06 Oct What Is Rapid Prototyping for Precision Machining?
CNC prototype machining offers many advantages over other rapid production technologies. The process uses computer numerical control (CNC) to guide the required machine tools to shape the chosen material into the required form.
The result is a fast, highly accurate and cost-effective rapid prototyping method.
How Does CNC Prototype Machining Work?
The technology uses a subtractive process, meaning that elements of the base material are removed to create the required shape. This is done by programming a 3D CAD model of the required design, which then directs the CNC machine to make the relevant cuts and shapes to recreate the model in physical form.
Apart from the preprograming step, no human interventions are needed. This not only removes any instances of human error but is also incredibly fast. Even very complex prototypes can usually be produced in minutes.
This has one distinct advantage over 3D printing (which is also a rapid prototyping technology), which can take many hours to create a single part.
The Benefits of Rapid Prototyping for Precision Machining
One of the greatest benefits of the process is its speed. Engineers can quickly turn a design into a physical part, allowing them to assess its viability. Alterations and corrections can then be actioned and revised parts easily produced until the required finished element is achieved.
Other advantages include:
- High accuracy and precision: Tolerances are extremely high, producing extremely accurate prototypes.
- Can create extremely intricate designs: CNC machining can create the most complex of designs, thanks to utilising a wide range of processes (milling, sawing, grinding, lathing, routing, polishing, filing and more).
- Dramatically reduces product development and lead time: This is one of the fastest ways to move from blueprint design to physical product. The speed are which changes can be implemented is also an important time-reducing factor.
- The process is highly repeatable: Because the process is wholly computer-guided, the resulting prototypes are virtually identical. This allows for better assessment, evaluation and design alterations.
- Works with multiple materials: Including different plastics and metals, such as stainless steel, copper and aluminium. This allows engineers to evaluate different base materials to select their suitability for the final product.
- Easy migration into full production process: Once the design has been finalised it can naturally and quickly be actioned into a full production run.
All of these benefits combine to make CNC prototype machining an extremely cost-effective prototyping option.
Examples of Suitable Applications for CNC Prototype Machining
The process is highly flexible, making it suitable for multiple situations. As well as being used for testing new product designs, the technology is beneficial for designs that need multiple refinements as well as different material evaluation.
Some typical industrial applications include:
- The automotive industry: For both functional and safety testing design.
- The oil & gas industry: From drill bits to hydraulics, engineers can easily create and test designs to expedite bringing them into production.
- The medical industry: The high degree of accuracy is pivotal for testing new innovations and advanced devices.
- The aerospace industry: A wholly reliable technology for tweaking and testing aircraft component design.
- The electronics industry: From the military to the end consumer, CNC rapid prototyping can be used for many different elements of electronic devices.
SixDe leads the way in advanced CNC rapid prototyping and precision engineering. With a team that’s dedicated to finding the most effective design solutions for customer needs, we work with many of Australia’s leading manufacturing and engineering companies.
Discover more about our manufacturing processes and get in contact today to discuss your requirements.