Plastic machining is a manufacturing technique that is key to modern industry, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical sectors. Unlike metals, plastics offer unrivalled lightness, corrosion resistance, and flexibility, making them the perfect materials for a wide variety of applications. Plastic CNC machining makes it possible to produce parts with extreme precision to meet the rigorous specifications of multiple industries.
Machining plastics typically involves milling, turning, drilling, and cutting, using computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools to achieve tight tolerances and flawless surface finishes. CNC machining can be used on a wide range of plastics, including polycarbonates, polypropylene, PTFE (Teflon), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and PVC, each of which has distinct characteristics that make it appropriate for specific applications. Plastics machining operations can vary in complexity, ranging from simple cuts to complex three-dimensional shapes, and are wisely used for creating prototypes and achieving mass production.
To take things a step further, our industrial machining experts present the benefits of plastic machining.
Cleanliness and sterilization: vital to plastics machining
Cleaning plays a crucial role in plastic machining, as any contamination can affect the quality of the finished product. Dry ice cleaning is an effective and environmentally friendly method that is widely used to decontaminate molds and parts. Dry ice is carbon dioxide (CO2) in solid form, which sublimates directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state, meaning that it leaves no residue when it’s used to clean. This makes it highly useful in environments where precise cleaning is required.
Dry ice cleaning is particularly suitable for removing production residues like oils, greases, and plastic particles. It is a non-abrasive method that does not damage the surfaces of the machined parts. In addition, the carbon dioxide used in this process can be captured and recycled, reducing the plant’s carbon footprint. How exactly does this method work? The carbon dioxide is compressed and cooled to form dry ice particles, which are then projected at high speed onto the surface to be cleaned. Dry ice particles strike the surface and sublimate quickly, which generates a thermal effect that loosens and eliminates contaminants.
One of the key benefits of dry ice cleaning is that it can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas without having to completely disassemble equipment. This increases efficiency and reduces production downtime, which is critical in industries where business continuity is key. Dry ice cleaning is also safe for operators and contributes to a non-toxic working environment, as it does not generate secondary waste or harmful chemicals.
Plastics machining challenges and solutions
Plastic machining also presents unique challenges, mainly due to the thermal and mechanical properties of plastics. The heat generated by machining can cause deformations or burns in the parts, affecting both machining accuracy and quality. To counteract this, machinists need to employ proper cooling techniques. Gas injection, including dry ice, is an effective solution for dissipating heat and maintaining standard tolerances when machining plastics.
Plastics also tend to produce fine chips and particles that can accumulate and disrupt the machining process. Manufacturers can deal with this by using vacuum sucking to remove chips and by regularly cleaning machines. Sophisticated filtration systems are often integrated into CNC machines to capture these particles in real-time, minimizing interruptions and allowing for continuous production.
Selecting the right type of plastic is also crucial. Each plastic has unique characteristics in terms of heat resistance, hardness, and flexibility. For example, PTFE can be used in applications that demand a plastic that has a resistance to chemicals and is slippery, while polycarbonate is used in situations that demand both strength and transparency. How do machinists choose the right material? It takes an engineer to evaluate the specific requirements of the end application and choose a plastic that will offer the best performance for the right price.
Plastic machining is a complex and technical discipline that requires a thorough understanding of materials, machines, and cleaning methods. Dry ice cleaning is proving to be a valuable solution for effective and environmentally friendly cleaning. It’s also necessary to manage temperature and particles, and to choose the right type of plastic for the application to achieve the highest level of quality and accuracy. By mastering all aspects of plastics machining, manufacturers can meet the rigorous demands of modern industry and continue to benefit from innovations that improve production processes.
