VT machining provides CNC Gear Grinding Copper for customers who need accurate, repeatable Copper components. Because Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
CNC Gear Grinding Capability for Copper
- DIN/AGMA accuracy class
- Profile & lead correction
- Hardened-gear finishing
- Low transmission noise
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 Grinding 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.
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 Gear Grinding 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most Copper parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.
CNC Gear Grinding Quality & Inspection
Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.
Working with Copper
Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.
Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.
CNC Gear Grinding 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.
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.
Design Tips for CNC Gear Grinding Copper
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. 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.
Applications of CNC Gear Grinding Copper
Copper parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
How to Order CNC Gear Grinding Copper
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Copper grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.
Parts We Have Run in Copper
Three representative CNC Gear Grinding 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 Grinding 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 Grinding
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 tolerances can you hold for CNC Gear Grinding Copper?
Achievable tolerances for Copper gear cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. We hold tight, repeatable tolerances appropriate to the feature and material. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Can VT machining make custom Copper parts to my drawing?
Yes. Copper Copper gear cutting 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 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 the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Gear Grinding Copper?
CNC Gear Grinding 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.