Axis Routing Services
At The Plastic Works, we are experts in vacuum forming. However, beyond this niche, we also have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to services and processes involving plastic fabrication and assembly using solvent bonding and ultrasonic welding. Today we’re going to focus on our routing services, used as part of our production process. Connected to this, we will be looking at the use of CNC machines, and how this relates in terms of trimming plastic products and the different types of axis routing available.
What are CNC Machines?
A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine is able to perform complex production tasks, with absolute accuracy and uniformity, continually. The axis router machine has revolutionised various production processes across all manufacturing industries. Simply by programming the precise trim required into the computer and saving it, it is possible to accurately trim the parts not just this time, but every time you produce them.
What is 3 Axis CNC Routing?
There are two types of axis CNC routing available from Plastic Works. The first is 3 axis CNC trimming (flatbed routing), which is perfect for machining flat sheet where no jig is required. The trim paths are determined by reading DXF technical drawings following the outlines of the profile sketch and using them as the cutting paths.
What is 5 Axis CNC Routing?
Whilst other companies may use the 3 axis CNC router, at Plastic Works we are able to offer 5 axis CNC routing as well. Whereas the 3 axis CNC router uses only three planes of movement, able move left to right, front to back and up and down, a 5 axis CNC router can trim on any face of a product, from any angle allowing access to more areas of the model. Moving through two additional planes, it can trim on any face of a three-dimensional shape.
What does this mean in terms of manufacturing plastic products or packaging?
CNC trimming allows us to A 5 axis CNC router allows accurate repeatability when it comes to trimming plastic products. Being a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, it offers more versatility and enabling far more complex trimming than ever before. The most precise detail can be replicated with uniformity and accuracy. These machines are computer-controlled, so once the program has been created to the desired trim, it is saved so that all the user needs to do is put the formed part on the jig and press “go”. The programs are stored and backed up for the next time we need to produce the parts.
Contact Us
If you are looking for a 3 axis CNC routing services, or 5 axis routing services, then look no further. For more information about our axis routing services, please get in touch with the team by completing our online contact form, or by emailing us at theplasticworks@btconnect.com. Alternatively, you can call us on 01909 726 666 in order to speak to a member of our team directly. We will be happy to help you with any queries you may have for us.
