Custom Injection Molding Since 1965

Process

Value-Added

Machining by Aline Components Custom Plastic Injection Molding Company

Machining is often necessary in manufacturing processes at plastic injection molding companies and Aline Components is no exception. We offer machining as a value-added feature in addition to our core competency in custom plastic injection molding. Typically our injection-molded plastic parts or components do not require any machining operations apart from removal of sprues and flash. If plastic machining is necessary, we provide this service at a nominal fee.
Before plastic machining begins, we consider…
  • Heat conductivity
  • Thermal expansion coefficient
  • Internal stresses

When machining plastics, it is important to consider that the heat conductivity of these materials is only one hundredth to one thousandth of that of metals. Plastics tend to lose heat more slowly than metals and in order to avoid local melting and gumming, we machine plastics with a high cutting speed, a low feed rate, and sharp, well polished tools.

Plastics typically have a high thermal expansion coefficient, up to 10 times greater that that of metals. At Aline Components, we take this into consideration prior to machining and measure the dimensions of machined plastic parts or components after they have cooled. During machining, internal stresses can develop in the plastic part or component. In critical cases, we may consider annealing to prevent environmental stress cracking.

Machining by Aline Components Custom Plastic Injection Molding Company
Aline's Precision Plastic Machining Process

Aline Components knows what fixtures, tool materials, angles, speeds, and feed rates to employ in precision plastic machining to obtain optimum results. We use standard high-speed steel tools or carbide tools, which are generally used for machining metals; as well as tools specially designed for plastics. Each tool type has its own set of unique benefits, however, tools designed for plastics allow higher production rates and better chip removal capabilities. Carbide tipped tools and diamond tools offer a longer tool life and are ideally suited for filled polymers. To minimize frictional heating our cutting tools have a generous back clearance.

Although we may utilize metal machining tools, we tend to avoid using cutting oils and cooling liquids found in the metal industry as they may not be chemically compatible with plastics and also must be removed afterwards. In our precision plastic machining processes, we use a forced air stream for cooling. When more intensive cooling is needed, a water spray mist or a water-soluble cooling liquid is used. To prevent clogging, we utilize adequate chip clearance. Additionally, to restrict deflection away from the cutting tool, our equipment is designed to properly support the material during machining operations.

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