CNC Punching Alloy 42 from VT machining delivers precision Alloy 42 parts made to your exact drawing. CNC turret punching shears holes and form features in sheet metal using programmable tooling for fast, repeatable patterns, with parameters tuned to Alloy 42, which is matched/low thermal expansion for sealing.
CNC Punching Capability for Alloy 42
- Matched/low thermal expansion
- Glass-to-metal sealing
- Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
- Electronics-grade
Alloy 42 Material Data
| Density | 8.36 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 517 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 340 MPa |
| Hardness | 140–160 HV |
| Melting point | 1450 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 17.3 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.1 (30–200 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 3.5% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 35% |
| Grades we run | Kovar / ASTM F15, Alloy 42, Alloy 52 |
Published typical values for Kovar (ASTM F15). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Sealing surfaces must stay clean. Parts destined for glass-to-metal seals are degreased and handled without bare hands after final machining.
Machining Alloy 42 with CNC Punching
When punching Alloy 42, machinability is moderate; gummy, requires sharp tooling and careful thermal control. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.
Documented parameters for Alloy 42 mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Punching Alloy 42
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Hole position across sheet | ±0.15 mm | ±0.10 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Overall blank size | ±0.20 mm | ±0.10 mm |
| Minimum hole | 1.0 × thickness | 0.8 × thickness |
| Hole-to-edge distance | 2.0 × thickness | 1.5 × thickness |
| Burr height | 0.08 mm | 0.03 mm (deburred) |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5–6.0 mm | 0.5–3.0 mm |
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 Punching Alloy 42
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping hole-to-edge and hole-to-hole distances at least 1.5–2× thickness avoids distortion and tearing in punched Alloy 42. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Punching Tolerances & Surface Finish
Punched Alloy 42 holds hole-position repeatability around ±0.10 mm across the sheet, with consistent hole quality when punch/die clearance is matched to the gauge.
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.
CNC Punching 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most Alloy 42 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.
Why Alloy 42?
Customers select Alloy 42 for CNC Punching because it is matched/low thermal expansion for sealing. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
Applications of CNC Punching Alloy 42
Alloy 42 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 Punching Alloy 42
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Alloy 42 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.
Finishing Options for Alloy 42
| 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 Punching Alloy 42
- 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 Alloy 42 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.
Alloy 42 in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the Alloy 42 condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on Alloy 42 with CNC Punching?
Surface finish on Alloy 42 is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is CNC Punching Alloy 42 and how is it done?
CNC Punching Alloy 42 refers to cNC turret punching shears holes and form features in sheet metal using programmable tooling for fast, repeatable patterns. Applied to Alloy 42 — matched/low thermal expansion for sealing — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Does CNC Punching Alloy 42 require dedicated tooling?
Punching uses programmable turret tooling; standard tools cover most patterns, with special tools added for unique forms.
Which industries use CNC Punching Alloy 42 parts?
CNC Punching Alloy 42 parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Alloy 42 components are required.