Plastics Machining and 3D Printing

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Since 2008, AOP Technologies has specialized in precision machining of thermoplastics, a capability most machine shops don’t offer. While many shops work primarily in metals, plastics behave differently.

They expand more with heat, have lower melting points, and exhibit elasticity that makes holding tight tolerances difficult without the right techniques and equipment. AOP has spent more than 15 years mastering those techniques.

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Plastics Machining

Machining plastics to exacting tolerances requires more than a CNC machine. It requires process knowledge built over years of production work across materials, each of which behaves differently under tooling.

AOP machines the following thermoplastics:

  • ABS
  • Acetal (Delrin)
  • UHMW
  • Nylon
  • PVC
  • Polypropylene
  • Polycarbonate

Our engineering team supports the full process, from component design and machining to final inspection, and works directly with machinists to ensure parts meet customer specifications. As an ISO 9001-registered company, we provide documented quality processes and lot-number traceability on all production runs.

We serve customers in medical device manufacturing, food and beverage production, oil and gas, and other industries that depend on critical thermoplastic components.

plastics machining

Equipment

  • 3-Axis CNC Mills
  • CNC Vertical Trak Mills
  • Wire EDM
  • Sinker EDM
  • CNC lathe
  • Laser Engraver
  • Surface Grinders
  • Tool Grinder
  • Cold Saw with Tiger Stop
  • Horizontal Band Saw
  • Sandblast Cabinet
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3D Printing (SLA)

For low-volume parts and prototypes, AOP offers stereolithography (SLA) printing as an alternative to CNC machining. SLA uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer, producing parts with tolerances as tight as ±.004 inch and a surface finish superior to FDM printing.

SLA is typically 5-10 times less expensive than CNC machining for single parts or small runs. It is well suited for prototype iterations, form-fit-function testing, and low-volume production where tooling costs make CNC impractical.

Biocompatible resins are available, making SLA a viable option for medical and dental device applications.

Contact Us

If you have questions about a plastics machining or 3D printing project, reach out to your AOP Technologies representative or contact us directly at automation@aoptech.com or AOPTech.com.