Developing a refrigerator prototype model requires a precise CNC machining process to validate design feasibility, test component fit, and evaluate aesthetic performance. Unlike small appliance prototypes, refrigerators have complex structures (P.EJ., box, door body, refrigeration system mounts) that demand strict control over dimensional accuracy and surface quality. This guide breaks down the full workflow—from preliminary preparation to post-processing—with key parameters, selecciones de materiales, y consejos prácticos para garantizar el éxito del prototipo.
1. Preparación preliminar: Sentar las bases para el mecanizado
El éxito del mecanizado CNC comienza con una preparación minuciosa, incluyendo modelado 3D, selección de material, y preparación del equipo/herramienta. This stage ensures the subsequent process is efficient and error-free.
(1) 3D Modelado: Define Prototype Details with Precision
Utilice el software CAD profesional (P.EJ., Solidworks, y) to create a detailed 3D model that covers all critical structures of the refrigerator. The model must balance design requirements, assembly logic, y viabilidad del mecanizado.
| Categoría de estructura | Detalles clave del diseño | Requisitos de precisión | Objetivo |
| Cuerpo principal (Box) | Inner cavity size (P.EJ., 500mm×600mm×1800mm), partition slots, refrigeration system mounting holes | Cavity dimension error ±0.2mm; Tolerancia de posición del agujero ±0,1 mm. | Ensure fit for insulation layers and refrigeration components |
| Door Body | Frame size, observation window cutout (Si corresponde), hinge mounting slots | Frame parallelism error ≤0.1mm; cutout edge smoothness Ra ≤1.6μm | Guarantee tight sealing when closed; match hinge assembly |
| Functional Components | Handle shape (curva ergonómica), control panel slot, drawer slide rails | Handle surface roughness Ra ≤0.8μm; slot depth tolerance ±0.05mm | Improve user experience; ensure smooth operation of moving parts |
Consejos para la optimización del modelo:
- Layered Design: Split complex structures (P.EJ., door body with inner liner) into separate machinable components to avoid tool interference. Por ejemplo, machine the door frame and inner liner separately, then assemble them.
- Process Marking: Label key machining features (P.EJ., “no tool marks on visible surfaces”) and reference datums (P.EJ., box bottom as the origin) to guide CNC programming.
- Interference Check: Use software to simulate component assembly (P.EJ., door closing, drawer sliding) and eliminate overlapping or collision risks (P.EJ., ensure 2–3mm clearance between door and box).
(2) Selección de material: Haga coincidir el rendimiento con las funciones de los componentes
Different parts of the refrigerator prototype require materials with specific properties (P.EJ., fortaleza, transparencia, brillo). Below is a detailed comparison of suitable options:
| Tipo de material | Applicable Parts | Propiedades clave | Machinability Advantages |
| De plástico de los abdominales | Box body, door frame, manejar | Buena resistencia al impacto (Izod impact strength 20 KJ /), fácil de colorear, bajo costo | Low tool wear; can be machined at high speed (10,000–15,000 rpm) |
| Plástico de PC | Observation window, control panel cover | Alta transparencia (light transmittance ≥88%), resistente al impacto (10x más fuerte que el vidrio) | Precision cutting achievable; minimal chipping on edges |
| Acrílico (PMMA) | Exterior decorative strips, logo plates | Excellent gloss (60° gloss value ≥90%), vivid color expression | Smooth surface after polishing; suitable for aesthetic-focused parts |
| Aleación de aluminio (6061) | Drawer slide rails, refrigeration mounts | Alta rigidez (resistencia a la tracción 276 MPA), buena resistencia a la corrosión | Velocidad de mecanizado rápido; suitable for load-bearing structural parts |
Preparación del material en blanco:
- Cut blanks according to the maximum size of each part, reserving 5–10mm machining allowance on all sides. Por ejemplo:
- A door frame with a final size of 600mm×800mm×50mm requires a 610mm×810mm×60mm ABS blank.
- An aluminum alloy slide rail (100mm×20mm×5mm) needs a 110mm×30mm×15mm blank to accommodate roughing and finishing.
(3) Equipo & Preparación de herramientas: Garantizar la precisión del mecanizado
Select CNC equipment and tools based on material properties and part complexity to avoid defects like tool marks or dimensional deviations.
| Equipment/Tool Type | Selection Criteria | Recommended Specifications |
| CNC Machining Center | High-precision 3-axis or 5-axis models (for curved surfaces like door handles) | Positioning accuracy ±0.005mm; spindle speed range 8,000–24,000 rpm |
| Cortadores de fresadoras | Solid carbide tools for plastic; acero de alta velocidad (HSS) tools for aluminum alloy | – Plástico: Φ6–Φ12mm flat-bottom mills (para desgarrar), Φ3–Φ6mm ball-head mills (para terminar)- Aluminio: Φ8–Φ16mm end mills (para desgarrar), Φ4–Φ8mm face mills (para superficies planas) |
| Simulacros & Taps | Twist drills for holes; machine taps for threaded mounting holes | – Simulacros: Φ2–Φ10mm (match hole size requirements)- Taps: M3–M8 (for hinge and handle mounting) |
| Accesorios | Vacuum suction cups (for flat plastic parts); precision vises (for aluminum components) | Vacuum pressure ≥0.8 MPa; vise clamping force ≥5 kN to prevent workpiece displacement |
2. Programación & Configuración: Translate Design to Machinable Code
This stage converts the 3D model into actionable CNC instructions and prepares the machine for operation—critical for ensuring machining accuracy.
(1) Programación de cámaras: Generate Machining Code
Utilice el software CAM (P.EJ., Maestro, PowerMill) para convertir el modelo 3D en código G, and optimize parameters based on material and part structure.
| Etapa de mecanizado | Parámetros clave | Consejos de optimización |
| Toscante | – Velocidad de corte: 10,000–12,000 rpm (Abdominales); 12,000–15,000 rpm (aluminio)- Tasa de alimentación: 1,000–1,500 mm/min (Abdominales); 800–1,200 mm/min (aluminio)- Profundidad de corte: 2–5 mm (Abdominales); 1-3 mm (aluminio) | Usar “corte en capas” to remove 90% de exceso de material; leave 0.3–0.5mm allowance for finishing |
| Refinamiento | – Velocidad de corte: 15,000–18.000 rpm (Abdominales); 18,000–22,000 rpm (aluminio)- Tasa de alimentación: 500–800 mm/min (Abdominales); 400–600 mm/min (aluminio)- Profundidad de corte: 0.1-0.3 mm | Para superficies curvas (P.EJ., manejar), usar “spiral cutting” with a step distance of 0.05mm to eliminate tool marks |
| Hole Machining | – Drilling speed: 8,000–10,000 rpm- Tapping speed: 500–800 rpm (M3–M5 taps) | Usar “pecking drilling” (drill 3mm, retract 1mm) to clear chips; apply cutting fluid for aluminum to prevent thread stripping |
(2) Configuración de la máquina: Install Tools & Secure Workpieces
Proper setup ensures the machine, herramientas, and workpieces are aligned to the same coordinate system—avoiding dimensional errors.
Instalación de herramientas & Calibración:
- Mount tools into the tool magazine and use a tool setter to measure tool length and radius. Record data in the CNC system to compensate for tool wear.
- Por ejemplo: A Φ6mm ball-head mill for ABS finishing needs its length calibrated to ±0.001mm to ensure consistent cutting depth.
Agua de la pieza de trabajo:
- Clean the machining table to remove debris, then fix the blank using fixtures:
- For ABS box blanks: Use vacuum suction cups to cover 80% of the blank’s bottom surface (prevents warping during machining).
- For aluminum slide rails: Secure with a precision vise, ensuring the blank is parallel to the table (error ≤0.01mm).
- Set the workpiece origin (P.EJ., use a touch probe to detect the blank’s edge) and input coordinates into the CNC system.
3. Ejecución de mecanizado de CNC: From Blank to Prototype Structure
This stage divides machining into roughing and finishing to balance efficiency and precision—critical for complex refrigerator structures.
(1) Toscante: Forma la base prototipo
Roughing removes most excess material to bring the blank close to the final shape, prioritizing speed while avoiding tool damage.
| Tipo de componente | Roughing Focus | Operaciones clave & Parámetros |
| Refrigerator Box | Machine outer frame and inner cavity; mill partition slots | Use Φ12mm flat-bottom mill (Abdominales); velocidad de corte 11,000 rpm, tasa de alimentación 1,200 mm/min; cavity depth cut in 3 pases (5mm each) |
| Door Body | Mill door frame and observation window cutout; machine hinge mounting slots | Use Φ10mm end mill (Abdominales); velocidad de corte 10,000 rpm, tasa de alimentación 1,000 mm/min; cutout edges left with 0.3mm finishing allowance |
| Aluminum Slide Rails | Machine rail profile and mounting holes | Utilice una fresa de extremo de Φ8 mm (aluminio); velocidad de corte 14,000 rpm, tasa de alimentación 1,000 mm/min; holes pre-drilled with Φ3mm twist drill |
Inspección posterior al desbaste:
- Utilice un calibrador digital para comprobar las dimensiones clave (P.EJ., box cavity size, door frame width) y asegúrese de que estén dentro de ±0,5 mm del valor de diseño.
- Clean chips from the workpiece surface with compressed air to avoid interfering with finishing.
(2) Refinamiento: Lograr precisión & Calidad de la superficie
Finishing refines the workpiece to meet final design requirements, focusing on dimensional accuracy and surface smoothness.
| Tipo de componente | Enfoque final | Operaciones clave & Parámetros |
| Box Inner Cavity | Smooth cavity walls and partition slot edges; ensure flatness of mounting surfaces | Use Φ6mm ball-head mill (Abdominales); velocidad de corte 16,000 rpm, tasa de alimentación 600 mm/min; wall roughness Ra ≤1.6μm |
| Door Observation Window | Smooth cutout edges; ensure parallelism with door frame | Use Φ3mm ball-head mill (ordenador personal); velocidad de corte 18,000 rpm, tasa de alimentación 500 mm/min; edge chipping ≤0.1mm |
| Manejar | Polish curved surface; machine ergonomic grip contour | Utilice un molino de cabeza de bola de Φ4 mm (Abdominales); velocidad de corte 17,000 rpm, tasa de alimentación 700 mm/min; rugosidad superficial Ra ≤0.8μm |
Controles de calidad de acabado:
- Use a surface roughness tester to verify Ra values (P.EJ., visible surfaces require Ra ≤0.8μm).
- Use una máquina de medición de coordenadas (Cmm) to inspect critical features: Por ejemplo, hinge mounting holes must have a position error ≤0.1mm to ensure door alignment.
4. Postprocesamiento: Enhance Prototype Performance & Estética
Post-processing improves the prototype’s appearance, funcionalidad, and durability—bridging the gap between machined parts and a realistic refrigerator model.
(1) Tratamiento superficial: Refine Texture & Apariencia
Tailor treatment methods to material type and part function:
| Material/Part Type | Pasos del tratamiento de superficies | Resultado esperado |
| ABS Box/Door Body | 1. Sand with 400# → 800# → 1200# papel de lija (eliminar marcas de herramientas)2. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol (degrease)3. Pintura mate en aerosol (50μm thickness, color matching design) | Adhesión de pintura ≥4B (Sin pelar); surface gloss 30–50 GU (acabado mate) |
| PC Observation Window | 1. Polish with 600# abrasive paste (remove cutting marks)2. Polish with 1200# paste (enhance transparency)3. Clean with lens cleaner | Light transmittance ≥85%; no visible scratches or haze |
| Acrylic Decorative Strips | 1. Sand with 1000# papel de lija (bordes suaves)2. Polish with acrylic-specific polishing paste3. Apply UV protective coating | Gloss value ≥90 GU; no yellowing after 100 hours of UV exposure |
| Aluminum Slide Rails | 1. Desengrasar con limpiador alcalino2. anodizar (form 8–10μm silver-gray oxide film)3. Chorro de arena (superficie mate) | Resistencia a la corrosión: No se oxida después de una prueba de niebla salina de 48 horas; coeficiente de fricción ≤0,15 |
(2) Asamblea & Depuración: Validate Prototype Functionality
Assemble machined components and test key functions to ensure the prototype meets design goals:
Pasos de ensamblaje:
- Comprobación previa al montaje: Verify that all parts meet dimensional requirements (P.EJ., door frame fits box body with 2–3mm clearance).
- Component Installation:
- Mount hinges to door and box (use torque wrench to apply 5–8 N·m force to avoid thread damage).
- Install handle onto door (ensure alignment; no wobble when pulled).
- Attach slide rails to drawers and box (test sliding resistance ≤5N).
- Prueba de sellado: Place a thin paper strip between door and box, close the door, and pull the strip—resistance should be uniform (indicates tight sealing).
Depuración funcional:
- Door Operation: Test opening/closing 100 times—door should stay closed without manual locking; no squeaking.
- Drawer Sliding: Open/close drawers 50 times—no jamming; slides smoothly throughout the stroke.
- Component Fit: Check that simulated refrigeration system mounts (P.EJ., compressor brackets) align with holes (position error ≤0.1mm).
5. Control de calidad & Mejoramiento: Ensure Prototype Reliability
Strict quality control identifies defects early, while optimization reduces costs and improves efficiency for future iterations.
(1) Estándares clave de control de calidad
| Control Item | Acceptance Criteria | Inspection Method |
| Precisión dimensional | – Box cavity: ± 0.2 mm- Door frame: ± 0.1 mm- Hole position: ± 0.1 mm | Cmm (Para características críticas); calibre digital (para dimensiones generales) |
| Calidad de la superficie | – Visible surfaces: Ra ≤0.8μm, no tool marks/scratches- Hidden surfaces: Ra ≤1.6μm | Surface roughness tester; inspección visual (under 500lux light) |
| Assembly Fit | – Door-box clearance: 2-3 mm (uniforme)- Drawer sliding resistance: ≤5N | Feeler gauge (for clearance); force gauge (for sliding resistance) |
| Material Performance | – ABS impact resistance: ≥15 kJ/m²- PC transparency: ≥85% | Izod impact tester; spectrophotometer |
(2) Consejos para la optimización de procesos
- Material Saving: Para grandes partes (P.EJ., box body), design hollow structures (with 3–5mm thick walls) to reduce blank size—saves 20–30% material cost.
- Eficiencia de mecanizado: Combine roughing and semi-finishing for simple parts (P.EJ., decorative strips) to reduce tool change time by 15–20%.
- Post-Processing Simplification: For non-visible parts (P.EJ., inner partition slots), skip painting—saves 10–15% of post-processing time.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on CNC Machining Refrigerator Prototype Models
En la tecnología yigu, creemos design-machining integration is the core of efficient refrigerator prototype development. Many clients face issues like door sealing failure or drawer jamming due to disconnected design and machining. Our team optimizes models for manufacturability: Por ejemplo, we add 0.3mm machining allowance to door frames to ensure sealing clearance, and design self-lubricating structures for slide rails to reduce post-processing. We also select materials strategically—using ABS for main bodies (rentable, fácil de terminar) and PC for observation windows (alta transparencia, resistente al impacto). For large-batch prototypes, we use multi-cavity fixtures to machine 2–3 parts at once, Cortar el tiempo de producción por 40%. Our goal is to deliver prototypes that accurately reflect mass-production effects, helping clients shorten product development cycles by 25–30%.