CNC plastic machining refers to the manufacturing process of precision cutting and shaping plastic materials into custom parts and products using computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
It is an efficient and accurate method to make plastic components with excellent dimensional accuracy and complex geometries. CNC plastic machining is commonly used for rapid prototyping as well as low to mid-volume production.
Benefits of CNC Plastic Machining
Here are some of the key advantages of CNC plastic machining:
- High precision and accuracy
- Excellent surface finishes
- Complex 2D and 3D geometries
- Faster than manual machining
- Minimal material waste
- Repeatable and consistent results
- Scalable from prototypes to production
CNC Machining Capabilities for All Types of Plastics
At Cnclathing.com, we have extensive experience machining all common plastics and polymers using CNC mills, lathes, routers, and other tools. Here are some of the plastics we frequently machine:
- ABS - Machinable, strong, impact resistant
- Acetal - Low friction, chemical resistant
- Nylon - Wear resistant, low friction
- PVC - Hard, scratch resistant
- Polycarbonate - Extremely strong and durable
- HDPE - Stiff, chemically resistant
- UHMW - Low friction, high abrasion resistance
And many more! We source premium plastics to produce high quality components.
Secondary Processing and Finishing
To enhance aesthetics and function, we also offer these finishing processes for plastic parts:
- Painting - Available in any custom color
- Silk Screening - Apply labels, logos, markings
- Vapor Polishing - Glossy, scratch-free finish
- Plating - Chrome, nickel, copper finishes
- Laser Engraving - Precisely etch patterns and text
Applications of CNC Machined Plastic Parts
Here are some examples of where CNC machined plastic parts are used:
- Electronics - Enclosures, chassis, insulation
- Medical - Diagnostic equipment, labware
- Aerospace - Lightweight non-structural parts
- Automotive - Dashboards, knobs, fittings
- Consumer - Appliance housings, camera bodies, toys
Any application needing accurate plastic components can benefit from CNC plastic machining services.
CNC Plastic Machining Process
Here is an overview of how we approach CNC plastic machining projects:
Step 1) Design
You submit your 3D CAD model and specifications like material, quantity, surface finish, etc.
Step 2) Quote
We provide a free quote outlining costs and lead time within 24 hours.
Step 3) Programming
Our engineers use CAM software to generate precision toolpaths based on your model.
Step 4) Machining
Your parts are machined on our CNC mills or lathes according to the programmed instructions.
Step 5) Finishing
Additional finishing, inspection, and packaging is completed before shipment.
Partner with Cnclathing.com for Your Plastic Machining Needs
For rapid prototyping or production of precision plastic components, rely on the CNC plastic machining experts at Cnclathing.com. Contact us today to get started!
