CNC Precision engineering for plastic parts
With the rise in 3D printing, it has become easier to manufacture items that may have been previously outsourced. One of these items is plastic parts. CNC precision engineering can offer a cost-effective alternative for producing high-quality pieces by utilizing existing machinery and processes.
How plastic parts design and manufacturing is different?
Plastic part design and manufacturing is different from other materials because it is a multi-step, intricate process. Manufacturers must consider the material’s properties such as its melting point and injection molding design to ensure that high-quality parts are produced during the entire manufacturing process.
The CNC precision engineering method takes into account not only these factors but also uses established testing methods to ensure that the plastic parts are of high quality. Since CNC machines operate on a closed-loop system, they can achieve more precise measurements than human workers and produce consistent results every time.
What is the process involved in precision engineering?
The first step in manufacturing plastic parts by utilizing existing machinery and processes is computer numerical control (CNC) machine programming. The engineer responsible for the part program must take into account all of the features and holes that will be required to manufacture a high-quality piece.
After this initial step, parts are tested using standard testing procedures such as tensile strength and torque tests to ensure quality before they can make their way through the manufacturing process.
Last, of all, the part is manufactured on a CNC machine that utilizes computer numerical control (CNC) programming to produce high-quality parts that can be used for many applications.
Applications of CNC Precision Engineered Plastic Parts
The CNC manufacturing process can also help produce components with tight tolerances, flat surfaces, and smooth surfaces. These attributes are typically associated with costly metal components but can now be achieved at a fraction of the time and cost by utilizing this manufacturing process.
CNC precision engineered plastic parts may find use in many applications, including automotive; consumer product; medical device; aerospace; oil & gas equipment; instruments/tools for electrical devices /equipment; and other industrial equipment.
Medical Devices
Prefabricated components used in medical devices, such as knee implants Other medical parts include syringes, laryngoscopes, and scalpels.
Aerospace
Aircraft parts that require high strength or lightweight properties to meet performance requirements. This includes landing gear systems, structural panels for the fuselage, and other internal components.
Oil & Gas Equipment
Components used in oil and gas equipment require high-strength materials that can resist corrosion from extreme weather conditions such as extremely cold or hot temperatures combined with high-pressure environments. These features make polymers a great choice for these applications because they possess properties like abrasion resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
Electrical Devices/Equipment
The electrical industry may place a high demand on plastic components because they must be lightweight and designed to withstand extreme temperatures as well as chemicals that can corrode metal parts if not properly shielded. CNC precision engineering allows for the manufacturing of these resilient pieces without sacrificing quality, especially when compared with the cost of a metal component.