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 introducing 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.