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.
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.
Properties and Technical Capabilities in Plastic CNC Milling | Specifications in Plastic CNC Milling |
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Cutting Edge | Clean cut. The edge can and should be additionally deburred. |
Haptics of the Cutting Contour | Deburred edges result in a clean and smooth finish. |
Optics of the Cutting Contour | High-quality appearance, especially due to the high reproducibility of the cut contour enabled by CNC control. |
Max. Material Thickness for Cutting | No upper limit; suitable for thin-walled materials starting from ~0.5 mm wall thickness. |
Maximum Processing Sizes | 3,000 x 2,000 x 560 mm |
Edgeless Cutting | Easily possible. Plastic CNC milling is the only option for edgeless cuts in three-dimensional and more complex contours. |
Adjustable Cutting | Easily achievable in CNC processing. Milling heads can be flexibly swapped during production via tool changer systems with various sizes. |
Contours with Varying Heights | Three-dimensional cut lines are easily possible. |
Cutting Speed in Plastic Milling | Speed 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. |
Durability | Low wear. However, the milling fixture should still be checked for damage after each production run. |
With plastic CNC milling, changes can be implemented quickly by adapting the program and/or the milling head.
Simulation on the CAD/CAM program allows weak points to be proactively identified and solved in an application-oriented manner.
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.
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).
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.