CEX Casting has completed the CNC machining and packing of a batch of copper alloy parts.
The project was originally planned for copper casting. However, the order volume was small, while copper alloy materials are relatively expensive, and specific grades often come with high minimum order quantities (MOQs).
Purchasing raw materials based on these MOQs would have made the overall cost of the small-batch order uneconomical.
After considering the order volume and production efficiency, CEX Casting recommended switching to CNC machining.
Once the shift to the CNC approach was confirmed, the material specification also needed to be reconsidered.
C80100, the grade specified in the drawings, is a casting-grade copper with relatively poor machinability and is not ideal for CNC processing.
To address this, CEX Casting recommended C11000 copper, which offers better machinability, and provided the client with data on its composition and properties.
With an electrical conductivity exceeding 97% IACS, C11000 met the client’s conductivity requirement, and the client accepted the proposed material change.
For small-batch orders and project validation runs, the manufacturing process does not necessarily have to follow the initial concept.
By holistically considering factors such as material performance requirements, intended use, order volume, manufacturing costs, and lead times, CEX Casting is able to provide flexible manufacturing solutions tailored to specific project needs.