CNC Drilling Molybdenum is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled machining with material-aware setup for Molybdenum — an alloy that is very high melting point and thermal stability — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Starting Parameters for CNC Drilling Molybdenum
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 25-55 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed, Ø8 mm drill | 0.04-0.14 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø8 mm | 990-2190 rpm |
| Peck depth | 0.5-1 × D (through-coolant preferred) |
| Insert / tool class | ISO S — sharp PVD-coated carbide |
| Coolant | Emulsion; support exit edges to avoid chipping |
Shown for Molybdenum, the most common Molybdenum grade we see for CNC Drilling. Starting values for Molybdenum, Stress-relieved; optimised on the first article.
CNC Drilling Capability for Molybdenum
- Hole position ±0.05 mm
- Depth-to-diameter to 10:1+
- Peck and through-coolant cycles
- Spot, drill, ream sequencing
Molybdenum material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Milling Molybdenum page.
How CNC Drilling Molybdenum Works
Rotating multi-flute cutters remove material as the Molybdenum workpiece is driven through programmed tool paths on 3-, 4- or 5-axis machining centres. Climb milling, step-over and depth-of-cut are set so chip load stays in the ideal band for the alloy.
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 Drilling Molybdenum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimension (< 100 mm) | ±0.05 mm | ±0.010 mm |
| Linear dimension (100–300 mm) | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Hole diameter (reamed) | H9 | H7 |
| True position of hole pattern | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.05 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Perpendicularity | 0.10 mm | 0.020 mm |
| Surface finish, as machined | 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.
CNC Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish
For CNC Drilling, dimensional and positional tolerances around ±0.01 mm are routine, tightening toward ±0.005 mm on precision setups. Surface finish on machined faces typically falls in the Ra 0.4–1.6 µm range depending on tooling and pass strategy.
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 Drilling Molybdenum
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Generous internal radii, sensible pocket depth-to-width ratios and avoiding very thin unsupported walls all reduce cost and improve accuracy in Molybdenum. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Drilling Molybdenum
CNC Drilling 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 Drilling
Illustrative examples of CNC Drilling 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.
Robot end-effector bracket
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 180 × 90 × 30 mm
- Key callouts
- Bore pair concentric within 0.02 mm, weight reduction pockets
- Batch
- 120 pcs
Pockets ganged so wall thickness never drops below 2 mm at the load path.
Sensor housing
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 86 × 54 × 22 mm
- Key callouts
- Pocket depth ±0.02 mm, bore H7, flatness 0.015 mm
- Batch
- 250 pcs / quarter
O-ring groove finished in the same setup as the sealing face so the two stay parallel.
Optical mount plate
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 160 × 160 × 12 mm
- Key callouts
- Hole pattern true position ±0.02 mm, flatness 0.01 mm
- Batch
- 40 pcs
Roughed, stress-relieved overnight, then finished — the plate is too thin to hold flatness in one hit.
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 Drilling 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 Drilling
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 tolerances can you hold for CNC Drilling Molybdenum?
Achievable tolerances for Molybdenum machining depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Milling holds positional and dimensional tolerances to around ±0.01 mm, tighter with precision setups. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
What surface finish is achievable on Molybdenum with CNC Drilling?
Surface finish on Molybdenum is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Drilling on Molybdenum?
Machined Molybdenum edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What is CNC Drilling Molybdenum and how is it done?
CNC Drilling Molybdenum refers to programmed drilling produces accurately positioned holes, including deep and pattern hole arrays. 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.
Can VT machining make custom Molybdenum parts to my drawing?
Yes. Molybdenum machining 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.
Which industries use CNC Drilling Molybdenum parts?
CNC Drilling Molybdenum parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Molybdenum components are required.