Custom CNC Plastic ABS Nylon Parts Rapid Prototyping
The main materials which are used to make custom CNC machined parts include ABS and nylon (also called polyamide, or PA). Such materials are widely used for manufacturing functional prototypes and custom parts in small volumes. They can be also utilized for producing precise mechanical parts for the electronics industry, industrial equipment, automotive industry, and aerospace sector. CNC machining of plastics (ABS and nylon) is performed via CNC milling or turning processes. As for rapid prototyping, it comprises CNC machining being the leading rapid process, as well as SLA or SLS methods.
Advantages
- Zero mold cost: No expense of mold tools, which is essential in prototype production (lead time within 1-5 days for basic parts).
- Accurate tolerance: Accurate tolerances can be achieved down to 0.01 mm on small parts and 0.05 mm for big structural parts.
- Complex shapes: Can machine complex geometries such as undercuts, internal threadings, deep cavities, and any contour that would be difficult or impossible to mold.
- Different materials: Ability to change materials without changing the molds (ABS, nylon PA6, PA66, GF, etc.) and post machining.

Application
- Electronics: ABS injection molded enclosures for control boxes, nylon electrical insulators/bearings for circuit boards, ABS mounting brackets for consumer electronics.
- Industrial Equipment: Nylon gears/bearings for conveyor systems, ABS tooling fixtures for production processes, nylon composite structural components for equipment.
- Automotive: ABS prototypes for automotive interior parts (e.g., arm rests, switches), nylon wear components (e.g., door locks, window lift mechanisms), under hood small structural components (nylon composite).
- Aerospace/medical: Custom precision injection molded nylon fasteners (aerospace industry), ABS medical device housing components (prototyping purposes), nylon surgical tool parts.