Lavorazione di prototipi CNC: La guida definitiva
Prototyping allows manufacturers to evaluate the design and performance of the components before producing them in high volume. CNC prototype machining allows quick manufacturing of components at affordable prices.
If you are looking forward to learning about the different types of CNC prototyping, you can go through the guide below.
What is Prototype Machining?
CNC prototype machining allows the creation of prototypes using the CNC machine. The process of manufacturing these prototypes is quick and caters to a smaller batch. The main purpose of these prototypes is to visualize and inspect the design of the component, followed by its functionality.
The manufacturers can easily identify any improvements and defects on the prototype, which can be avoided when the actual production of components is done on a larger scale. It ensures cost-effectiveness and prevents wastage.
Different CNC Prototyping Operations
CNC rapid prototyping is carried out through different types of CNC methods, and some of these operations are as follows:
Fresatura CNC
Il processo di Fresatura CNC consists of manufacturing the prototype with the help of a milling machine. It is a subtractive process of manufacturing that cuts the material from the component and creates the prototype.
The milling machine has multipoint tools for cutting each point and makes a sharp cut when the rotation of the workpiece takes place. The type and depth of the cut are based on the design complexity.
Tornitura CNC
The process of CNC turning allows for making prototypes with the help of a CNC turning machine that has a lathe tool. It allows manufacturing prototypes of components that need detailing and cylindrical shape. The cutting tool stays stationary, whereas the workpiece rotates.
The process of CNC turning is suitable for creating features on the external part of the components, followed by inner threads and slots.
Multi-Axis Machining
Multi-axis machining is a very versatile process of prototyping. Prototypes that have complex shapes and layouts are manufactured through this method.
It has multiple axes, which allow the creation of components with features simultaneously created by multiple axes. It allows manufacturing such components that need high tolerance.
Advantages of CNC Machining for Prototypes
CNC machining for prototypes offers multiple advantages, and some of these are the following:
Alta precisione
CNC machining allows manufacturing prototypes that offer high tolerance, accuracy, and precision. The cutting tools consist of a precise movement, which is controlled by the software program, and it allows the creation of detailed features within the workpiece.
Costo-efficacia
CNC machining for small batches allows the creation of prototypes that can be tested before the final high-volume production takes place.
The manufacturer can play safe with the help of these prototypes because any flaws are identified at an earlier stage. If those flaws are identified after the volume production, it could lead to huge losses. Hence, it is a very cost-effective method of evaluating the components.
Coerenza
CNC prototyping offers high repeatability, which means you can create duplicates of the same product again and again with identical features. It offers exact dimensions and uniformity across the entire batch produced.
Wide Material Range
The process of CNC prototyping caters to a versatile material range, which may include plastics, metals, and even wood.
Hence, when you have to opt to make prototypes from different materials, you can safely choose CNC machining and visualize the component as an actual one.
Quick Turnaround Time
CNC prototyping is a very quick process and doesn't need any molds to be created beforehand, which ends up taking time.
Moreover, if you need any modifications in the design, you can simply make the changes in the CAM and CAD files, and you can modify the designs according to your requirements.
Disadvantages of CNC Machining for Prototypes
When CNC machining is opted for prototypes, along with advantages, it also has some disadvantages, which are as follows:
Limited Interior Geometries
The CNC prototyping process cannot effectively offer interior geometries which is because the machine works on the outside mostly. Hence, some components may be challenging to manufacture through this process due to the interior geometries they require.
Requires Skills and Expertise
CNC prototyping is not something that everyone can do. It needs people with enough skills and experience to generate the CAD or CAM file and create a program.
Moreover, setting up the machine also needs some expertise, and hence, skillful personnel are eminent for CNC prototyping.
Waste of Material
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that removes material from the workpiece. Hence, the material required during the process is more of which is wasted when cut down. This leads to increased material costs, followed by wastage.
Applications of CNC Prototype Machining
CNC prototyping machining is applied in different industries, and some of these are as follows:
Industria automobilistica
Il automotive industry needs some parts created before the actual manufacturing, and sometimes custom components are required in small batches for exclusive vehicles.
Hence, the role played by CNC prototyping is quite common here as it allows creating different components before mass production takes place. Some of these parts are suspension components, gears, brakes, etc.
Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry requires components that have high tolerance and precision. Moreover, components like biopsy tubes, prosthetics, implant holders, etc., can be manufactured through this process.
Industria aerospaziale
The aerospace industry uses CNC prototyping to develop components that are highly accurate and also to test how these parts work before mass production is carried out.
The components mostly manufactured through CNC prototyping in aerospace are airfoils, bushings, and manifolds.
Military Industry
In the military industry, the research and development department uses the process of CNC prototyping to create prototypes for aircraft, warfare vehicles, and other components. It allows them to test the success of these components and their performance.
Practical Tips for Efficient CNC Prototyping
Some of the tips that make CNC prototyping a success are as follows:
- When you opt for CNC prototyping for manufacturing prototypes, always look for simple designs. The complexity of the prototypes ends up costing more time as well as money. It makes you face a delay in bringing your products to market.
- Consider going for default tolerance so that you do not have to spend time and money on specialized fixtures.
- When designing the component, consider the characteristics of the axial of the cutting tool so that your component achieves accurate cuts and geometry.
- CNC prototyping is not an easy job, and it is very important to get it done by an experienced prototype manufacturer to get the best results.
Conclusione
The process of CNC prototyping plays a vital role in product development, and ensuring its accuracy is equally important.
If you are looking for an expert and experienced manufacturer of these prototypes, get in touch with DEK. We have been manufacturing CNC prototypes for various industries, ensuring precision and accuracy.
Domande frequenti
What are the materials for CNC prototypes?
CNC prototypes can be manufactured using different materials, including plastics, composites, metal, and wood.
Is CNC prototyping machining the best option for prototyping?
Yes, it offers a high degree of precision and accuracy, which makes it suitable for prototyping.
What factors affect the cost of CNC prototyping?
The factors that affect the cost of CNC prototyping include the size of the component, the amount of material that is removed, the required complexity, and tolerance.
Is CNC prototype machining cheaper than injection molding?
When producing components in high volume, injection molding is cheaper. However, for prototypes, CNC machining is a better choice.
