Advantages of Multi-Axis CNC Machining for Precision Plastic Components
Multi-axis CNC machining is a quick, efficient, and precise way to accurately produce plastic parts with tight tolerances and complex geometries to meet your industry requirements.
Types of Multi-Axis CNC Machining
Multi-axis machining is any CNC machining process that uses four or more axes to produce precision parts. While some CNC machines can have up to twelve unique axes in varying planes, the most common setups use three, four, or five axes to achieve precision shapes for plastic parts.
More axes generally lead to final plastic components with greater precision and accuracy, but they can also drive up the price. Most productions can achieve the required tolerances and specifications using 5-axis CNC machining. 5-axis CNC machining is a popular option as it balances cost and quality, satisfying your project’s budget and performance requirements.
What are the Advantages of Multi-Axis Machining for Plastic Parts?
Multi-axis machining for plastic components adds many advantages to your production compared to traditional CNC milling or CNC turning. While all CNC machining delivers exacting results, multi-axis machining adds a few additional benefits.
Produces Parts with Complex Geometries
Multi-axis machining for plastic components completes highly complex 3D shapes through the additional movements of the multiple axes. This CNC machining process quickly, accurately, and reliably produces complicated shapes that contain arcs, angles, and other features. Additionally, repositioning is not required to achieve these shapes as multi-axis CNC machines can create features on multiple planes of your workpiece with a single fixture.
Extreme Accuracy & Precision
As multi-axis CNC machining produces complex parts in a single setup, the number of processes and necessary machines are significantly reduced, raising the overall geometrical accuracy of your final plastic part. Further accuracy is achieved by lowering the risk of human error, as machinists do not need to reposition and adjust workpieces during production.
Improved Surface Finishes
Most multi-axis CNC machines feature a shorter cutting tool designed to reduce vibrations while moving at high speeds, producing better surface finishes than other CNC machining methods. Surface finish quality is critical for successful operations and the aesthetic appeal of the final product. After machining, components can be further improved through various post-machining processes.
Efficient Operations Make the Most of Your Resources
Multi-axis CNC machining for precision plastic components not only produces high-quality parts to meet your specifications, but it also can benefit your business by reducing timelines and saving resources. Multi-axis machining offers:
- Minimal setup for faster turnarounds
- Efficient operations to complete machining processes quickly and without delay
- Lower worker requirements to result in lower labor costs
- Reduced scrap and material waste to make the most of your resources
- Repeatable processes to lower the risk of errors or mistakes
Upland Fab Provides Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining for Plastic Components
The best way to take advantage of the benefits of multi-axis CNC machining for precision plastic parts is to work with an experienced machine shop like Upland Fab. Our 5-axis machining capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment allow us to work with precision plastics and challenging composites, including honeycomb structures, to match the needs of your order.
Whether you’re looking for plastic parts for aerospace assemblies, thermoplastic components for defense applications, or plastic parts for any other industry, the expert machinists at Upland Fab are at your disposal. Our engineers are ready to discuss your requirements and determine the best CNC machining method for your unique production.
Discover the Upland Edge
Contact us to learn how we can support your low-volume production through precision multi-axis machining for plastic parts. Request a quote to get started.
