CNC Drilling Nickel is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled machining with material-aware setup for Nickel — an alloy that is corrosion and heat resistant — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Starting Parameters for CNC Drilling Nickel
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 30-65 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed, Ø8 mm drill | 0.064-0.14 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø8 mm | 1190-2590 rpm |
| Peck depth | 0.5-1 × D (through-coolant preferred) |
| Insert / tool class | ISO S — sharp PVD-coated carbide |
| Coolant | Flood emulsion |
Shown for Nickel 200, the most common Nickel grade we see for CNC Drilling. Starting values for Nickel 200, Annealed; optimised on the first article.
CNC Drilling Capability for Nickel
- Hole position ±0.05 mm
- Depth-to-diameter to 10:1+
- Peck and through-coolant cycles
- Spot, drill, ream sequencing
Nickel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Milling Nickel page.
How CNC Drilling Nickel Works
Rotating multi-flute cutters remove material as the Nickel 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.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Drilling Nickel
| 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.
Design Tips for CNC Drilling Nickel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Generous internal radii, sensible pocket depth-to-width ratios and avoiding very thin unsupported walls all reduce cost and improve accuracy in Nickel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
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.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Applications of CNC Drilling Nickel
Nickel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Nickel Parts for CNC Drilling
Illustrative examples of CNC Drilling Nickel 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.
Sensor housing
- Material
- Nickel
- 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.
Robot end-effector bracket
- Material
- Nickel
- 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.
Vacuum chamber flange
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- Ø180 × 20 mm
- Key callouts
- Knife-edge seal Ra 0.4 µm, bolt circle ±0.05 mm
- Batch
- 60 pcs
Sealing face finished last, then handled in gloves and bagged straight off the machine.
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 Nickel
- 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 Nickel 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 Nickel
Send the drawing, the Nickel grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Drilling on Nickel?
Machined Nickel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Drilling Nickel?
Achievable tolerances for Nickel 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.
Can VT machining make custom Nickel parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel 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.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Drilling Nickel?
CNC Drilling prototypes for Nickel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.