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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.

 

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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.

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Polycarbonate (PC) Injection Molding Service

Durable, custom PC molded prototypes and production parts, delivered in as little as 5 days. Get expert design support and competitive pricing, with a wide range of materials and finishes.

pc injection molding plastics
what is pc injection molding plastics

Polycarbonate in Injection Molding

Polycarbonate (PC) is a highly durable and transparent thermoplastic that is increasingly favored in injection molding due to its outstanding mechanical properties and optical clarity. One of the key advantages of polycarbonate is its exceptional impact resistance, making it an ideal choice for applications where durability is paramount. This resilience ensures that molded parts can withstand tough conditions without compromising performance.

Additionally, polycarbonate’s transparency is another significant benefit. This characteristic is particularly valuable in applications that require clear visibility, such as in safety goggles, light covers, and other optical components. The material’s optical clarity, combined with its dimensional stability, allows for precise and consistent manufacturing, ensuring that components maintain their intended shape and performance over time.

Price:$$
Available PC at RapidDirect:Flame Retardant Transparent PC, Food Grade PC-Transparent, PC Black, PC Transparent, PC White, PC Yellowish White, PC+GF30 Black
Lead Time:< 5 days
Wall Thickness:1mm
Tolerances:ISO2768-C
Max Part Size:300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm

Plastic Polycarbonate Properties

PropertiesValue
Density1.2 g/cm³
Tensile Strength55 to 75 MPa
Flexural Strength93 MPa
Impact StrengthVery high
Thermal Conductivity0.19-0.22 W/(m·K)
Melting Point130°C at 1.82 MPa
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion65 x 10^-6 /°C
TransparencyUp to 90% light transmission
Chemical ResistanceResistant to weak acids and bases
UV ResistancePoor without additives

Pros and Cons of Polycarbonate Injection Molding

PC plastic offers many benefits that make it suitable for injection molding. However, there are some of its downsides to consider before choosing it for any project. 

Pros

  1. High impact resistance and durability.
  2. Optical clarity and transparency.
  3. Excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance.
  4. Versatile material suitable for complex geometries.

Cons

  1. Susceptible to scratches and abrasions.
  2. UV resistance may require additives.
  3. Requires careful mold design and processing due to high melt viscosity.

Applications of Polycarbonate Injection Molded Parts

Injection molded PC parts are widely used across various industries, including: 

  1. Automotive: Headlamp lenses, interior components.
  2. Electronics: Display panels, lenses, connectors.
  3. Medical: Transparent housings, surgical instruments.
  4. Consumer Goods: Safety goggles, protective covers.
  5. Aerospace: Interior components, aircraft windows.
applications of pc injection molding plastics

FAQs

Processing polycarbonate (PC) for injection molding can present challenges such as high melt viscosity, which makes it difficult to fill molds with intricate details. This can lead to potential defects like flow marks or incomplete filling.
PC also tends to absorb moisture, necessitating proper drying before molding to prevent hydrolysis and degradation of mechanical properties. Additionally, the PC is sensitive to notches and sharp corners, which can act as stress concentrators and cause cracking.
Effective mold design, precise control of molding parameters, and the use of appropriate additives are essential to mitigate these challenges and achieve high-quality parts.

When designing molds for polycarbonate (PC) injection molding, several key factors must be considered to ensure successful production. First, the mold should have proper venting to avoid air traps and ensure complete filling. The gate design and location are crucial to minimize flow marks and weld lines. Cooling channels must be strategically placed to maintain uniform cooling and reduce cycle times. The mold surface should be smooth to enhance the appearance of transparent PC parts. Additionally, shrinkage rates of PCs need to be accounted for in the mold dimensions.

Polycarbonate (PC) injection molding can achieve tight tolerances, typically ranging from ± 0.1 mm to ± 0.5 mm, depending on part geometry and size. The ability to maintain these tolerances is influenced by factors such as mold design, material flow characteristics, and processing conditions. High-precision molds with accurate cavity dimensions and proper venting are essential. Consistent molding parameters, including temperature, pressure, and cooling rates, help maintain dimensional accuracy.

Yes, Polycarbonate parts are suitable for various post-processing treatments, including painting, metallization, and coating applications. These processes enhance aesthetics, improve durability, and impart specific functional properties to meet diverse industry requirements.

Polycarbonate demonstrates compatibility with overmolding processes, allowing it to be combined with other materials to create hybrid parts with enhanced functionalities. Overmolding PC with elastomers or rigid plastics enables designers to achieve complex geometries, integrate soft-touch features, or improve structural integrity where needed, expanding application possibilities across industries.

Polycarbonate parts are available in a wide range of colors, including transparent, translucent, and opaque options. Common finishes for PC parts include glossy, matte, and textured surfaces, catering to aesthetic preferences and functional requirements in various applications.

CNC Machining Resources

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