How Does a Prototyping Company Deal With Myths Surrounding CNC Machining?

Prototyping is the very first step towards transforming ideas into value-added products. Designing a prototype needs effective collaboration between experts and teams. With the changing demands of consumers, the development of new, better products becomes inevitable. History is evident; man made marvels like steam engines, airplanes, etc., would be a mere dream without successful prototyping. However, prototyping in the old days was a sluggish, costly, and highly inconvenient process. 

Fast forward to today, seeking the help of a renowned prototyping company can skyrocket the process of prototyping. Moreover, using effectual tools and methods like CNC prototyping designing the desired prototype with accurate dimensions and high quality becomes easy. However, with constant technological development and evolution, preconceived misconceptions are culminating. Rapid prototyping using CNC is no different and is surrounded by some common misconceptions. 

In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the most popular common myths surrounding CNC prototyping.

Prototyping Using CNC Is Fully Automated.

Many people have the notion that CNC machines are fully automated. Thus, developing a prototype using CNC machining requires no manpower and is a fairly simple process. In contrast to this, the truth is the CNC machining process requires a fair bit of supervision. Considering scenarios where-

• The tool might break during the process of rapid machining.
• Constant monitoring is required to ensure the product is never out of position.

Prototyping through CNC machining requires a fair bit of supervision. Besides,  dependency on expert operators and programmers to manufacture the desired product. Although Modern CNC machines employed by a prototyping company have a fail-safe design that halts the process in case of any errors, still the dependency on experts is necessary.

G/M Code has become obsolete in CNC machining.

With the arrival of 3D CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems, many people believe G code and M are obsolete. Contrary to the belief, it is a complete myth. Although CAM has made manufacturing prototypes easier, still the knowledge of G/M codes is vital. In the starting days of CNC, machining operators have to enter lengthy G and M codes to accomplish a particular task. Whether it’s aligning the tool, specifying the feed, or managing the drill cycles, all would require a specific code. 

In contrast, today, with reliability on CAM systems, there’s still the need for G/M code in prototyping using CNC. Even the latest CAM software or visual system produces output in the form of G/M codes. The code can be edited or checked by operators to further optimize efficiency and accuracy. Thus, understanding G/M codes are still crucial to troubleshoot and diagnose any problems during CNC prototyping.

CNC Machining is Expensive for Prototyping.

Experts and a prototyping company employ precision CNC machining to save time and other resources when developing a prototype. CNC machining follows high accuracy to design the prototype with intended precision.

With this level of accuracy, many people fall into believing that CNC machining for prototyping is costly. However, in reality, the process of prototyping through CNC machining is among the most economical options available today for machining parts. The icing on the cake is beside the whole process of CNC machining being inexpensive at the same time. It is a much quicker process than traditional machining. As a result, consumers get precisely machined parts inexpensively and in a short time frame. 

Prototyping using CNC machining limits the design possibilities. 

One of the most common yet absurd myths about CNC machining is that it cannot create parts having complex geometry. There might be no need to demystify this myth. Since witnessing the pace of technological developments, even a child could deduce that machines can do anything. Respectively, CNC machines are no different. 

With the feature of multi-axis machining centers, CNC machining processes can construct the most complex of parts and geometries.  Manufacturing using CNC empowers operators to manipulate the tool’s axes to create a high precision design meeting the desired standards. CNC machining being a subtractive manufacturing process, can develop complicated products without exceeding the manufacturing costs.  

Prototyping Using CNC machining Results in a Long lead Time.

Leaving all the conventional manufacturing processes far behind prototyping using CNC is a much faster process. Needless, to say this myth about CNC machining resulting in long lead time is false.

Operators and experts control machine with minimal manual feedback results in a shorter overall lead time. Without using any antedated equipment and manufacturing process, subtractive manufacturing using CNC could produce high precision parts in a short period.

Consulting a Prototyping company would not be helpful.

A few people have the misconception that seeking help from professionals would be time consuming and expensive. In regards to the myth, partnering with the experts could help fast track the work of prototyping. The following facts answers how consulting professionals can help-

• Access to tools and ease in monitoring the accuracy and progress
• Reduced number of iterations to Fasttrack the machining process
• Without any ‘middleman’ involved, communication becomes simple. 
• Well distribution of bigger projects for timely completion of the work.

Working together on the prototype machining process with the professionals would ensure the final product meeting high standards. Rest assured that the product’s quality and accuracy are met by consulting a company offering expert rapid prototyping services.

In Conclusion

This article has demystified some of the most common myths that follow rapid prototyping using CNC machining. Acknowledging that there is a constant demand for products that are superior in design, function, and value is paramount. Additionally, with progress in technology and growing competition in the market, designing a top-quality product is crucial. Thus, prototyping a product becomes essential to ensure the desired outcome through meeting design constraints. With that being said, prototyping becomes a crucial phase of the product development and optimization phase.

CNC machining is one such great available option nowadays for Rapid Prototyping to save on expenses and at the same time ensure a timely finished prototype. With CNC machines’ ability to replicate even the most complex of designs combined with the experience of professionals, Consumers’ can rest assured that their prototyping requirements are being met.