Building a CNC Prototype: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Preparation for a CNC model

1. Get ready for the 2D drawing and 3D model

For 2D and 3D files, the design can be done via many tools like Illustrator, Rhinoceros, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Sketch-Up, etc.) All files should be scaled to the real size and units requiring

2. Determine the material

Different materials are applied in different industries, it’s important to select the right material for your CNC model. When selecting the material for a given application, there are several factors to consider. Some of the most critical include:

a. Mechanical function or appearance test
The purpose of the products influences the final material used. If some mechanical function is to be realized, the material may need to have better strength. If only for an appearance test, there’ll be more options.
b. Quantity
Quantity is one of the key factors determining the material. A different process is suitable for a different quantity, and different materials will be used during the different processes. Take aluminum, for example, ADC12 is used in die casting, while Al 6061 is used in CNC milling. If the quantity is 2000 pcs, using die casting will be much quicker and saving money, ADC12 will be an option in this situation.
c. Cost
d. Lead time

3. Determine the surface finish

In CNC modeling, various surface finishes are used. Surface finishing refers to the formation of a surface layer with special properties on the product surface of a material by chemical or physical means. Surface finishing improves the appearance, corrosion resistance, hardness, wear resistance, strength, and other properties of a part.
Some common finishes for CNC machined parts could be considered, such as as-machined, anodizing, powder coating, bead blasting, and painting, etc.

Choose a supplier for your CNC model

Concern and think about the below questions before making the decision.
(1) Qualification
A company with qualifications will be more cautious about quality control and customers’ satisfaction.
(2) The length of establishment
The longer the establishment time of the factory, the more experience it has.
(3) Technicians and Equipment
Technical equipment and professional staff are important components of a CNC factory and have an impressive impact on whether the CNC factory can run smoothly.
(4) Does the CNC factory’s expertise match your needs?
Having a supplier specialized in what you need is of many advantages. This will help increase your knowledge, accelerate your product development and make you more professional.
(5) After-sales service
How to treat complaints from customers is a key point in evaluating suppliers. Making mistakes is not terrible, what’s more, the matter is how to deal with the mistake.

Why choosing Wayken prototype for your CNC model