Introduction to plastic CNC materials
We will now discuss CNC plastics. Although most plastic resins cannot be processed due to their low hardness and low melting point, we have selected a small group of plastic resins that have a wide range of CNC applications.
1.Acetal (POM)
Acetal is a versatile plastic used in CNC machining with a range of desirable properties. It has excellent fatigue resistance, impact resistance, good toughness and low friction coefficient. Additionally, it is highly resistant to moisture, which makes it an excellent choice for use in humid environments. One of the main advantages of acetal is its rigidity, which makes it easy to process and has high dimensional accuracy. This makes it a popular choice for precision components such as bearings, gears and valves. Due to its excellent mechanical properties and high resistance to environmental factors, acetal is a reliable choice for various industries including automotive, aerospace and consumer goods.
2.Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic is a commonly used material that can be used as an alternative to glass due to its ideal properties. It has good rigidity and optical clarity, allowing it to be used in applications requiring a transparent surface. Acrylic parts offer an attractive and functional alternative to glass, with good optical clarity and a high degree of durability. While acrylic has some limitations, such as its tendency to crack and soften with heat, it remains a popular material for CNC machining due to its versatility and ease of use. Acrylic’s ability to create precision, high-quality components makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Lenses, clear casings, food storage containers, and decorative items are just a few examples.
3.Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) is also a popular choice due to its unique properties. It is highly transparent, making it an ideal material for products that require transparency, such as safety glasses, medical equipment and electronic displays. In addition, it has good heat resistance, making it suitable for use in high-temperature applications. However, its tendency to scratch and its lack of UV resistance limit its use in certain applications. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause it to turn yellow and become brittle. This limits its use in outdoor applications unless it is modified with UV stabilizers.A common use for PC is in the production of safety glasses and face shields, where its impact resistance and clarity make it ideal. PCs are also used in the production of automotive parts, electronic components, and medical equipment.
4.Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a versatile polymer with many advantages, including high chemical resistance and fatigue strength. It is also a medical grade material and produces a smooth surface finish when machined. However, one of its limitations is that it cannot withstand high temperatures as it tends to soften and wear away during cutting, making it somewhat difficult to process. PP continues to be a popular choice for a variety of applications. Its excellent properties make it suitable for manufacturing gears and medical products.
5.ABS
ABS is an extremely cost-effective plastic material that is well suited for CNC machining due to its excellent processability, tensile strength, impact resistance and chemical resistance. Additionally, it can be easily tinted, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics are important. However, ABS is not suitable for use in high-temperature environments and is not biodegradable. Additionally, it produces unpleasant smoke when burned, which can be a problem in CNC shops. ABS is widely used and is often used in 3D printing and injection molding. It is usually post-processed by CNC processing. It is frequently used to create automotive parts and protective casings as well as for rapid prototyping.
6.nylon
Nylon is a versatile material with excellent tensile strength, stiffness and impact resistance. It can be used in a variety of composite forms such as glass fiber reinforced nylon and has excellent surface lubrication capabilities. However, use in humid environments is not recommended. Nylon is particularly suitable for applications where friction needs to be prevented. This includes components such as gears, sliding surfaces, bearings and sprockets. Due to its superior strength and lubrication properties, nylon is a popular choice for many industrial and sports-related products.
7.ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
UHMWPE offers exceptional properties including high hardness, abrasion resistance and durability. However, its thermal instability during processing makes its processing challenging. Despite its difficulty in machining, UHMWPE is an excellent choice for sliding surfaces on bearings, gears and rollers. Its exceptional properties make it ideal for applications requiring high wear resistance and durability. When processed correctly, UHMWPE can provide excellent performance and longer life than other materials.