Difference Between Hard CNC Machining and Soft CNC Machining

Purchasing a CNC machine is easy when you know who is a top CNC machined parts supplier. The problem comes when you are not sure whether to choose a hard-machining or a soft-machining CNC machine. There are over 10 types of CNC machines, which are used in terms of many production factors. You will be surprised to hear about the difference between them because they have different working strengths. Some work better on soft materials, while some work better on hard materials. You can not replace a soft machining type with a hard machining type. There is more to know about them when you start reading about their differences.

Hard Machining is Usually for Metals

Whenever someone is about to purchase a CNC machine, the workpiece or material must be kept in consideration. Choosing the wrong type of machine can cause damage to production. Tools and the motor of these machines are specially manufactured as per the material they are used on. If the workpiece is a hard metal like titanium, stainless steel, or tungsten, there will be a need for hard machining.

Soft machining will not be able to cut or mill it with low strength. To deal with these metal parts productions, hard machining is used. Normally, CNC lathes, EDM, and multi-axes machines work better on hard metals. These types of machines need to be purchased from a CNC machined parts supplier. It will not break the tools either. Moreover, the precision of edges will be compromised by using a soft-machining type on hard metals.

Soft Machining Works for Simple Designs

If you are going for a simple design, do not choose a hard-machining type. Instead, you should go with the soft-machining type. There are some common types of CNC machines, which are used for soft materials. They are waterjet, laser, and plasma CNC machines, which cut soft material easily. Now, what kind of materials are they? They are plastic, wood, composites, rubber, and leather. Why would someone bear the cost of a hard-machining method when soft machining is enough?

Exactly, when you need simple designs, you should choose soft machining. They do not have a high tolerance for simple designs. Plastic products are much simpler than machine parts of metal. They have less intricate designs, which require less energy from the machine. It is another reason why soft-machining can be useful for it.

Hard Machining Needs Coolants

Another thing you need to keep in mind is the consumption level. If a CNC machine is consuming high power for complex work, it would need coolant. Coolants keep the temperature level low during the machining process. Some machines need thin, and some need thick coolants. Since hard machines have more power consumption, they have a higher need for coolants. Every CNC machined parts supplier knows about it.

That is connected to the tolerance level of CNC machines. A high-tolerance work often heats up the machine because of sharp detailing. If you are trying to make fasteners or screws, they need high detailing. That means coolants will be required for hard machining, which is mandatory for long-hours working. Do not let the machine overheat because it can reduce its performance. Each hard-machining type needs a different coolant, and the wrong type of coolant can be problematic. It is just like using an oil where grease is required. It was just an example but you need to look into this matter carefully when choosing a CNC machining type.

Soft Machining Does Not Do Heat Treatment

Heat treatment helps CNC machines obtain desired results. Some metals are extremely tough, and they might need heat treatment in some cases. However, soft machining does not need it. Plastic and other soft materials can be easily machined. They do not need additional heat for better cutting. As a result, soft machining remains a normal process without any heat treatment. Even if heat treatment is done on soft materials, it will melt them. Plastic can deform and melt against heat treatment.

While hard machining does heat treatment to soften the hard metals for cutting. Moreover, the milling process becomes better when the hard metals allow the tools to work on themselves amid high heat. If you are going to work on hard metals, you will need to add this concept.

Hard Machining Needs High Tolerance

The tolerance level was discussed above, which needs more clarity. Tools, aerospace, surgical, and automotive parts need high tolerance mostly. Now, you might know that tolerance is about sharp detailing, which adds more heat to the working tool. If it is done on soft materials like plastic, it will melt it down. If someone is purchasing a machine from a CNC machined parts supplier, this information must be considered.

Some products do not need high tolerance but they may need precision. This is possible in both soft and hard machining methods. Now, you need to be cautious in selecting the type of machine. Most hard-machining CNC machines have a high tolerance to deal with tough metals. Using them on plastic will be a waste of resources and cost.

Soft Machining Has Less Speed and Sound

Soft machining needs less speed and sound. It means that less energy will be consumed and might need fewer complex codes. But the main thing is how you can manage it efficiently. This last difference makes them stand out against hard machining. Since heavy laser or EDM cutting methods are not involved in it, they have less noise. Using them at home for small businesses is not going to bother others at all. Even the neighbors will not be disturbed by it. This sound and speed factor also meets with production type. If the speed is very high, it is a sign of sharp cutting. It is related to its motor type, which is installed as per the material or workpiece.

Final Decision

Costing and production limits are described better by a CNC machined parts supplier. If you are going to purchase any of the machining types, you may get further details from the customer services of the supplier.