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CNC plastic machining

Plastic machining enables the precise manufacture of components with a wide variety of geometries, tolerances and functional requirements. Ensinger machines engineering plastics using tailored machining processes, tools suited to the material and complementary process steps. This results in CNC plastic components with high repeatability, defined functional surfaces and a clean surface finish. As specialists in the CNC machining of engineering polymers, we combine manufacturing experience, material expertise and complementary services to create a cost-effective end-to-end process.

Plastic machining processes

For the CNC machining of plastics, Ensinger relies on precise and cost-effective processes such as turning and milling. The process used depends on the geometry, material, tolerance and quantity required.

CNC turning

Turned yellow part
We manufacture precision turned plastic components for prototypes, individual parts and production runs. We tailor the machining process specifically to the material and component requirements.
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CNC milling

Machined Parts milling knee implantats
Ensinger manufactures  milled plastic components for prototypes, individual parts and production runs. The machining process is specifically tailored to the material, component geometry and the application in question.
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Quoting and ordering turned and milled parts

At Ensinger, you’ll find the best solution order turned and milled parts to suit your requirements. Using the TECAPART online platform, you can quickly and easily quote for CNC plastic parts and order them directly. For complex components, specific technical requirements or questions regarding material selection, we’re here to assist you personally and will work with you to develop a bespoke solution.
Order plastic cnc part with TECAPART Personalised quote and advise

Process steps in CNC machining of plastics

Polymer machining involves more than just turning and milling. Complementary process steps such as CNC waterjet cutting, deburring, blasting (e.g. with nut shells, glass beads or corundum), cleaning, marking, assembly or heat treatment help to ensure that CNC plastic parts are manufactured reliably, cleanly and to a consistently high standard of quality.
  • CNC waterjet cutting complements our CNC machining with a material-friendly cutting process. Contours can be cut close to the final shape without thermal stress. This reduces material waste and downstream machining times on the CNC machines. This improves cost-effectiveness and is particularly advantageous for complex plastic parts.
    water jet plastic material
  • Depending on the geometry and material, burrs or fine machining marks may occur during plastic machining. To ensure defined functional surfaces and a uniform surface quality, we employ tailored post-processing methods. These include manual deburring, dry ice deburring, blasting with glass beads, walnut shells or corundum, as well as vibratory tumbling to uniformly reduce machining marks. By doing so, we specifically improve the appearance, function and further processability of the components.
    person is deburring machined part
  • Depending on the material and requirements, components can be marked using laser or engraving. This enables unique identification and supports reliable traceability. Data Matrix codes can also be integrated to ensure clear allocation of the parts and processes.
    Laser marked machined part
  • In addition to CNC machining, assembly steps can also be undertaken. These include, amongst other things, the press-fitting and screw-fastening of inserts, joining by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding, and the assembly of multiple components. If required, additional functional tests with documented results can be carried out. This enables the production of sub-assemblies ready for assembly or installation.
    Assembly
  • The cleanliness of CNC plastic parts is a crucial quality factor in many applications. As part of our CNC machining services, we offer tailored cleaning processes to ensure that plastic components are free from particles, oil and grease residues:
    • Ultrasonic cleaning for sensitive or complex geometries
    • Industrial washing processes for reproducible cleaning results
    • Validated cleaning processes for safety-critical applications
    On request, the subsequent assembly or packaging can be carried out directly in the cleanroom, thereby reliably meeting the most stringent cleanliness requirements.
    washing of machined parts
  • Cleanrooms compliant with ISO Class 6 and ISO Class 7 are available for sensitive applications in the medical and biopharmaceutical industries. Here, assembly, packaging and final handling can be carried out under controlled conditions.
    clean room ensinger cham
  • Targeted stress relief can reduce internal stresses within the component. This supports dimensional stability and can improve further processing. Several furnaces are available for heat treatment. Temperature profiles can be documented and stored in a traceable manner if required.
  • For specific components within plastic machining, we use custom-made special tools, such as step drills, which we manufacture in our own tool grinding shop. This enables us to respond quickly to component-specific requirements, adapt the tool geometry precisely to the respective plastic and ensure consistently high machining quality.

How the choice of plastic for machining affect the CNC procedure

The choice of the polymer has a significant impact on machinability, dimensional accuracy, surface quality and component function. Ensinger processes a wide range of machinable polymers such as PEEK, POM, PPSU, PSU, PPS, PA and PTFE, combining material expertise with many years of experience in CNC machining. This allows machining processes to be specifically tailored to the respective material and supports precise, cost-effective and material-appropriate manufacturing.
In addition, we advise on material selection, assess feasibility and assist with component design.
Ask for advise on materials
inside of high bay warehouse