What is Plastic Machining?
Plastic machining in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining services refers to the process of using CNC machinery to cut, shape, and finish plastic materials into precise components or products. It is a manufacturing technique used for creating various plastic parts and components with high precision and repeatability. Plastic machining involves the removal of material from plastic workpieces to achieve desired shapes, sizes, and surface finishes.
Plastic Materials Used
A wide range of plastic materials can be machined using CNC techniques, including but not limited to:
Acrylic (PMMA): Used for optical components, displays, and various applications due to its clarity and light transmission properties.
Polyethylene (PE): Used for components that require low friction and resistance to chemicals and moisture.
Polypropylene (PP): Commonly used for applications involving chemical resistance and low moisture absorption.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Suitable for various applications, including pipes, profiles, and signage.
Polycarbonate (PC): Known for its high impact resistance and optical clarity, making it suitable for safety equipment and optical lenses.
Nylon (Polyamide): Used for its excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties.
Delrin (Polyoxymethylene): Known for its low friction and excellent dimensional stability, suitable for precision parts.
Process
Design: A 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model of the plastic component is created, specifying the desired dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes.
Material Selection: The appropriate plastic material is selected based on the component’s requirements, such as mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and temperature resistance.
CNC Programming: A CNC program is generated based on the CAD model, specifying the toolpaths and machining operations required to shape the plastic workpiece.
Workpiece Setup: The plastic workpiece is securely clamped or fixtured in the CNC machine, ensuring it remains stable during machining.
Machining: The CNC machine follows the programmed toolpaths to cut, mill, drill, or turn the plastic workpiece to the desired shape. Various cutting tools, including end mills and drills, may be used.
Quality Control: Throughout the machining process, quality control measures are applied to check dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes, ensuring the part meets specifications.
Finishing: After machining, additional finishing operations like sanding, polishing, or buffing may be performed to achieve the required surface finish.
Inspection: The finished plastic component is inspected for quality, and any necessary adjustments or corrections are made.
Applications
Plastic machining is used in various industries for a wide range of applications, including:
Prototyping: Creating prototypes and proof-of-concept models.
Aerospace: Producing components like interior parts, panels, and fixtures.
Medical Devices: Manufacturing components for medical equipment, housings, and surgical tools.
Electronics: Creating plastic enclosures and parts for electronic devices.
Automotive: Manufacturing plastic components for vehicles, including interior parts, under-the-hood components, and exterior trim.
Consumer Products: Developing plastic parts for consumer goods like appliances, toys, and packaging.
Signage and Displays: Producing signs, displays, and point-of-purchase materials.
Plastic machining offers precision, versatility, and the ability to create complex and customized plastic components to meet specific industrial and commercial needs. It is a cost-effective solution for producing parts in smaller quantities or when tight tolerances and surface finishes are required.
Our Services
With top of the line latest technology, we make sure to provide you the best quality materials and services as possible because your satisfaction is our topmost priority.
Precision Machining
To produce highly intricate and precise results to achieve the exact specifications for your needs.
Deburring
To ensure smooth, flawless surfaces and safety of our customers, our team is highly is skilled in ensuring the quality of our products before it is shipped to the users.
Prototype Design & Manufacturing
We offer aid in designing the parts and components you have in mind to ensure accurate manufacturing based on your visualizations.
Engineering Support
To reduce errors in the manufacturing process, our engineers are on standby to ensure the quality of the entire production from start to finish.
Custom Tooling & Fixtures
We offer specialized custom tools only made for a particular part of your choosing.
Assembly & Sub Assembly
To make it easier for customers, we also offer assembling of parts to complete a product or we could sub assemble a part of that product.
Plastic Machining
We also posses the equipment to cater to plastic parts. Whether hard plastics, with chemical resistance, or thermal stability we got it for you.
Specialized Machining
Our services include the production of the most complex parts and components.
Polishing
As part of the finishing process, we make sure that all imperfections, scratches, and rough surfaces are eliminated thus achieving a shiny look.
Jigs and Fixtures
To hold the part or piece in position to avoid distortion.
Short Runs & Rush Orders
Small quantity and rush orders are accepted. We are ready to provide our services to address your urgent needs.
CNC Milling
Our cnc miiling machine can provide you a wide range of components If you have a toolpath ready.
CNC Turning
Our machines are capable of making conical or cylindrical shaped components.
Medical CNC
Our shop is capable of producing such quality and standard cnc services that we also cater to medical industries ensuring the effectiveness and above all safety for medical applications.
What is CNC Machining?
Explore the possibilities and applications of our technology and services by reading more about the in depth version to answer the question – what is it about and why is it so important. Learn more by clicking the tab below.
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Address
1925 N Leamington Ave Chicago IL 60639
Hours
- Weekdays - 8AM to 5PM
- Saturday - Closed
- Sunday - Closed