CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum

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.

CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum at VT machining
CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Swiss Machining Capability for Molybdenum

  • Ø1–32 mm bar
  • Slenderness without deflection
  • Tolerance to ±0.003 mm
  • High-volume small parts

Molybdenum Material Data

Molybdenum — typical properties, quoted for Pure Mo / TZM
Density10.22 g/cm³
Tensile strength550–900 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)480 MPa
Hardness200–250 HV
Melting point2623 °C
Thermal conductivity138 W/m·K
Thermal expansion4.8 ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity34%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)30%
Grades we runPure 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.

Machining Molybdenum — what actually causes trouble

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 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

CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Outside diameter±0.05 mm±0.005 mm
Bore diameterH9H6
Length / shoulder position±0.10 mm±0.020 mm
Concentricity OD to ID0.05 mm TIR0.010 mm TIR
Roundness0.02 mm0.005 mm
Thread class6g / 2A4h / 3A
Surface finish, as turnedRa 1.6 µmRa 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.

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.

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.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Most Molybdenum 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 Swiss Machining 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.

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.

How to Order CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum

Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Molybdenum 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 Molybdenum

Three representative CNC Swiss Machining Molybdenum 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.

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.

Finishing Options for Molybdenum

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Deburr / edge break0.05–0.3 mmAll parts unless the drawing says otherwise
Bead blastRa 1.6–3.2 µmUniform matt finish, hides tool marks
Laser markingPart number, lot code, data matrix
Free — no sign-up

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.

Open the 3D + 2D Builder

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 Quote

Frequently 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.