and more. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about CNC metal cutting thickness capabilities, with a focus on metal CNC machining, service options, material differences, real-world applications, and supplier selection.
Whether you're looking for stainless steel CNC machining services, aluminum CNC machining, or trying to choose the right CNC machining parts supplier, this article will help you make informed decisions. Let’s dive in.
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses programmed computer software to control complex machinery, such as mills, lathes, routers, and grinders. These machines remove layers of material—often metal—to shape parts to exact specifications.
Metal CNC machining is used to cut, drill, bore, and mill a wide range of metals, including:
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Brass
Copper
Titanium
Carbon steel
Alloy steel
But how thick can CNC machines cut these materials? The answer varies based on multiple factors covered in the sections below.
Before we give you hard numbers, it’s important to understand the key factors that determine how thick a CNC machine can cut metal:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | CNC mills, lathes, plasma cutters, waterjets, and lasers have different capabilities |
| Tool Material | Carbide, HSS (High-Speed Steel), and diamond tools impact depth and efficiency |
| Spindle Power & RPM | More powerful machines achieve deeper cuts |
| Cooling & Lubrication | Essential for cutting thick or hard metals to prevent overheating |
| Feed Rate & Speed | Affects material removal rate and surface finish |
| Workholding Stability | Rigid fixturing supports deeper and more accurate cuts |
| Metal Type | Different metals have varying hardness, ductility, and thermal conductivity |
These variables work together to determine the safe and effective cutting depth for each metal and machine setup.
Let’s break down the typical cutting thickness you can expect from different CNC machining methods:
| CNC Method | Max Cutting Thickness (Metal) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Up to 150 mm (6 in) | High-precision 3D shapes in aluminum, steel, brass |
| CNC Turning (Lathe) | Up to 200 mm (8 in) diameter | Cylindrical parts like shafts and bushings |
| CNC Plasma Cutting | Up to 50 mm (2 in) | Fast cutting of carbon steel and stainless steel |
| CNC Waterjet | Up to 150 mm (6 in) | Thick metal plates, including hardened steel |
| CNC Laser Cutting | Up to 25 mm (1 in) | Thin sheet metals, clean edges, minimal burr |
These values vary depending on machine size, tool setup, and material hardness. For example, aluminum CNC machining can often achieve deeper cuts than stainless steel CNC machining due to aluminum’s lower density.
To get more precise, let’s look at how thick various metals can be cut using standard CNC milling or turning machines:
| Metal Type | Max CNC Cut Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Up to 150 mm (6 in) | Soft metal, easier to cut, high-speed machining possible |
| Stainless Steel | Up to 100 mm (4 in) | Harder material, requires slower speeds and coolant |
| Carbon Steel | Up to 100 mm (4 in) | Similar to stainless, but with variable hardness |
| Brass & Copper | Up to 80 mm (3 in) | High ductility, generates heat quickly |
| Titanium | Up to 50 mm (2 in) | Tough to machine, requires specialized tools |
| Hardened Tool Steel | Up to 30 mm (1.2 in) | Requires slower feeds and high-rigidity setup |
These numbers are based on industry averages and can vary depending on the specific CNC machining service or CNC machining factory’s capabilities.
Aluminum and stainless steel are two of the most commonly machined metals. Here’s how they compare when it comes to thickness and machining performance:
| Feature | Aluminum CNC Machining | Stainless Steel CNC Machining Services |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cut Thickness | Up to 150 mm | Up to 100 mm |
| Tool Wear Rate | Low | High |
| Machining Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Heat Conductivity | High | Low |
| Surface Finish | Excellent | Good |
| Cost of Machining | Lower | Higher |
Aluminum is ideal for lightweight, large-volume parts. Stainless steel is favored for high-strength, corrosion-resistant parts, albeit with more machining challenges.
In actual production environments, thick metal CNC machining is used across industries such as:
Agricultural equipment (frames, brackets, hydraulic blocks)
Aerospace (engine housings, landing gear components)
Oil & gas (valve bodies, flanges, wellhead equipment)
Marine (propeller hubs, structural mounts)
Construction (support beams, loader arms)
JOC Machinery, a CNC machining manufacturer based in China, offers a wide range of CNC machined parts such as:
Stainless Steel/Brass CNC Machined Pneumatic Valve Bodies
Precision Hydraulic Adjustable Screws
Aluminum Electrical Conduits
CNC Machined Optical Communication Housing
Stainless Steel Live Shaft Idler Rollers
These parts often require complex machining on thick metal blocks, showcasing the real-world application of high-capability CNC machines.
Not all CNC services are created equal. When working with thick metal parts, accuracy, machine capability, and experience become even more critical.
Here’s what to look for in a CNC machining parts supplier:
Machine Capability: Can they handle up to 6-inch thick metal blocks?
Material Expertise: Do they offer aluminum CNC machining and stainless steel CNC machining services?
Factory Certification: ISO 9001, TS16949, etc.
Global Experience: Especially if you're sourcing from CNC machining China
Turnaround Time: Can they deliver thick parts in a timely manner?
Customization: Do they offer CNC machining service for both prototypes and high-volume runs?
JOC Machinery, for example, is a CNC machining parts factory in Nanjing, China, providing precision CNC machining services to clients worldwide. Their metal CNC machining capabilities cover various industries and include both common and complex geometries.
If you're deciding between sourcing from a CNC machining USA provider or a CNC machining China factory, consider the following:
| Criteria | CNC Machining USA | CNC Machining China |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher labor & overhead | Lower production costs |
| Lead Time | Shorter (domestic orders) | Longer (international shipping) |
| Minimum Order Quantity | Often flexible | May require higher volumes |
| Quality Control | Strict standards | Varies by supplier |
| Service Communication | Easier time zone & language | May require more coordination |
For high-volume, cost-sensitive thick metal parts, CNC machining China is often preferred. For rapid prototyping or tight-tolerance aerospace components, CNC machining USA may be advantageous.
Cutting thick metal with CNC machines requires precise control and process stability. To ensure consistent quality, suppliers must:
Use high-rigidity machines with powerful spindles
Apply appropriate cutting fluids and coolants
Utilize multi-axis CNC setups for clean edge definition
Employ real-time monitoring systems to detect tool wear
Additionally, post-machining processes like deburring, heat treatment, and surface finishing (anodizing, powder coating) are often necessary for thick parts.
JOC Machinery Co., Ltd. offers comprehensive CNC machining services for thick metal components across industries. With decades of experience and advanced CNC machining factory facilities, they specialize in:
Custom CNC machining parts for heavy-duty applications
Stainless steel CNC machining services for corrosion-prone environments
Aluminum CNC machining for lightweight, high-strength parts
CNC machining China-based production with global export experience
Their product list includes:
Rubber Coating Roller Conveyor Roller for the textile industry
CNC machined aluminum cover parts
Deep-hole hydraulic block machining
Shaft components for pumps and motors
JOC’s commitment to precision, material versatility, and global logistics makes them a trusted CNC machining manufacturer for companies in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
Q1: How thick of metal can a CNC machine cut?
A1: Depending on the machine type and material, CNC machines can cut metal up to 150 mm (6 inches) thick for aluminum and up to 100 mm (4 inches) for stainless steel.
Q2: Can CNC machines cut 1-inch thick steel?
A2: Yes. Most industrial-grade CNC mills and lathes can cut 1-inch thick carbon or stainless steel with the right tooling and setup.
Q3: What’s the best CNC machine for cutting thick aluminum?
A3: High-speed CNC mills with carbide tooling and flood coolant systems are ideal for aluminum up to 150 mm thick.
Q4: Are there limits to the thickness a CNC can machine?
A4: Yes. Limits depend on spindle power, material hardness, tool geometry, and cooling. Exceeding these limits can result in tool failure or poor finish.
Q5: How does metal type affect CNC cutting depth?
A5: Softer metals like aluminum allow deeper, faster cuts. Harder metals like titanium or tool steel require shallower passes and slower speeds.
Q6: Where can I find a CNC machining factory that cuts thick metal?
A6: JOC Machinery in China is a reliable CNC machining parts supplier specializing in thick metal components for global clients.
Q7: How do I ensure quality in thick metal CNC machining?
A7: Choose an experienced CNC machining manufacturer with advanced machines, proper tooling, coolant systems, and quality certifications like ISO9001.
CNC machines are powerful tools capable of cutting a wide range of metals at impressive thicknesses. However, the exact cutting depth depends on many factors—from machine type and tooling to material properties and manufacturing precision.
To summarize:
CNC machines can cut up to 6 inches of aluminum and 4 inches of stainless steel
Different metals require different speeds, tools, and cooling strategies
Choosing the right CNC machining service provider is critical for success
JOC Machinery offers world-class CNC machining China-based solutions for thick metal parts
Looking for a trusted CNC machining manufacturer to handle your next thick metal project? Explore JOC Machinery’s metal CNC machining offerings and get in touch with their team for a custom quote.
