CNC machining
Advantages: High machining accuracy, up to 0.05-0.1mm; wide range of material options, suitable for plastics, metals, etc., with stable material properties, durability, and robustness; complex post-processing such as oil spraying and electroplating can be achieved on the surface, resulting in a good appearance and texture; suitable for structural components with high requirements for accuracy, strength, and temperature resistance. Disadvantages: High cost, charged by labor hours, not cost-effective for processing small and complex parts; difficult to clean corners in place, requiring manual programming and subsequent manual processing, with a large workload; slow processing speed for small parts, resulting in a longer overall cycle.
3D printing
Advantages: Rapid prototyping, short production cycle for small parts; capable of processing complex irregular structures such as undercuts and internal intersections, without the need for design fixtures; high material utilization rate, with almost no waste; low labor cost, easy to operate; customizable to meet diverse needs. Disadvantages: Limited material types, mostly resin, nylon, etc., some resin materials are brittle and prone to breaking, unable to be electroplated; large part processing dimensions limited by equipment; surface effects inferior to CNC, general spray paint texture; screw receiving parts prone to cracking, structural strength limited.
silicone mold
Advantages: Low production cost for small batches, with silicone molds reusable for 10-20 times; rapid replication after prototype completion, ensuring high production efficiency; capability to produce soft rubber products with diverse material options (ABS, PA, TPU, etc.); accurate replication of complex details of the prototype, suitable for product verification and small-batch trial production. Disadvantages: Reliance on CNC or 3D printing for prototype production; lower processing accuracy, approximately ±0.2mm per 100mm, with large parts prone to shrinkage; limited mold lifespan, unable to meet the demands of mass production; slight deviations in color reproduction.
Metalstar has been deeply involved in the prototype industry for many years and will provide you with the highest quality service!
