5 Industries that Rely on CNC Machined Plastics: Why They Use Them, Key Benefits, and Best Considerations 

Hundreds of industries across the United States and around the world rely on CNC machined plastics to create the wear-resistant parts seen in multiple applications. These operations are a cost-effective way to create the many products used in harsh conditions and workers in a given industry can rely on knowing that the machined plastics not only are going to work, but thrive. 

All-State Industries are experts in CNC machined plastics and know that the usage of these parts stems from their benefits and when the proper considerations are made prior to a production run. 

Learn more as we detail common industries utilizing these services along with the benefits of CNC machined plastics, and ultimately, what considerations teams should make prior to manufacturing. 

Common Industries 

In some shape or capacity, every industry in the world utilizes some form of plastic product. While the usages, parts, and needs all vary among industries, there’s no denying that both the American and global marketplace is dominated by the usage of plastic components. 

Narrowing down the usage of CNC machined plastics to only five industries only shows a fraction of these parts capabilities, but these five are some of the biggest users of these components. All-State Industries performs CNC machining with a focus on wear applications, and these industries all have that as a key parameter. Many of these industries rely on machined plastics for a combination of the same products: bushings, gears, wear pads, and structural components. 

• The on/off highway trucking industry. 

• Agriculture 

• Construction 

• Tractor-trailers 

• Utility 

The Benefits of CNC Machined Plastics 

CNC machined plastics feature numerous benefits as both a service and in products themselves. From the get go, machined plastics provide impressively strict tolerances that are known to be tighter than those from injection molding or even 3D printing. 

Many different industries will rely on CNC machining for plastics because of how cost effective it is for a single reason – zero tooling costs. Expensive dies or molds aren’t required for CNC machining operations which not only makes it much more cost effective, but prototyping and set up times are much shorter. It’s worth noting, however, that CNC machining is most impactful for low-volume production. 

Plastics that are machined aren’t limited to a specific group of polymers so numerous types and styles like common engineered plastics such as ABS or polycarbonate, or more advanced, high-performance polymers such as PEEK, can be machined. 

CNC machining also delivers strong quality on surface finishes, not just aesthetically, but physically. Surfaces are smooth and polished, eliminating the need for post processing operations. 

Considerations to Make Ahead of Machining Operations 

Like with any manufacturing process, your team should be in lockstep with your manufacturing company in making the most of your CNC machined plastics to ensure proper product creation. Keep these concepts in mind before production begins. 

• Make material selection with product application in mind including heat exposure, potential wear, chemical exposure, potential impact, and any electrical needs. 

• Plastics can shift with temperature fluctuations, absorb moisture, and relax in stress. All of this impacts part tolerance, so keep a tight eye on dimensional stability. 

• As best as possible, try to incorporate uniform tolerances, particularly on noncritical features. 

Contact All-State Industries for Your CNC Machined Plastics Today 

All-State Industries has provided OEMs across multiple industries with the non-metal parts and components they need to operate and maintain their lines of products since 1974.

Backed by expert engineering solutions, highly-skilled technicians, and seasoned leadership, All-State Industries has the team you need. 

Our CNC machined plastics operations utilize state-of-the-art equipment and advanced compounds to deliver high-quality parts for your application. Our experience in component design enables us to select the proper material, machining process, and initial stock shape to meet the performance, tolerance and cost requirements of your parts. We offer numerous custom solutions and can create components such as back-up rings, Labyrinth seals, slider beds, and much, much more. 

If your team needs CNC machined plastics for your next project, contact All-State Industries today.