What’s Clear Parts Machining?

Many prototyping applications benefit from the use of clear plastic parts to achieve optical functions, view the inside of products, or improve aesthetics. Clear prototypes and optical prototypes machining are mainly referring to the machining of transparent acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC), and most applications choose them to get a mirror-clear effect. For example, automotive lighting lamp lens, light guides, or product external components, displays, etc.


IDEAL provides a range of solutions for custom clear parts and optical components to meet your functional needs, including CNC machining, vacuum casting, and injection molding. We have the expertise required to machine clear plastics without blemishes. We also have highly skilled polishing techniques to achieve optical clarity on plastic parts. Our approach to excellence allows us to fully support optical prototype development projects.

How Precision CNC Machinined Optical Prototypes Works?

  • Machining Acrylic & Hand Polishing

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    Machining Acrylic & Hand Polishing

    Acrylic (PMMA) is the most popular CNC machined clear plastic material, and the best surface finish can be achieved through precision machining. Acrylic polishing can help present the best clarity and light transmittance. As a professional prototype manufacturer, We pride ourselves on advanced excellence in creating acrylic prototypes of optical components.

  • Machining Polycarbonate & Vapor Polishing

    02

    Machining Polycarbonate & Vapor Polishing

    Polycarbonate (PC) is also one of the most commonly used transparent plastic for CNC machining. Its transparency is second only to acrylic, but its strength is much stronger than acrylic. Vapor polishing can be used for the post finishing of machined PC parts, which can improve the internal and external surface finish and clarity of the parts.

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Advantages of CNC Machinined Optical Prototypes

Optical Machining Technology Provides Excellent Surface Finish

Combine 5-axis Precision Milling with Diamond Machining Technology

Good at Precision Machining of Complex Geometric Details

Hand-polished by Highly Specialized Skilled Craftsmen

Meet Optical Testing, Aesthetic or Display Purposes of Similar End-use Parts

Urethane Casting Low Volume Clear Prototypes

  • What’s Clear Parts Machining?

    What’s Clear Parts Machining?

  • What’s Clear Parts Machining?

    What’s Clear Parts Machining?

Urethane vacuum casting is a fast, economical way for creating transparent plastic prototypes in small quantities.


1.The acrylic master is CNC machined and highly polished to get an impeccable surface finish.

2.Precision machined masters to achieve the best optical pattern details.

3.Apply the correct casting process, and use appropriate silicone and polyurethane materials.

4.Choosing the right release agent and applying it effectively to avoid tackiness and surface defects.

5.The overmolding process to achieve a single urethane part with a two-color or two-component.

6.Clear casting normally 12-15 copies, up to 20 copies per mold. (depending on the mold’s complexity)

7.More than 20 clear parts can be produced in 2 weeks or less, depending on the structure and volume of the parts

Applications For Prototyping Clear Parts

Automotive Lamp Lens

Light Pipes & Light Guidesv Optical Components

Decorative Clear Components

Transparent or Translucent Parts

Clear Plastic Container

Displays for Trade Shows & Events

Injection Molded Clear Parts For Low Volume Production

Rapid injection molding for clear plastic allows use of expected production materials and final production technology. Class A surface finishes can be achieved for create injection molded optical components and clear parts from materials like PMMA and PC.


Need as few as 100 or more than 10,000 clear plastic parts to test low volume production runs? We have knowledge and experience creating rapid aluminum tooling, which means lower tooling costs and faster production changeovers.

Request Your Free Clear Parts Quote Today

Our improved algorithm decreases Optical Clear Parts quotation times by up to 90%. Most quotes are delivered within 24 hrs. and usually much less, depending on project details.

Your customer support partner will contact you directly to ensure you’ve received and understand all aspects of your quotation and to answer any questions you may have.

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