In 2018, 35.7 million tons of plastics were generally produced in the United States. As technology advances, there are more and more uses for plastic.
Plastic can be shaped in many ways, but if you need to lower costs, plastic machining is an option. Plastic machining is a type of manufacturing using computers and complex tooling.
What is CNC plastic machining and how does it work? Let’s take a look.
What is CNC Plastic Machining?
It is the process of manipulating plastic materials into components that are often used in a variety of products. CNC stands for computer numerical control and is the type of automated machinery that is used to complete this type of task.
It operates by inputting directions into the machine, and the components are then manufactured at high speeds with highly precise cuts and shapes. This ensures that the finished plastic item meets the desired quality standards.
Advantages
The Advantages of CNC plastic machining are primarily in its production speed and repeatability, allowing complex and intricate shapes with great accuracy and without the need for manual labor.
This is also a very cost-effective solution due to its low material wastage and as there is virtually no manual labor involved, it is also very quick.
The machining process also ensures that components or products, which are typically produced using plastic materials; are of very high accuracy, which is essential for parts that need to fit together.
Disadvantages
Although CNC plastic machining is a very efficient and cost-effective process, it has its drawbacks. CNC machining can be difficult to troubleshoot, as it’s harder than traditional milling processes.
Also, due to the automated nature of the process, there is a higher chance of errors, which can make the process even more costly. In addition, there is more material waste during CNC machining due to the process being very precise, which can lead to an increased cost.
Finally, it is more difficult to work with many materials during CNC machining. However, with some practice and in-depth learning with the help of allied industrial machining, you can overcome these disadvantages.
Tools to Use
CNC machining plastic is a process used to shape and fabricate plastic parts using computer numerical control equipment. The CNC process uses a variety of tools, such as
- Router machines
- Grinder machines
- Milling machines
This process is highly precise and repeatable, allowing parts to be made with pinpoint accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, this machining process can be applied to many types of plastics, including thermoplastic and thermosetting materials.
Key Considerations
When machining plastic parts, there are a few key considerations that must be typically taken into account.
- The hardness of plastic
- The shape of the object affects
- The feed rate of the machine
Furthermore, the CNC tooling and speeds must be tailored to the particular plastic material to ensure the accuracy of the body shape.
Use CNC Plastic Machining Today
Overall, CNC plastic machining provides a cost-effective solution for fabricating plastic parts. It saves time, energy, and materials, making it the perfect solution for many applications.
Utilizing CNC plastic machining today can help you create quality parts as efficiently as possible! Try it now and see the results for yourself.
