All manufacturing processes have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right process involves weighing those advantages and disadvantages in the context of the project at hand. Sometimes the choice is clear: If you need a small number of solid metal parts with a few precise incisions on its surface, China CNC machining is the obvious choice. Whereas if you need a plastic part with an internal lattice pattern, 3 D printing is the obvious choice.
Sometimes, however, projects also seem suitable for multiple manufacturing processes, forcing engineers to make a more nuanced decision.
So when to choose China CNC machining?
1. Precise tolerances
As the full name suggests, China CNC machining is controlled by a computer program. Essentially, the machine uses a CAD drawing file to create an item from a solid block of material. And while machines can sometimes break down or encounter errors, they are far more accurate than even the most skilled human operator.
As long as the machine is set up correctly and the design files are correct, China CNC machining can produce items with very tight tolerances. Some CNC machines are capable of tolerances as close as +0.05mm or 50 microns. This makes it easy to create prototypes exactly as you envision them, with intricate details, multiple components, or all the design features you need.
2. Mimics the finished product
Some prototypes are designed to simply mimic the look of the finished product, while others are designed to mimic its form as well as function. When you choose China CNC machining for rapid prototyping, the prototype will closely resemble the finished product, including appearance as well as functionality.
Depending on your prototype design, you can use China CNC machining to build a single finished part , or multiple parts to assemble the prototype. Other rapid prototyping processes, such as 3D printing, often produce visual representations of the prototype or components. China CNC machining, on the other hand, creates products very similar to those made by injection molding, which is commonly used in mass production. So, China CNC machining produces durable, functional parts that will closely resemble the finished product .product ready for sale.
3. Many Different Materials Available
While processes like 3D printing typically work with plastic polymers, China CNC machining works with a wide variety of different materials. Aluminum and aluminum alloys are the most common materials used in China CNC machining; however, there are many other materials available. CNC machines can also use brass and stainless steel, as well as non-metallic like plastics, wood, and foam .This facilitates building a prototype with hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance, and other important characteristics.
4. Easy to Change
Since China CNC machining is controlled by a computer program and tied to a computer design file, it is relatively easy to change and modify your prototype as you continue to improve and improve. Develop the design. In a full production cycle using injection molding or similar processes, it is very difficult and expensive to change the design .Choosing China CNC machining for rapid prototyping allows you to keep improving.
5. Fast turnaround time
China CNC machining is an efficient process that can get you hundreds of units in a very short time. Once the design files are developed and the process in place, the machines will run quickly and accurately. While 3D printing can take hours to produce a single unit, China CNC machining can produce tens or hundreds of units in the same amount of time.
6. Short term
China CNC machining can produce a few tens or hundreds of thousands of. If you have reached the stage of your prototype development where you are ready to test your product with your first users, China CNC machining can quickly produce several usable, durable prototypes that closely mimic the final product.
7. Finishing Options
Along with your built parts, there are also many finishing options to help achieve the look and feel you want for your prototype. This can be especially important if you’re comparing the effects of different looks on sale values, such as a painted finish versus a chrome finish.. Or you may want to make sure a particular finish performs as you expect, such as a powder coated part that is adequately rust resistant. Your prototype can be left as is, or it can be powder coated, sanded, chrome plated, bead blasted, anodized, and more.
There are many benefits to choosing CNC Machined for rapid prototyping. If you’ve reached the point in your product development where you’re ready for a short run of your design, our experience. We can provide you with a quote and help you streamline your design for the most cost effective China CNC machining .