Plastic Processing Technology CNC and 3D printing

CNC and 3D printing are the two common processing methods in plastic processing technology, especially for small batch processing of plastic parts. In order to understand these two technologies in more detail, SUN-YEE TECH would like to introduce these two technologies to you. For more information, please feel free to contact us!

CNC Plastic Processing Technology

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process. It utilizes a subtractive process to gradually cut a block of plastic to the desired shape and accuracy. Depending on the plastic material, design complexity, and accuracy requirements, parts are typically machined using 3, 4, or 5 axis CNC machines. The more axes the process has, the more tools and cutting surfaces it is allowed to run and move, the faster the part will be machined and the more accurate it will be.

3-Axis CNC Machines:

Produce the most common parts that do not require multiple rotations and are typically for drilling holes, milling slots, or machining prefabricated edges.

Four-axis CNC machines:

allow the tool to access the other side of the part for cutting, milling slots, and other cuts.

5-Axis CNC Machines:

Capable of producing the highest precision parts and provide multiple rotations to access all sides of the part. Intricate detail and fine accuracy can achieve through 360 degree cutting. 5-axis cutting is widely in the aerospace, medical, automotive and industrial industries.

3D Printing Technology

Contrary to CNC, 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process. Based on CAD files, various uniquely shaped prototypes or bulk parts manufactured by sintering powders. Commonly used forms of plastic 3D printing include SLS and SLA.

SLS 3D Printing:

utilizes a laser to fuse powdered materials into a part, and the entire printing process does not require additional support materials. It is suitable for moving parts or functional parts in hand boards.

SLA 3D Printing:

uses UV light to cure photosensitive polymers layer by layer to create objects. Suitable for demo prototypes, concept prototypes, or transparent/translucent prototypes.