Among product designers, aluminum is among the most preferred metals because of its desirable physical properties and excellent machinability. It is important to build a prototype of an aluminum component or part even if you have developed the design for it.
You have a lot of options when it comes to aluminum prototype manufacturing, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and investment casting. A wrong choice can result in high tooling and manufacturing costs, as well as non-functional and unusable parts. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
The following article discusses three popular methods for making aluminum prototypes.
Method #1: 3D Printing
Aluminum prototypes can also be printed using 3D printing. By using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology, aluminum particles are sintered together in layers in order to form desired shapes using a high-power laser.
The 3D printing process creates aluminum prototypes accurately by creating 3D CAD models, just like CNC machining. Feature sizes range from 0.25 millimeters to 0.8 millimeters, enabling the fabrication of complex geometries with complex internal sections. It is important to note that 3D-printed aluminum prototypes are not inexpensive and often need additional surface treatment.
The cost of fabricating an aluminum prototype via 3D printing is often higher than that of CNC machining. Therefore, 3D printing is better suited for prototyping small parts, particularly beta and production prototypes. Additionally, you can use them to fabricate alpha prototypes as long as you don’t make frequent design changes.
Method #2: Investment casting
Aluminum prototypes are created using investment casting, also known as precision casting. Here, aluminum parts are poured into a wax model that has been created by pouring molten aluminum into the mold.
A variety of aluminum alloys can be used with investment casting, which has excellent surface finish and tight dimensional tolerances. The only drawback is the limited size of the process. If you’re looking to fabricate a bulky aluminum component, it may not be your best option. The material waste is lower with investment casting than with CNC machining.
The production cost per unit decreases with larger orders, so investment casting is best suited for small intricate components in large quantities. It can be used for alpha, beta, and production prototypes.
A manufacturing partner is crucial to the success of your aluminum prototyping project， choosing a machining method is just the first step. You want to work with a prototype manufacturer who has state-of-the-art machining equipment and experienced machinists.
Method #3: CNC Machining
One of the most common machining methods for creating aluminum prototypes is CNC machining. By using computer inputs, this machining process removes sections of an aluminum workpiece, leaving behind the desired part. But what makes CNC machining special, and when should you use it?
In addition to offering excellent quality, excellent surface finish, and repeatability, CNC machining can be used with a wide variety of aluminum alloys. Moreover, CNC machining starts with the creation of 3D CAD models, which allows you to change designs quickly between prototypes without impacting lead times.
With a 5-axis CNC milling machine, you can create complex prototypes that other machining methods cannot match. CNC machining is particularly useful for beta and production prototypes.
A leading Aluminum Parts Manufacturer and CNC Machining Supplier in China, Hulk Metal offers high-quality CNC machining, investment casting, and 3D printing services.
