If you think that CNC machining is for producing parts from steel and other materials for big types of machinery and other industrial requirements, then you are wrong. You will be surprised to know that it can also be used for precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum – all of which are the cornerstone of jewelry making.
Aside from its use in preparing core components for the automotive industry, electronics, and energy creation, these precious metals are also popular in accessories and jewelry making. What makes these precious metals ideal for these products is they embody a wide range of characteristics, whether functional or decorative.
Benefits of Using CNC Machining
Using CNC machining for jewelry making has become increasingly popular. A milling machine can engrave or carve detailed designs into precious metals. You can also use a CNC mill to carve wax, which is used for wax casting projects.
What makes this manufacturing option ideal for processing precious metals is speed and accuracy. This is beneficial, especially for metals like gold and platinum because they are expensive, you may want to have the most accurate parts possible. Redoing the process can be very costly, which you can’t afford.
It is also not hard to process these metals as its characteristics are quite similar to other common metallic materials when it comes to machining. What does it mean? It means that it does not need specialized training or equipment, and the process is not much different.
There are many CNC machines made for carving and engraving jewelry. Not all jewelry makers can afford to have specific add-ons and may require something versatile. Luckily, some of these machines can be equipped with improvements and do not need you to buy a totally different machine.
An example is better spindles to process materials at higher RPMs. An improvement with diameter adjustment is another versatility that jewelry makers are looking for to create specific objects. These improvements allow the device versatility to take on different functions.
One drawback of CNC machining is it can be wasteful. It is not an issue if you are dealing with wax for casting or for cheaper metals. But it can get costly if you are dealing with gold or silver. However, the ability of CNC machines to produce unique shapes is one thing that cannot be done by other manufacturing methods. This is particularly helpful when you are in an aesthetic-based industry like accessories and jewelry.