Separating

Plastic CNC milling for Deep-drawn Parts

Three-dimensional cuts | Openings and recesses | Complex geometries in plastic CNC milling

Kunststoff CNC-Fräsen_Nachbearbeitung Trennverfahren

Plastic CNC Milling: 5-axis CNC Milling Machines

Cuts in complex dimensions can often only be realized with CNC plastic milling and a detailed milling line. After the forming process, the thermoformed part is clamped onto a milling device and trimmed with a multi-jointed robot arm. Thanks to the electronic CNC control system, several cuts can be made in succession. In addition, recesses and slots in various sizes and contours can be created during plastic CNC milling using tool changers, as well as three-dimensional cutting lines.

What is plastic CNC milling?

CNC stands for Computerized Numerical Control.

In plastic CNC milling, the milling machine is controlled by a computer, which enables particularly accurate and consistently precise CNC machining. Automation makes the milling process more precise and faster than would be possible with manual human labor.

Cutting speed for plastic CNC milling

In most cases, the focus of plastic CNC machining is on fast and clean cutting speeds.

This must not slow down the overall process during plastic CNC milling and still not cause any damage to the parting line of the molded part. Most modern production facilities use 5-axis CNC milling machines. The programming of the CNC milling machine is controlled by a CAD/CAM system, which is created individually for each new product.


 

Which plastic is suitable for milling?

Compared to metals, plastic offers a number of advantages for plastic CNC milling, including lower weight, chemical resistance and good sliding properties.

There are many typical plastics that are well suited to CNC milling

  • PVC CNC milling
  • ABS CNC milling
  • PE CNC milling
  • PP CNC milling
  • PS CNC milling
  • PET CNC milling
  • PMMA (acrylic glass)) CNC milling

What are the advantages of plastic CNC milling?

Compared to alternative materials such as metal, thermoplastics have a large number of advantages for plastic CNC milling.

Due to the lower density of plastics, the material is lighter and has improved sliding properties as well as higher chemical resistance. When machining plastics, especially during CNC milling, it is important to take certain aspects into account in order to maintain the material quality. When milling or machining plastic, the heat generated is dissipated via the chip. This is necessary because conventional plastics have significantly lower thermal conductivity compared to metals. 

Plastic CNC milling: properties and possibilities

Properties and Technical Capabilities in Plastic CNC MillingSpecifications in Plastic CNC Milling
Cutting EdgeClean cut. The edge can and should be additionally deburred.
Haptics of the Cutting ContourDeburred edges result in a clean and smooth finish.
Optics of the Cutting ContourHigh-quality appearance, especially due to the high reproducibility of the cut contour enabled by CNC control.
Max. Material Thickness for CuttingNo upper limit; suitable for thin-walled materials starting from ~0.5 mm wall thickness.
Maximum Processing Sizes3,000 x 2,000 x 560 mm
Edgeless CuttingEasily possible. Plastic CNC milling is the only option for edgeless cuts in three-dimensional and more complex contours.
Adjustable CuttingEasily achievable in CNC processing. Milling heads can be flexibly swapped during production via tool changer systems with various sizes.
Contours with Varying HeightsThree-dimensional cut lines are easily possible.
Cutting Speed in Plastic MillingSpeed selection also depends on the type of material. Impact-resistant plastics can generally be milled at higher speeds of up to 10 m/min.
Risk of Deformations (Burring or Hair-like Residue)Very low risk if the workpiece is correctly clamped and the milling head and speed are appropriately chosen.
DurabilityLow wear. However, the milling fixture should still be checked for damage after each production run.

Further Advantages of Plastic CNC Milling

Haken_Icon

Dynamic development opportunities

With plastic CNC milling, changes can be implemented quickly by adapting the program and/or the milling head.

Haken_Icon

Early simulation

Simulation on the CAD/CAM program allows weak points to be proactively identified and solved in an application-oriented manner.

Haken_Icon

Complex trimming

Milling plastic is the only option for complex cuts. Three-dimensional cuts, cut-outs and slots for ventilation openings can only be achieved using a CNC milling machine.

Haken_Icon

Low cutting tool costs

CNC milling costs: The program and device for the CNC milling machine are cheaper than a punching tool (even if the processing step itself is longer/more expensive).

Other Cutting Processes besides Plastic CNC Milling

Would you like to know what other cutting processes are available for plastic thermoforming in addition to CNC milling? We provide you with all the necessary information on other processes - such as steel rule cutting and shear cutting, which are part of the punching process.

Plastic CNC Milling. With formary.

Receive your non-binding quote for CNC milling post-processing today.

Don't miss any important tips and news about thermoformed parts.

By submitting your registration, you accept the privacy policy and will receive an email to confirm your subscription.