In addition to metals, various types of plastics also make a suitable choice for CNC machining. In China, plastics are extensively used in almost every industry. Thus, the demand for CNC plastic machining is very high. The process of CNC machining helps you achieve high precision and accuracy. The best part is that it can be used for a range of plastic materials, such as ABS, PP, POM, PC and Nylon.
Parts and products made using CNC machining find their wide usage in different industries, especially in the automotive, consumer electronics, and consumer goods sectors. Various materials that are known to have high strength and impact resistance, such as ABS, make a popular choice for producing car parts, protective casings and more.
In this blog, we will discuss various properties that a CNC machining plastic must have.
How to Choose the Best CNC Machining Plastic
(Properties to Consider When Looking for CNC Machining Plastic)
CNC machinists utilize only a few plastic materials that require machining. Most often, it seems overwhelming to choose the best CNC machining plastic for your project. However, with someone who understands different properties of plastics and know which plastics possess the required properties, you can easily determine which type of plastic is best for your application.
The Intended Application of CNC Machining Plastic
The structure of a part is determined by what function it performs. Hence, the function of a part ultimately influences the choice of material that you need to use for CNC machining. Besides, the environment where the part will be used makes a great impact on material selection. For instance, if you need a material that will function in an environment where little or no friction is required, then POM is the right choice. It is because POM is known to possess low friction.
In addition, the specifications of the part design also play role in the selection of CNC plastic. For instance, ABS or PMM will be suitable for a part that needs a high level of tolerance as both of them have the best machining properties.
The Strength and Temperature Resistance of CNC Machining Plastic
Different ways are used by machinists when it comes to measuring the strength of plastic materials. These include wear resistance, tensile strength, and material hardness. The meaning of each property might vary for different plastics. So, you need to determine which plastic best suits your part to make a suitable choice.
Also, the environment’s temperature where you will be using the part will be quite an important factor when you choose CNC plastic. A wrong selection can cause the part to be warped or deformed, which will certainly cause loss of function. Thus, you must choose a plastic with high-temperature resistance when the part is intended to be used in hot and extremely hot environments.
This rule also applies to environments where there is a high degree of fluctuation in temperatures. It will help ensure that the material expands and contracts minimally so that only negligible changes occur in its dimensions.
While considering all these factors, don’t ignore the cost of plastic. The more expensive the plastic is, the higher the cost of production will be. It ultimately increases the cost of the part and that can lead to low sales.
Hence, you should always consider your budget as well before you choose any CNC plastic.