CNC Reaming Nickel Silver is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled machining with material-aware setup for Nickel Silver — an alloy that is corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Starting Parameters for CNC Reaming Nickel Silver
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 30-50 m/min |
|---|---|
| Stock allowance on Ø10 mm | 0.10-0.20 mm |
| Feed | 0.12-0.4 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø10 mm | 950-1590 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO N — sharp, polished, uncoated or DLC |
| Coolant | Emulsion |
Shown for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), the most common Nickel Silver grade we see for CNC Reaming. Starting values for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), Half-hard or spring temper; optimised on the first article.
CNC Reaming Capability for Nickel Silver
- H7 hole tolerance typical
- Ra to 0.4 µm bore finish
- Carbide and HSS reamers
- Pilot-guided accuracy
Nickel Silver material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Milling Nickel Silver page.
How CNC Reaming Nickel Silver Works
Rotating multi-flute cutters remove material as the Nickel Silver 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 Reaming Nickel Silver
| 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.
CNC Reaming Tolerances & Surface Finish
For CNC Reaming, 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.
Design Tips for CNC Reaming Nickel Silver
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 Silver. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Reaming Nickel Silver
Nickel Silver parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Nickel Silver Parts for CNC Reaming
Illustrative examples of CNC Reaming Nickel Silver 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.
Optical mount plate
- Material
- Nickel Silver
- Size
- 160 × 160 × 12 mm
- Key callouts
- Hole pattern true position ±0.02 mm, flatness 0.01 mm
- Batch
- 40 pcs
Roughed, stress-relieved overnight, then finished — the plate is too thin to hold flatness in one hit.
Vacuum chamber flange
- Material
- Nickel Silver
- 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.
Robot end-effector bracket
- Material
- Nickel Silver
- 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.
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 Reaming Nickel Silver
- 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 Silver 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 Reaming
Other Processes for Nickel Silver
Send the drawing, the Nickel Silver 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 is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Reaming Nickel Silver?
CNC Reaming prototypes for Nickel Silver can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What is CNC Reaming Nickel Silver and how is it done?
CNC Reaming Nickel Silver refers to reaming finishes drilled holes to a precise diameter and smooth surface in a single controlled pass. Applied to Nickel Silver — corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Can VT machining make custom Nickel Silver parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel Silver 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 tolerances can you hold for CNC Reaming Nickel Silver?
Achievable tolerances for Nickel Silver 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.