Machined parts-CNC complex and precision plastic parts

Machined parts refer to components manufactured through subtractive manufacturing processes, where material is removed from a workpiece using cutting tools. This process is ideal for precision components with complex geometries that require high accuracy.

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Primary Operations

Grinding

Achieves fine surface finishes and tight tolerances with abrasive wheels (e.g., surface grinders).

EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)

Cuts conductive materials using electrical sparks (ideal for hard metals or intricate shapes).

Turning

Removes material via a rotating workpiece and fixed cutting tool (e.g., lathes for cylindrical parts).

Milling

Uses rotating cutters to remove material from a stationary workpiece (e.g., milling machines for slots, contours).

Drilling

Creates holes using drill bits (e.g., drill presses or CNC machining centers).

Key Equipment

Conventional machines (lathes, mills, drill presses).

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines for automated, high-precision work.

Machining centers (combine multiple operations in one setup).

Grinding machines and EDM systems for specialized tasks.

Comparison with Injection Molding

Machined Parts

Quantity & Cost:

⦁ Suited for low-volume production (1-1000 parts).
⦁ High per-unit cost due to labor and machine time, but low tooling costs (no mold needed).

Dimensional Tolerance:

⦁ Achieves extremely tight tolerances (e.g., ±0.01 mm) via precision machining (e.g., grinding, EDM).
⦁ Tolerance depends on machine accuracy and operator skill.

Surface Finish & Appearance:

⦁ Surface finish varies (e.g., tool marks from milling, smooth finish from grinding).
⦁ Post-processing (polishing, plating) often needed for aesthetic parts.

Injection Molding

Quantity & Cost:

⦁ Optimized for high-volume production (10,000+ parts).
⦁ High initial mold cost, but low per-unit cost at scale.

Dimensional Tolerance:

⦁ Tolerance typically ±0.1-0.5 mm, affected by material shrinkage (e.g., thermoplastics) and mold wear.
⦁ Consistent tolerances for identical parts once mold is validated.

Surface Finish & Appearance:

⦁ Can achieve smooth, uniform surfaces or textured finishes (e.g., leather grain, matte) directly from the mold.
⦁ Minimal post-processing required for most applications.

In summary, machined parts excel in low-volume, high-precision scenarios with complex geometries, while injection molding dominates high-volume production for cost efficiency and consistent quality. Machining offers greater design flexibility for one-off or small-batch parts, whereas injection molding prioritizes repeatability and scale.