Looking for reliable CNC Grinding Molybdenum? VT machining manufactures Molybdenum parts to tight tolerances and consistent quality. Molybdenum is very high melting point and thermal stability, so the process is set up specifically for the material.
Process Data for CNC Grinding Molybdenum
| Wheel (supply condition) | Silicon carbide or diamond |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.01-0.03 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.2-0.4 µm |
| Typical size tolerance | Ø ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.001-0.002 mm |
| Thermal growth, 200 mm part, +2 °C | 1.9 µm (CTE 4.8 µm/m·K) |
Shown for Molybdenum, the most common Molybdenum grade we see for CNC Grinding. Typical values for Molybdenum, Stress-relieved; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Grinding Capability for Molybdenum
- Surface finish to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm
- Dimensional tolerance to ±0.002 mm
- Flatness/parallelism within 0.005 mm
- Wheel grit selected per alloy hardness
Molybdenum Material Data
| Density | 10.22 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 550–900 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 480 MPa |
| Hardness | 200–250 HV |
| Melting point | 2623 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 138 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 4.8 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 34% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 30% |
| Grades we run | Pure Mo (99.95%), TZM, Mo-La, MoCu |
Published typical values for Pure Mo / TZM. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Below its ductile-to-brittle transition it chips rather than cuts. Sharp corners get a radius, and thin sections are wire-EDM cut instead of milled.
How CNC Grinding Molybdenum Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Molybdenum part. Wheel specification, dressing interval, infeed and coolant are matched to the alloy's hardness so the surface is not burned or left with residual stress.
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 Grinding Molybdenum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Size (OD, ID, thickness) | ±0.005 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Parallelism | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Roundness | 0.005 mm | 0.002 mm |
| Squareness | 0.010 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 µm | Ra 0.1 µm |
| Workpiece hardness | up to 62 HRC | up to 65 HRC |
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 Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground Molybdenum reaches single-micron tolerances on size, flatness and parallelism, with surface finishes down to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm — and a near-mirror finish on suitable alloys.
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 Grinding Molybdenum
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Molybdenum efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Working with Molybdenum
Molybdenum is very high melting point and thermal stability. 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.
Applications of CNC Grinding Molybdenum
Molybdenum parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Molybdenum Parts for CNC Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Grinding 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.
Mould insert
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 80 × 60 × 25 mm
- Key callouts
- Flatness 0.003 mm, squareness 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 90 pcs
Surface ground on all six faces so the insert seats without shimming.
Ceramic-coated shaft journal
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø45 × 180 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.003 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
- Batch
- 150 pcs
Ground after coating; the coating is never the final dimension.
Lapping plate
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- 300 × 300 × 30 mm
- Key callouts
- Flatness 0.005 mm over the full face
- Batch
- 20 pcs
Ground, stress-relieved, ground again — one pass will not hold flatness on this area.
Finishing Options for Molybdenum
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Grinding 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 Grinding
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
Does CNC Grinding Molybdenum require dedicated tooling?
Most Molybdenum grinding work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Grinding Molybdenum?
CNC Grinding prototypes for Molybdenum can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Grinding on Molybdenum?
Machined Molybdenum edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Which industries use CNC Grinding Molybdenum parts?
CNC Grinding Molybdenum parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Molybdenum components are required.