The Trick to CNC Machining Plastic

CNC Machinist Gives Tips on How to Best Machine Plastic

#cncmachine #machining #engineering

[Klappspaten_TV]

Machining plastic is kinda fun, but when the tolerances are tight, it's an absolute nightmare. If you take just a little more from one side than the other it bends like a fucking banana. Also not all plastic behaves the same. Knowing the difference between POM, PC, PA, PTFE, PMMA, PE etc. and how they behave when milling can make a huge difference.

[BrassBashers]

I had to cut some holes and put counterparts in some soft rubber once, they were rubber steps that got bolted onto a platform. Had to keep them in dry ice until time to cut, and cut them within a few minutes or they would thaw and the rubber would just flap around and actually cut undersize... Fun times!

[Sam]

I machine a lot of Nylon and Kevlar. Fun stuff to cut.

[JS-issb]

Delrin? I machine a lot of delrin, I’ve actually come to like it as a material.

[Laurelinad]

i have to machine a lot of PC and since they give me the programs i have to persuade others to change the speeds and feeds. (i'm a former cabinetmaker just scraped by the introduction of CNC so i try to learn)

[Orakwan]

Milling plastic is one thing. But turning plastic is something else

[danielvanniekerk]

"Next, we'll machine white oak across the grain with a half inch 2-flute straight endmill without breakout or burning the surface." - Titan, probably.

In all seriousness, would love to see wood and wood based products in these precision machines.

[chananielwizman]

Plastic? Inconel baby. Separates the machinist from the toddlers!