So you're designing a custom controller - maybe for a gaming rig, an industrial machine, or a specialty piece of equipment. The housing might seem like just a "box," but it's actually one of your most critical components. Get it wrong, and the best electronics inside won't matter.
Why Machine Plastic Instead of Injection Molding?
Injection molding is great for making 10,000 identical parts. But for prototypes, low volumes, or highly customized designs? Machining is your best friend.
- No Crazy Upfront Costs: Injection molds can cost $10,000-$50,000+. Machining has no tooling fees.
- Speed Demon: Get parts in days, not the weeks or months needed for mold design and fabrication.
- Design Freedom: Change your mind next week? No problem. Machining doesn't care about draft angles or undercuts the way molding does.
- Material Options: Test different plastics easily without being locked into one material.
Top Plastic Picks for Controller Housings
Not all plastics are created equal. Here's the real-world breakdown:
| Material | Best For | Watch Out For |
| ABS | All-purpose use, good toughness | Can scratch fairly easily |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Impact resistance (think drop-proof) | More expensive, can yellow in UV light |
| Nylon (PA6) | Strength & wear resistance | Absorbs moisture from the air |
| PEEK | High heat & chemical resistance | Very expensive - only for extreme needs |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Crystal-clear clarity | Brittle - can crack if dropped |
The Nuts and Bolts of How It Works
CNC machining plastic isn't like metal. It requires a lighter touch and different tools. Here's how good shops handle it:
- Specialized Tooling: Using sharp, polished-flute tools designed specifically for plastics to prevent melting and ensure clean edges.
- Secure Fixturing: Holding parts firmly without cracking or distorting them during cutting.
- Optimized Feeds/Speeds: Cutting fast enough to avoid heat buildup but slow enough to maintain precision.
- Deburring by Hand: Carefully breaking sharp edges for a finished, injection-molded feel.
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Beyond Machining: The Finishing Touches
The magic happens after the part is cut. This is how you get a professional look:
- Sanding & Polishing: Removing all tool marks for a smooth feel.
- Bead Blasting: Creating a uniform matte texture that hides fingerprints.
- Painting & Coating: Adding color, brand logos, or special textures.
- Laser Etching: Adding permanent labels, logos, or instructions.
The Bottom Line
For custom controller housings, CNC machining offers unbeatable flexibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness for development and small to medium production runs. It lets you perfect your design and even get products to market without the massive financial gamble of injection molding.
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
