Definitive material and a degree of precision not yet reachable by most of the rapid additive prototyping machines. The prototypes obtained from the solid can be subjected to certification , tests in the wind tunnel, functional tests or chemicals .
Subtractive machining is undoubtedly one of the oldest methods of processing material available to man, thanks to it, humankind created some of the greatest wonders ever seen. This ancient method is still used by industry in many contexts because it guarantees use of the final material and a degree of precision and tolerance still unattainable in most rapid prototyping machines.
The list of workable materials is almost unlimited, being possible to mill plates of ABS, Ureol, POM, PA, PMMA and metals such as brass, aluminium, steel and titanium to build a single prototype or a small series. Often the advantage of creating a single prototype by CNC machining lies in possibility of subjecting the work-piece to certification, wind tunnel and functional testing faster than the final injection moulded parts and thus of accelerating the product’s entry to the market.. In many other cases, the part produced is assembled directly on the finished product or on the production lines, especially where it is impossible to replace with new resin pieces obtained by additive manufacturing.
The costs of processing and management of individual parts still remain higher than in additive technologies for two main reasons: the necessary intervention of an operator in generating the form and machining the piece and the waste material produced, which is due to the very nature of the process of subtraction rather than addition.
In many industries, especially automotive and metalworking, CNC machining is the main production technology used because these markets needs products that are well performing under stress. Parts made by CNC machining can undergo surface treatments such as anodizing, painting and polishing depending on the particular raw material chosen.
What materials can you work?
We can work both metallic and plastic materials, such as aluminium, steel, brass, copper, iron, nylon, nylon + 30% fibreglass, Pom, Peek, Ureol (various densities from 45 to 65) and others.
In what format should I send the files?
For a proper assessment of the production of parts with rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing and CNC technology, a 3D file is required. You can send files in various formats: -.stp, -.iges, -.x_t, -.model, -.sat, -.prt, -.par or native SolidWorks, Catia V5 (r15) or Cimatron -.step. In some cases, for CNC machining, for example, a 2D drawing may be enough, though this can only be confirmed by our technical department on quotation. Once the order has been made, for all machining operations the 3D files will be used. The 2D files will only be used to check dimensional tolerances. In case of any discrepancy between the 2D and 3D files, Coesum will use the 3D files in its possession.
Is there a minimum number of pieces that I have to order?
No, it often happens that only one piece is required to be processed by CNC, whether as a prototype or final product.
Can I make objects of any shape and thickness?
The only limits of this technology regard irreproducible undercuts and some interior sharp corners and angles. We are happy to provide an assessment based on your file.
What degree of accuracy can be guaranteed?
Our CNC machines can guarantee a maximum precision of ± 0.05mm.
Can the objects be painted?
Yes, the objects can be painted by us or by external specialists for a specific quality finish.
How big can the objects made with this technology be?
Our machines can work with a maximum volume of 800 x 600 x 500 mm. Anything exceeding these dimensions must be worked repeatedly.