1. Consideration based on equipment needs and performance requirements
First, the shell manufacturing process should be selected according to the specific needs and performance requirements of the automated machinery and equipment. If the equipment has extremely high requirements for strength and rigidity, such as the shell of a large stamping equipment, the stamping process may be a better choice. Stamping can form metal sheets into complex shapes, and through reasonable mold design, it can ensure that the shell has sufficient strength to withstand the impact and pressure during the operation of the equipment. For some automated equipment with very high precision requirements, complex internal structures and miniaturization, such as precision electronic testing equipment, the injection molding process may be more suitable. Injection molding can produce shells with precise shapes, stable dimensions and complex internal structures, which can well meet the equipment's installation and protection requirements for internal components.
2. Consider production scale and cost-effectiveness
Production scale also plays a key role in the selection of manufacturing processes. For large-scale automated machinery and equipment, the die-casting process may have cost advantages. Die-casting can quickly and efficiently produce a large number of identical shell parts. Although the mold cost is high, when the production quantity reaches a certain scale, the cost allocated to each shell will be reduced. On the contrary, if it is a small batch production or customized equipment shell, CNC machining (CNC) process may be more suitable. CNC machining is highly flexible and can quickly adjust production parameters according to different design requirements to produce unique shells, but due to its relatively slow processing speed, the cost will be too high in large-scale production.
3. Material properties and process compatibility
The compatibility of the properties of the shell material and the manufacturing process must also be considered. For example, if the shell is made of plastic material, then plastic molding processes such as injection molding and blow molding are the natural choice. These processes can give full play to the plasticity and good formability of plastic materials. If it is a metal shell, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, stamping, die casting or welding processes are more suitable. Different metal materials have differences in machinability, melting point, ductility, etc., which requires the selection of matching manufacturing processes to ensure the quality and performance of the shell. For example, aluminum alloy has good die-casting properties and can produce thin-walled, complex-shaped shells, while stainless steel may be more suitable for a combination of stamping and welding due to its higher strength and hardness.
4. Appearance and surface quality requirements
Finally, the appearance and surface quality requirements of the Automation Machine Equipment Shell will also affect the choice of manufacturing process. If the equipment needs to have a high-quality surface finish, texture or special appearance effects, such as frosted, mirror effects, etc., then it may be necessary to choose a manufacturing process that can provide fine surface treatment. For example, the injection molding process can achieve different shell surface effects through the surface treatment of the mold, while the surface treatment processes such as polishing and brushing of metal shells are combined with basic manufacturing processes such as stamping and die-casting to meet the appearance requirements. In addition, for some shells that require surface decoration such as painting and electroplating, the choice of manufacturing process must also take into account the compatibility of these subsequent surface treatments.
