...

Aerospace

Provide efficient production and faster design to delivery.

Automotive

Produce precision parts that exceed industry standards.

Automation

Create and test products quickly to bring them to market.

Consumer Products

Bring new, affordable products to market faster.

Communication

Empower to innovate faster, maximizing performance.

Electronics

Innovation in enclosures for low-volume production.

Industrial Equipment

Deliver machinery that beats the competition.

New Energy

Speed up innovation and development.

Medical Devices

Build prototypes and products that adhere to medical safety.

Robotics

Improve efficiency with precise, fast, and constant part quality.

Semiconductor

Drive time-to-market through on-demand production.

CNC Machining for Aerospace

The extremely high level of precision needed within the aerospace industry makes CNC machining a suitable manufacturing process for the sector.

 

This article provides you with a complete guide to aerospace machining and its importance.

 

Blog

Gain valuable insights into manufacturing processes.

News

Company news, platform updates, holiday announcement.

eBooks

Improve manufacturing know-how with our eBooks collection.

Case Studies

Learn successful stories to inspire your project.

Surface Finishes

Select from 30+ surface finishing options.

Materials

Choose from 50+ metals and plastics for your project.

CNC Machining eBook

If you want to produce high-quality machined parts with a sleek appearance, it’s essential to consider some critical factors related to CNC machining. 

 

Here, we’ve gathered some basic information and important considerations to help you achieve the desired results.

About RapidDirect

Our vision, mission, development history, and dedicated team.

Our Platform

Get instant quotes with our smart online platform.

Quality Assurance

Deliver quality parts that meet requirements and exceed expectations.

Contact Us

Instant Quote for Sheet Metal Fabrication and New Homepage

Exciting news from RapidDirect!  We’ve rolled out two exciting updates to enhance your manufacturing journey. 

  • Instant Quote for Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • A brand-new Homepage Experience

CNC Prototype Machining: Everything You Need to Know

what is cnc machining

Published:  May 6, 2022         Reading Time:  About 3 minutes

CNC prototype machining is an excellent choice as it could make little amounts of a prototype in a relatively short time compared to other methods.

There are different kinds of prototypes that can be easily made from CNC prototype machining. For example, appearance prototypes can convey visual information about how the final part will look or behave. However, functional prototypes require higher tolerance and focus more on the product structure and stability.

This article will be introducing the application of CNC machined prototype and its pros & cons. Read on!

Applications of CNC Machined Prototypes

CNC prototype machining has applications in almost all the industries precision machining works in. In most of these industries, they always need a functional prototype or at least a version that can show how the real product works. A CNC machining prototype fits the bill the most.

Most times, machined tooling is often preferable for these functional prototypes requiring strength, mechanical stability or other characteristics not afforded by additive processes, hence its use in these industries.

Medical Industry

Medicine is rapidly evolving with the need arising for new equipment. However, most of the time, these medical companies will need to see a prototype. This can assure the product can actually work for the function intended. Since its deals with life, there’s little space for error and the prototype has to be an exact and functional replica of the finished product.

CNC prototype is responsible for making this equipment. Examples of such include orthotic devices, safe enclosures, Implants, MRI machines, research equipment, etc. Here is an article about the application of CNC machining application in the medical industry.

Automotive Industry

With automobile companies coming up with new innovations, they need to develop prototypes before adding them to the manufacturing line. Just like the medical industry too, they need to test out these prototypes to see if they’ll function and fit well into the car before mass production.

CNC machining is responsible for developing automotive prototypes to exact specifications. CNC prototyping also makes parts for other means of transport like shipping vessels, transport trucks and many more.

CNC prototype for automotives

Aerospace Industry

Since one small mistake could cause drag in some parts of the aircraft or increase the wear of some parts, the aerospace industry is one that allows no error. This is why they need prototypes in this type of industry most time. This will help test for the functionality of the part before it is used in an actual aircraft. CNC prototype machining process is responsible for making many components in this industry, such as landing gear ports, bushings, manifolds, airfoils, etc. Learn how CNC machining is used in the aerospace industry.

Military and Defense Industry

CNC prototyping service also has a lot of use in this industry. With most the ammunition and war vehicles made requiring quite complex contraptions to make them work, the need for prototypes is necessary. CNC machining prototypes are perfect candidates for this. Examples of devices made for this industry include plane parts, transportation components, communication components, ammunition, etc.

Advantages of CNC Machining for Prototypes

Cost-effective

CNC machining is the best option in terms of price point if you need to make just a few prototypes. Unlike the injection molding method, where you might need a few months to get the mold and tolerances ready, CNC prototype machining could start immediately once the blueprint and the tolerances are set just after a few weeks.

High Tolerance

Another advantage that helps speed up the production of prototypes is the high tolerance ranges they tend to have. Unlike 3D printing, you can make your prototype just as detailed as the finished product. This is a great advantage for those who want to use the prototypes for structural and functional tests.

CNC prototyping machining

From Prototype to Production

In quite a few cases, making the prototype is one of the latter degrees of production. Except for those who want to test the functionality of the product or use the prototype to pitch the product to a potential investor, the prototype helps to fasten up production as most of the requirements needed for production are ready at this point.

Great similarity to the product

Unlike 3D-printed prototypes, CNC machining prototypes tend to have quite a lot of similarities to the product. Since machining centers are fully capable of producing end-use parts as well as prototypes, it is possible to create prototypes that are close to the end product.

Part of this is down to materials. Many engineering metals are highly machinable, which allows engineers to make prototypes from the same (or similar) materials they will use for the final part. But the quality of the process itself is also a factor: machined parts are strong and do not exhibit weakness along certain axes like printed parts. In contrast, the machining process itself can even replicate other processes like sheet metal forming.

Need CNC machining service for prototyping? RapidDirect has focused on rapid prototyping and custom parts production for nearly 2 decades, we are confident in providing cost-effective CNC machining services from China. Upload your design files and get a quotation in minutes.

Try RapidDirect Now!

Disadvantages of CNC Machining for Prototypes

More expensive than 3D printing

Unlike 3D printouts requiring less human supervision and power supply, CNC prototype machining could cost a lot for some small startups. Also, the workpieces/raw materials that CNC prototyping works on are quite expensive contrary to the simple printing materials like PLP that 3D printing uses.

This is one of the main reasons why engineers may choose alternative prototyping processes, even if they intend to use machining for their final parts. Development can be a drain on resources, and it is understandable if businesses need to cut every expense during the (early) prototyping stage.

Environmental Unfriendly

The fact that this is a subtractive process makes it quite the waste generator. Most of the time, a large percentage of the workpiece is removed to form the product. Most of those removed parts become chipped metals or plastics which cannot be for any other purpose. They, therefore, have to be disposed of.

CNC prototyping waste

Using CNC prototype machining processes can incur higher material costs due to increased material usage and wastage. However, chips can often be recycled, so the environmental impact of the process does not have to be severe. (Selling recyclable waste material can also help to recoup some material costs.)

RapidDirect: The Precision CNC Prototype Machining Service You Need

At RapidDirect, we bring your CAD blueprints to life in the best way you could ever hope for.  We guarantee strong manufacturing capabilities with our wide array of engineering experience and approach. Our 3,4, 5-axis CNC machines and a wide range of auxiliaries make us capable of your CNC designs, be it custom prototypes of as little as one or making parts taking up to months of production.

At RapidDirect, you do not have to wait for ages to get your quotation. Once you upload your CAD file on our platform, you get the online quotation and automated DFM feedback.

Apart from all these features, our prices also stand out from the pack. With a 30% lower price than the average you’ll find anywhere, we help you save costs on production at RapidDirect. Just as stated in our certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS standards, we supply you with finished parts of the highest quality made with advanced CNC technology.

Conclusion

CNC prototype machining is one of the best ways to make your prototypes due to its relatively faster method and quicker cycle times. Also, it has some similarities to the final product compared to methods like 3D printing. Contact us at RapidDirect to know if CNC machined prototype is the best process for your project.

whitepaper cnc machining 1

Ultimate Guide to CNC Machining

Looking to create quality machined parts with an aesthetic appeal? Our comprehensive guide to CNC machining has got you covered! We cover all the basics, design considerations, materials, surface finishes, and costs associated with CNC machining.

Don’t settle for less – take your machining game to the next level and download our guide today!

FAQs

Is CNC prototype machining the best option for prototyping?

Choosing machined tooling for your work largely depends on a few factors like the material for the job, how structurally sound you want the prototype to be, and a few more. If you however want a prototype that is quite sturdy, CNC prototype machining is one of the best options.

Which is cheaper: CNC machined prototypes or injection molding prototypes?

Since prototypes are mostly not required in large quantities, CNC machine prototypes are the cheaper option as you have to spend a large amount on making the mold.

Share This Post
Subscribe Our Newsletter

    Recent Blog Posts

    injection molding side action design
    Injection Molding

    Using Injection Molding Side Action for Design Optimization

    In today's fast-paced global market, mold design must adapt to current industrial needs and realities. With products having shorter lifespans,...
    Read More
    steel anodizing finish
    Surface Finish

    Can Steel Be Anodized? Exploring Process, Benefits and Alternatives

    Metals are strong and have a lustrous appearance, which makes them ideal for daily use applications. However, their surfaces are...
    Read More
    welding metal part
    Sheet Metal Fabrication

    A Guide to the Most Common Types of Welding Joints

    Welding joints' importance in part manufacturing centers on their impact on the final part's quality, strength, and durability. An appropriate...
    Read More
    Try RapidDirect
    now, for free