After approving your team’s product design, you’ll need to find a reputable company to make a prototype. Don’t settle on just any company. Instead, choose one that offers CNC rapid prototyping and other fabrication services. That way, you can use one trusted source for all aspects of your prototypes.

In addition, select a supplier that offers multiple types of CNC machines. That will expand your project options, because you won’t have to source different parts to different manufacturers. By utilizing the services of a single CNC machining rapid prototype manufacturer, you can receive a prototype that represents all aspects of your creative design.

Unique Types of CNC Machines

A leading prototype supplier will select the appropriate machine based specifically on the CNC machining rapid prototypes required. Here are some of the most commonly used machines with a brief explanation of the task performed.

Driller

As the name implies, this CNC machine drills holes and shapes in work material according to the predetermined length and diameter. Some of the original CNC machines were this design, allowing either computer or human control of the drilling operations.

Lathe

In this case, a lathe uses various cutting tools to create cylindrical parts. Decorative dining room table legs are a perfect example, but the use for a lathe extends far beyond furniture making. For CNC rapid prototyping, almost any plastic or metal can be turned and cut on a lathe to get the exact shape and dimensions required.

Mill

Most people think of a mill when they think CNC machine, and a CNC machining rapid prototype manufacturer is likely to have at least one of them. The mill is incredibly versatile. Starting with a block of material, the mill can use different cutting tools to create the external shape of the part as well as making holes, grooves, shapes, pockets, and other features. The versatility comes from the fact that the platform holding the part moves and the cutting tools can be positioned in multiple orientations, allowing milling in 3, 4, and even 5 axes (directions of cutting). This permits even complex geometries, like engine blocks and throttle bodies, to be achieved with minimal down time to reposition the part.

Router

Companies that provide CNC rapid prototyping services typically use a router when shapes and design features are only needed on the perimeter of a relatively flat part. The router works by using a spinning cutting bit that is fixed in position to cut shapes in sheet materials.

Plasma Cutter

Plasma cutters are another alternative to cutting shapes from flat materials. Instead of a sharp bit, as seen with other machines used for CNC machining rapid prototypes, this cutter relies on a plasma torch. It works particularly well with metals. The main benefit is the speed with which a plasma cutter can complete a detailed design compared to other CNC options.

Key Benefits of Hiring the Right CNC Machining Rapid Prototype Manufacturer

Beyond the benefits mentioned, there are additional reasons to hire an experienced company to help with your prototyping needs.

  • Precision – When precision is the top goal, CNC machining is hard to beat. Even the high tolerances required by the aerospace and military industries can be met when well qualified operators and programmers are involved.
  • Faster Turnaround – A leading CNC rapid prototyping manufacturer can ensure a quick turnaround because of the number of machines available to them. Whether you fell behind schedule due to other pending projects or you’re dealing with an impatient investor, a supplier that is customer-focused can help you meet your timing needs.
  • Flexibility – A trusted source for CNC machining rapid prototypes will provide you with the flexibility to get your design made with the support required to achieve your results. Want to try a different material? Check. Need the first sample for a meeting next week? Check. Have a design that requires multiple components that must fit together and look great? Check.

Allow Us to Help

The entire team at Globaltech Ventures does everything possible to ensure 100 percent customer satisfaction. For your next prototype, allow us to help.