Plastic
CNC machining plastic materialcharacteristics
> Lightweight And High specific strength: Density Usually 0.9-1.6g/Cm³(Only 1/8-1/6 That of Steel), Some Reinforced Materials (Such As Carbon Fiber Filled Nylon) Tensile Strength Up To 200MPa.
> Excellent Chemical stability: Far Exceeds Metals In Acid/Alkali/Salt Corrosion Resistance (Such as PTFE Can Withstand Aqua Regia).
> Insulation And Vibration Reduction: Volume Resistivity>10¹²Ω·Cm(PEEK), Damping Coefficient 0.05-0.3 (Better Than Metals).
> Low Friction Coefficient: POM Friction Coefficient 0.14,PTFE Only 0.04(Self-Lubricating Properties).
> Machining Challenges:
1. High Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion (5-10 Times That of Steel), Easy To Produce Dimensional Deviation.
2. Poor Thermal Conductivity (Only 1/100 That Of Metal), Cutting Heat Can Cause Material Softening.
3. Low Elastic Modulus (1.5-4GPa), Thin-Walled Parts Are Prone To Deformation.
4. Severe Electrostatic Adsorption (Requires Grounding Treatment).
Common Plastics in CNC Machining
Selecting the right plastic essential for achieving optimal results in CNC machining.Whether you need strength flexibility,or resistance to chemicals,understanding these material will help you choose the best option for your project.
ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a versatile thermoplastic known for its impact resistance, toughness, and ease of machining. it is widely used in applications that require strong, lightweight materials with good surface quality. ABS can be easily painted, glued,and thermoformed, making it ideal for automotive parts, consumer products, and electronic housings, its high dimensional stability resistance to various chemicals enhance its suitability for complex and demanding CNC machined components.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polvcarbonate is a robust engineering plastic renowned for its exceptional strength, transparency, and heat resistance. It offers super impact resistance compared to most plastics and maintains its toughness over a wide temperature range Polycarbonate is commonly used in the production of safety equipment, optical disks, and machine guards. Its excellent dimensional stability and machinability make it a preferred choice for applications requiring precision and durability.
POM (Polyoxymethylene or Acetal)
POM, often known by the brand name Delrin, is a highly Crystaline engineering thermoplastic characterized by its high mechanical strength, stiffness, and low friction. It exhibits excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability,making it suitable for precision parts like gears, bearings, and bushings, POM's low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance further contribute to its widespread use in automotive,aerospace,and industrial applications.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
PTEE, commonly referred to as Tefon, is a fluoropolymer renowned for its outstanding chemical resistance, low friction. And high temperature tolerance,it is an excellent insulator and is widely used in applications that require non-stick surfaces and resistance to harsh environments, such as in the chemical processing industry, electrical components, and food grade equipment.PTFE's machinability allows for the creation of intricate components with precise tolerances.
Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon is a popular engineering plastic known for its high tensile strength, flexibility, and wear resistance. It is often used in applications requiring strong and durable materials, such as gears, fasteners, and automotive components. Nylon's ability to withstand repetitive motion and impact makes it ideal for mechanical parts subjected to continuous stress. Additionally, it exhibits good chemical resistance and machinability, allowing for precise and reliable CNC machining.
UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene)
UHMWPE is a highly durable plastic with a very high impact strength, excellent wear resistance, and a low moisture absorption. It is often used in applications requiring heavy duty performance, such as in conveyor systems, liners, and wear strips. UHMWPE's outstanding abrasion resistance and low moisture absorption make it suitable for environments where long-term durability and reliability are crucial.Its machinability allows for the production of large, complex components with high precision.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a widely used plastic known for its chemical resistance, rigidity, and versatility.It is commonly used in construction piping, and electrical insulation. Rigid PVC is easy to machine and offers good dimensional stability, making it suitable for various industrial applications.Its resistance to acids, bases, and other chemicals, along with its flame retardant properties,enhances its suitability for using harsh environments.
HDPE(High Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is a strong,lightweight, and chemical resistant plastic commonly used in applications such as piping, containers, and cutting boards. It offers excellent impact resistance and tensile strength, making it suitable for heavy duty applications. HDPE is easy to machine and has low moisture absorption, which contributes to its dimensional stability and longevity in outdoor and industrial environments.
PEl(Polyetherimide)
PEl, commonly known by the brand name Ultem, is an amorphous thermoplastic with high strength, rigidity, and thermal stability. It maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures and exhibits excellent resistance to chemicals and flame. PEl is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries for components that require exceptional machinability makes it suitable for complex and precise dimensional stability and high performance under thermal stress parts.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK is a high performance engineering thermoplastic known for its remarkable mechanical properties, chemical resistance and thermal stability, it can withstand continuous use at high temperatures and is highly resistant to wear,making it ideal for demanding applications in aerospace, medical, and oil & gas industries,PEEK is often used for components like bearings seals,and medical implants. Its machinability allows for the production of intricate and precise parts.
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)
PMMA, commonly known as acrylic or Plexiglas,is a transparent thermoplastic with excellent optical clarity, weather resistance, and ease of machining.it is frequently used as a lightweight and shatter resistant alternative to glass in applications such as windows, lenses, and display cases, PMMA's ability to maintain clarity over time and resistance to UV light makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Polypropylene(PP)
Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic known for its chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and low density,it is-commonly used in packaging, automotive components, and medical devices. Polypropylene's ability to withstand repeated flexing and bending without cracking, along with its ease of machining, makes it ideal for living hinges, containers, and laboratory equipment, its good chemical resistance extends its applicability to a variety of industrial environments.
Plastic material surface treatment process
1.Chemical treatment:
◆ Chromium etching (improves coating adhesion of ABS/PC).
◆ Plasma treatment (improves printing performance of PE/PP).
◆ Chromium etching (improves coating adhesion of ABS/PC).
◆ Plasma treatment (improves printing performance of PE/PP).
2.Coating process:
◆ Painting (polyurethane paint for ABS).
◆ Vacuum coating (aluminum film for PMMA reflectors).
◆ Laser engraving (depth controllable marking).
◆ Painting (polyurethane paint for ABS).
◆ Vacuum coating (aluminum film for PMMA reflectors).
◆ Laser engraving (depth controllable marking).
3.Mechanical treatment:
◆ Sandblasting (matte surface).
◆ Polishing (Ra0.1μm mirror effect).
◆ Sandblasting (matte surface).
◆ Polishing (Ra0.1μm mirror effect).
4.Functional treatment:
◆ Conductive coating (carbon nanotube treatment for anti-static).
◆ Biological coating (hydroxyapatite for medical implants).
◆ Conductive coating (carbon nanotube treatment for anti-static).
◆ Biological coating (hydroxyapatite for medical implants).
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