Advantages of CNC Machining Prototyping

There are many reasons why companies can use CNC machining to produce prototypes, including production speed, part quality, material selection, and similarity to the final part.

One of the biggest advantages of CNC machining is the 'CNC' components. Because CNC machining is a digital process that creates a part from a computer file, engineers know that the machined prototype will closely match the digital 3D design, and the same digital design can later be used to create a final part with the same dimensions. The degree of repeatability is particularly high.

Additionally, using digital 3D designs enables quick and precise changes. If the machined prototype exhibits physical defects due to poor design, the engineer can go back to the CAD software to make appropriate changes to the next prototype. Different versions can be compared side-by-side, and even simulation software can be used to pre-test how parts will perform in the real world.

Computers aren't perfect, but a computer-controlled machine tends to behave exactly as expected - unless it malfunctions. While many prototyping processes rely on human skills (and are therefore susceptible to human error), CNC machines follow their instructions, only to within a fraction of a millimeter.

Importantly, they can also do it over and over. While a business may only build one prototype, if needed, a CNC machining machine can run the same job a second time with minimal deviation from the first. This is useful for developing new iterations of prototypes and moving to production using the same machine. (The manual process is very important, but it is easier to ensure consistency with automated machines.)

If the prototype has no mechanical purpose, it may be suitable for 3D printing, although it is not known to produce high-strength parts - but at very low cost and can be done in a very short time. However, for most 3D printing processes, the material options are narrower than when machining.

CNC machining not only provides a wide range of compatible materials, but also some extremely strong and durable materials, including a variety of metals. It is also possible to 3D print with metals, but not with low-cost FDM printers.