Plastic for CNC Machining: A Guide on How to Select the Right Material
When you have a part designed, the first thing to determine is what material it should be made from. If you have decided that it will be plastic and will use CNC machining as your manufacturing technique, the process will not stop here.
There is a wide range of plastic materials that you can use for your project. Here is a short guide to help you choose the right one.
Plastics for CNC Machining
Plastic is an integral part of the modern manufacturing industry. This material is readily available, affordable, and is compatible with many manufacturing techniques including 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC machining.
CNC machining belongs to the subtractive manufacturing process that involves employing rotating tools and drills to remove the materials from a solid block of the workpiece. In producing plastic parts, CNC machining is more precise than injection molding
Aside from precision, CNC machining is also compatible with different kinds of plastic than other manufacturing methods.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Plastic Type for CNC Machining
Choosing the right material can make a difference between optimal outcomes and mediocre results. Some plastic might not be a good fit for the design you have. To know the perfect plastic material for your CNC machining project, here are some factors to consider.
- Internal and External Environment: you need to consider the environment where you will use the machined parts. If you need it to withstand moisture, rusting, or any external temperature while keeping the structural integrity maintained, then find one.
- Stress Loads: the tolerance of the machinable plastic part is also important. It should be able to bear high-stress load,
- Fastening: Some designs require fastenings. For them to be durable, you need a plastic that has strength, corrosion resistance, and even galvanic resistance.
- Operating Temperature: You should also consider the temperature where the CNC machined part will be used.
- High Temperature: The plastic should be able to withstand high temperatures. If heat tolerance is not an issue, you can choose any material, which you think is suitable.
Plastic Materials Ideal for CNC Machining
There are a plethora of materials that can be used from CNC machined plastic parts. Take a look at the types of plastic that you can consider.
- ABS - They are the most common plastic for CNC machining. They are affordable, offer electrical resistance and high impact resistance because of their toughness. The only downside with ABS is it's not chemical or abrasion-resistant.
- Nylon - Another commonly used plastic for CNC machining, they are preferred by machining experts because of their durability and high tensile strength. Aside from this, it is also chemical and wear-resistant. However, nylon tends to swell when exposed to excessive moisture.
- Acrylic - This plastic has the most resistance to scratches and impact. But they are also brittle and are prone to cracking and shattering.
- Delrin - This type of plastic is ideal when lots of friction is needed. They are stiff and have excellent stability. The only problem with Delrin is they can be difficult to link.
- HDPE - High-density polyethylene plastics are commonly used in everyday products. It has a slippery surface and works well with chemicals. It also has excellent electrical insulation. However, this material is difficult to machine.
- Polycarbonate - The last on our list is one of the sturdiest and most robust types among machinable plastics. They are not scratch proof but have extraordinary impact resistance and stiffness.
Conclusion
CNC machining is a versatile manufacturing process that allows product designers and engineers to produce high-quality parts. Since it is compatible with any manufacturing process, there are plenty of choices available, including plastic. A manufacturing expert like Nice Rapid can help you shorten the material selection process. Contact them for your project.
Search
Recent Posts
Categories
Archives
- Mar 2024
- Feb 2024
- Jan 2024
- Dec 2023
- Nov 2023
- Oct 2023
- Sep 2023
- Aug 2023
- Jul 2023
- Jun 2023
- May 2023
- Apr 2023
- Mar 2023
- Feb 2023
- Jan 2023
- Dec 2022
- Nov 2022
- Oct 2022
- Sep 2022
- Aug 2022
- Jul 2022
- Jun 2022
- May 2022
- Apr 2022
- Mar 2022
- Feb 2022
- Jan 2022
- Dec 2021
- Nov 2021
- Oct 2021
- Sep 2021
- Aug 2021
- Jul 2021
- Jun 2021
- May 2021
- Apr 2021
- Mar 2021
- Feb 2021
- Jan 2021
- Dec 2020
- Nov 2020
- Oct 2020
- Sep 2020
- Aug 2020
- Jul 2020
- Jun 2020
- May 2020
- Apr 2020
- Mar 2020
- Feb 2020
- Jan 2020
- Dec 2019
- Oct 2019
- Sep 2019
- Aug 2019
- Jul 2019
- Jun 2019
- May 2019