Melting temperature of metals is all about the the right cutting tools, coolant strategy, and machining parameters to your material, making sure we hit your tolerances the first time. At Chiheng, we’ve spent years perfecting how we work with metals that have very different melting points. From soft aluminum alloys to high-temperature titanium and steel, we know exactly how each material reacts to heat during CNC machining—and how to keep that heat under control. In this guide, we will walk you through the key knowledge of how melting affecting cnc machining processes.
The melting point of a metal refers to the specific temperature at which it transitions from a solid to a liquid state. This phase transition is a fundamental physical property that has a direct influence on CNC machining processes. During machining, the metal’s response to heat—whether it’s cutting, drilling, or milling—depends heavily on its melting point. Metals with lower melting points, such as aluminum, are more prone to deformation and softening under heat, which can affect machining precision and tool life. Conversely, metals with higher melting points, such as tungsten or molybdenum, can be more difficult to cut due to their resistance to heat, requiring advanced tools and cooling systems. Understanding the metal liquid state machining dynamics and optimizing the process around the metal’s melting point is essential for achieving high-quality results. This knowledge helps in tool selection, temperature management, and overall efficiency during machining operations.
With the solid-to-liquid phase transition diagram and a deeper understanding of how materials behave at their melting points, CNC operators can make more informed decisions to prevent issues like tool wear, material distortion, or poor surface finish.
During CNC machining, heat generation is inevitable due to cutting actions, friction between the tool and workpiece, and chip formation. This heat can lead to “thermal softening,” where the cutting zone reaches a temperature high enough to reduce material hardness, affecting machining outcomes. For low-melting-point metals like aluminum or brass, thermal softening occurs more readily, potentially causing localized melting, chip dispersion, tool edge buildup, or poor surface quality. Conversely, high-melting-point metals, such as titanium or certain steels, are less prone to melting but tend to retain heat longer, which can increase tool stress and cause thermal deformation. Therefore, the melting point of a metal necessitates tailored heat management strategies, directly influencing the selection of cutting parameters.
| Metal Type | Cutting Speed | Tool Requirements | Cooling Strategy | Feed Rate and Depth of Cut Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Melting-Point Metals (e.g., Aluminum, Brass) | Allows higher cutting speeds for efficiency | Standard tools are sufficient | Requires efficient cooling (e.g., coolant spray) to prevent overheating and deformation | Avoid excessive pressure to prevent workpiece deformation or surface damage |
| High-Melting-Point Metals (e.g., Titanium, Steel) | Requires slower cutting speeds to control heat buildup | Needs more robust tool materials | Requires aggressive cooling to prevent premature tool wear | Avoid overly aggressive cuts to prevent tool overheating |
In CNC machining, a metal’s melting point—the temperature at which it turns from solid to liquid—plays a critical role in determining key settings, such as tool selection, cutting speed, and cooling methods. Low-melting-point metals, like aluminum, tend to soften or deform under heat, while high-melting-point metals, such as titanium, are harder and require robust tools and advanced heat management due to their ability to withstand higher temperatures. By understanding a metal’s melting point and adjusting these parameters accordingly, manufacturers can achieve high-quality cuts and precise parts.
Choosing the right cutting tool is essential for managing heat and wear during machining, and this choice depends heavily on a metal’s melting point:
To better visualize and compare the melting points of various metals commonly used in CNC machining, we’ve created an interactive chart. This chart allows you to quickly access key information about the melting temperatures of metals like aluminum, copper, steel, titanium, and brass.
Here’s a comparative chart of the melting points of these metals and alloys:
| Metal | Melting Point | Notes |
| Aluminum | 1,220°F (660°C) | Widely used in automotive and aerospace. |
| Copper | 1,984°F (1,085°C) | High thermal conductivity, commonly used in electronics. |
| Steel | 2,500°F (1,370°C) | Used extensively in construction and manufacturing. |
| Titanium | 3,034°F (1,668°C) | Known for its high strength and resistance to corrosion. |
| Brass | 1,650°F (899°C) | Alloy of copper and zinc, commonly used in fittings and fixtures. |
This chart allows for easy comparisons between the melting points of different metals, helping you select the right material for your CNC machining applications. For example, titanium’s significantly higher melting point compared to aluminum or brass means that it requires more precise temperature control during machining processes to avoid material deformation.
By understanding the melting point of metals chart, you can ensure that the proper tools, feeds, and speeds are used, reducing the risk of part distortion or tool failure during machining.
When machining copper, understanding its melting point is just as crucial as it is with aluminum. Pure copper has a melting point of approximately 1,984°F (1,085°C). This relatively high temperature means that CNC machining of copper requires careful control to avoid material distortion and tool wear.
From my experience working with copper in the electronics industry, especially when machining heat sinks for high-powered devices, the melting point plays a significant role in ensuring that the parts maintain their integrity throughout the process. In one instance, while creating intricate cooling systems for a power supply unit, we faced difficulties with overheating at the cutting interface, leading to a less-than-ideal surface finish.
To address these issues, we focused on controlling the cutting speed and tool choice to avoid reaching copper’s melting point. Since copper is a highly conductive material, the heat generated from friction would quickly dissipate, but if it starts to approach its melting point, it can cause the material to soften, leading to poor precision and tool damage. We used carbide-tipped tools, which were more heat-resistant than standard steel tools, and applied a high-pressure coolant system to maintain temperatures lower than copper’s melting temperature.
During the production of heat sink fins, we ensured that our cutting parameters were specifically tailored to avoid heat buildup. By adjusting the spindle speed and using a finer feed rate, we prevented the copper from reaching temperatures above its softening point. This resulted in a smoother finish and better performance of the final product. Knowing that copper’s melting point is a key factor in machining success allowed us to optimize the process and reduce the risk of tool failure, ultimately improving the efficiency of our operations.
Effective heat management and precision control are vital for addressing the challenges of machining metals with different melting points. Key strategies include:
Cooling and Lubrication:
By combining cooling, temperature monitoring, and tailored cutting strategies, manufacturers can minimize thermal distortion and achieve consistent, high-quality results across metals with varying melting points.
When we machine aluminum, the biggest challenge is its low melting point (around 1220°F / 660°C). Heat builds up fast, and without the right cooling, the material can soften, smear, or even stick to the cutting tool. That’s why we run higher cutting speeds but pair them with efficient coolant flow and sharp tools designed for aluminum alloys.
Titanium, on the other hand, has a high melting point (over 3000°F / 1650°C) but poor thermal conductivity. The heat stays concentrated right where the tool meets the material, which can cause rapid tool wear if not controlled. For titanium, we slow down the cutting speed, increase feed pressure, and use coated carbide tools that can handle both heat and hardness.
Simple difference:
Aluminum – watch out for melting and chip sticking
Titanium – watch out for tool wear and overheating at the cutting edge
When it comes to machining aluminum, particularly 6061 T6 aluminum, understanding its melting point is crucial for achieving optimal results. The melting point of 6061 T6 aluminum is typically around 582°C (1080°F), though this can vary slightly depending on the alloy’s composition and the specific processing conditions.
In my experience, working with 6061 T6 aluminum in the automotive industry provided a hands-on perspective of how crucial this temperature is to the CNC machining process. As part of a team tasked with manufacturing parts for high-performance car engines, we encountered several challenges in achieving precision cuts while preventing material deformation due to heat.
The operational process involves ensuring that the cutting tool doesn’t approach the melting point of the material. During the CNC machining of 6061 T6 aluminum, the use of coolant systems was essential to keep the material at a temperature far below its melting point, typically aiming for a cutting temperature that’s approximately 20-30% lower than the melting point.
When working on an engine block prototype, we had to balance the tool speed and feed rate carefully. Our initial tests showed that at temperatures near the melting point, the aluminum would lose its structural integrity, leading to issues such as burr formation and poor surface finish. To avoid this, we precisely controlled the spindle speed, cutting depth, and coolant flow rate to keep the material from reaching temperatures that could result in melting or warping.
By using temperature monitoring tools on the CNC machine, we ensured that the parts we produced were not exposed to high temperatures that would affect the material’s strength or dimensional accuracy. This attention to the melting point of 6061 T6 aluminum made a significant difference in both the efficiency of our operations and the final product’s quality.
For high melting point metals like titanium, stainless steel, or Inconel, we focus heavily on precision temperature control:
By combining these methods, we keep surfaces smooth, tolerances tight, and production efficient, even when working with tough, high-temp alloys that are known for being difficult to machine.
Effective thermal management is essential in CNC machining, especially when working with metals that have high melting points. Metals such as tungsten and molybdenum are known for their exceptional ability to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for specific machining applications, like manufacturing parts for high-performance engines and aerospace components. Tungsten, with a melting point of 6,192°F (3,422°C), and molybdenum, with a melting point of 4,753°F (2,623°C), are often used in industries where extreme heat resistance is critical.
When machining these metals, it’s essential to ensure that the tools, coolant systems, and machine settings are properly adjusted to prevent overheating. These metals’ high melting points mean they require more advanced cooling systems and slower cutting speeds to maintain precision and prevent tool wear.
In CNC machining, understanding how metals with high melting points react to heat is key to preventing distortion and ensuring high-quality output. By properly managing thermal conditions, CNC operators can improve both efficiency and precision, especially when working with high-performance metals like tungsten and molybdenum.
Low melting point metals, like certain aluminum alloys or brass, can soften or smear under heat. Instead of a sharp, clean cut, you may end up with rough spots, built-up edge on the tool, or even sections that look “welded” due to localized melting.
Heat buildup can warp the part, especially with thin-walled or long components. Thermal expansion followed by cooling can alter the final dimensions, affecting precision. This is more common in metals with lower melting points or poor heat dissipation.
Quick prevention tips:
Each metal reacts differently to heat during CNC machining. Adjusting cutting data helps prevent thermal issues like softening, warping, or tool damage.
General Guidelines
| Metal | Cutting Speed (SFM) | Feed Rate | Cooling Needs | Additional Knowledge Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 800-1200 | Moderate | High coolant flow | – Low melting point (approx. 660°C/1220°F) makes it prone to heat buildup; sharp tools are key. – Excellent machinability, but sticky nature requires high coolant flow to prevent adhesion. |
| Steel | 100-400 | Medium to high | Steady coolant flow | – Melting point varies (e.g., 1370-1530°C/2500-2786°F for carbon steel); hardness affects speed. – Common grades (e.g., 1018, 4140) require balanced cooling to avoid tool wear. |
| Titanium | 60-150 | Light to medium | Flood cooling & lubrication | – High melting point (approx. 1668°C/3034°F) and low thermal conductivity lead to heat concentration. – Use of flood cooling prevents tool damage; slow speeds reduce stress. |
| Copper/Brass | 500-900 | Medium | Coolant to prevent smearing | – Melting point around 1085°C (copper) or 900-940°C (brass); soft but ductile. – Prone to smearing; minimal lubrication can suffice for brass, but copper may need more coolant. |
| Stainless Steel | 50-200 | Medium | High-pressure coolant | – Melting point ~1400-1450°C/2552-2642°F; high corrosion resistance increases tool wear. – Requires robust tools (e.g., coated carbides) and high-pressure coolant for chip evacuation. |
| Nickel Alloys | 30-100 | Light | Flood cooling & lubrication | – High melting point (~1300-1450°C/2372-2642°F); excellent strength at high temperatures. – Tough to machine; frequent tool changes and generous lubrication are often necessary. |
| Cast Iron | 100-300 | Medium to high | Dry or light coolant | – Melting point ~1200°C/2192°F; brittle nature allows dry machining in some cases. – Generates abrasive dust; light coolant helps manage debris and tool longevity. |
Note: Celsius melting point is widely used in the process of CNC machining, while Fahrenheit melting point is particularly used in specific industries, for example aerospace sector in U.S.
Melting point effects get worse if tools are dull or machines are out of spec.
Stop thinking more, fill out the blank below, and send us an inquiry, and you will have a professional team of board game custom products contact you to answer any questions and provide pricing.
Whether it’s a small batch of complex components or mass production of standardized parts, Chiheng is fully equipped to handle diverse manufacturing demands with agility and precision.
Contact us right now to get more information, we will have people reply within 12 hours.
You can send us any questions to get any information you would like to know, and we will respond to you in extremely short time.
