The application of the CNC prototype machining is in almost all companies. In these industries, you need a functional prototype or its version. It will show how your ideal product works. CNC machining prototype is very cheap to meet the needs of many.
On many occasions, machined tooling is preferable for functional prototypes. These prototypes need mechanical stability and strength. They also need characteristics that may not get afforded by additive processes.
The medical industry
Medicine is arising with the rapid rise of new equipment. In most cases, medical companies need to see the prototype. It ensures the product works well for intended functions. Because it deals with life, it gives little space for errors. The prototypes must be functional and a replica of finished products.
CNC prototypes machining handles the equipment-making process. Examples include safe enclosures, orthotic devices, MRI machines, implants, and research equipment.
Automotive industry
The automobile companies with innovations need to create prototypes before adding them to manufacturing lines. In the same way as the medical industry, they have to test the prototypes and see if they fit well and function in a car before massive production.
CNC machining holds the responsibility to develop automotive prototypes into exact specifications. It also makes other transport parts like transport trucks and shipping vessels.
Aerospace industry
A slight mistake can lead to drag in aircraft parts or double the wear of parts. The aerospace industries don’t allow any errors. They need prototypes that will help test every part’s functionality before fitting on the aircraft. CNC prototyping machining is responsible for making many components in the aerospace industry. These parts include bushings, gear ports, airfoils, and manifolds.
Defense and military industry
Most war vehicles and ammunitions need complex contraptions for them to work. It makes it essential to have prototypes in this industry. Some of the devices made in this industry include transportation components, ammunitions, communication components, and plane parts.
Advantages of CNC machining prototypes
Cheap
CNC machining is a perfect fit in price if you want to make a few prototypes. You need a few months to get tolerance and molds ready in injection molding methods, but CNC machining starts immediately after the tolerance and blueprint are set.
High tolerance
Prototypes’ high tolerance ranges are another great advantage that boosts production speed. You can make prototypes to be more detailed like end products. It’s an advantage if you need prototypes for functional and structural tests.
Great similarity to products
Unlike the 3D printed prototypes, the CNC machining prototypes have many similarities to the end products. The machining centers can produce final products and prototypes to make prototypes that resemble the final product.
Disadvantages of CNC machining prototypes
Very expensive than 3D printing
3D printouts need little power supply and human supervision. The CNC prototype machining can cost more for small startups. The raw materials/workpieces that CNC prototyping works on are expensive compared to simple printing materials that 3D prints use like PLP.
Environmental unfriendly
CNC machining is a subtractive process in which a colossal workpiece gets removed to make the final product. The removed parts become chipped plastics or metals that you can’t use for other work than disposing of them.
Conclusion
CNC prototype machining is among the best ways to build prototypes because of its quicker and faster cycle times. The prototype is similar to the final product compared to other methods such as 3D printing.
