Copper CNC Machining Services

Copper milling

Copper is an incredibly versatile metal, making it an optimal choice for producing CNC machined custom parts. The alloy has several useful properties alongside its versatility—this is why companies working in industries such as electrical, construction, transport and consumer goods use it for many applications. CNC machined copper parts begin as raw pieces of metal that are cut down bit by bit to create a desired shape or object. This process is done most accurately with a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machine which can produce almost any three-dimensional object designed via CAD (computer-aided design) software.

Copper parts

We offer a complete copper CNC machining service and can produce complex copper parts in C110 and C101. Copper parts are corrosion resistant and versatile and can be used for applications requiring electrical conductivity and higher quality aesthetics. We operate almost every kind of CNC mill and turning center, and are able to machine whatever you need, from simple, “as-machined” workholdings to complex, organic geometries with tight tolerances. When creating Copper parts with us, you can apply up to 7 different post-processing/surface finishing options including bead blasting, powder coating, smooth machining and polishing.

Slinar offers a state-of-the-art copper CNC machining service, guaranteeing consistent quality and fast turnaround times. We have over 1,600 milling and turning machines at our disposal, which means capacity is virtually always available and prices are always competitive. Our network of manufacturers allows us to fulfil orders with a low volume of CNC machined copper parts as well as more complex copper machining. We can fulfil complex orders for prototypes and low volume production runs in a wide variety of post-processing and surface finish options. Work with us to access our vast CNC copper machining supply chain today.

Copper FAQs

What copper grades do you machine most often?

C11000 electrolytic tough pitch copper is the standard grade for electrical and thermal applications, offering 100% IACS conductivity at moderate cost. C10100 oxygen-free copper is specified when maximum conductivity and freedom from oxygen embrittlement matter, such as vacuum or high-frequency components. C11000 is often supplied in the half-hard condition for better machinability. Tell us whether conductivity or machinability is the priority and we will recommend the condition.
How does copper compare to brass for machinability and cost?

Copper is much harder to machine than brass. Its machinability rating is roughly 20% against C36000 brass at 100%. Copper is soft and gummy, producing built-up edge on the tool and poor chip formation, so cutting speeds must be reduced and tooling must be sharp and polished. Material cost is also higher and more volatile than brass, tracking the LME copper price directly. The result is that a copper part costs substantially more than the same part in brass. Copper is specified when its conductivity is the point of the part, not when machinability matters.
What is beryllium copper used for, and what are the safety requirements?

Beryllium copper combines high strength with good conductivity, so it is used for spring contacts, electrical connectors, and wear parts that must carry current and resist mechanical stress. The machining hazard is beryllium dust, which is toxic when inhaled. We machine beryllium copper wet, with sealed enclosures, HEPA filtration, and appropriate PPE for operators. If your application requires beryllium copper, we will confirm the grade and the required heat treatment at quoting, because beryllium copper is usually machined soft and then age-hardened to reach its final properties.
What tolerances can you achieve on copper parts?

Standard machining holds ±0.02 to ±0.05mm. Precision work holds ±0.01mm on critical features. Copper's softness makes it prone to burr formation and tool deflection on thin features, so tight tolerances on thin walls require careful toolpath planning and sharp tooling. If your part has both tight tolerances and thin walls, flag it during quoting so we can plan the process rather than discovering the difficulty at the machine.
What surface finishes are available for copper parts?

Electropolishing smooths the surface, removes contamination, and improves conductivity. Passivation removes surface oxides and is standard for electrical contacts. Plating options include silver for maximum conductivity, tin for solderability, nickel for corrosion protection, and gold for critical contacts and connectors. Bare copper is sometimes left unfinished where conductivity is the only requirement, but it will tarnish in air, so a protective coating is usually specified for visible or long-life parts.
What are the typical applications for machined copper parts?

Thermal management: heat sinks, CPU and GPU cooling components, LED cooling plates, thermal transfer plates. Electrical: bus bars, terminal blocks, contacts, transformer components, welding electrodes. EDM: copper electrodes for sinker EDM. Automotive: EV bus bars, battery interconnects, relay components. Industrial: wear rings and bushings in beryllium copper, pump components, valve seats.
Can copper be machined without coolant?

Not practically. Copper's low thermal conductivity in the context of its softness means heat concentrates at the cutting edge, and the material smears rather than shears if cutting conditions are not controlled. Flood coolant or high-pressure mist is standard, and it also helps clear the gummy chips that characterize copper machining. Dry machining of copper is not a route we recommend for production parts.
What is the maximum part size you can machine in copper?

Milling up to 650 × 550 × 450mm. Turning up to 600mm diameter and 1,500mm length. Copper parts at the large end are usually thermal or electrical components such as bus bars and heat sink bases, where the size reflects the current or heat load rather than structural requirements.
How does the cost of copper parts compare to aluminum?

Substantially higher. Copper material cost per kilogram is several times that of aluminum, and the machining cost is also higher because copper machines slowly with fast tool wear. A copper heat sink will typically cost two to four times an aluminum heat sink of the same size. The justification is always performance: copper conducts heat and electricity far better than aluminum, and where thermal or electrical efficiency is the design driver, the cost difference is usually accepted.
What documentation is provided with copper parts?

Material test reports with chemical composition and electrical conductivity certification. Dimensional inspection reports. Certificates of conformance. For electrical applications, conductivity test results can be provided on request. For beryllium copper, material safety documentation and the certification of the heat treatment condition are included.

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Copper CNC Machining

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Available material grades

Copper C110 | CU ETP

Copper C101 | CU OFE

Copper milling

Copper parts

Copper CNC machining services

Copper FAQs

What copper grades do you machine most often?

How does copper compare to brass for machinability and cost?

What is beryllium copper used for, and what are the safety requirements?

What tolerances can you achieve on copper parts?

What surface finishes are available for copper parts?

What are the typical applications for machined copper parts?

Can copper be machined without coolant?

What is the maximum part size you can machine in copper?

How does the cost of copper parts compare to aluminum?

What documentation is provided with copper parts?