Rapid Prototyping with CNC

Advantages

Rapid prototyping with CNC machining offers various advantages, from material selection options to flexibility in modification. Let’s overview some of them in detail.

1. Wide range of working materials

Unlike additive manufacturing approaches like 3D printing, CNC machining is compatible with a wide range of materials. It can work with difficult-to-machine materials. Rapid prototyping With CNC machining provides the flexibility to the developers to choose the materials. It is also easy to understand the performance, economic feasibility, and appearance when made with different raw materials.

Our company offers a wide range of materials for rapid CNC Machining Services, following are some common CNC Machining materials;

CNC Machined Metals

At Prolean, we stand at the forefront of metal prototyping. Our metal rapid prototyping solutions cater to those in need of top-tier quality and precision. From the sleek design of an Aluminum Prototype to the resilience of Brass, Copper, and Titanium, we’ve got an array of choices for you. Our expertise doesn’t end there. For those seeking the dependability of Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Cast Iron, we provide prototype sheet metal parts that are second to none.

Why choose us for custom metal fabrication prototype services?

We combine experience with the latest technology, ensuring every metal prototype meets your exact specifications. Our metal prototype fabrication process is streamlined and efficient, offering metal prototyping services that turn visions into tangible solutions in as little as two to three days.

For businesses and individuals needing prototype sheet metal fabrication or seeking metal prototypes, our team is committed to excellence. We are recognized as one of the leading metal prototype manufacturers in the industry. Every piece, be it metal prototype parts or comprehensive prototype metal fabrication projects, is crafted with attention to detail.

If you’re in the market for **prototype metal parts**, **prototype sheetmetal**, or **rapid prototyping metal** services, look no further. Whether it’s a single **steel prototype** or large-scale **steel prototyping** projects, our commitment is to swiftly bring your ideas to fruition, setting the stage for mass production.

Experience the difference with [Your Company Name] – where your visions are transformed into tangible realities, ready for real-world testing and beyond.

CNC Machined Plastics

ABS

Acrylic

Delrin

Garolite G-10

FR4

Polyethylene (PE)

Nylon

PEEK

Polycarbonate（PC）

Polypropylene(PP)

PPSU（Polyphenylene

Sulfone resins）

PPS (Polyphenylene

Sulfide

PTFE (Teflon）

Polyetherimide (PEI)

PMMA (Acrylic)

PVC

2. Accuracy with prototyping

Since rapid prototyping requires accurate manufacturing, CNC machines can create parts with a high degree of accuracy. Because of the automated production, tight tolerance is easily achievable with each machining operation, such as cutting, drilling, turning, routing, and many more. CNC tolerance of ±4 μm is readily achievable, which is accurate enough for almost every type of part and product.

Digital Instruction to the CNC Machine

If we compare CNC rapid prototyping with conventional approaches, it is far more accurate. It eliminates the risk of human error, and exact parts can be created as uploaded 3D designs.

3. Quick lead time

Because of the automatic production nature, CNC machines create prototypes in a few hours. However, the complete process from design to testing can take a few days.CNC machines reduced manufacturing and assembly time. All the tools and set-up work in a quick manner. Spindle speed, feed rate, and other circumstances do not restrict the production time of the prototype.

It offers a quick lead time and allows developers to test the prototype in a short time. It is highly advantageous to modify in case of any defects. Rapid prototyping is crucial, especially for developers who want to maintain their market advantage and outperform rivals.

4. Cost-effective

Cutting Tool changes are not frequently necessary when developing the prototype with a CNC machine. This phenomenon shortens production time. With the ability to manage resources and quality, the cost of prototyping was reduced significantly. So, it is a cost-effective approach to prototype development.

5. Easy for modification

Since CNC prototyping is a speedy process, it enables engineers to modify the parts and products in a matter of hours in case of flaws or functional deficiencies. Developers can rapidly swipe the models after testing. It simplifies testing and reduces the possibility of error.

6. Easy to change

CNC machines are completely computer-controlled systems that enable quick changes to CNC programs and 3D designs. If you use the concept of continuous improvement, you may quickly adapt and modify your prototype. On the other side, it will cost more to alter and change the prototype using different techniques, such as 3D printing and injection molding. Quick design and program changes save not only money but also time.

7. Outstanding Result

CNC machine offers high-quality manufacturing for a few to hundreds of prototypes. The finished prototypes become functional and high strength. The as-machined surface finish also provides roughness in the range of Ra 3.2 micrometers, which is pretty well compared to other approaches like 3D printing (Ra 15 micrometers).

8. Complex prototypes

Complex prototype of automobile part made with CNC

Prototype with complex geometries is easily created with a range of CNC machining operations, such as milling, drilling, turning, routing, and many more. It also offers precision in complex parts because of the automated production.

Disadvantages

There are only two major disadvantageous of CNC machining on rapid prototyping, Material wastage & restriction for some complex geometries.

1. Material wastage

As a subtractive manufacturing method, CNC machining produces parts by removing materials from the workpiece. The material gets wasted during the removal process in the form of chips. In essence, you require more material than you will ultimately use.

2. Challenging for complex geometries

With CNC machining, some hidden geometries can be challenging to produce as the tool goes from top to bottom. Compared to CNC machining, other production techniques like 3D printing may make it easier to create complicated shapes.

Is CNC machining best for Rapid Prototyping?

Yes, CNC machining is best for Rapid Prototyping. Prototypes show how the final product will behave and provide a visual picture. Before mass manufacturing, it is a valid scientific approach to confirm the product’s original requirements. It allows the identification of failure points and offers areas for improvement. Additionally, prototypes are utilized to direct the R&D process or show investors the results. The importance of prototyping in the product development process makes it crucial to adopt cutting-edge manufacturing technology that enables high-end precision.

If you believe that 3D printing is mainly used for rapid prototyping, your idea may not be accurate, you can check “CNC machining vs. 3D printing” for the difference. For rapid prototyping, developers prefer CNC machining over 3D printing. CNC machining provides a variety of material choices, making it simple to choose the one that best matches the desired characteristics and properties. Accuracy is another factor, the CNC machining approach offers accuracy and an excellent as-machined surface finish. However, 3D printing might be more appropriate for smaller plastic products.