Understanding Both Translucent and Transparent Parts Machining
The terms translucent and transparent describe the physical properties of a material. The light easily passes through such materials, making them non-opaque. Transparent objects possess a trait of imaging as light passes through them. At Creatingway, we offer concepts of making you understand both material properties.
Further Know About the Two Materials’ Characteristic And Process
What is a Transparent Material?
Light fully passes through a transparent material and not partially. For example, transparent media have air, water, glass, and plastics. The media have electrons below their energy level in a visible range. So, it can prevent absorption making certain materials appear transparent.
Transparent materials follow the law of refraction. The objects have a clear appearance and possess a combination of colors. So, the mixture makes a brilliant spectrum of each color.
Most liquids are transparent since they lack a molecular structure. Materials such as diamond, Pyrex, and cellophane are popular transparent materials.
Optically transparent objects allow transmission of light and hardly reflect it. Examples of such materials are flat glass and clear water. Other examples are:
- Sand timer
- Computer screen
- Camera lens
What is a Translucent Material?
Translucent materials allow light to pass through, but not like transparent ones. The objects defy the law of refraction. A change in the refractive index between two interfaces makes photons scatter. This change leads to the clarity of a material.
When light interacts with a translucent material, they interact in different ways. The interaction is due to the wavelength and properties of the object. Materials that combine reflection, transmission, and absorption interact with photons. The interaction makes the materials absorb more light than transparent materials. Major examples of transparent objects are; frosted and tinted glass wax paper. Other examples are like:
- Tracing paper
- Colored plastic bottle
The Difference Between Translucent and Transparent Materials
- Translucent materials allow less light to pass through than transparent ones.
- The law of refraction applies to transparent materials and not translucent ones.
- Transparent objects are more apparent than translucent ones.
- Transparent material forms a clear image while translucent materials forms blur images.
- The number of structural defects is less in transparent materials compared to translucent ones.
Why Use Transparent and Translucent Parts Machining?
Access to transparent housing leads to a free and clear vision. At such a state, various reactions take place, helping solve unknown problems. An example of transparent housing is the greenhouse. The greenhouse effect is a chemical reaction that occurs inside a greenhouse. The transparency features are one of a kind. To sum up, we use the traits to suit our customer’s desires.
CNC Machining of Transparent Parts
One of the most chosen processes in rapid prototyping is CNC machining. As a result, we can machine transparent materials according to your desired look. Milling and lathe processing makes it possible.
Acrylic is a commonly used transparent CNC material. The material is easy to mill, bringing out a suitable surface roughness. The machined acrylic surface is translucent and has a knife pattern. Hand grinding the translucent surface leads to a transparent state. So, we are making the material appear optically clear. Therefore, the material used in the making of headlights is acrylic.
PC and PS are other CNC transparent materials. 3D printed parts are less robust compared to clear machined parts. Hence, makes cleared machined parts have a variety of uses.
CNC machining has no economies of scale. Due to this lacking, CNC machining is more expensive than other processes. Compared to SLA transparent processes, CNC transparent parts machining is mainly used. However, the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Molding Parts Inject Transparently
Injection molding is a type of an injection-cum-molding method. Molds are expensive to make since they have long lead times. We can use aluminum in the mold-making processes. Hence, it helps reduce production costs and improves the production cycle. Combining both aluminum and steel molds is a rapid prototyping service.
We use PC, PET, and PMMA in the transparent injection molding process. The process produces transparent products with varying clearness as required. However, injection molding has the following defects flow marks and shrinkage, but the advantages are:
- Fast and efficient production
- High-quality production
- Production of long-lasting items
- Long cycle times
- It requires a high level of skill
- Non-suitable for small batches
Vacuum Casting of Clear Parts
Vacuum injection molding is a good choice for low volume production. Hence, it helps in reducing budget costs and production cost increases. We use silicone molds as it is cheaper than metal molds. The silicone can produce 20 parts. Furthermore, the mold made can match according to one’s desired color. Polyurethane is the injection material.
What Creatingway Can Help For Your Project?
In conclusion, at Creatingway, we have specialized in plastic and metal prototyping. Hence, leading to a good production of metal and plastic products. We have produced clear parts such as displays and clear parts. All items made suit the customer’s desire. Advice given helps the client choose the appropriate item fitting their projects.
Creatingway concentrates on CNC machining manufacturing, prototype machining, low-volume manufacturing, metal fabrication, and parts finishing services, providing you with the best support and services. ask us one inquire now.
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