VT machining provides CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum for customers who need accurate, repeatable Molybdenum components. Because Molybdenum is very high melting point and thermal stability, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Starting Parameters for CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 45-85 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.05-0.2 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø8 mm bar | 1790-3380 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO S — sharp PVD-coated carbide |
| Coolant | Emulsion; support exit edges to avoid chipping |
| Length-to-diameter capability | up to ~10:1 (slower feeds for this grade) |
Shown for Molybdenum, the most common Molybdenum grade we see for CNC Swiss Machining. Starting values for Molybdenum, Stress-relieved; optimised on the first article.
CNC Swiss Machining Capability for Molybdenum
- Ø1–32 mm bar
- Slenderness without deflection
- Tolerance to ±0.003 mm
- High-volume small parts
Molybdenum material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Turning Molybdenum page.
How CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum Works
The Molybdenum bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.
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 Swiss Machining Molybdenum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | 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 Swiss Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Molybdenum holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
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 Swiss Machining Molybdenum
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Molybdenum turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Swiss Machining 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 Swiss Machining
Illustrative examples of CNC Swiss Machining 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.
Threaded fitting
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø22 hex × 38 mm
- Key callouts
- G3/8" thread class 4h, bore H8, sealing face Ra 0.8 µm
- Batch
- 2,500 pcs
Run on a sub-spindle lathe so the back face is finished without a second setup.
Connector pin
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø3.0 × 24 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.005 mm, straightness 0.02 mm over length
- Batch
- 20,000 pcs
Swiss-turned from bar with a guide bushing; nothing else holds Ø3 mm over 24 mm.
Valve seat
- Material
- Molybdenum
- Size
- Ø28 × 14 mm
- Key callouts
- Seat angle 45° ±0.1°, roundness 0.005 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Seat finished with a single-point diamond pass, no interruption.
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 Swiss Machining 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 Swiss Machining
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
What surface finish is achievable on Molybdenum with CNC Swiss Machining?
Surface finish on Molybdenum is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Why is Molybdenum a good choice for CNC Swiss Machining?
Molybdenum is very high melting point and thermal stability, which makes it well suited to CNC Swiss Machining. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Molybdenum turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Which industries use CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum parts?
CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Molybdenum components are required.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Swiss Machining on Molybdenum?
Machined Molybdenum edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.