About cnc machining and injection molding, these two in the process of dealing with a lot of differences, but in practice these two in the rapid prototyping applications are very wide, but in technology, production efficiency, accuracy of the differences exist, the principle of work is not quite the same, today we are from a number of aspects to explain it!
Introduction to CNC machining
First of all, cnc machining, because it is through the CNC machine to work, its principle is also very simple, generally use the tool to cut off the excess material, and gradually form the shape we need, through this way, you can make very precise parts, in addition to our general processing of steel materials, but also can be used to process plastics, alloy metals, as well as some special materials.
Advantages of cnc machining
Can process the vast majority of materials, processing a wide range of parts can be processed quickly.
Suitable for small quantities of complex products. The efficiency is very fast.
Processing accuracy in various industries are second to none, the difference in 0.005mm.
Disadvantages of cnc machining
If it is a large batch production of the same relatively simple product, the cost will be high and not suitable.
CNC processing is a cutting method, the utilization of plastic materials is small, not as good as injection molding a pressure is the prototype of the product.
Introduction to injection molding
Injection molding in modern times is also an extremely important process, but also has many areas of application, to the product of high efficiency, high volume advantage and popular, in the plastics industry is a dozen industry boss. The basic principle is to melt thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics into a molten plastic melt using an injection molding machine, and then inject the melt into a closed mold cavity through high pressure, after cooling and curing, open the mold and take out the molded plastic products.
Advantages of injection molding
Unlike cnc processing, injection molding is capable of processing large quantities.
If the mold is properly maintained, the mold can be recycled many times with little time cost.
The ability to mold plastic into one finished product at a time.
Difference between CNC machining and injection molding
| Standard | cnc machining | Injection molding |
| Accuracy | (Tolerance) ±0.01 - ±0.05mm | Between (Tolerance) ±0.1 - ±0.5mm |
| Surface quality | (surface roughness) Ra0.8 - Ra3.2μm | (surface roughness) Ra0.8 - Ra6.3μm |
| Materials |
Suitable for a wide range of metallic and non-metallic materials
(Aluminum, stainless steel, copper, plastics, wood, etc.)
|
Thermoplastic materials
(Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC))
|
| Production efficiency | Single-piece or small-lot production Except for time-consuming molds | production efficiency is higher when the same product is produced in large quantities. |
| Parts Good | Good at making complex shaped parts | Injection molding is still generally dominated by plastic shells, toys, and daily necessities |
The above is to talk about the difference between cnc processing and injection molding products, are listed one by one with a chart, the two in the quality, precision, production, materials, scope of the existence of the obvious differences, according to your own needs, choose the corresponding processing technology.
Similarities between CNC machining and injection molding
In terms of precision and automation are relatively high, cnc is CNC programming, calculator operation, injection molding is equivalent to die casting, except that the mold is relatively difficult to manufacture, but there are molds, the efficiency of the work is very fast. Secondly, the application of the two industries are very wide, and can make the appearance of precision craft products.
Combined with the above, both processes have their own advantages and scope of application, according to the different requirements of the product to choose the right process for production. In practical application, understanding and mastering the similarities between these two processes will help to better utilize their advantages and improve production efficiency and product quality. If you also have this type of demand, you can get a quote in time, contact us to submit design drawings or write your demand, we will reply and quote in time within three days.