If you own a small business and have an excellent idea for a brand new physical product, you’re likely wondering how one goes about turning such visions into reality. After all, having CNC turned parts made for the first time is exhilarating, but the process is often far from straightforward. Fortunately, it can be broken down into comprehensible steps, as follows:
1. Write down your concept and make a preliminary sketch of your product. Make sure to state your product’s objectives clearly, list all of its features, and describe how you intend it to be used.
2. Seek feedback on your initial product design and revise it as necessary. You will want to ensure you have a relatively polished and functional prototype in mind before you ask a machinist to help you make CNC turned parts.
3. Speak with an engineering consultant in order to begin the process of turning your idea into a physical product. He or she will create a CAD (Computer Aided Design) model based on your concept drawings. (If you have experience using CAD software, you may be able to perform this step yourself, but it’s generally better to work with a professional at this stage.)
4. Make a physical prototype. You may wish to use a 3D printer rather than a CNC machine to make your prototype (or prototypes) as producing plastic models is far cheaper than creating finished CNC turned parts out of other materials, such as metal. Likewise, 3D printing is generally much quicker than CNC machining. If you don’t have a 3D printer, ask the CNC shop you are working with whether they have one or know of a reliable 3D printing service nearby.
5. Once you have a satisfactory prototype in hand, return to your CNC shop of choice and work on crafting an engineering drawing for your product. Engineering drawings are much more precise than a simple sketch; they are detailed blueprints which specify the exact dimensions of each feature, its surface finish, material, etc.
6. Finalise your drawings and 3D files and ask your chosen machine shop for an order quote. Once your machinist knows exactly what kind of CNC turned parts he or she will be making, he or she will be able to give you an exact price quote for your order. Remember not to order too much right away—you will want to test the market and recuperate some of your costs before investing heavily in your new product.
7. Look over the finished products to make sure that they are exactly what you are looking for. It’s always wise to test your new products for any defects you might have missed during the design process before you begin to sell them.
As a final note, make sure to work with a CNC machine shop that’s based in the UK rather than turning to cheap foreign firms. Given the complexity of the manufacturing process, introducing language barriers and long wait times between deliveries is sure to cost you money rather than help you save it.
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