What is Plastic Machining & Fabrication?

Overview

Plastic machining and fabrication refers to the cutting, shaping, and forming of plastic materials to produce parts and products. This process involves using specialised machinery and tools, such as lathes, mills, grinders, and saws, to shape the material to the desired dimensions and tolerances.

Plastic machining and fabrication is a highly accurate and precise process that allows manufacturers to produce parts with very tight tolerances and complex shapes. The process is widely used in the aerospace, medical, and electronics industries and is particularly well-suited for producing small and medium-sized parts.

The volumes produced using plastic machining and fabrication will depend on the application's specific requirements and the size and complexity of the parts being made.

What Products are made using Plastic Machining & Fabrication?

Plastic machining and fabrication can be used to create a wide variety of products, including:

• Plastic parts for industrial machinery
• Automotive parts such as dashboards, consoles, and trim
• Medical equipment components such as housings, fittings, and connectors
• Consumer products like toys, electronic cases, and home appliances
• Signage and display fixtures like store fixtures, display cases, and shelving
• Packaging materials such as trays, boxes, and containers
• Aerospace components such as instrument panels, cockpit components, and interior trim
• Sporting goods and outdoor equipment like kayaks, fishing rods, and water bottles
• Electrical and electronic components like housings, connectors, and enclosures
• Furniture and household items like chairs, tables, and shelves.

What are the Advantages of Plastic Machining & Fabrication?

• Easy to modify: Plastic machined parts can be easily modified if necessary, reducing the time and cost associated with retooling or remanufacturing.
• Lightweight: Plastic fabricated parts are lightweight, making them ideal for applications where weight is a consideration.
• Cost-effective: Plastic machining and fabrication can be a cost-effective option for producing small parts compared to traditional manufacturing methods such as moulding.
• Customisable: Fabrication allows for custom parts production that meets specific requirements, making it ideal for specialised applications.
• Durable: Plastic machining and fabrication can produce durable and long-lasting parts, making them suitable for demanding applications.

What are the Advantages of Rotational Moulding?

• Efficient use of materials: The process allows for efficient use of materials, as only the exact amount needed for the part is used.
• High strength and durability of products: Rotationally moulded products are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• High tolerance for dimensions: The process allows for tight tolerances and precise dimensions, ensuring consistency in the final product.
• Low labour costs: Once the machine is set up, the rotational moulding process requires minimal human intervention, reducing labour costs.
• Low scrap rates: The process is highly efficient, resulting in minimal waste and scrap material, reducing costs.
• Ability to produce hollow parts with uniform wall thickness: Rotational moulding is particularly well-suited for producing hollow parts with uniform wall thickness

What are the Disadvantages of Plastic Machining & Fabrication?

• Sensitive to temperature: Some plastic materials may be sensitive to temperature and can deform or become brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures, affecting the performance and reliability of machined and fabricated parts.
• Surface finish: The surface finish of plastic machined and fabricated parts may not be as smooth as moulded parts, making it less suitable for applications requiring a high-quality finish.
• Fragile: Some plastic materials may be brittle and prone to breakage, affecting the reliability and performance of machined and fabricated parts.
• Time-consuming: Machining and fabrication can be time-consuming, particularly for complex parts and designs.
• Limited size: Plastic machining and fabrication may not be suitable for large parts or components due to the limitations of the equipment and tools used.

Visit here to contact the leading plastic machining and fabrication companies in the UK, they can provide you with advice and quotes for your next project.