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CNC Milling

Plastic CNC Milling

Precision 3 & 5 Axis Milling & Cutting Services

Precision Plastic CNC Milling Components

IPFL’s expertise in CNC milling is a cornerstone of our high-quality, precision-machined plastic components service. Utilising advanced CNC milling technology, we produce intricate and detailed parts from a variety of materials including acrylic, acetal, nylon, HDPE, PEEK, and polypropylene. Our state-of-the-art milling machines ensure tight tolerances and superior surface finishes, complemented by a full suite of services such as CNC turning, routing, laser cutting, and UV digital printing, providing comprehensive solutions for all your plastic component requirements.

High speed 3 & 5 axis milling machines

Milling tools down to 0.1mm diameter for fine features

Drilling from 0.1mm diameter

Spindle speeds of up to 60,000 rpm for fast material removal.

cnc plastic CNC milling prototype projects

CNC Milling: The IPFL Edge

Precision and Complexity: Our CNC milling machines handle complex geometries with high precision, ensuring components meet stringent specifications.
Material Versatility: We work with a broad spectrum of plastics, each selected for its specific properties to match your project’s unique requirements.
Customised Manufacturing: From unique prototypes to small batch productions, our CNC milling is customised to align with your project objectives.

What Is CNC Milling?

CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process – that is, it removes material from a blank or workpiece to create the required shape. By contrast, our 3D printing services are examples of additive manufacturing, where material is gradually added to make the finished product.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, an industry term that means that the actual milling operation is controlled by computer. Skilled technicians and operators take (or even create) Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of the required product and convert this into coded instructions for the machine. The CNC system then controls the tool and working platform to carry out the required operations.

In milling, the blank or workpiece is held in place and a rotating bit makes passes over and/or along it, removing material on each pass. This is in contrast to turning, where the workpiece is spun at high speed and a stationary cutting bit removes material. Turning produces precise symmetrical forms, whereas milling can produce parts of almost any form or shape. The limits come from capabilities of the operator and the functions of the CNC milling machine – especially how many axes the machine can work in.

A 3-axis CNC machine works in the basic three dimensions, able to move tools up/down, left/right and in/out. A 5-axis machine can also rotate and tilt the working platform, which in combination with the other three axes allows almost any part of the workpiece to be presented to the tool bit at any angle.

CNC milling offers quicker, more accurate and more consistent production when compared to non-computerised methods. And producing the CAD files and CNC code to make a single part or a small batch of parts has a vastly lower cost than making tooling, moulds and dies. These only become cost-effective for true mass-production.

plastic machined medical device

Acrylic Machining & Fabrication

Acrylic's properties include high machinability, good thermal properties for a broad range of temperatures, and distortion-free light transmission.
Appearance
Transparent
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
plastic laser welding cnc routing

Ultem – PEI Plastic

ULTEM is a high-performance thermoplastic, also known as PEI, or polyetherimide, and is usually transparent amber in colour.
Appearance
Tan transparent
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
ultem uk plastics

PEEK CNC Machining & Plastic Fabrication

PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance plastic utilised for applications requiring chemical and water resistance as well as high temperature applications.
Appearance
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Product Developers and Specialists UK

Acetal

Acetal is a high-strength, high-rigidity homopolymer with excellent surface coefficient making it ideal for demanding industrial and medical applications.
Appearance
Tough smooth finish
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Acetal Plastic Product Development

COC Plastic Machined & Fabrication

This very new material is now being leveraged for applications where other materials, such as acrylic, could not perform.
Appearance
Transparent
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Micro-fluidic Diffusion Bonded manifold

ABS CNC Machining – Strength & Adaptability

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a high-impact, tough material available with a range of options and properties.
Appearance
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Vacuum Formers UK

HDPE CNC Machining Plastic Material

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a high-strength-to-density ratio polymer which is generally considered a low-cost solution to many applications.
Appearance
Tough smooth finish
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
hdpe uk plastics

HIPS

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a low-cost, durable and light weight plastic which can be machined and vacuum formed on mass for many types of products.
Appearance
Various
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Vacuum Forming IPFL

Mylar

Mylar is the branded group of Polyethylene Terephthalate films and plastic sheets from Dupont. Supplied in a variety of different styles and finishes there are many applications which this material can be applied.
Appearance
Clear sheet
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
mylar uk plastics

PC

Polycarbonate is a material which is greatly favoured by many of IPFL’s customers. Its high impact resistance, electrical properties and optical clarity are all properties which are sought after in many industries.
Appearance
Transparent
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Manufacturers of Plastic PC Covers

Nylon

Available with many different properties and additive, Nylon (Polyamide) is a widely used plastic throughout many industries.
Appearance
Black or grey
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
Nylon Thermoplastic Printing

PET-G CNC Machining Material

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G), is a light, semi-rigid material with good impact resistance. With its low water absorption, it is commonly used in aqueous environments and can be utilised through both machining and 3D printing processes.
Appearance
Various
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
petg uk plastics

PTFE

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), often known as Teflon, is well known for its low surface coefficient which makes it ideal for many industrial and medical applications.
Appearance
Tough smooth finish
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
PTFE Boxes, Cases and Enclosures

PVC CNC Machining & Fabrication

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a well-known and widely used plastic polymer which comes in two basic forms with slightly varying properties.
Appearance
Various
Toughness
Flexibility
Temperature Resistant
Technical Information
custom PVC plastic Enclosure manufacturer UK

Why Choose IPFL for CNC Milling?

Innovative Machining Capabilities: We specialise in producing parts with challenging shapes and tight tolerances.
Efficient Production: Our processes are streamlined for both flexibility and speed, ensuring timely delivery without compromising on quality.
Stringent Quality Control: Every milled component undergoes rigorous quality checks to meet both our high standards and your expectations.
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Plastic CNC Milling Applications

At IPFL, our CNC milling service is ready to meet the diverse needs of your precision plastic component projects. Whether it’s handling high-volume production or specialised prototype runs, we deliver the highest quality components. Our commitment to precision and efficiency ensures every milled part, whether standalone or part of a larger assembly, is produced with exceptional detail and quality.

Applications of CNC Milling:

  • Rapid Prototyping: Quickly transforming designs into physical models for testing and development.
  • Complex Geometries: Expertly crafting intricate designs, ideal for both technical and aesthetic components.
  • Industrial and Technical Parts: Creating durable components for industrial machinery and technical devices, showcasing our versatility across various industries.

Types of CNC Milling: 

CNC milling at IPFL involves diverse machining types to suit your specific project requirements:

  • Multi-Axis Milling: Utilising three, four, or five-axis systems for complex part geometries.
  • Lathe Machines: Ideal for parts requiring circular motion cuts, typically with 2 axes.
  • Electric Discharge Machines (EDM): Employing electrical sparks to mold workpieces into precise shapes.
  • Hobbing: Specialised in cutting gears, splines, and sprockets.
  • Other Methods: Including plasma and water jet cutters for specific project needs.

CNC Milling vs 3D Printing: While 3D printing excels in the early stages of development, CNC milling is often preferred for mid to late-stage development due to its ability to produce functionally stronger parts with superior quality and finish.

Advantages of CNC Milling:

  • Speed and Repeatability: Ideal for low volume manufacturing, delivering fast and consistent results.
  • High Precision and Tolerance: CNC prototypes meet precise specifications with high tolerances.
  • Material Versatility: A wide range of materials are available for both production and prototype manufacturing, offering greater flexibility.

Our advanced CNC milling services ensure that from the initial concept to the final product, your components lead in innovation and quality.

CNC milled plastic component production prototype projects

Plastic CNC milling production on-demand

At IPFL we can provide you a quote for any job you need from our CNC milling service online. Fill in the form below and get an instant online CNC milling service quote today.

CNC milled plastic parts prototype component projects