Home Industry The Art of CNC Prototype Machining for Smartphone Manufacturing

The Art of CNC Prototype Machining for Smartphone Manufacturing

by Joshua Stinson

Prototype machining in smartphones’ manufacturing process is an indispensable tool from PCBA layout to the peripheral devices for our smartphones. Printed circuit boards in our phones are assembled using CNC machining. The frames and bodies of our smartphones are made by machining. To ensure functionality, manufacturers rely on prototype machining to produce some parts since assembling them manually is impossible. CNC machining contributes a lot in smartphone manufacturing.

Frames and Bodies

If you were to look at a typical iPhone, the body is made of Aluminum. This is the same case with other brands. When developing the frames and bodies, uniformity, precision, and quality surface finishing is paramount. You will notice that smartphones have sleek and rounded edges. All of this is made possible by CNC prototype machining. Manufactures opt to hire prototype machining services since they can make multiple units of the same prototype or part and maintain uniformity. There is no way you can find disparities in the size of the models. If you took two iPhone 7 smartphones, you would find that they are mere reflections.

Touch-sensitive glass

The main issue here is quality surface finishing. The glass used in smartphones should be smooth and uniform. What better way to produce them than using CNC prototype machining?

Cases

The need to protect our devices is unanimous. Whether you are looking for protection or style, CNC prototype machining deserves some credit. Phone cases are made using leather, plastic, and in some cases, wood. Wooden cases use Elm, Teak, or Bamboo as materials. Plastic cases production is either through CNC machining or plastic injection. It is worth noting that CNC machining is key in making the molds used in plastic injection.

Aesthetic Finishing

CNC engraving machines come into action here, etching images on 0.3mm aluminum sheets. Manufacturers are now paying a lot of attention to the aesthetic finishes to impress customers. It is all about standing out in the market. Prototype machining allows customization of covers.

Printed Circuit Board Assembly

The holes in the printed circuit boards are drilled using CNC machines. PCB layout requires high precision cutting, and CNC prototype machining guarantees this and much more.

Accessories and Peripherals

A perfect example is the X Carve phone amplifier. You would think that this device is complex due to its name, but it is made of wood. A typical X carve phone amplifier comprises of wood with circle carvings that decrease in size as you go down. It also has a slot to place your phone; this design amplifies the sounds produced by your phone.

With the advancements in technology, new invention come up, and new methods of production arise. The smartphone industry is seen to leap huge steps in making next-generation smartphones. The modern designs are sleek and aim at reducing the weight of our devices. The use of printed circuit boards has helped us produce less bulky devices. Although 3D printing has overshadowed CNC machining, prototype machining is still a viable option for production parts contributing immensely in smartphone manufacturing.

You may also like

Leave a Comment