CNC Prototype Machining: Everything You Need to Know

CNC prototype machining is an excellent choice as it could make little amounts of a prototype in a relatively short time compared to other methods.

There are different kinds of prototypes that can be easily made from CNC prototype machining. For example, appearance prototypes are used to convey visual information about how the final part will look or behave. However, functional prototypes require higher tolerance and focus more on the product structure and stability.

This article will be introduction the application of CNC prototype machining and its pros & cons. Read on!

How is CNC used in prototype machining?

Industries

CNC prototype machining can be used for almost all the industries precision machining works in. In most of these industries, they always need a functional prototype or at least a version that can show how the real product is meant to work. A CNC machining prototype fits the bill the most.

Most times, prototype CNC machining is often preferable for these functional prototypes that require strength, mechanical stability or other characteristics not afforded by additive processes, hence its use in these industries:

• Medical Industry:

Medicine is rapidly evolving with the need arising for new equipment. However, most times, these medical companies will need to see a prototype that will assure them that the product can actually work for the function intended. Since its deals with life, there’s little space for error and the prototype has to be an exact and functional replica of the finished product. CNC prototype machining is responsible for making this equipment. Examples of such include orthotic devices, safe enclosures, Implants, MRI machines, research equipment, etc. Here is a blog about the application of CNC machining application in medical industry.

• Automotive Industry:

With automobile companies coming up with new innovations to add to their latest car iterations, they need to develop prototypes of these parts before adding them to the manufacturing line. Just like the medical industry too, they need to test out these prototypes to see if they’ll function and fit well into the car before ordering mass production. Prototype CNC machining is responsible for developing automotive prototypes to exact specifications. CNC prototype machining also makes parts for other means of transport like shipping vessels, transport trucks and many more.

• Aerospace Industry:

The aerospace industry is one that allows little or no chance for error as one small mistake could cause drag in some parts of the aircraft or increase wear of some parts. This is why they need prototypes in this type of industry most times. This will help test for the functionality of the part before it is used in an actual aircraft. CNC prototype machining process is responsible for making many components in this industry, such as landing gear ports, bushings, manifolds, airfoils, etc. Learn how CNC machining is used in aerospace industry.

• Military and Defense Industry:

CNC machining prototype service also has a lot of use in this industry. With most of the ammunitions and war vehicles made requiring quite complex contraptions to make them work, the need for prototypes cannot be underemphasized. CNC machining prototypes are perfect candidates for this. Examples of devices made for this industry include plane parts, transportation components, communication components, ammunition, etc.

Prototype CNC Machining Advantages

• Cost-effective

CNC machining prototype services are the best option in terms of price point if you need to make just a few prototypes. Unlike the injection molding method, where you might need a few months to get the mold and tolerances ready, CNC prototype machining could get started once the blueprint and the tolerances are set just after a few weeks.

• High Tolerance

Another advantage that helps speed up the production of prototypes is the high tolerance ranges they tend to have. Unlike 3D printing, you can make your prototype just as detailed as the finished product. This is a great advantage for those who want to use the prototypes for structural and functional tets.

• From Prototype to Production

In quite a few cases, making the prototype is one of the latter degrees of production. Except for those who want to test the functionality of the product or use the prototype to pitch the product to a potential investor, the prototype helps to fasten up production as most of the requirements needed for production are ready at this point.

• Great similarity to the product.

Unlike 3D-printed prototypes, CNC machining prototypes tend to have quite a lot of similarities to the product. Since machining centers are fully capable of producing end-use parts as well as prototypes, it is possible to create prototypes that are close to the end product.

Part of this is down to materials. Many engineering metals are highly machinable, which allows engineers to make prototypes from the same (or similar) materials they will use for the final part. But the quality of the process itself is also a factor: machined parts are strong and do not exhibit weakness along certain axes like printed parts. In contrast, the machining process itself can even be used to replicate other processes like sheet metal forming.

Need CNC machining service for prototyping? China Medical CNC Machining Inc. focus on rapid prototyping and custom parts production for nearly 2 decades, we are confident to provide cost-effective CNC machining service from China. Upload your design files and get a quotation in minutes.

Disadvantages for CNC machining Prototypes

• Is more expensive than 3D printing.

Unlike 3D printout which requires less human supervision and power supply, CNC prototype machining could cost a lot for some small startups. Also, the workpieces/ raw materials that CNC prototype machining works on are quite expensive compared to the simple printing materials like PLP that 3D printing uses.

This is one of the main reasons why engineers may choose alternative prototyping processes, even if they intend to use machining for their final parts. Development can be a drain on resources, and it is understandable if businesses need to cut every expense during the (early) prototyping stage.

• Environmental unfriendly

The fact that this is a subtractive process makes it quite the waste generator. Most times, a large percentage of the workpiece is removed to form the product. Most of those removed parts become chipped metals or plastics which cannot be used for any other purpose. They, therefore, have to be disposed of.

Using CNC prototype machining processes can incur higher material costs due to increased material usage and wastage. However, chips can often be recycled, so the environmental impact of the process does not have to be severe. (Selling recyclable waste material can also help to recoup some material costs.)

Conclusion

CNC prototype machining is one of the best ways to make your prototypes due to its relatively faster method and quicker cycle times. Also, it has some similarities to the final product compared to methods like 3D printing. Contact us at RapidDirect to know if CNC prototyping machining is the best process for your project.

RapidDirect: The Precision CNC Protype Machining Service You Need

At China Medical CNC Machining Inc., we bring your CAD blueprints to life in the best way you could ever hope for.  We guarantee strong manufacturing capabilities with our wide array of engineering experience and approach. Our 3,4, 5-axis CNC machines and a wide range of auxiliaries make us capable of your CNC designs, be it custom prototypes as little as one or making parts taking up to months of production.

At China Medical CNC Machining Inc., you do not have to wait for ages to get your quotation. Once you upload your CAD file to our website, you get the online quotation that provides you with a real design within a minute.

Apart from all these features, our prices also stand out from the pack. With a 30% lower price than the average you’ll find anywhere, we help you save costs on production at China Medical CNC Machining Inc.. Just as stated in our certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS standards, we supply you with finished parts of the highest quality made with the latest advancement in CNC technology.

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