High-Precision PMMA Plastic CNC Machining Parts For Light Components Display Screens

Polestar Metal Products specialize in the customized metal components according to your unique needs and demands. The main production technology is CNC Machining, including CNC turning, CNC milling, and EDM. We are good at integrating different metal production processes to find the most suitable method to complete the development of new products. We will effectively use die casting, extruded profile, laser / wire cutting, powder metallurgy, MIM and other processes to complete the front process, which helps to reduce the cost of CNC manufacturing.

Plastic CNC Machining is one of the popular machining processes across different industries. Manufacturers often make machined parts for diverse applications because of plastic material availability. Besides, the CNC machining process is more accurate and fast and offers the preferred tolerances in plastic machined parts since it uses computer numerical control to execute tasks. However, there is a wide range of plastics with varying properties and chemical composition, hence the need to understand the process and determine the ideal plastic for your projects. This article discusses everything you need to know about plastic CNC machining, common engineering plastics, and standard machining processes.

What is Plastic CNC Machining?

Plastic CNC machining is a standard industrial process that uses Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) technology to cut plastic materials into desired shapes and dimensions. This efficient and versatile machining process provides reliable results in making plastic parts that fit the intended applications. As such, manufacturers often use this process when alternative methods, such as 3D printing and injection molding, are unsuitable.

Common Plastics for CNC Machining

There are various machinable plastics compatible with CNC machining processes. Here are the typical plastics used for CNC machining.

Acrylic (PMMA)

Acrylic, also called PMMA or plexiglass, is a transparent thermoplastic material with remarkable impact resistance, and good tensile and impact strength. Its optical clarity or translucence property makes it an ideal material for light components, display screens, and intraocular lenses.

Moreover, due to its high transparency, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is an ideal substitute for traditional glass. However, its brittleness makes it susceptible to cracking or shattering. Therefore, acrylic is unsuitable for plastic CNC machining requiring very thin wall thickness.

PMMA Properties

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon)

Teflon is a high-performance plastic compatible with CNC machining processes. It exhibits a low coefficient of friction and anti-adhesive properties, making it a perfect material for different commercial products.

PTFE is commonly used for coating surgical equipment, making non-stick cookware, and making abrasion-resistant automobile coating. It has excellent cold and heat resistance and is available in a longer-lasting coating form. However, it can be quite costly and deforms easily under pressure.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a versatile engineering thermoplastic polymer with broad applications due to its cost-effectiveness, high toughness, impact strength, and electrical resistance. It also provides good strength and chemical and thermal stability.

Product designers commonly use machining ABS for general-purpose plastic prototyping and machined parts such as control panels, keyboards, pipes, etc. However, ABS melts in organic compounds. Heating ABS beyond 400 degrees Celsius can be harmful. Likewise, it exhibits poor weather resistance and response to ultraviolet rays.

PEEK

It is a popular semi-crystalline organic thermoplastic with good mechanical properties suitable for various engineering applications. PEEK has no color in its pure form and has a melting point of 343 degrees Celsius. Its high melting point makes it a perfect material for CNC machining PEEK.

PEEK exhibits remarkable heat and chemical resistance and outstanding strength. As such, it is ideal for aerospace and automotive parts, medical implants, and pump bearings requiring chemical resistance and good strength. However, PEEK can be quite expensive and degrades in UV light.

POM / Acetal / Delrin

POM (Polyoxymethylene) is one of the commonly used plastic CNC machining roperties. The typical applications of machining Delrin include bushings, fittings, safety restraints, and screws.

Manufacturers in most industries often use Delrin 150 and 570 for applications that require higher dimension stability and longer lifespan. However, it corrodes quickly in acids even though this plastic provides good resistance to chemical, weather, heat, and impacts.

Glass Filled Nylon(PA+GF)

Glass-filled nylon (PA+GF) is another popular engineering thermoplastic that easily meets the demands of several application areas. This material offers high creep strength, excellent dimensional stability, high mechanical damping, and good fatigue strength.

It can be challenging for plastic CNC machining glass-filled nylon due to its high abrasive properties, resulting in increased tool wear. However, you can attain the desired results by machining the material carefully and correctly using carbide tools. Typical applications of this material include windshield wiper parts, speedometer gears, water purifiers, and wire housings.

Polestar Metal: Your Trusted Partner in Precision Plastic CNC Machining

Choosing our Plastic CNC Machining services ensures not only precision and quality but a partnership built on trust and reliability. At Polestar Metal, we are committed to delivering excellence in every aluminum component we produce. From prototyping to full-scale production, we are equipped to meet your specific needs and bring your designs to life.