One of the main advantages of opting for plastic machining is that it reduces weight whilst making products extremely efficient.
Plastic machining can be the ideal solution when moulding cannot deliver the right results. Typical reasons why someone might opt for plastic machining over moulding include close tolerances and working with unconventional shapes. With plastic machining, tooling costs can be avoided, as can the requirement for moulds. Plastic machining can deliver closer tolerances, and it’s possible to use materials that are not suited to the moulding process. Other key advantages of plastic machining include its swift turnaround times, which mean products can get to the market so much quicker.
When precision is incredibly important, plastic machining can deliver the best results. Industries that frequently benefit from plastic machining processes include nuclear, aerospace, healthcare and many more. When plastics are machined, excess material is removed before holes and other features are created so requirements can be met. Processes used as part of plastic machining can include routing, drilling and CNC milling. Forms of plastic material can include sheets, rods, blocks and more. This process also enables you to experiment with designs before tooling and allows you to machine large components that are too big for moulding.
It is far more economical to machine a component when large volumes are not needed. The more rigid the plastic is, the easier it is for it to be machined. Some more flexible and softer plastics are not a great match for the machining process. One reason why less rigid plastics are not the best match for machining is that they can bend away or deform when cutting is attempted. Plastics that are very well-suited to machining include glass-reinforced nylons and acrylic to give just two examples. The cutting tools used depend on how rigid the component is.
Machined plastics do not use moulds, and this means there is no special tooling to be manufactured or amended. Plastic machining is also ideal for those who wish to create products in low volumes. It supports quick prototyping, which means work can start sooner than with alternative processes. The process begins when 3D files are sent to the machining centre. Once the production process is complete, surface treatments are given to the part before it undergoes quality control and is sent to the client.
If you require a process that removes mould costs, enables you to manufacture plastic components with swift lead times and want to manufacture low volumes more economically, plastic machining may well be for you. We are waiting to hear from you right now if you do require assistance with plastic machining. Talk to us today to find out more about how we can help fulfil your project in an optimum timescale.
