The creation of a prototype is not new. It has been a part of producing a variety of products for centuries. A simple clay mold once sufficed to provide the basis for all components or items following it. Today, while technology muscles in on this aspect of manufacturing, prototype machining services still continue to produce the initial functional rendering of a 3D component or product.
CNC Machining
When it comes to prototypes, one of the most common means of creating one is through CNC machining. It is also ideal for low production runs of this initial prototype. Why? The answer is simple. CNC machining offers several advantages over other methods. It
* Allows machinists to choose from a variety of materials – including various metals and diverse plastics
* Has a wide range of speeds to draw upon and utilize
* Offers a great deal of versatility – particularly when paired with multi-axis machinery
* Offers great accuracy and precision for all specified dimensions
* Produces a prototype with superior mechanical properties
Unless certain conditions prevail, prototype machining services are the better choice.
Beyond the Prototype
Machine shops realize the production of a prototype does not mark the end of a project. Typically, if it successfully produces an accurate, functional prototype for a customer, the probability of the machine shop receiving a contract for the production work and runs increases. In most cases, an accurate, precise, functional and highly reliable prototype means the machine shop can take the prototype to the next stage. This is the production of the prototype.
Prototype Machining Services: The Start of a Working Relationship
A lot can ride on a shop producing a successful prototype. Machinists realize this and work hard to ensure they are able to provide the customer with something that embraces their design while achieving high levels of functionality. While other methods are available to create this prototype, machining services utilizing CNC are the most popular, reliable and cost-effective.
