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CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.
Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity
Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | < 10 days |
| Wall Thickness | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.125mm (±0.005″) |
| Max Part Size | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
| Ultimate tensile strength (MPa) | 60 - 72.4 |
|---|---|
| Yield strength (MPa) | 59- 70 |
| Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) (GPa) | 2 - 2.44 |
| Elongation at break(%) | 50 - 120 |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | 120 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.25 |
| UV Resistance | Fair |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature(°C) | 101 - 144 |
| Thermal expansion coefficent (10^-6/°C) | 120 - 137 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/(m⋅°C)) | 0.189 - 0.218 |
| Electrostatic Discharge(ESD) Safety | No |
| Common applications | Machine guards, Safety shields |
Clarwe provides a wide range ofsurface finishes through its poly carbonate machining service, designed to elevate the quality of each machined component. Each finish is specifically chosen to improve both the mechanical characteristics and the visual appeal of the poly carbonate parts.
Polycarbonate is a strong, transparent thermoplastic material known for its high impact resistance and excellent optical clarity, making it a preferred choice in various applications, including optical lenses, safety gear, and electrical components. InCNC machining service, polycarbonate can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped with high precision using standard CNC equipment such as routers, mills, and lathes. Polycarbonate’s strength and rigidity make it suitable for producing tough and durable components, while its clarity allows it to be used in applications where transparency is required, such as lenses and protective covers.
When machining polycarbonate, operators must be mindful of the material’s tendency to warp or crack when exposed to excessive heat. CNC processes should be conducted with controlled feed rates and cutting speeds to prevent overheating, which can cause material degradation or poor surface finish. Cooling techniques such as air cooling or misting are often employed to maintain the integrity of the material during machining. Polycarbonate’s ability to maintain high performance under both low and high-stress conditions makes it an ideal material for industries such as automotive, electronics, and safety equipment.
CNC machining of polycarbonate involves various processes such as cutting, milling, drilling, and turning, which are suitable for producing precise and functional parts. In cutting, polycarbonate sheets are typically cut into the desired dimensions using CNC routers or saws. CNC Milling operations are frequently used to create more complex features, such as grooves, contours, or holes. Because polycarbonate is relatively soft compared to metals, sharp tools and moderate feed rates should be used to avoid surface damage or cracking.CNC Turning can also be used to produce cylindrical parts like discs or rings, where polycarbonate's strength and transparency are beneficial.
Drilling is another common CNC process for polycarbonate, used to create accurate holes for assembly or fastening purposes. When drilling, it's important to use sharp bits and to monitor the speed and feed rates to ensure clean holes without causing stress cracks. Due to polycarbonate’s tendency to soften under heat, it's critical to use proper cooling techniques such as air or mist cooling during machining to prevent material deformation. With the correct machining parameters, polycarbonate can be processed into high-precision, durable components that meet the specific needs of various applications.
Post-processing of polycarbonate is important to enhance its surface quality and functionality after CNC machining. One of the primary post-processing methods is sanding, which is done to smooth out any rough edges or surface imperfections left by the machining process. Sanding is typically performed with progressively finer grits of sandpaper to achieve a smooth, polished surface. For applications requiring clarity and smoothness, polishing is often performed to restore or enhance the material’s optical transparency and reduce surface scratches. Polishing can be achieved using fine abrasives or specialized polishing compounds designed for polycarbonate.
In addition to sanding and polishing, polycarbonate parts may need to be assembled or bonded. Polycarbonate can be joined using adhesives specifically designed for plastics, or through mechanical fastening methods such as screws or bolts. Laser cutting may also be used as a post-processing step for detailed cuts or edges, especially when high precision is required. These post-processing methods ensure that the final polycarbonate components meet both functional and aesthetic requirements, making them suitable for use in industries such as electronics, automotive, and safety equipment.
High Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate is highly resistant to impact, making CNC machined parts durable and ideal for applications where strength is crucial.
Optical Clarity: CNC machining polycarbonate results in transparent parts with excellent optical properties, making it suitable for applications requiring visibility, such as lenses and covers.
Precision Machining: CNC machining ensures high precision, enabling the production of complex shapes and detailed features with tight tolerances.
Lightweight: Polycarbonate is lightweight, reducing the overall weight of components without sacrificing strength, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications.
Thermal Stability: CNC machined polycarbonate maintains stability over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for applications exposed to heat fluctuations.
Ease of Machinability: Polycarbonate is relatively easy to machine, enabling cost-effective production of high-quality components with standard CNC equipment.
Good Electrical Insulation: It has excellent electrical insulating properties, making it ideal for electrical and electronic components.
UV Resistance: CNC machined polycarbonate can be treated to resist UV radiation, ensuring durability in outdoor applications exposed to sunlight.
Automotive Parts:Used for headlights, dashboards, and transparent covers in vehicles, where both strength and transparency are required.
Optical Lenses: CNC machined polycarbonate is used to produce lenses for eyewear, safety goggles, and optical devices due to its clarity and impact resistance.
Electronic Enclosures: CNC machined polycarbonate is commonly used in the enclosures of electrical components, offering durability and electrical insulation.
Protective Covers: Used for protective coverings in industrial and consumer products, such as machine guards and outdoor equipment.
Aerospace Components: CNC machined polycarbonate is used in aircraft canopies, windows, and other aerospace parts due to its strength and optical properties.
Medical Devices: Utilized in medical instruments and devices like IV shields, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
Safety Equipment: CNC machined polycarbonate is used in the production of helmets, face shields, and protective eyewear, offering both impact resistance and optical clarity.
Construction and Architecture: Applied in architectural glazing, roofing, and windows, where transparency, impact resistance, and insulation are important.
Polycarbonate is more impact-resistant and durable than acrylic, making it less likely to crack or break under stress. However, acrylic offers better optical clarity and is more scratch-resistant. While polycarbonate performs better in high-impact situations, acrylic is preferred for applications where clarity and scratch resistance are essential.
Machine-grade polycarbonate is a high-performance, durable plastic specifically designed for machining and fabrication processes. It offers excellent impact resistance, high dimensional stability and optical clarity. Unlike standard polycarbonate, machine-grade polycarbonate is formulated to withstand the mechanical stresses of CNC machining, making it ideal for precision parts and components in industrial applications.
Yes, polycarbonate is suitable for optical components after CNC machining due to its excellent optical clarity and impact resistance. However, to achieve optimal optical performance, precise machining and post-processing, such as polishing and coating, are required to eliminate surface imperfections. Careful handling during the machining process is essential to maintain transparency and prevent damage, such as cracking or scratching.