Xometry.pro
en – UK
Knowledge & Community
Search
K
Quote & source your parts
Europe Europe
English DeutschFrançaisItalianoEspañol
Türkiye Türkiye
English Türkçe
United Kingdom United Kingdom
English
Global Global
English
select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Get Instant Quote

Use our Instant Quoting Engine to easily quote and source your parts online

Get a Quote
Back
 Profile
Menu
Materials Library
Manufacturing Stories & Cases
Articles
E-Books & Guides
Free Tools
Webinars
Free Courses
Community Discussions
Create Topic
Quote & Source Your Parts
Get a Quote

Edit topic

Home Xometry Community Manufacturing CNC machining or 3D printing plastic part

CNC machining or 3D printing plastic part

0
G
4

hello! I want to manufacture small enclosures (electrical housing) that will be used in an outdoor application and need to meet IP67 standards for water and dust resistance (electrical housing). I’m evaluating whether to 3D print or CNC machine this part, considering material options and production volume (around 500 units annually). The design includes thin walls (around 1.5 mm) and precise snap-fit features. Would CNC machining or 3D printing offer better dimensional accuracy and surface finish for achieving a watertight seal, and are there specific materials you’d recommend for each process that is well-suited for outdoor durability?

Link copied
Solved by Klemens Becker

 CNC machining an enclosure will be extremely expensive, you will basically be machining away most of the material from a solid billet of plastic. In addition to this, snap-fit components are usually quite small with undercuts that will be almost impossible to machine, especially with plastic. The thin walls you mentioned will also be difficult to achieve via machining. So I would definitely advise against CNC machining this part.

    • G

      hello! I want to manufacture small enclosures (electrical housing) that will be used in an outdoor application and need to meet IP67 standards for water and dust resistance (electrical housing). I’m evaluating whether to 3D print or CNC machine this part, considering material options and production volume (around 500 units annually). The design includes thin walls (around 1.5 mm) and precise snap-fit features. Would CNC machining or 3D printing offer better dimensional accuracy and surface finish for achieving a watertight seal, and are there specific materials you’d recommend for each process that is well-suited for outdoor durability?

      0
      Reply
    • K

       CNC machining an enclosure will be extremely expensive, you will basically be machining away most of the material from a solid billet of plastic. In addition to this, snap-fit components are usually quite small with undercuts that will be almost impossible to machine, especially with plastic. The thin walls you mentioned will also be difficult to achieve via machining. So I would definitely advise against CNC machining this part.

      0
      Reply
      Link copied
      • G
        Klemens Becker

        Would a CNC machined part not have better tolerances considering I need to create a water and dust-tight seal?

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
      • K
        Gregory H

        The design of the part more than the surface finish will dictate its ability to resist dust and water ingress. Have a look online for standard enclosures and how they are designed.

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
    • Y

      3D printing is definitely the way to go, you will have to strategically place the snap joints so that the layer lines are not aligned with the direction of the applied force, or else they will break. You also need to choose a material that can work outdoors like PETG or ABS for example. The production volumes are also very achievable with modern 3D printers.

      0
      Reply
      Link copied
CNC machining or 3D printing plastic part
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
stainless steel bolts with brass inserts for a plastic intake manifold
Manufacturing
hello, I’m redesigning an intake manifold joint on an IC engine where the upper and lower manifolds are plastic, and the factory setup uses M6 class 8.8 screws threading directly into plastic bosses. The... read more
L
0
8
Feb 20
Selecting the Molding Process for a GSXR 1000 Half-handlebar
Manufacturing
Hello, I am currently working on the design/manufacture of a half-handlebar for a sports motorcycle (GSXR 1000). What is the best type of process that I could establish for the manufacture of the handlebar... read more
1
38
Feb 19
Laser cutting pc panels for machine safety enclosures
Manufacturing
Hi, I’m producing clear polycarbonate panels for a machine safety enclosure, cut from 4 mm sheet with small mounting holes and tight internal radii. Optical clarity and edge integrity matter more than cosmetics. From... read more
L
J
R
2
96
Feb 20
Printing a 3D Model Purchased from a Third Party
Manufacturing
Hello, I was wondering if there would be any issues in requesting the production of a print from a model purchased from a third party.Thank you and keep up the good work! read more
s
4
379
Jan 23
Manufacturing Wheels for Fingerboards
Manufacturing
Hello,I am writing because I am developing fingerboard wheels as a new product within my own brand. I professionally manufacture fingerboard decks and concrete obstacles, and now I am expanding my catalogue with cast... read more
j
2
316
Jan 20

Edit topic