Copper feels soft enough to dent with a fingernail, yet it's one of the more demanding materials to machine cleanly on a CNC machine because of softness, not hardness.
Micro CNC machining is not just standard CNC work on smaller parts. It requires the right machines, tooling, and inspection methods to hold micron-level tolerances on features often under 10mm. This guide explains how micro machining works, when Swiss-type machining matters, what tolerances are realistic, and how to verify a factory before you request quotes.
This buyer's guide covers CNC gear machining from a sourcing perspective: which of the four main processes (hobbing, shaping, grinding, skiving) fits your gear geometry and accuracy requirement, how to read ISO 1328 and AGMA grade numbers, why module vs diametral pitch is the most common cross-border specification error, what materials and heat treatments are used for different duty levels, and exactly what to include on an RFQ for CNC machined gears from verified Chinese factories.