What Is CNC Prototyping?
CNC rapid prototyping is the process of CNC machining to create plastic and metal prototypes, allowing your design team to closely simulate the appearance, function, and material properties of the final product, and test the suitability and manufacturability of components to prove and perfect their design.
Our Competitive Advantage
In Prototype Machining
We combine our extensive technical strength and industry experience with advanced manufacturing processes and machining equipment to create high-quality CNC prototypes and precision machined components.
makes every effort to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers across the industrials, gaining experience and broad knowledge in how to manufacture parts exactly to customer specifications. We understand the importance of you receiving your prototype parts on time, which is why we place great priority on on-demand manufacturing and on-time delivery.
Comprehensive Machining Capabilities
We are equipped with advanced CNC machine tools to provide fully integrated prototype machining capabilities. From 3-, 4- and 5-axis CNC milling and CNC turning, to auxiliary drilling, tapping, EDM, and wire EDM, all of these go beyond traditional setups and machining practices and ensure that we can perform complex machining tasks on time.
Optimized DFM And One-To-One Collaboration
Our team works closely with customers to enable you to get a better manufacturing experience. Experienced engineers are available to provide technical support and offer manufacturing design assistance for your project, and a professional sales team always pays attention to your every detail needs and project progress, and provides one-to-one follow-up services. traditional setups and machining practices and ensure that we can perform complex machining tasks on time.
Expert at High Complexity and Precision Machining
Creating fully functional engineering prototypes that allow you to examine and test the form, fit, and function of components in rigorous working scenarios to help prove and refine your designs.
Creating aluminum prototypes of complex designs with extended and integrated machining processes gives us the ability to handle a wide variety of aluminum machining projects with extremely tight tolerance control and excellent surface finishes.
Creating optical prototypes of clear acrylics, high-speed cutting for complex-shaped free-form surfaces and dense optical details using D0.1-D0.3 ultra-fine milling tools, providing micro-milling capability with excellent surface quality.
One-stop Custom Finishes
provides an integrated finishing service to meet your diverse needs. Not only do we offer a complete range of post finishing in-house, including hand finishing, sanding, blasting, polishing, painting, and printing, but we can also combine external resources to offer a variety of special surface treatment options such as anodising, powder coating, electroplating and more.
ISO9001 Certified Prototype Factory
has a well-equipped quality assurance department and a quality management system. We bring quality awareness to every part we machine, monitoring and measuring quality at all stages of production. Our professionally trained QC and QA teams are able to check and ensure that your projects meet strict quality specifications.
What Is Custom Machining？
Custom machining is short-run or low-volume production to customer-specific specifications and special needs, meeting precise quality, on-time delivery, as well as cost-effectiveness and affordability.
The advantages of CNC machining are particularly well suited to the requirements of low volume production runs of custom parts, including accuracy and repeatability, and flexible processes, as well as a wide range of material options, all of which help bring products to market faster.
Why You Need Custom Machining？
Custom machining is ideal for special order requirements that require lower volume parts, or irregular delivery times and batches.
Turn to custom machining when parts with special requirements are not available from stock catalog suppliers.
Custom machining is the reliable choice when high precision, high-quality parts, as well as special machining processes and accurate repeatability are required.
Bridge production by custom low-volume CNC machining while you wait for production molds or dies to be made, allows you to get your product to market as early as possible.
Choosing The Right Custom Machine Shop
Finding a custom machine shop that offers “made to order” can be a valuable addition to your supplier system.
has advanced machining equipment and flexible production methods, from simple milling or turning parts to complex and precision 5-axis CNC machining, from prototype plastic machining to accurate metal machining, we offer a well-rounded mix of advantages. Our custom machine shop maintains 24/7 operations for optimal efficiency, quality and process control throughout the production process, from programming to machining to finishing.
Our in-house production capabilities combined with the ability to integrate external manufacturing resources allow us to have a quick turnaround to meet any of your custom machining needs. That’s why we can be competitive for your low-volume CNC machining projects.
What is
Vacuum Casting?
Vacuum casting is a manufacturing technology that uses a vacuum to draw liquid casting material into a mold. It differs significantly from injection molding, which pushes liquid material into a mold using a screw.
The process of vacuum casting offers significant advantages, and is particularly useful for parts that have undercuts or fine details.
The process starts with a master model, which WeLink creates using one of its CNC machining centers — though 3D printing can also be used. This master model is then immersed in liquid silicone, which is cured and becomes the mold.
Once it has been cut and the master model removed, the silicone mold can be put to use. This stage involves pouring casting resin into the mold, as the vacuum removes bubbles and air pockets to ensure a smooth finish.
The resin part is then cured in an oven and removed from the silicone mold after cool down, which can be reused around 20 times.
Each cast part is an exact copy of the original master model. It’s a perfect solution for rapid prototyping and making small batches of quality parts.
Vacuum Casting Process
Step 1:Master building Masters are 3D solids of your CAD designs. They are usually made by CNC machining or with 3D Printing. Making Master in 40° temperature. After finish and inspect the masters, we will move to silicone mold making.
Step 2: Mold making Casting molds are made from liquid silicone. Half-Fill the casting box with liquid silicone, Heat the casting box until silicone is fully cured and then allowed to cure in an oven for 16 hours. Fill with extra silicone liquid which is also heated & cured. Once dried, the mold is cut open and the master removed.
Step 3: Make the parts Poured the casting resins into the empty cavity to create a highly accurate copy of the original. It’s even possible to overmold with two or more materials. Silicone molds are typically good for 20 or so copies of the master pattern.
Why Choose CNC Plastic Machining
Though it features multiple benefits, steel is a more expensive tooling material than aluminum and requires more turnaround time to produce molds and prototypes.
At WeLink, we combine our experience, engineering capabilities and advanced technology to produce high-quality rapid tooling China for prototypes and short production runs. Our team works directly with each customer to ensure that we create the perfect solution. Our experience speaks for itself. The team at WeLink is well-equipped to handle your rapid tooling and mass production mold making requirements. If you are ready to start mass production, learn more out our injection molding services.
CNC Machined Plastic
CNC Machined Metal
Materials for CNC Plastic Machining
CNC machining is a good choice for making prototypes and low-volume plastic parts. Since CNC machining can be done with different materials than used in the 3D printing process, for example, it is frequently used for situations where the prototype needs to be tested under the same conditions as the injection molded production parts will be subjected to, and thus made of the same material. There can also be better structural integrity of parts that are CNC machined compared to 3D printed, due to the nature of the manufacturing process. See more about CNC Plastic Machining.
ISO9001 certified. Our advanced quality control processes meet and outperform industry standards. We have a well-equipped quality assurance department and a quality management system.
We have well-equipped CNC plastic machines to handle any type of project. Our comprehensive machining capabilities are well-suited for CNC plastic projects. The machines go beyond traditional setups and machining practices and ensure that we can perform complex machining tasks on time.
We can produce plastic parts from all types of plastic. Extensive knowledge of the properties of different plastics, with lots of testing and experimentation.
Our team will design precision plastic components that are custom-machined to your specifications.
Plastic Materials We Use To Machined Plastic Parts
state-of-the-art plastics machine shop can carry out services, including milling, turning, drilling, thread cutting. We are capable of creating high-performance plastics of various materials in sheets, round rods, and more. Some of the plastic materials we use。
ABS – (Natural / Black / Flame Retardant)
PC / Polycarbonate – (Clear / Black)
ABS / PC Blend
PMMA / Acrylic – (Clear / Black)
PA / Nylon – (Natural / Black / 30%GF)
PP / Polypropylene – (Natural / Black / 20% GF)
POM / Acetal / Delrin – (Black / White)
PEI / Ultem
PVC
HDPE
PPS
PBT
PEEK
Teflon
Bakelite Resin
Epoxy Tooling Board
Advantages Of CNC Plastic Machining
Our experience in plastic part design and machining allows us to recognize the specific requirements of various industries and the ability to take on any plastic machining challenge. Equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment, our team of experts is capable of performing many different types of machining processes to execute the best manufacturing plan for your plastic parts.
They are Precise
CNC plastic machining offers a level of precision that is not available with injection mold China or 3D printing. Machined plastic parts are also free from 3D printer layer lines and seams from injection molding parting lines which alter the appearance of the final part.
We Don’t Need a Mold
During prototype or low-volume production, we don’t require molds with plastic machining. This process allows the designers to create parts without molds, unlike other methods. The process is computer-controlled and only requires a CAD file with the design.
Parts are Adaptable
Parts can be machined directly from plastic sheet or plastic rod, so it’s easy for the engineering team to make modifications to the design during the production phase with no need to make any new tooling, and there is little cost involved in upgrading the parts.
Faster Turnaround Time
CNC machines are computer controlled and can be kept running 24/7 for optimum efficiency, quality, and process control throughout the production process, from programming to machining to finishing.
Broader Range of Materials
A variety of engineering-grade plastics are common structural materials for machined parts and products due to their excellent properties, including superior strength-to-weight ratios, excellent insulation properties, greater corrosion, chemical and wear resistance, ability to withstand high temperatures, and more.
Why Choose CNC Plastic Over 3D Printing
When designing parts using plastic materials such as PVC, POM, PEI, or PEEK, they can’t be printed using 3D processes. There are no reliable and affordable printing formulations of these plastics. But with plastic machining, you can design any type of plastic with ease according to the customer specifications.
3D printed specialty materials are typically more expensive and manufacturing costs are priced based on the amount of material used, which means larger parts or larger quantities of parts cost more, while CNC plastic is a more convenient and cost effective process.
3D printing processes leave a layer of marks on the plastic parts that can be difficult to remove. This is not suitable when creating concept models or functional prototypes that need a high-quality surface finish. We use milling processes to ensure that the part has a quality finish and is ready for use.
Plastic CNC machining offers greater dimensional accuracy, and 5-axis CNC milling machines can help you tackle the most difficult manufacturing challenges by providing high precision machining of more complex parts.
Custom Metal Machining Services
Metal machining is a part manufacturing process that involves machining processes such as CNC machining, milling, turning, drilling, EDM and wire EDM to name a few, cutting through the process of removing metal material to the desired shape, size and surface finish to meet the specifications of product designs and engineering drawings.
With state-of-the-art machining equipment and experienced machinists, the team is able to provide precision CNC metal machining services that can handle custom metal parts with tight tolerance requirements and complex geometry needs.
Our CNC machining capabilities include prototyping and low volume custom machining, with particular expertise in CNC aluminum machining, as well as other metals such as magnesium, zinc, titanium, steel and stainless steel, and a variety of secondary operations and surface treatments.
2 geometries: trongse 3D printers create parts layer by layer using a computer-controlled nozzle, they can be used to create highly complex shapes, including complex interior geometries.
3 Efficiency Once a part has been designed using CAD software, it can be printed in a matter of hours, without a lengthy setup procedure.
4 Adaptability: Because 3D printed parts require no tooling, there is less risk involved when creating a part. If a fault is discovered after printing, it can be amended digitally without the need to replace expensive tooling.
5 Environmental factors: Although 3D printers require power to operate, there is generally no material wastage involved. Subtractive processes like machining, on the other hand, produce waste material.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, otherwise known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process that builds a part layer by layer. A computer sends instructions to the 3D printer, which deposits or hardens material in a preprogrammed pattern, creating layers in succession.
There are several kinds of 3D printer, some of which are used to print plastic parts, others to print parts made from metal or other materials. While these various 3D printing technologies are diverse, they have certain features in common.
3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing by giving businesses access to a one-step manufacturing technology. 3D printers can be set up in offices and small workspaces, and require minimal training to operate. Moreover, startup costs are incredibly low, since materials are affordable and can be purchased in small quantities.
Why Use CNC For Metal Machining
Flexible and efficient production
CNC machining makes custom metal parts easier and has been considered the best way to ensure high standards in metal machining and part manufacturing. All processes can be set up using adjustable fixtures and automated machine positioning systems, making it possible to respond to production schedules with greater flexibility and productivity.
High accuracy and repeatability
CNC metal machining allows a higher level of precision and accuracy. Production is completely automated by the program and the machining process is continuous, every part or prototype will be replicated to the first one, making the machining process fast and easy and giving a completely consistent output.
Eliminate labor and reduce costs
Due to technological developments, machining in the manufacturing industry has been automated. The process is mainly controlled by computers or robots, avoiding the process of long processes in production lines, reducing hardware investment and workload, saving a lot of time and effort, and thus reducing production costs.
CNC Milling Services
With our highly precise 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers, we have the right milling capabilities and an experienced team to efficiently produce complex machined parts with a very tight tolerance and high-quality surface finish.
Such certifications are not necessarily required for aerospace prototyping, since prototypes will not be used on active aircraft.
Technologies like SLA and SLS are also widely used in the dental industry for models, prosthetics, and restorations.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry has been a major adopter of 3D printing technology, since it is possible to make very lightweight parts with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Example parts include simple components like cabin partitions (SLS), all the way to groundbreaking engine components (SLM) such as a 3D printed fuel nozzle tip developed and manufactured by GE.
Automotive
Automotive companies regularly use 3D printers to fabricate one-off spares and repairs, as well as rapid prototypes. Common 3D printed car parts include brackets, dashboard components, and antennae components (FDM).
More extreme examples include cars with large metal 3D printed structural components, such as early models from auto startup Divergent.
2. Lower cost than 3D printing or CNC machining if the quantity is up to 100+.
Machined parts will have marks that follow the path of the cutting tool. The machined finish is that a smooth surface, created by a machine without polishing work, only needs a little handwork to clear the bur, the part could be finished and delivered quickly soon after off the machine.
The standard machined surface roughness is Ra 3.2-1.6 μm;
The smooth machined surface roughness is Ra 1.6-0.8 μm;
The super-finished surface roughness is Ra 0.8-0.2 μm.
The finishing will increase the cost of producing a part, as extra machining steps and tighter quality control are required.
Our Metal rapid tooling almost use soft steel or hard aluminum 7075 or QC-10, tooling life can be up to 5000-50,000 shots. Because we use our WeLink Standard shared Mold base, we just need to make the core/cavity inserts or plus slider inserts etc. core components, so the tooling price is much lower than traditional molds. After the tooling paid off, and the unit price of samples should be 1% or less of 3D printing of Machining prototypes. That’s the most effective way to save cost for customer if the quantity is up afterwards.
What Is CNC Milling?
CNC milling is a CNC machining process that used controlling computers and rotating multipoint cutting tools to quickly remove the material from the workpiece and create custom-designed parts.
Through the CNC milling process, we can produce custom milled parts made from various materials such as metals and plastics, and produce a variety of custom CNC machining products.
It’s a subtractive method of manufacturing in which the workpiece is held rigid on a fixture and mounted on a worktable as the material is removed with a rotating cutting tool. The milling cutting tool can move up several axes, up to 5 axes.
Why Choose CNC Milling Services?
CNC milling can be done on a wide array of materials. Custom milled parts can be made from almost any engineering plastic and metal.
Milling parts have high dimensional stability, high machining precision, and high repeatability.
Milling is the most versatile CNC machining process, with high adaptability and flexibility of parts machining.
CNC milled parts can be machined in multiple processes after one set-up; 5-axis CNC milling can be machined on multiple surfaces at one time.
CNC milling service can machine parts with complex shapes or strict tolerance requirements, such as mold parts, housing parts, etc.
Milling CNC machine has a high level of automation and production efficiency and can run 24/7 continuously, which is conducive to the automation of production management.
3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis For CNC Milling
3-Axis – It’s one of the most widely used techniques to create parts. Standard CNC mills have 3 axes, which allows the workpiece to remain still while the attached cutting tool moves along the X, Y, and Z axes to mill the part.
4-Axis – We use this mill to create more complex CNC machined parts. It incorporates an extra degree of movement by rotating on a vertical axis, allowing greater flexibility and introducing more continuous machining.
5-Axis – These CNC machines are the most advanced and widely used type of CNC mill. The 5-axis mill incorporates three traditional axes and an additional two extra degrees of movement. It operates by adding rotation to both the worktable and spindle.
The Competitive Advantage Of CNC Milling Services
can offer cost-effective milling solutions whether you need a single part, small batch of prototypes, or mass production. With our experienced team of engineers, we will deliver high-quality CNC milled parts for your project.
Comprehensive Milling Capabilities
We are equipped with high-quality milling tools to produce custom parts. With our 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling machines, we can create CNC milled parts for different industries.
Experienced Team
Our experienced team of engineers has accumulated years of experience in creating custom parts with CNC milling.
ISO 9001 Certification
Our has a well-equipped quality assurance department and a quality management system. Our professionally trained QC and QA teams monitor all the CNC milling processes to ensure that your projects meet strict quality specifications.
Faster Delivery
With CNC milling services, the CNC parts can be produced within a few hours. Once you contact us, we will get you a quote within 24 hours and kick off the project within your timeline.
Custom Finishes
Our provides surface finishing services for your CNC machining project. We deliver high-quality parts with the smooth finishes of your choice.
Standard aluminum extrusion profiles (like extruded aluminum channel or extruded aluminum bar) are typically mass manufactured by extrusion specialists; if you need large quantities of standard extruded aluminum profiles, you are better off using the services of one of these companies.
However, for custom aluminum extrusion profiles with a nonstandard aluminum extruded shape, WeLink may be a better option. That’s because we accept low-volume extrusion orders — for prototyping and small batch production — allowing you to experiment with custom profiles.
In addition to creating custom aluminum extrusion profiles using custom dies, we can combine extrusion with other manufacturing processes (like CNC machining) to produce custom final parts. This can allow us to make parts faster and more affordably, especially if the majority of the part has a consistent cross-section.
Example operations:
Finishing Options for Aluminum Extrusions
3. Quality is similar from traditional production molds.
Maybe someone worries the quality compared to traditional production molds, actually the parts from our metal rapid tooling, 95% or more quality can be achieved, for example, like surface finishing, parting lines, color, strength etc. those will be not different. Just for some tight tolerance should be a little deviation if there are two many dimensions need to control. All our materials come from reliable manufacturer, like Dupont, Sabic, BASF etc. all material COC can be provided with shipment.
Aluminum extrusion is used to mass produce lots of non-cosmetic parts like tubing and frames, where finishing may not be especially important. However, custom aluminum extrusion is also used to produce high-value products which may benefits from the addition of color, text, logos, and other finishing procedures.
Suitable surface finishing procedures for aluminum extrusion include:Surface Finishing
Surface finishing refers to different processes used to alter the surface of a manufactured product to give it a distinct or desired look and feel. Different techniques are used to improve the appearance, adherence, solderability, resistance to corrosion, hardness, conductivity and many other characteristics of industrial components.
WeLink offers a high quality surface finishing service for all components and parts regardless of the machining method used in producing them. We have some skilled experts who only handle finishing assignments so the quality of work done on your products is of exceptional quality. If you desire a perfect finish for your prototypes and other manufactured components get in touch with our customer services team for a quick and accurate quotation.
Automotive – Car custom parts including gearboxes, turbochargers, and interior panels require CNC milled parts.
Food – CNC milling technology designs components used in food processing machines, blenders, grinders, crushing machines, cleaning devices, and more.
Machine Tool – The tooling industry needs parts such as fasteners, fittings, shafts, hydraulic and mechanical components that are designed using CNC milling technologies.
What Is CNC Turning?
CNC turning is the process of remove material from a rotating workpiece using the linear path of tools on a CNC lathe. In a simple perspective, the main elements involved in this process are the rotating spindle in which your work part is clamped and the cutting tool that is mounted on a turret.
Here at Our’s CNC turning center, we are highly capable of producing complex and critically dimensioned custom parts through our CNC lathes, providing high-quality CNC turned parts in metal or plastic for rapid prototyping China or low volume production.
Titanium aerospace parts include airframe and jet engine components, such as discs, blades, shafts, and casings. Many of these can be machined.
Because titanium is harder than aluminum, it can be trickier to CNC machine, causing tool wear and heat buildup. This means aerospace machining of titanium may require a reduced machine RPM and larger chipload. (See our guide to machining titanium for more information.) However, since aerospace machining typically involves the most advanced and high-end machining equipment available, this is rarely an issue.
Aluminum alloys
Another widely used metal in aerospace machining — and one that has been around longer than titanium and modern composites — is aluminum.
Aluminum alloys are lightweight and have a high tensile strength. Aluminum forms an oxide coating when exposed to air, making it corrosion resistant, and it is also highly formable (more so than titanium), making it easy to CNC machine.
Additional Value-Added Services
We strive to provide additional custom manufacturing for our diverse customer base, including expanded secondary operations and surface treatment capabilities. Examples include EDM, wire EDM, anodizing, powder coating, passivation, plating, heat treatment, and final product assembly.
Basic Types Of CNC Turning Processes
The process range of CNC turning is very wide, which can be processed various types of rotary surfaces, such as external turning, internal turning, taper turning, parting, facing, boring, reaming, drilling, knurling, threading, grooving, etc.
O.D. and I.D. Turning – For machining precise cylindrical features (Tool used: General turning tool)
Parting and Grooving – For parting off, or cutting a “groove” profile in either the internal or external part of a part (Tool used: Parting and grooving inserts)
Facing – Flattening the face of the workpiece (Tool used: Facing tool)
Boring and Reaming – Enlarging or finishing of existing holes to obtain highly accurate diameters (Tool used: Boring and reaming tools)
Drilling – Remove materials to drill holes from the inside of a workpiece (Tool used: Drills)
Threading – Machining of threads by turning, may be done in either the internal or external area of the workpiece. (Tool used: Threading tools)
Applications Of CNC Turning Services And Parts
Prototype CNC Machining
Prove and refine designs by verifying engineering-grade materials, complex geometries, tight tolerances, and testing components for suitability and manufacturability.
Custom Parts Manufacturing
Production-grade CNC turned parts custom-made to specific specifications and needs, meeting high precision and quality, as well as on-time delivery and cost effectiveness.
Rapid Tooling Mold
Mold manufacturing requires considerable metalworking skills, including rapid machining as well as advanced cutting in different types of aluminum and steel, used to quickly create molds and fixtures.
CNC Precision Machining
CNC precision machining is the process of using precision CNC machine tools to manufacture parts according to strict design specifications, critical tolerances, and manufacturing guidelines.
Our offers quality precision machining for the manufacturing of parts with complex features. With in-house engineering assistance, professional machining experience, a full range of secondary operations, and our capabilities in prototype and low-volume production, we are your one-stop-shop for precision CNC machining
Why Choose CNC Precision Machining For Your Project?
Precision CNC machines with multi-coordinate linkage for the machining of complex shaped parts.
CNC precision machining achieves higher machining accuracy, consistent machining quality and very tight tolerances.
High repeatability, suitable for low- and high-volume orders and easy product quality control.
Design changes only need to change the NC program, which can save production preparation time.
The CNC machine itself is high precision and high rigidity, allowing you to choose a favourable cutting volume and improve machining efficiency (generally 3 to 5 times that of ordinary machines).
High degree of machine automation reduces labour intensity.
What Are The Types Of Precision Machining?
Precision CNC milling for high precision, complex and low-volume parts with exceptional advantages.
CNC lathes are also high precision automated machines, ideal for creating round or tubular shaped parts.
Precision grinding of metals, including surface grinding, centreless and O.D. grinding, for more precise tolerances and surface finishes.
High-performance EDM and Wire EDM can achieve ultra-precision and surface quality by means of tool-to-workpiece electrical discharge machining
With our advanced technological advantages and CNC machining experience, we specialize in manufacturing a wide range of medium to high complexity precision parts, from prototype machining to mass production, we provide competitive precision machining services and have been the preferred precision machine shop for businesses in many industries.
How To Improve The Precision Of CNC Machining?
Reasonably design the structure of the parts to reduce the stress concentration during machining and improve the accuracy of the parts.
Heat treatment of materials to improve strength and reduce internal stresses, and controlled machining processes to reduce or eliminate machining defects.
Upgrading to a 5-axis machine or a 3+2 configuration is one of the fastest ways to improve the speed and accuracy of CNC machining.* Well-designed jigs and fixtures ensure repeatability of machining accuracy and improve machining efficiency.
Upgrading your CAM software and computer hardware to accommodate higher levels of precision will also improve your processes.
Upgrade and maintain the machine and ensure that it has a flat, thermally stable and robust base to absorb vibrations.
The correct selection and use of tools is essential to improve the dimensional stability of machining.
