CNC Milling
Firstcut toolpaths the digital part design to our CNC machines, instructing the end mills where to travel on the X, Y and Z planes. A block of either metal or plastic is loaded into the mill based on the specifications along with the proper cutters. Firstcut has multiple tool sets based on efficient cutters for a particular material or material type — plastics, soft metal and hard metal. We have about two dozen cutters per material type, with half being flat end mills and the other half ball end mills. Both sets are of consistent length and draft, which significantly aids in production speed and efficiencies.
The machine then rapidly mills the parts out of the block in a subtractive manufacturing process of three-axis milling from up to six orthogonal sides. All of our machined plastic parts are left as-milled, which typically means they show visible tool marks. Some metal parts, on the other hand, allow more finishing choices. When the run is complete and your required surface finish is applied, parts are boxed and shipped shortly thereafter.
CNC Turning
Firstcut toolpaths the digital part design required for our CNC machines, instructing the tools where to travel. Rod stock is loaded into the lathe based on the quote setting that the selected and machining begins. The lathe rapidly machines the parts out of rod stock in a subtractive turning process with additional live tooling. Turned parts can then be left as-machined, with visible tool marks, or bead blasted. When the run is complete, parts are inspected, boxed and shipped shortly thereafter.
The article comes from China injection mold manufacturer - Mold Best Assurance Company Limited, website is www.mbamoldanddesign.com
