If you want to know about the plastic machining process, you’ve come to the right place! I’m ready to take you on a beautiful ride.
This process begins when the machining center operates with the 3D files. How does it work?
This equipment aims to carve the part in 3D, so it directly in a block made of plastic. When the production is done, that part that was carved will get surface treatments to work on any defects that may smear it.
Then, it is given to quality control professional that check certain criteria and ensure that it not only appears appropriately but also conforms to environmental and industrial regulations.
It is then submitted to the client.
The process is that simple.
Now, you may be asking what fabrication equipment is needed in plastic machining?
Good question.
Fabrication Tools Applied in Plastic Machining
It depends on the buyer and producer. For the buyer, it depends on how fast he/she wants the job done, how fast the job needs to be, and the precision needed. For the producer, it depends on the size of the workplace and the skill versatility.
Most industrial scale companies have more than 4 machining centers and at least 1 lathe. This helps them to perform projects simultaneously without requiring more skilled personnel. It also helps them take very large jobs.
Furthermore, most of these large-scale companies have large warehouses for storage, so that they can use spare parts in case there is a delay in equipment delivery.
When the production is done, they need to check certain things for quality control. These tools include micrometers and calipers, used to observe elements like shore degrees and dimensions. For a neat and exquisite finishing, glossy paint is applied on the surface, and certain parts are also painted.
Finally, certain software applications are required for the fabrication process, so that the producers can be able to read design and industrial structures/formats (for instance- igs, step, stp, stl, dwg).
Now that you know how plastic machining works and the fabrication tools needed in the process, let’s take a look at the techniques now, shall we?
The Techniques Used in Plastic Machining
In CNC, different techniques can be used to get unique and specific shapes. Note that each technique uses a particular type of machine and has its unique production process.
What are these techniques? Some include:
Milling:
A milling cutter, for instance- an endmill, is used in this process. The milling cutter goes in either a vertical or horizontal movement.
Drilling:
Most people know what drilling is. It is simply hammering a drill bit into a part of the wall.
Turning:
The prototype is the least complicated machining techniques. It involves a cutting tool moving in such a way that it is parallel to the axis of rotation. However, the plastic part keeps rotating.
In plastic machining, you must observe the 3D files. Get their analysis, because this shows the needed information about how feasible the project will be, and how much it will cost.
