When choosing a prototype machining for hoe or industrial set up, two main things that take center stage in importance are the type and budget. Nonetheless, when you are making different products to sell to consumers, CNC Machining Material Selection is just as important. Below is an overview consideration of different materials you can choose for the best results.
Define Your Prototype Machining Material Requirement
Before deciding on the various rapid prototyping techniques that you will use in the production process, it’s essential to define your material requirements. Ideally, though the CNC machine can work with several materials, the materials you choose is based on your products and your designs. Consider specific elements like malleability and sturdiness of material to ensure you choose what works best for you and your budget.
Consider Suitable Prototype Machining Material Alternatives
Having defined the material requirement, consider specific materials to use in the production process. As expected, a particular material will rank higher than the rest. Unfortunately, unforeseen occurrence does happen; hence, you should consider other alternatives rather than deciding on a single material. Having a wide selection to use gives you greater flexibility in the production process thus eliminating downtime due to lack of raw material.
Narrow Down On Specific Prototype Machining Material To Use
With the list of materials in hand, the next logical step when choosing rapid prototyping machines for sale is selecting the most appropriate material to use. A determining factor in selecting material that provides the most functionality. Conduct an in-depth analysis of your list and choose one that offers minimum production cost. Overall, to keep the price low, choose readily available materials.
Popular Prototype Machining Material Available In The Market
To help you choose the best prototype machining material to use its essential to consider the material properties that affect the rapid prototyping techniques in software engineering
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most common metal used in CNC production. It’s corrosion-resistant and can withstand temperatures of 400°C. It’s easily malleable and readily available hence used in automotive, health care medical equipment, and household electronics.
Cold Rolled Steel
Considerably stronger than most metals, the coiled rolled steel has medium machinability. As expected, it’s slightly more expensive. due to its strength, it has uses in machinery parts, aircraft fittings, and construction
rapid prototyping software
Stainless Steel
The hardness of the stainless steel makes it highly resistant to numerous chemicals, high temperature of up to 500°C and is corrosion-resistant. As it has good machinability and is quite inexpensive, it has uses in automotive, surgical healthcare equipment, chemical processing, food industry, and marine applications.
Inconel
The Inconel is an exotic alloy that has high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. Its medium strength gives it moderately machinability. As it’s relatively expensive, it has uses in automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics.
Copper
With the highest electric and thermal conductivity in the list, copper is a metal that has uses in consumer electronic products in automotive in the use of heat exchange and cooling systems. Additionally, it’s highly corrosive resistant but has low chemical resistance, especially to acids like ammonia and sulfides.
PVC
As expected, plastic is the most used element in CNC machine production. Its physical properties include high strength, chemical, corrosion, and temperature resistant. It has high machinability and is relatively inexpensive hence use in various industries like the food industry, healthcare, automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace
Conclusion
As seen above, considering the product you want to produce will act as a guide in the kind of materials you will use. It’s essential to deliberate on more than one prototype machining material that you will use as an alternative to cover your bases. Overall, take your time and conduct comprehensive market research to ensure that the materials will give you the best results at low production cost.
