CNC Boring Copper is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled turning with material-aware setup for Copper — an alloy that is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
CNC Boring Capability for Copper
- Bore tolerance to IT6
- Roundness within 0.005 mm
- Fine boring heads
- Large-diameter capability
Copper Material Data
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 220–350 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 70–330 MPa |
| Hardness | 40–100 HV |
| Melting point | 1083 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 391 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 101% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 20% |
| Grades we run | C10100 OFE, C10200 OF, C11000 ETP, C14500 tellurium copper |
Published typical values for C11000 ETP. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
It smears rather than cuts. Razor-sharp uncoated tooling and high rake; if the print allows it, C14500 tellurium copper machines four times better at ~90% IACS.
How CNC Boring Copper Works
The Copper bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Boring Copper
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished Copper parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.
CNC Boring Quality & Inspection
We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every Copper part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Design Tips for CNC Boring Copper
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Copper turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Working with Copper
As a material, Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.
We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.
CNC Boring Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Copper holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Applications of CNC Boring Copper
Customers order CNC Boring Copper components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
How to Order CNC Boring Copper
Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.
Parts We Have Run in Copper
Three representative CNC Boring Copper jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Nozzle body
- Material
- Copper
- Size
- Ø12 × 46 mm
- Key callouts
- Ø0.6 mm orifice ±0.01 mm, internal taper 20°
- Batch
- 600 pcs
Orifice EDM-drilled after turning; a drill wanders at that diameter.
Bearing spacer
- Material
- Copper
- Size
- Ø35 / Ø22 × 9 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.005 mm, parallelism 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 4,000 pcs
Turned then double-disc ground — thickness this tight is not a lathe job.
Valve seat
- Material
- Copper
- Size
- Ø28 × 14 mm
- Key callouts
- Seat angle 45° ±0.1°, roundness 0.005 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Seat finished with a single-point diamond pass, no interruption.
Finishing Options for Copper
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Tin plate | 3–15 µm | Solderable, prevents oxidation |
| Silver plate | 2–10 µm | Lowest contact resistance for RF and power |
| Nickel underplate | 2–5 µm | Diffusion barrier under tin or gold |
| Gold flash | 0.05–1 µm | Contact surfaces, over nickel |
| 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 Boring Copper
- 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 Copper 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 Boring
Other Processes for Copper
Send the drawing, the Copper 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 is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Boring Copper?
CNC Boring prototypes for Copper can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
Can VT machining make custom Copper parts to my drawing?
Yes. Copper Copper turning 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 surface finish is achievable on Copper with CNC Boring?
Surface finish on Copper is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Which industries use CNC Boring Copper parts?
CNC Boring Copper parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Copper components are required.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Boring Copper?
Achievable tolerances for Copper turning depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Turning holds diameter tolerances to around ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.