CNC machining plastics
Discover the advantages of CNC machining plastics, known for their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulating properties, making them ideal for diverse industrial uses.
| Name | Description | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| POM (Delrin/Acetal) | High stiffness, high accuracy, low friction, easy to machine. | $$$$$ | See more |
| Nylon | Excellent mechanical properties, thermal, chemical and abrasion resistant. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PPSU | PPSU is an amorphus material, with high glass transition temperature and low moisture absorption. | $$$$$ | See more |
| ABS | Common thermoplastic, impact resistant, easy to machine. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PEEK | High-performance thermoplastic, very high strength, thermal and chemical resistant. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PTFE (Teflon) | Low friction, chemical and thermal resistant. | $$$$$ | See more |
| Polycarbonate | High toughness, excellent impact strength, transparent. | $$$$$ | See more |
| Polyethylene | Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, impact and weather resistant. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PVC | Excellent chemical and weather resistance and good toughness. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PMMA (Acrylic) | Transparent rigid plastic often used as a substitute for glass. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PET | Tough plastic that offers excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength. | $$$$$ | See more |
| Polypropylene | Excellent chemical resistance. Food-safe grades available. | $$$$$ | See more |
| G-10 | High strength, low moisture absorption, and high level of electrical insulation and chemical resistance. | $$$$$ | See more |
| FR4 | Flame retardant glass fiber epoxy laminate. | $$$$$ | See more |
| PEI | Amorphous material with exceptional strength and rigidity under long term heat exposure | $$$$$ | See more |
CNC Machining of Plastics
The CNC machining of plastics has transformed the production of high precision components in various industries. With the ability to shape and form plastic materials with extreme accuracy, CNC plastic machining is essential for creating intricate parts that require precise dimensions and smooth finishes.
Common Plastics Used in CNC Machining
Plastics like ABS, Polycarbonate, PEEK, and Acetal are popular choices for CNC machining. Each offers unique characteristics that make them favorable for different applications:
- ABS: Known for its toughness and impact resistance, suitable for automotive, consumer goods, and enclosure applications.
- Polycarbonate: Highly transparent and impact-resistant, used for protective gear, lenses, and transparent components.
- PEEK: Noted for its high temperature resistance and strength, used in medical implants and aerospace parts.
- POM (Delrin/Acetal): Recognized for its low friction and wear resistance, ideal for gears, bearings, and precision engineering components.
Benefits of CNC Machining Plastics
The benefits of CNC machining plastics are numerous. It allows for the production of parts with complex geometries that might be challenging to mold. The process is highly repeatable, ensuring each machined part maintains consistency. Moreover, CNC machining can be more cost-effective for small to medium batch production compared to injection molding due to the lower setup costs and rapid turnaround times.
Considerations for CNC Machining Plastics
While CNC machining plastics provides many advantages, there are considerations to keep in mind, such as the choice of the right type of plastic for the intended application and the design of the component to optimize for the machining process. Tool paths, cutting speeds, and feeds must be carefully selected to prevent melting or warping of the plastic.
Conclusion
CNC machining plastics is a versatile and precise method of producing high-quality plastic parts. As technology advances, the possibilities for what can be achieved with CNC plastic machining continue to grow. The technique is vital for industries that require parts with tight tolerances and complex shapes, offering a reliable and efficient solution for modern manufacturing challenges.