CNC Bending Molybdenum from VT machining delivers precision Molybdenum parts produced to your exact drawing. CNC bending forms sheet metal to precise angles using a programmed press brake and back-gauge, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Molybdenum, which is very high melting point and thermal stability.
Process Data for CNC Bending Molybdenum
| Minimum inside bend radius | ~2 × t (across the grain) |
|---|---|
| Press force, 2 mm sheet, V16 die | ~27.1 t per metre |
| Typical springback at 90° | 0.5-1° |
| Angle tolerance | ±0.5° (CNC back-gauge, angle measurement on first part) |
Shown for Molybdenum, the most common Molybdenum grade we see for CNC Bending. Typical values for Molybdenum, Stress-relieved; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Bending Capability for Molybdenum
- Angle accuracy ±0.5°
- Back-gauge positioning
- Bend allowance control
- Multi-bend sequencing
Molybdenum Material Data
| Density | 10.22 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 550–900 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 480 MPa |
| Hardness | 200–250 HV |
| Melting point | 2623 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 138 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 4.8 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 34% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 30% |
| Grades we run | Pure Mo (99.95%), TZM, Mo-La, MoCu |
Published typical values for Pure Mo / TZM. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Below its ductile-to-brittle transition it chips rather than cuts. Sharp corners get a radius, and thin sections are wire-EDM cut instead of milled.
How CNC Bending Molybdenum Works
The Molybdenum blank is bent or formed against tooling under CNC-controlled ram travel and back-gauge positioning. Bend allowance and springback are compensated in the program so finished angles hit the print.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Bending Molybdenum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Bend angle | ±1.0° | ±0.5° |
| Flange length | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Hole-to-bend distance | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Minimum inside radius | 1.0 × thickness | 0.8 × thickness |
| Minimum flange height | 4 × thickness + radius | 3 × thickness + radius |
| Bend-to-bend spacing | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5–8.0 mm | 0.5–4.0 mm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
CNC Bending Tolerances & Surface Finish
Formed Molybdenum holds bend angles to about ±0.5° and consistent flange dimensions, with bend allowance compensated for the material and thickness.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
Design Tips for CNC Bending Molybdenum
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Consistent bend radii, adequate flange lengths and grain-direction awareness reduce cracking and springback in formed Molybdenum. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Working with Molybdenum
Molybdenum offers a useful combination of properties: it is very high melting point and thermal stability. Those characteristics shape how we approach forming — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.
If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.
Applications of CNC Bending Molybdenum
CNC Bending of Molybdenum supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
Typical Molybdenum Parts for CNC Bending
Illustrative examples of CNC Bending Molybdenum parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Hemmed panel edge
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 400 mm hem, 1.2 mm
- Key callouts
- Hem flat to 0.3 mm
- Batch
- 1,500 pcs
Hemmed to remove the sharp edge without a secondary deburr operation.
U-channel
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 800 mm long, 3 mm thick
- Key callouts
- Angle ±0.5°, straightness 1 mm over length
- Batch
- 250 pcs
Formed in two hits with a rotating die to avoid marking the outside face.
Chassis with countersinks
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 450 × 300 × 2 mm
- Key callouts
- Countersink depth ±0.1 mm, 6 bends
- Batch
- 700 pcs
Countersinks formed before bending while the sheet is still flat and supported.
Finishing Options for Molybdenum
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Bending Molybdenum
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Molybdenum grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Bending
Other Processes for Molybdenum
Send the drawing, the Molybdenum grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on Molybdenum with CNC Bending?
Surface finish on Molybdenum is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is CNC Bending Molybdenum and how is it done?
CNC Bending Molybdenum refers to cNC bending forms sheet metal to precise angles using a programmed press brake and back-gauge. Applied to Molybdenum — very high melting point and thermal stability — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Does CNC Bending Molybdenum require dedicated tooling?
Most Molybdenum forming work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Can VT machining make custom Molybdenum parts to my drawing?
Yes. Molybdenum forming is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Bending Molybdenum?
CNC Bending prototypes for Molybdenum can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Bending Molybdenum?
We form Molybdenum sheet and plate to your developed flat pattern and bend sequence.