CNC Machined plastic parts assembling service
Common plastics in the CNC machining industry include ABS, PVC, PE, POM, Nylon, and others that are resistant to heat, chemicals, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
Diverse Applications:
Machined plastic parts have a wide range of applications ranging from simple mechanical components like gears, bolts, and bearings to complex assemblies like medical equipment, sensors, and aerospace components. They are lightweight, easy to fabricate, and can be customized to meet specific industry needs.
Materials
Plastic materials offer excellent design flexibility and, when properly specified, excellent mechanical and chemical properties. A wide range of plastic materials is available, each with specific advantages and limitations. The selection of a suitable material for an application depends on the specific requirements, such as temperature, chemical resistance, strength, and stiffness. Some of the commonly used plastic materials for machined parts are:
◎ Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS):
This is a popular thermoplastic material known for its impact resistance, durability, and ease of machinability.
◎ Polycarbonate (PC):
This material offers excellent strength, toughness, and optical clarity. It is commonly used in applications where transparency and impact resistance are crucial, such as safety goggles and machine guards.
◎ Nylon:
This material is known for its strength, elasticity, and wear resistance. It is widely used in gears, bearings, and other high-load applications.
◎ Polyoxymethylene (POM):
This is a high-performance polymer that offers excellent dimensional stability, low friction, and high wear resistance. It is widely used in precision parts like gears and bearings.
◎ Polyetheretherketone (PEEK):
This material is known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness, and temperature resistance. It is commonly used in aerospace and medical applications.
Design
CNC machined plastic parts offer design flexibility that allows engineers to create complex geometries and achieve tight tolerances. Some of the design considerations for them are:
◎ Wall thickness:
The wall thickness of plastic parts is crucial for maintaining the required strength and stiffness. A thicker wall may result in better strength, but it will also increase the weight and cost of the part.
◎ Draft angle:
Draft angles are essential for easier demolding of parts from the mold. For ease of machining, a draft angle of 2-3 degrees is ideal.
◎ Undercuts:
They can also have undercuts, which are areas of the part that cannot be accessed from a single direction.
◎ Surface finish:
The surface finish of them is important as it affects the part's appearance, function, and durability. Smooth surfaces are best for applications like seals, gaskets, and medical devices where hygiene is critical.
Manufacturing Technology
Machining plastic parts require advanced equipment and expertise to achieve the required accuracy, finish, and repeatability. Various machining technologies are used in the manufacture of CNC machined plastic parts, such as:
◎ CNC Milling:
CNC milling is an automated process of cutting plastic parts using a spinning tool. A wide range of geometries can be produced using CNC milling, including slots, holes, tapers, and chamfers.
◎ CNC Turning:
CNC turning is used to produce cylindrical or round geometries with high precision and accuracy. This process is suitable for parts with diameters up to 6 inches.
◎ Routing:
Routing is a process of removing material from the edge of a plastic sheet or plate to produce a two-dimensional shape like a signboard or display panel.
◎ Drilling:
Drilling is a process of making holes in a plastic sheet or plate using a spinning tool. It is commonly used in applications like circuit boards and signage.
◎ Laser Cutting:
Laser cutting is a process of cutting plastic parts using a high-energy laser beam. This process is ideal for producing complex shapes like gears and other components used in precision assemblies.
Applications
They are used in a wide range of industrial applications, such as:
◎ Automotive:
Plastic parts are used in car interiors, engines, and other areas where weight reduction, chemical resistance, and durability are important.
◎ Aerospace:
The aviation industry uses them in various applications like aircraft interiors, electrical systems, and engine components due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments.
◎ Medical:
They are used in medical equipment, such as surgical instruments, ultrasound machines, and X-ray equipment, due to their biocompatibility, sterilizability, and transparency.
◎ Semiconductor:
CNC machined plastic parts are used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as wafer handling robots and wafer trays, due to their chemical resistance and high purity.
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