The cost of hardware parts is higher than that of plastic parts. Depending on the process used, it can be a little higher or much higher. Here we introduce some common processing techniques of hardware parts.
1. Sheet metal: Sheet metal molds are produced quickly and cheaply, and the delivery time is very short. Sheet metal can be a good alternative to injection-molded plastics for internal structural components because it provides greater flexibility in the early stages of the design process when the product may still change or the product's prediction is unclear.
2. CNC machining: CNC is a cost-effective solution for machining parts with complex shapes and strict tolerances. CNC precision machining can produce almost any shape, as long as the rotating cutting tool can approach the material.
3. Turning: Turning technology includes cutting, end face, threading, forming, drilling, knurling, and boring. For the surface processing of hardware parts, if you want to have a precision bearing surface in a complex machine, turning is usually a good choice.
4. Electric discharge machining: Wire EDM (EDM) is a high-precision technology that can cut almost any conductive material. The thin, charged EDM wire installed between two mechanical rails forms one electrode, and the cut material forms the other electrode. The electrical discharge between the two electrodes (wire and workpiece) generates sparks for cutting the material. Since the live wire never touches the workpiece during EDM processing, this process can be used to manufacture very small and precise parts that require precision and complexity that cannot be achieved by traditional machining.