Unlocking the Potential of CNC Machined Plastic Parts
Types of Plastic Used in CNC Machining
Not all plastics can be CNC machined. However, one thing to note is that the more rigid a plastic is, then, the easier the better machinability it has. On the contrary, the softer and more flexible the plastic, the less suitable they are for machining.
In the world of machining, there are about a few different types of plastics that respond well to machining. These plastics include, but are not limited to:
- Polycarbonate or PC
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS
- Nylon 66
- Polyetheretherketone or PEEK
- Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE
- Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UMHW)
- And many others
The Most Suitable Plastics for CNC Machining
Currently, the types of plastic that hold the trophy for the best Machinable plastics are ACETAL, PVC, and PEEK. Let us discuss the reasons why they’re considered the best when it comes to machining, and how they came to be.
ACETAL
ACETAL is one of the leaders when it comes to fabricating plastic because of the fact that it has high levels of strength with low friction. In addition, it also boasts of low moisture absorption and extreme levels of dimensional stability.
Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC, for short, is another plastic type that’s excellent when it comes to machining and fabrication. The reasons why would be because of its multiple beneficial properties, which include water, flame, and corrosion resistance; not to mention that it also has high levels of toughness, strength, and impact resistance!
Polyetheretherketone or PEEK
Last but most definitely not least is PEEK, now, compared to the first two, PEEK or polyetheretherketone is considered an excellent machinable plastic because of high repeatability, tight tolerance levels, high melting points, and high accuracy.
NOTE: Even if these are the best and most effective types of plastic for custom machining, that doesn’t mean that you’re restricted to these. There isn’t a written rule saying that you CAN’T use other types of plastic for producing or fabricating machine parts.
CNC Machining Processes Commonly Employed for Plastic Parts
In manufacturing accurate plastic components, Computer Numerical Control is an important factor. The milling technique, which is a flexible tool using a rotating cutter, has incredible success in generating detailed patterns. Drilling and turning are effective for cylindrical figures which includes creating holes that require high speeding. The control of the production process, when larger cutting tools are used for sculpting and trimming plastic peripherals is best achieved by applying routing methodology.
On the other hand, albeit not an exemplary machining procedure, 3D printing is creditable for development of plastic parts depress section at a time and also quick prototyping as well as used to underwrite complex geometries.
Secondly, selecting a certain CNC machining process depends on the needs of each project that uses various qualities; every method has benefits related to accuracy precision cutting material and flexibility in shape size.
Finishing Options for CNC Plastic Parts
There are several finishing options available for CNC-produced plastic parts depending on desired aesthetics and functionality, cost considerations or both.’ Among the commonly preferred possibilities are sand grinding and polishing which gives it a glossy finish and makes its surface flat. Painting creates a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, but case compatibility with the type of plastic is essential. Anodizing, typically for metallic materials, is suitable to some plastics with the aim of producing a desirable coating that resists corrosion and in case it offers exceptional durability.
Dyeing is a technique which colors without changing the way something feels, that works well for products which are clear. While powder coating is more prevalent with metals, it can be a good option for some plastics because the finish created by this application procedure provides excellent durability and evenness. However, laser etching can be used for more detailed marking. Take into account the materials under consideration, actual use and try to test prototypes for compatibility issues evaluation as well as final outcomes showing.
Pros of CNC Custom Plastic Machined Parts
In CNC machining alone, you’ll be able to find multiple benefits and advantages – what more if we combine CNC machining and thermoplastics?
These are the pros and advantages of using plastic CNC machining for the production of the parts you need:
Fast Turnaround
Plastic CNC products are the best when it comes to prototyping because it wouldn’t take you a big number of hours for the prototype to be made. All that’s needed is the plastic material, as well as the design of the product to be manufactured, and the prototype will be made.
Faster prototypes always equate to faster turnaround of the parts or components needed.
Tighter Tolerances
Another benefit of CNC plastic machined parts is the fact that they can easily accommodate tighter tolerance requirements. So, if you are in an industry that requires more accurate and precise jobs, you won’t have a problem, not to mention that these can be prototyped faster and easier!
Better Wear Resistance
Last and most definitely not least is the fact that these products have benefits and advantages over metal parts – simply because they are plastic. In comparison to metal, they can be strong, resilient, durable, and resistant, too!
Challenges of CNC Custom Plastic Machined Parts
And if you think CNC custom plastic machined parts always offered rainbows and butterflies, that’s not the case. In fact, there are a couple of considerations before you go with CNC custom plastic machined parts – and these include, but are not limited to:
Warping and Tooling
The most common challenge or drawback to it is that warping and tooling of the components made are especially common. This is more prevalent when the part of the component only requires a thin piece of plastic.
Relatively Expensive
Another drawback is the fact that CNC machining is quite expensive and costlier than traditional production methods. The use of high-quality CNC machines, and of course, expensive types of resistant plastic is what makes it heftier.
Compare Plastic Injection Molding With CNC Plastic Machining
Plastic Injection Molding and CNC Plastic Machining are two separate processes that possess different benefits. Plastic Injection Molding produces molded plastic components from plastic pellets that are melted and injected into molds, allowing for high-volume production with complex shapes. Though upfront capital costs and mold creating time may be substantial, the process is cost-effective with greater quantities. It is good at applications requiring high precision, close tolerances and complicated designs.
The other method, CNC Plastic Machining, is the process of removing material from solid blocks using precise tools. Ideal for small to moderate quantities and less complex designs it provides shorter setup times with lower start-up costs than injection molding. Thus, CNC Plastic Machining is valuable especially for prototypes, smaller batches and projects with short horizons. While it may lead to greater waste, particularly for complicated forms, its flexibility and shorter turnaround times make it a favoured option in some cases.
In both processes, material selection plays an important role; Plastic Injection Molding includes a wide range of materials while CNC Rubber Machining has limited options. The other important considerations are precision and tolerance, wherein both methods produce high-precision that can be used for a wide range of applications. The employment of Plastic Injection Molding and CNC Plastic Machining depends on the production volume, part complexity, material needs, money available. Every approach has particular strengths, and the choice should best match what a project requires.
The Application Areas of CNC Machining Plastic Parts
CNC-machined parts are rampant in almost all industries and sectors. However, they are the most effective in the following industries:
- Aerospace Sector
- Defense and Military Industry
- Automotive Industry
- Industrial Machines Sector
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry
Get the Best Custom CNC Machining Plastic Parts Service
If you are trying to look for the best and highest quality CNC custom plastic machined parts, then it’s just right to work with us here at HDC Manufacturing. In our experience, we have produced hundreds to thousands of CNC custom plastic parts for businesses in and out of China.
The vast library of products we have includes custom plastic bolts and nuts, acetal plastic machined parts, and many more! Interested to get a big piece of the good stuff without that expensive price tag? Reach out to us with a design, a material in mind, and a budget and we’ll give you a free quote!
Guidance for Custom CNC Machining Plastic Parts
- Research and Repute: Choose a reliable supplier with the right background to manufacture plastic parts on CNC machining.
- Material Expertise: Select a firm that has history in serving the plastic material of your parts.
- Design Collaboration: Create a strong partnership with the producer at design and let them fit well for efficient CNC machining.
- Prototyping Services: Inquire about design-prototyping services to test the designs and check if they will work out or not.
- CNC Capabilities: Evaluate CNC machining capabilities of the manufacturer as it is equipped with high-tech machinery and professionally trained personnel.
- Quality Assurance: Quality control procedures are strict: inspections at different levels of production.
- Tolerance and Precision: Speak about it and ensure that the manufacturer can meet such specified tolerances to supply precise parts.
- Lead Times and Scalability: Know lead times and scalability which allows them to adapt production in accordance with changes of volume.
- Cost Transparency: Transparent price estimates including materials, tooling and machining along with myriads of other services.
- Communication Channels: Enable communication lines with the manufacturer for feedbacks and problem resolutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ACETAL, PVC and PEEK plastic parts can be machined using CNC systems with fast turnaround times that produce tight tolerances and wear resistant capabilities. There are challenges like warping, but these advantages prevail. The selection between the plastic injection molding and CNC machining depends on factors such as volume, intricacy. Plastic parts that are CNC machined find wide applications in aerospace, defense and auto industries as well medical industry. When choosing a supplier for machining custom parts on CNC facilities, pay attention to these characteristics: material expertise in part design collaboration during prototype development and the overall fitment of machine capabilities quality assurance tolerances lead times scalability cost transparency effective communication.
