CNC machining of plastics has become a vital process in manufacturing because it gives exact and resourceful solutions for working on plastic materials. The main objective of this manual is to provide all-inclusive knowledge about CNC machining with plastics, which includes selecting appropriate equipment, materials, and methods, among others. By highlighting the complex relationship between machine ability and material properties, this paper becomes useful to engineers, designers, and manufacturers who want to improve their production processes. This handbook can be used by beginners who are just starting or professionals looking for more advanced tips; in any case, it will give you enough information when deciding on your next project involving CNC machining with plastics.
What is CNC Plastic Machining?
Understanding CNC Machines for Plastics
Plastic CNC machines are very intelligent. They do this by using computer programming to automate the process of machining. The equipment does this by controlling the tools that cut plastic materials very precisely so as to take shape into what is desired. Different types of CNCs like milling machines, lathes, and routers, among others, have been designed specifically for use with plastics, whereby they come with their own unique features such as spindles and tooling that can handle these materials considering their properties too. Among the things one should look out for when choosing a plastic working CNC include rigidity or stiffness of the machine structure itself, spindle speed & feed rate as well as type/sizes, etc., and cutting tools used – all having great impacts on both product quality after machining has been completed and also efficiency during production runs. These parameters help manufacturers select proper machines for their plastic machining needs based on understanding them properly.
Types of Plastics Used in CNC Machining
CNC plastic machining involves a wide range of plastics, all with different characteristics that determine their appropriateness for various uses. There are many types of plastics used in CNC machining; some examples include polymers and combinations of metals and plastics.
- Acrylic (PMMA): Acrylic is known for being optically clear and its resistance against ultraviolet radiation. For this reason, it finds numerous applications where transparency is required such as displays or signage systems.
- Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate possesses excellent toughness and high impact resistance. Therefore, it can withstand severe environmental conditions, making it ideal for protective gear or automotive parts that might be exposed to rough handling situations.
- Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylenes are chemically inert materials, which make them useful when packaging chemicals that need to be stored safely without the risk of corroding their containers. It is commonly used in packaging and containers due to its durability and chemical resistance. Two common types are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
- Polypropylene (PP): Being light in weight but strong on moisture resistance gives polypropylene an edge over other types of plastic materials particularly those applied in manufacturing consumer goods like toys among others where there may occur contact between wet surfaces such as bathroom floors etcetera Also widely used for automotive components because it resists dampness absorption very well.
- Nylon (PA): Nylon boasts impressive wear-resistance properties together with low friction ability, which makes nylon parts last longer than most other materials under similar working conditions bearing loads against each other thereby reducing replacement frequency and hence lowering costs involved In addition, Nylon is an insulator ensures safety electrical environments On this account nylon gears or bearings can handle heavy mechanical stresses thereby making them suitable candidates for use during precision CNC machining processes.
- PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride): This flexible material has good chemical resistivity hence applicable in plumbing systems where corrosive fluids pass through it without causing any damage It is also used widely for electrical insulation purposes in wiring cables during construction works among other applications.
Each type of plastic has its own peculiarities regarding machining; hence, manufacturers must have a clear understanding of these properties so that they can optimize their machining methods accordingly, achieving the desired results.
Typical Applications of CNC Machined Plastic Parts
There are so many different industries that use CNC machinist plastics because they can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some examples.
- Medical Devices – Housings for diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, and implants all frequently rely on CNC machined plastic parts. In this field it is important that these pieces are biocompatible as well as accurate to the nearest millimeter.
- Aerospace Industry – The aerospace industry needs lightweight but strong materials like plastic composites or fiberglass reinforced with polymers that have been shaped by computer numerical control (CNC) machining methods. Examples include brackets; housings; or ducting elements which contribute towards fuel efficiency while not sacrificing performance overall.
- Consumer Electronics Industry – Enclosures, connectors; or other intricate components used within consumer electronics devices often require them being made out of cnc machinable thermoplastics such as ABS or polycarbonate. The ability to achieve high levels of precision is necessary for these parts because they need to fit together perfectly every time otherwise the device may not function correctly.
As can be seen from these examples where cnc machine plastics were applied into various sectors, it becomes apparent how much product design and development can benefit from using cnc machines for plastics processing during the manufacturing stage too.
How to Choose the Right Plastic for CNC Machining?
Material Selection: Finding the Best Plastic for Your Project
Picking the best CNC machining plastic is important to achieve the highest level of performance and cost-efficiency. Here are some of the most important things that you should take into account according to top industry sources:
- Mechanical Properties: You need to assess what kind of strength, stiffness or impact resistance your application requires. For instance, materials like ABS have a great toughness while polycarbonate offers good impact resistance.
- Thermal Stability: Determine your product’s operating temperature range. High-performance plastics such as PEEK or PTFE can retain their properties even at high temperatures, making them suitable for heat-resistant applications.
- Chemical Resistance: Consider all environmental conditions in which your part will be used, including chemicals and moisture exposure. Nylon works well in wet environments whereas polypropylene boasts strong chemical resistance properties.
- Tolerance Requirements: Decide on how precise do your components need to be made? Acrylics may allow for high tolerance levels necessary when dealing with intricate designs and close fits.
- Cost And Availability: Finally, think about budget limitations as well as material availability concerns. PVCs or PETGs may be cheaper and more commonly found; therefore, they might work better for many applications.
The systematic evaluation of these criteria will help you choose a plastic that suits both project needs, thus providing final products with performance and durability.
High-Performance Plastics: When to Use Them
High-performance plastics are best suited to applications that require mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties that are beyond those of ordinary plastics; they are, therefore, often used as CNC machining materials. They work especially well in situations where environmental factors such as high temperature, aggressive chemicals or strong mechanical forces prevail. PEEK is commonly employed in the aerospace and automotive industry because it has excellent dimensional stability coupled with high resistance to heat on the other hand, PTFE is selected for its exceptional non-sticking capabilities as well as chemical inertness, thus making it ideal for use in demanding chemical processing, environments. In conclusion, higher performance should be considered when more than what can be achieved by conventional materials is required for durability and reliability in critical applications.
Comparing Nylon, Acrylic, and Delrin for CNC Machining
The exclusive benefits of Nylon, Acrylic, and Delrin as materials for CNC machining can be used as a criteria for evaluation.
- Nylon: It is recognized for its strength and flexibility. Hence the perfect material choice when it comes to making parts with good wearing qualities and impact resistance. It does not lose these even when temperatures are changed so it can be used in gears among other things that experience high levels of friction. However being able to take up moisture might turn out bad in some situations because this changes dimensionality stability.
- Acrylic: It has clarity as one of its properties, together with aesthetic value attached to such characteristic feature(s) too. Parts made from acrylic can have high optical transparency, hence widely applicable where visibility is required, like sign boards or display cases. When compared to Delrin or Nylon, this material tends to be brittle, although easy machinability makes up for that disadvantage since polishing will give an almost clear finish; thus, decorative components may still look good using it.
- Delrin: Commonly known as the acetal trade name, Delrin is basically what you get if we combine features found in nylon against those given by acrylics. Mechanical strength plus low coefficient of friction coupled with wear resistance are just but a few among many great attributes associated with this wonderful substance apart from being stiffer than nylons themselves. This, therefore, makes it ideal, especially during precision CNC operations where dimensional steadiness must be maintained over long periods while still ensuring durability at all times, even under extreme conditions such as producing gears/ bearings, etc.
This means that people should consider their needs based on the mechanical properties they want the machine part(s) produced through CNC processes to exhibit outwardly or internally alongside beauty concerns surrounding them, including the nature of the environment surrounding those particular objects, which will finally settle the debate between nylon, acrylic and delrin options during cnc machining exercises on account of all these facts about them together.
What are the Key Steps in the CNC Plastic Machining Process?
Setting Up the CNC Machine
To guarantee accuracy and efficiency in machining, a number of critical steps have to be followed when setting up a CNC machine. The first step is the selection of proper tooling and fixtures for the particular plastic material that is being worked on. This involves choosing cutting tools that are meant for plastics so as to minimize melting and deformation during processing. Then, calibration of the machine must be done to the desired specifications, which include checking axes alignment as well as ensuring that cutting speed and feed rates are optimal for a given type of plastic.
When calibration has been completed, use clamps or other appropriate fasteners to securely hold down the workpiece onto the working surface, thereby preventing it from moving during the machining processes. After this has been done, input part of the program into the CNC controller, making sure all parameters are correctly set so as not to make mistakes while running machines. Finally, before any actual material removal begins, conducting dry runs without cutting helps in identifying potential issues, thus allowing us to deal with them early enough. Such an elaborate setup procedure ensures the production of quality machined components.
Choosing the Right Cutting Tools
To achieve the best performance and quality of final products in CNC plastic machining, it is vital to choose the right cutting tools. The material, geometry as well as coating of tools are important factors during the process of machining. Generally speaking, high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide are usually used widely as tool materials. Carbide which is known for its hardness and resistance to wear can be used to process hard plastics and achieve smooth finishes at the same time. According to what we know about cutting tool geometry, like rake angle and flute design, they should match different types of polymers that need to be machined. For example, bigger rake angles on a tool make it easier for us to cut through soft plastics by decreasing forces applied when cutting them down too fast. Moreover, When dealing with abrasive plastic materials during processing them using coated tools such as those having titanium nitride (TiN) coatings will help reduce frictional forces between workpiece surface coated-tool interface thus enhancing life expectancy of these tools significantly. Ultimately, better choices made regarding cutters used can lead to faster operations while still maintaining good surface finish quality in CNC plastic machining processes
Maintaining Tight Tolerances and Dimensional Stability
The manufacture of components that fulfill rigorous specifications demands achieving narrow tolerances and ensuring dimensional stability in CNC plastic machining. Precise machining techniques need to be combined with strict process controls in order to keep up with these two factors. It is important therefore to establish the foundation on accurate standards which are attained by using high-quality machine tools that have been calibrated; any error from this may result into an accuracy problem. There should be a regular checkup done for machines because even slight wear can affect their performance.
One can make fast adjustments whenever necessary by use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) which are sophisticated measurement equipment capable of monitoring part dimensions in real-time during machining operations. Another thing that needs to be considered is controlling environmental conditions like temperature and humidity as they play big roles in reducing material expansion or contraction hence preserving dimensional integrity also selecting materials having predictable behavior under machining conditions improves overall stability too thus my sentence may contain similar words with the original one but it still has its own meaning too if you look at them carefully enough. All along these lines manufacturers will always achieve higher quality and reliability by ensuring that desired tolerances are met consistently when making cnc plastics machined parts.
Why Choose CNC Plastic Machining Over Other Methods?
Benefits of CNC Machining for Plastic Parts
CNC machining has become a popular choice among manufacturers for many reasons. To begin with, it guarantees high precision and uniformity; every part is made according to the exact specifications with little or no deviation. Such consistency matters most in industries where quality and dependability are highly valued such as aerospace or medical applications.
Additionally, CNC machines are adaptable because they can work on different types of plastics including but not limited to acrylics, polycarbonates and nylons which all can be modified for specific uses. This flexibility enables producers to come up with complicated shapes and intricate designs that may pose challenges when using traditional methods of machining.
Finally, this method is time-saving as well as cost-effective, especially during large-scale productions, since it shortens lead periods while cutting down expenses on labor-related costs involved in repetitive tasks like drilling holes through bulk materials. The fact that a computer numerical control system operates automatically reduces mistakes caused by humans, thereby increasing efficiency throughout production cycles hence maximizing output per unit of time without lowering standards, thus making it preferable to any other solution available currently across various sectors involving the manufacture of plastic items in bulk quantities.
Comparing CNC Machining to Injection Molding
When comparing CNC machining and injection molding, there are several significant variations to consider. CNC machining is exceptional at making items with high precision for small or medium runs, that is why it is fast and suitable for prototyping or custom parts. On the other hand, injection molding becomes cost-effective when producing high volumes of products. Therefore it allows manufacturing large quantities of identical parts within a short time because setup costs are spread out over many units.
Additionally, among the benefits of CNC machining is the low upfront investment in tooling, which can favor flexibility or design changes required by some projects. Injection moulding requires molds, which are expensive to make and take much time, thereby limiting alterations in design once they have been produced.
As far as material options go, CNC machining works well with a wide array of plastics compared to other methods, such as thermoplastics, where precision may not be achieved, especially on complex geometries during injection molding, but it still gives better finishes and closer tolerances overall than any method available.
In summary, choosing between these two methods, i.e., using CNC machines or going with injection moulding, depends upon three things: the production volume needed, the level of accuracy desired, and the application intended for plastic components.
Cost Efficiency and Production Speed
When deciding whether to use CNC machining or injection molding for manufacturing plastic parts, cost-effectiveness and speed of production need to be considered. The former usually has lower initial costs as it doesn’t need custom molds made, making it suitable for projects with variable designs or limited production runs. Being able to make things quickly and without much setup time can save a lot of money, especially in prototyping and low-volume production situations.
On the flip side, once the setup is complete, injection molding becomes more advantageous with volume. This is because the higher quantities amortize the initial costs over more parts. After that stage, it is possible for injection molding to achieve very high rates of output where thousands of identical components can be mass-produced within a short period. Therefore while CNC machining offers flexibility and fast iterations, injection molding provides savings on costs as well as efficiency in large-scale production where design stability is guaranteed. Ultimately, what determines which method one should go for are specific demands in terms of production, such as volume required and level of complexity desired in design, among other budget constraints.
What are common issues, and how can they be avoided in CNC plastic machining?
Dealing with Surface Finish and Polishing
Precision CNC machining methods are inevitable in ensuring perfect finish surfaces in CNC plastic machining. This is because achieving a good surface finish is important for the beauty and functionality of the final product. Some common problems include uneven surfaces, and machining marks, among others like micro burrs. To counteract these difficulties, there are several ways namely:
1.Tool Selection: It is important to select appropriate cutting tools, those made from quality materials and having sharp edges, to minimize the chances of surface imperfections. For example, when dealing with soft plastics, one can use High-Speed Steel (HSS) tools, which may be enough, but for hard materials, it would be advisable to go for carbide-tipped ones since they are more durable and provide better finishes.
2. Machining Parameters: Altering certain parameters like feed rates, spindle speeds, and cutting speeds greatly affects the final appearance of a finished part; hence, this cannot be ignored during operation on any machine tool used for plastic machining by means of CNC. Normally, slowing down the feed rate while increasing spindle speed gives smoother surfaces, while lighter cuts reduce stress on the workpiece, thereby giving a fine or super smooth finish – the best option ever.
3. Post-Processing Techniques: After completion, such processes involve sanding, polishing, or even vapor smoothing, among many others, which can greatly improve upon what has already been achieved through cutting alone, thus making it more attractive visually as well as tactilely. For instance, when sanding starts with smaller abrasive grit sizes, progressively moving up towards finer ones usually yields the best outcome but if possible, all should be employed together, starting from the coarsest grit size (biggest) and finishing with the finest grit size (smallest); alternatively, vapor smoothing could be employed where applicable, especially when dealing with bulky parts having deep features cut into them using large diameter end mills otherwise known as wide-area face milling cutters.
These approaches enable producers to overcome various surface finishing issues encountered during their production process while working on plastic components through numerical control systems, ensuring that they meet design requirements and quality benchmarks simultaneously.
Ensuring Chemical and Wear Resistance
To make certain that chemical and wear resistant plastic parts are produced after CNC machining, there are many things that one must take into account. The first thing to consider is choosing the right kind of plastic material; materials like Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) have been known for their exceptional chemical resistance as well as durability under extreme conditions. Additionally, it would be good to include surface treatments which can then act as barriers against aggressive chemicals while also reducing erosion with time. It may also help to use a computer numerically controlled machine when depositing these coatings so as to increase accuracy levels.
Secondly, accurate machining parameters are key to maintaining material integrity. This can be achieved by using the appropriate speeds and feeds during the machining process, which helps in minimizing the affected zone, hence reducing the chances of compromising its chemical resistance ability. Last but not least, an important point is conducting extensive tests on different materials under different environments so that you can know what exactly works best for your application, thus leading to more reliable finished products over long periods of service life . These considerations will enable manufacturers to meet stringent requirements for chemical and wear resistance properties in materials machined using Computer Numerical Control systems.
Overcoming Dimensional Instability and Warping
The truth is that CNC-machined plastic parts are prone to dimensional instability and warping, which can greatly affect their accuracy and functionality. The makers can solve this problem in several ways. Initially, it is important for them to maintain controlled machining environments because plastics tend to expand or contract when exposed to temperature changes, and humidity levels also fluctuate with time. Such risks may be reduced if only climate-controlled facilities were used.
Secondly, the correct selection of materials should not be taken lightly; those having low coefficients of thermal expansion need to be chosen if possible, but some examples include acetal or nylon, among others, since they have been found effective in minimizing such alterations during service or even while still being worked on. Additionally, components must be designed so that features can cater to any potential warping; hence, increasing wall thicknesses would do better than thin ones, and supports should be strategically positioned too.
Finally, one may apply stress-relieving methods after finishing with the machine, like annealing, to minimize internal stresses within the material, thereby reducing the chances of distortion due to heat. These practices will enable manufacturers to improve dimensional stability when working on CNC machines made from plastics, thus producing more accurate, high-quality parts.
What are the Top CNC Machines for Plastic Machining?
Review of Popular CNC Mills and Lathes for Plastics
When it comes to plastics CNC, a few machines are notable for precision, flexibility, and dependability. These are the top sources at present:
- HaAS VF Series: HaAS VF Series CNC mills are known for sturdy build quality and advanced control features which enable them to perform high speed machining with great programmability. The machines have strong spindles and can accommodate various tools thus suitable for delicate plastic parts.
- The Tormach PCNC 440 is an excellent choice for CNC plastic machining. It is an entry-level CNC mill that offers superior user-friendliness and affordability in plastic machining. Its dual 4th-axis capability ensures accurate cuts on plastics, making it versatile for different applications. This makes it ideal for small shops and prototyping, too.
- Mazak Quick Turn Series: These lathes have been designed specifically for turning operations where efficiency matters most, especially when dealing with round-shaped components made of plastic materials during their manufacturing process. In addition to being able to run at high speeds without experiencing many downtimes due to breakdowns or need of repairs thereby ensuring continuous productivity within such environments – they would also work well as service providers involved in large scale volume production runs using plastics as raw materials – thus making them an excellent choice among other competing brands within the market offering similar services related to cnc machines used for specific purposes like these ones.
These CNC machines are designed with complex functions that meet the unique requirements of plastic machining, thus equipping manufacturers with the necessary resources to deliver quality components.
Key Features to Look for in a CNC Plastic Machine
During the selection process of a CNC machine for plastic machining, there are a few key points that should be taken into consideration so as to ensure that it performs optimally and efficiently:
- Spindle Speed and Power: A high spindle speed is necessary when using a CNC lathe to work on plastics because it allows for finer finishes and more accurate cuts. The machines with variable speeds can also adapt to different types of plastics or thicknesses, improving CNC machining services.
- Tool Compatibility: Any good CNC machining service provider must always offer versatility in terms of tooling options; this includes those designed specifically for use on plastic material so that manufacturers can conveniently handle different tasks.
- Precision and Tolerance: Look for precision levels and tight tolerance specifications when choosing among various CNC machines. These two aspects determine whether final products will meet required quality standards and whether they will fit properly into their respective applications.
- Control Software: Advanced control software packages can enhance the programming and machining processes. Some have features like intuitive interfaces that make them easy to use even by beginners. Others have simulation capacities, while others integrate perfectly with CAD/CAM systems, thereby boosting efficiency across the board.
- Stability and Rigidity: Ensure that the machine frame is strong enough. This contributes greatly to stability during operations, thus minimizing vibrations that could negatively impact the quality of finished parts and general performance during cutting stages.
- Dust and Chip Management: A good working environment calls for effective dust extraction systems coupled with proper chip management features, which prevent material build-up within the working area and thereby hinder the smooth flow of operation.
These factors are critical in choosing an appropriate CNC machine for plastic machining and achieving productivity, reliability, and durability in manufacturing processes.
Comparing Costs and Capabilities of Different CNC Machines
When evaluating CNC machines for plastic machining, it is important to consider their costs as well as what they can do. According to specifications, brand names and included features a machine may vary significantly in price from another one. Basic models might be cheaper but lack advanced functions like variable spindle speeds or complex control software. On the other hand, high-end machines usually have more capabilities, such as higher precision and automation, thus justifying their expensive cost tags.
In terms of capability, different plastic types and thicknesses that the machine can handle should be looked at since this affects operational flexibility, which in turn affects the range of projects that can be done using it. A cheap machine with limited tool compatibility or low accuracy could lead to higher costs over time through increased waste material generation as well as decreased efficiency. Consequently, the selection process has to weigh initial investment against potential gains in productivity so that a given cnc corresponds with both financial constraints and performance needs.
Reference Sources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Plastic CNC Machining?
A: Are you familiar with the term plastic CNC machining? This is a process where pre-programmed computer software directs manufacturing tools and machinery. In particular, this technique can be used to control complex machinery such as grinders, lathes, mills, and CNC machining centers, especially when dealing with different types of plastics.
Q: How do I choose the best plastic cnc machine?
A: When looking for the best plastic CNC machine to buy, consider several things first. These include the kind of plastics that will be worked on, the precision required, production volume, and specific needs like heat resistance or chemical resistance, among others. Therefore, go for a device that meets these requirements and offers machining services that match your demands.
Q: Which plastic is best for cnc machining?
A: The choice of the best plastic for CNC machining largely depends on its application. Some common materials include ABS because it’s cheap and easy to work with, Acrylics due to their transparency & stiffness hence making them perfect candidates for items needing high levels of clarity like signboards. At the same time, Delrin exhibits excellent mechanical properties making it ideal for gears or bushings subjected heavy loads in humid environments where corrosion would be an issue. Still, any other material might fail at least one if not all these points. Thus, each material has unique advantages based on strength, durability against chemicals, etc., and ease of machinability – so choose wisely!
Q: What industries benefit most from plastic cnc machined parts?
A: Which industries stand to gain more by using plastics over metals when producing components through numerical control machines? The automotive industry needs precision parts made out of strong plastics, which are lightweight. Sometimes, they may require custom low-volume prototypes, too. All these attributes can only be achieved through this type of manufacturing process. The aerospace sector also heavily relies upon such technology since most aircraft components have complex shapes or include delicate features like threads that cannot be produced easily by any other means besides utilizing this method; medical field likewise benefits greatly from having access to accurate plastic parts because many devices should fit perfectly into human bodies therefore errors must not occur during production otherwise lives may be lost forever. Lastly, the electronics industry heavily depends on precision-engineered plastic parts.
Q: What are the advantages of using plastic materials in cnc machining?
A: There are different ways CNC machining can benefit from using plastics as materials. First, these components are cheaper than their metallic counterparts, leading to lower costs per unit manufactured. Secondly, they have excellent chemical resistance, meaning that even if harsh substances come into contact with them, there will hardly be any form of corrosion witnessed, unlike metals, which may react adversely under certain conditions. Also, another great thing about plastics is that you can design anything you want without restrictions hence making it very easy for designers who wish to create complex shapes but still maintain a lightweight nature Furthermore, some types do offer good electrical insulation properties, thus reducing chances of short circuits occurring due proximity wiring near conductive surfaces while others provide more resistance against specific environmental factors than most metals do hence proving beneficial
Q: Is it possible to resist high temperatures with plastic cnc machined components?
A: Some cnc machined elements made of plastic can handle high temperatures. However, they may not be the best choice for this purpose since there are certain thermoplastics like PEEK or PTFE that have a higher heat resistance and stability.
Q: In what way do the material properties of plastics affect the cnc machining process?
A: Plastics’ material properties, such as stiffness, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, significantly affect CNC machining processes. For example, if we compare two materials, one being less rigid than another, then different speeds or feeds might need to be used during machining operations to achieve desired results. This information should help ensure accurate and efficient production.
Q: What are the steps involved in prototyping with plastic cnc machining?
A: Prototyping using CNC machines involves creating an exact functional representation (prototype) of a part or component using such devices. ABS and acrylic are commonly used in this process due to their ease of machineability and cost-effectiveness, which enables designers to test form-fit function before going into mass production runs.
Q: Does engraving plastic components require any specialized tools?
A: Yes! Engraving plastic parts requires special equipment, such as diamond-coated tips, to achieve intricate detail finishes while maintaining smoothness over large areas. Such tools also come in handy when creating logos, texts, etc., on these surfaces.
Q: What is the significance of CNC machinists in relation to plastic CNC machining?
A: A CNC machinist is responsible for setting up and running CNC machines for plastic fabrication jobs. They program tool paths and monitor the process, which includes selecting feed rates, speeds, cutters, and coolant levels based on workpiece specifications.
