CNC milling of plastics

Precision manufacturing of CNC milled plastic parts

CNC milling is a machining process used for the precise manufacture of complex components from engineering plastics. The CNC milled parts manufactured by Ensinger can be produced from both unfilled and fiber reinforced high-performance plastics. Thanks to many years of experience in plastics machining, we can produce functional plastic milled parts tailored to your requirements, with high repeatability and consistently high machining quality.

What is plastic milling?

In CNC milling, material is removed using rotating tools along precisely defined machining paths. This machining process is particularly suitable for components with complex contours, pockets, hole patterns, grooves, flat surfaces and free-form geometries.
Milling plastics requires a deep understanding of the material in question. Depending on the material, thermal expansion, stiffness, chip formation and springback can vary significantly. These properties influence not only the machining process itself, but also the achievable tolerances and the subsequent function of the component. Ensinger therefore takes into account not only the geometry, but also the material, fiber orientation, tolerance requirements and application environment.

CNC milled parts from Ensinger

We manufacture CNC milled parts to meet a wide range of technical requirements. These include, amongst others, housings, covers, brackets, insulation components, fixture components and textured functional surfaces. We can also reliably produce custom plastic parts with tight tolerances or specified surface finishes.
Hydrogen technology
Food technology
Engineering
Medical technology
Biopharmaceutical industry 
Semiconductor industry

Hydrogen technology

Example: Fuel cell endplate

Food technology

Example: Sliding rail

Engineering

Example: Impeller

Medical technology

Example: Body artifical heart

Biopharmaceutical industry 

Example: Manifold block

Semiconductor industry

Example: Testsocket

Ensinger combines modern manufacturing technology with many years of experience in plastic milling. Our CNC 5-axis milling centres enable the precise machining of complex components made from engineering plastics and high-performance plastics. With intelligent clamping solutions and automated processes, we lay the foundation for cost-effective production. This allows us to mill plastic parts that meet high standards of precision, repeatability and component quality.

Which plastics are suitable for CNC milling?

In principle, all plastics are suitable for milling. Which plastic should be used and when depends on the specific application. Key factors include mechanical stress, temperature resistance, contact with media, dimensional requirements and wear behavior. Ensinger combines material expertise with machining expertise. We machine materials such as PEEK, POM, PSU, PPSU and PVDF and have a thorough understanding of the material-specific requirements in the milling process. In this way, we support our customers not only with the manufacturing of precision milling parts, but also with the selection of the appropriate material and the design of the component to suit the manufacturing process. This combination of material knowledge and machining experience is a significant advantage when it comes to complex milled plastic parts.
Material Consultation

FAQs

  • Yes. We manufacture prototypes as well as small batches and series. Thanks to modern machinery, automated processes and optimized clamping systems, even larger quantities can be produced economically and with process reliability.
  • Yes. However, a tailored machining strategy is crucial, particularly for fiber reinforced high-performance plastics. Tool selection, machining parameters and clamping technology must be precisely tailored to the material and component geometry.
  • CAD data, drawings, material specifications, tolerances, quantities and information on the application are helpful. The more precisely the requirements are described, the more precisely the production process can be tailored.