The benefits of CNC lathe machining of FDM parts

CNC lathe FDM part technology can be used with engineering-grade thermoplastics that can be used in production applications with high demands. FDM is ideal for production parts because the technology offers unparalleled design freedom while enabling durability and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Adding CNC lathe machining to FDM parts enables more precise parts with lightweight yet strong materials.

We have seen the combination of additives and traditional technologies bring considerable value to FDM parts in the following ways:

1. The functions of boring, drilling and reaming can improve the accuracy, process the whole part into a specific size, and the machining of mating features helps to increase the assemblability of the assembly, and the circular machining of inner holes and outer contours;

2. End milling can provide precise, flat and smooth surface;

3. Processing free metal parts for assembly;

4. The precision hole-to-hole precision of thread milling is used for blade installation;

5. Positioning and boring;

6. Surface enhancement and contour processing;

7. Precision machining to strengthen the fixture.

With this CNC lathe machining process, we can achieve positional tolerances of ±0.005' or 0.001'/', whichever is greater. Hole dimensional accuracy is typically ±0.001'. Under the careful supervision of our CNC machining experts, Tighter tolerances can be achieved.

A popular application of CNC lathes for this process is jigs and fixtures. We typically use FDM to manufacture lightweight, ergonomic manufacturing aids, even tailored to the user. Depending on the complexity of the jig or fixture, they may require CNC machining to align bore parts for alignment, milling of smooth surfaces, or machining of complementary metal parts.

Sometimes for our own in-house manufacturing purposes, we create fixtures for parts that need to be machined to ensure accuracy. We can design fixtures and nesting tools to accommodate parts for a variety of processes and materials.

Another application of CNC lathe machining is complementary metal parts or plastic parts where the parts require other materials. These assemblies can be achieved using techniques such as FDM by pausing printing and embedding machined metal or plastic parts into incomplete parts.

The hybrid approach of combining CNC lathe machining with FDM requires specific design considerations:

1. Build with other materials

Additional materials need to be built into the original 3D printed part so that when it is machined, enough layers can be removed to reach the correct size.

2. Pay attention to the tolerance range

When consulting with a project engineer, be sure to pay attention to the critical dimensions that need to be machined. In this way, engineers can design adjustments to optimize the machining configuration, such as increasing certain wall thicknesses or increasing the size of the tool tip.

The value of 3D printing can be fully realized when the design freedom and speed of 3D printing is combined with the cost-effective methods of traditional manufacturing. CNC machining offers customers the ability to take advantage of FDM while maintaining high tolerance requirements.