Those who process semi-finished products have the choice between purchasing rods, plates or tubes, depending on the shape of the finished part. Each semi-finished product has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of manufacturing processes, complexity, manufacturing speed and the amount of material leftovers. In general, it can be summarised as follows: The main advantage of plastic rods and tubes is that they can save material leftovers and often make transport more efficient. This can be a particular advantage in the case of smaller quantities, but it is at the expense of the production speed. Plastic plates for portal machining centers are suitable for simpler components that need to be manufactured in large quantities very quickly.
Important: Depending on the shape of the finished part and semi-finished product, it must be taken into account that the process from purchasing to production can vary and there may be deviations from the descriptions mentioned.
PLASTIC BARS
Advantages of plastic rods:
The dimensions of plastic rods can be very close to the dimensions of the finished plastic part. The loss of material through the chips can thus be reduced and purchasing costs reduced.
Plastic rods are suitable for the production of complex and long components.
Suitable for lathes and vertical machining centers.
Usually lower transport costs due to the space-saving shape.
Disadvantages of plastic rods:
The production speed of large quantities of finished plastic parts is lower than on a portal machining center - even in an automated operation, as the workpiece has to be clamped anew every time.
Not ideal for portal machining centers.
PLASTIC PANELS
Advantages of plastic panels:
Simple plastic prefabricated parts can be milled out of large-format panels on a portal machining center at a very high production speed.
Suitable for vertical machining centers and portal machining centers.
Disadvantages of plastic panels:
Depending on the shape and arrangement of the prefabricated plastic parts, a large amount of plastic residues and chips can arise, which results in increased material costs.
The dimensions of plastic panels are often further away from the dimensions of the prefabricated plastic part.
Usually higher transport costs due to the large area of the panels.
PLASTIC PIPES
Advantages of plastic pipes:
The dimensions of plastic pipes can be very close to the dimensions of the finished plastic part. The loss of material through the chips can thus be reduced and purchasing costs reduced.
Plastic pipes are suitable for the production of complex and long components.
Suitable for lathes and vertical machining centers.
Usually lower transport costs due to the space-saving shape and lighter weight.
Ideally suited for plastic prefabricated parts that form a hollow body.
Disadvantages of plastic pipes:
The production speed of large quantities of finished plastic parts is lower than on a portal machining center - even in an automated operation, as the workpiece has to be clamped anew every time.
Not ideal for portal machining centers.
Are you still looking for the right semi-finished plastic product? We have a lot in stock and are happy to help.