CNC Gear Cutting Copper from VT machining delivers precision Copper parts produced to your exact drawing. CNC gear cutting forms precise tooth profiles for spur, helical, bevel and worm gears, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Copper, which is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
CNC Gear Cutting Capability for Copper
- Multiple gear types
- Profile accuracy class
- Custom modules
- Hardened-blank ready
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 Gear Cutting Copper Works
Tooth profiles are generated in the Copper blank by a synchronised cutter, then refined to the required accuracy class. Module, pressure angle and helix are programmed from your gear data.
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 Gear Cutting Copper
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy class | DIN 8 / AGMA 10 | DIN 6 / AGMA 12 |
| Profile deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Lead deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Pitch deviation (cumulative) | 0.040 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Runout | 0.030 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Tooth surface finish | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm (ground) |
| Module range | m0.5–m8 | m1–m6 |
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 Gear Cutting Copper
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Providing complete gear data (module, pressure angle, profile shift, quality class) lets us produce Copper gears right the first time. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Gear Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Gear features are produced to a specified DIN/AGMA accuracy class, with profile and lead controlled for quiet, durable running under load.
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.
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.
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 Gear Cutting 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.
Applications of CNC Gear Cutting Copper
Customers order CNC Gear Cutting 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 Gear Cutting 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 Gear Cutting 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.
Worm and wheel set
- Material
- Copper
- Size
- m3, single start
- Key callouts
- Backlash 0.05–0.10 mm as a matched pair
- Batch
- 120 sets
Supplied as matched sets and marked, because mixing pairs loses the backlash spec.
Internal ring gear
- Material
- Copper
- Size
- m2.5, z72, ID 190 mm
- Key callouts
- DIN 8, pitch deviation 0.03 mm
- Batch
- 150 pcs
Shaped rather than hobbed — an internal gear leaves no room for a hob to run out.
Bevel gear pair
- Material
- Copper
- Size
- m2, z20/z40, 90° axes
- Key callouts
- DIN 8, mounting distance ±0.03 mm
- Batch
- 200 sets
Contact pattern checked on a rolling tester before release.
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 Gear Cutting 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 Gear Cutting
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 gear accuracy class can you achieve on Copper?
Gear accuracy is specified to DIN/AGMA classes appropriate to the application. Profile and lead are controlled so Copper gears run accurately and quietly under load.
What is CNC Gear Cutting Copper and how is it done?
CNC Gear Cutting Copper refers to cNC gear cutting forms precise tooth profiles for spur, helical, bevel and worm gears. Applied to Copper — excellent electrical and thermal conductivity — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Why is Copper a good choice for CNC Gear Cutting?
Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes it well suited to CNC Gear Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Copper gear cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Gear Cutting on Copper?
Machined Copper edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Gear Cutting Copper?
CNC Gear Cutting 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.