Advantages and Disadvantages of CNC Machining Prototype
Computer Numerical Control is also called
CNC machining. It is a manufacturing process that machining tools like drills
and lathes are controlled by computer inputs. CNC machining process is widely
used in a wide range of industries to produce prototypes and end products. CNC
machining process begins with a 3D design which is created by CAD software. A
computer translates the instructions to the cutting tools. When these
instructions are sent to the machines, machines know how, when and where to do
the machining autonomously. In traditional machining, machinist cut the work
piece by labor operated cutting tools. Compared to traditional machining, CNC
machining helps in saving time and cost significantly.
Machining is a subtractive manufacturing
process that equipment removes exiting material instead of introducing new
material. Excess material in CNC machining process will be discarded or
recycled, and the leave behind the finished parts. Complex CNC machines with a
greater number of axes are able to manufacture more complex parts with more
complicated geometries. As CNC machining is accurate, versatile, consistent and
has a wide range of materials selections, it is very attractive in wide range
of industries.
CNC machining is an ideal process to
produce prototype parts. Prototypes can be used to guide the R&D process to
offer concept proof. When prototypes are made with high aesthetic standard,
they will act as the new products to show to customer. These prototypes do not
request very high end equipment to make. They can be made by hand or simple 3D
printers. Some prototypes are not used only for visual representation.
Manufactures sometimes need prototypes with look and function like the end
parts. 3D printing is a good option to make looks like prototypes and CNC
machining is suitable to make functional prototypes which need strength,
mechanical stability can not be achievable by 3D printers. CNC machining is an
ideal choice to make prototypes. But it depends on the purpose, material of the
prototypes. Reasons to use CNC machining to make prototypes including speed,
quality, material options.
As CNC machining is a digital process, it
builds parts from computer files. Manufacturers know the prototypes will match the
3D design. The same digital design will be used later to build the end parts.
CNC machining has high repeatability. 3D design offer fast and precise
alterations. When the machined prototypes have flaw because of the design,
manufacturer can easily return to the CAD file to make modifications.
CNC Machining Prototype as a prototyping process, it
has some disadvantages. Compared to 3D printing, CNC machining prototyping is
more expensive. CNC machining centers need more power and supervision than 3D
printers. CNC machining materials are more expensive than normal 3D printing
materials such as PLA. Cost is always the main point that manufacturers will
choose other prototyping processes, even they want to use machining parts for
the end products. CNC machining has geometrical restriction. Even 4-axis and 5-axis
machining center provide more geometrical flexibility, they have limitation
when producing parts with complex internal geometries. Additive manufacturing
process is suitable as it has less limitation by the cutting tools. CNC
machining is a subtractive process so it needs more material than what is
actually used. It will have some material wastes during machining process.
Additive prototyping processes will not produce material waste unless the print
fails and repeats. Using CNC machining to produce prototypes can incur
expensive material cost due to the increasing material usage and wastage.
CNC machining is used for precision CNC
machining parts, prototyping, metal parts, plastic parts, low to mid volume
machining production. When it comes to China CNC machining Prototype or custom
CNC machining, TEAM Rapid will offer flexible solutions to deliver high quality
parts to customers fast. Contact us at [email protected] to
discover more about CNC machining prototyping for your projects.