CNC machining has always been traditionally thought of as a method for processing methods. However, the modern industry has been constantly increasing precision demands towards parts of all possible materials. This served as a reason for CNC plastic machining technologies development. It has now occupied a considerable niche in high precision low volume and prototype manufacturing of plastic parts.

Methods of CNC Plastic Machining

There are a lot of methods to produce high precision plastic parts. Modern industrial-grade plastics are cast, injection-molded, printed, or machined. The first three options are great for manufacturing complex geometry parts with a fine surface finish. However, there is nothing better than machining when you need to achieve a tight tolerance or produce a mirror-like surface finish in almost any kind of part. About 80% of the plastic parts are CNC milled. It is the most widespread method for manufacturing parts without a revolution axis. All the rest are usually turned on a lathe.

Tips to Plastic Machining

Machine Toolsb

All the machine tools used to cut plastic are actually metal machining tools. Their precision rigidity and power output allow them to process even hardened plastics with ease.

Cutting Tools

Choosing the best cutting tools for plastic parts is a complex job. The reason for that is plastic as well as composite materials have a very variable composition. Some plastics are strengthened with hard carbide particles or have some additives that enhance flexibility, thermal resistance, or some other parameter. All of that changes the way a plastic reacts to machining.

Part Setup

When you set up your CNC plastic blocks, be sure to remember. Plastic isn’t metal. You can easily leave a large mark on the surface if you clamp the blank with too much force. Actually, if you apply too much force, the part will probably just crack. It is advisable to use special pads from a softer material between the fixtures and the part if you want to avoid marks 100%. Another issue is part rigidity.

The Role of Plastics in CNC Prototyping

Plastic machining services are tightly related to CNC prototyping art. Polymer materials are perfect for prototype creation and engineering validation. The reason for that is that plastics are actually quite easy to machine. If you don’t have any heating or molding equipment, manufacturing parts from CNC plastic blocks is a good way to get those prototypes easy and fast.

CNC Plastic Machining Services

Asianstar is a professional CNC machining plastic parts manufacturer with long term experience from year 2005.Our expertise team understand the materials of plastics, can choose the correct material according to functional use and machining processes.We use processes for plastic parts such as CNC cutting, plastic turning, plastic milling, etc. We also produce injection molds for plastic injection.The common plastics we are using for CNC plastic machining are: ABS, PS, PC, HDPE, LDPE, Nylon, PEEK, PA, POM, etc.