A well-executed CNC machining electric baking pan prototype model is a cornerstone of product development—it validates design aesthetics, teste les performances de chauffage, et garantit la fiabilité structurelle avant la production en série. Cet article décompose systématiquement tout le processus de création, de la conception préliminaire aux tests fonctionnels finaux, utiliser des comparaisons claires, directives étape par étape, et des solutions pratiques pour relever les défis communs, helping you build a prototype that balances precision, fonctionnalité, and market readiness.
1. Préparation préliminaire: Lay the Groundwork for Prototype Success
Preliminary preparation directly determines the prototype’s accuracy and usability. It focuses on two core tasks: 3Modélisation D & detail design et sélection des matériaux, both tailored to the unique needs of electric baking pans (par ex., résistance à la chaleur, even heat distribution, user safety).
1.1 3Modélisation D & Key Detail Design
Use professional CAD software (par ex., SolidWorks, UG, Rhinocéros) to create a comprehensive 3D model of the electric baking pan. The model must cover all components and prioritize critical details to avoid machining errors:
- Component Breakdown: Split the baking pan into independent parts like the upper cover, baking tray body, heating plate, thermostat mount, handle, et base for easier machining and assembly.
- Key Design Focus Areas:
- Baking Tray Shape: Define dimensions (par ex., rond: φ28–32cm; carré: 25×25cm) and thickness distribution (1.5–2mm for uniform heating) with a tolerance of ±0.05mm.
- Heating Element Layout: Mark positions for heating pipes/plates (even spacing to ensure ±5°C temperature variation) and reserve grooves for wire routing.
- Assembly Interfaces: Design fitting structures (par ex., buckles for upper cover-base connection, screw holes for handle mounting) with clear tolerance requirements (±0,1mm).
- Surface Features: Add anti-slip patterns (profondeur: 0.3–0.5mm) on handles, brand logo embossments (hauteur: 0.8–1mm), and button grooves (to fit control knobs).
Why focus on these details? A poorly designed heating element layout can cause 30% uneven heating, while imprecise assembly interfaces may lead to loose upper covers—requiring rework that adds 2–3 days to the timeline.
1.2 Sélection des matériaux: Match Materials to Component Functions
Different components of the electric baking pan need materials with specific properties (par ex., heat conductivity for heating plates, insulation for handles). The table below compares the most suitable materials:
| Type de matériau | Avantages clés | Ideal Components | Fourchette de coût (par kg) | Usinabilité |
| Acier inoxydable (304/316) | Résistance aux hautes températures (up to 800°C), résistant à la corrosion | Baking tray body, heating plate | \(15–)22 | Modéré (needs coolant to prevent sticking) |
| Alliage d'aluminium (6061) | Excellente conductivité thermique (167 W/m·K), léger | Dissipateurs de chaleur, garniture décorative | \(6–)10 | Excellent (fast cutting, low tool wear) |
| Plastique ABS | Haute résistance aux chocs, easy to shape | Upper cover, handle, base housing | \(3–)6 | Bien (low cutting resistance, pas de bavures) |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | Transparent, résistant à la chaleur (jusqu'à 135°C) | Viewing windows (for monitoring food) | \(8–)12 | Modéré (requires high-speed cutting to avoid cracking) |
| Caoutchouc de silicone | Résistant à la chaleur, waterproof | Sealing rings (between upper cover and tray) | \(9–)13 | N / A (moulé, not CNC-machined) |
Exemple: The heating plate, needing efficient heat transfer, utilise alliage d'aluminium. The baking tray body, requiring corrosion resistance for food contact, is made of 304 acier inoxydable.
2. Processus d'usinage CNC: Turn Design into Physical Components
The CNC machining phase follows a linear workflow—programmation & toolpath planning → workpiece clamping → roughing & finition—with special attention to electric baking pan-specific structures (par ex., curved tray surfaces, heating element grooves).
2.1 Programmation & Toolpath Planning
Import the 3D model into CAM software (par ex., Mastercam, PowerMill) to generate toolpaths and G-code. Key steps include:
- Cutting Parameter Setting (by Material):
- Acier inoxydable: Speed = 800–2000 rpm; Feed = 0.05–0.1mm/tooth; Cutting depth = 0.3–1mm (use carbide tools).
- Alliage d'aluminium: Speed = 3000–6000 rpm; Feed = 0.1–0.2mm/tooth; Cutting depth = 1–2mm (use high-speed steel tools).
- Plastiques (ABS/PC): Speed = 1500–3000 rpm; Feed = 0.08–0.15mm/tooth; Cutting depth = 0.5–1mm (use coolant for PC to prevent softening).
- Sélection d'outils:
- Roughing: Use 8–16mm diameter end mills/face mills to remove 80–90% of excess material.
- Finition: Use 2–6mm diameter ball nose mills (for curved tray surfaces) or fine boring cutters (for thermostat mount holes).
- Special Structures: Utiliser five-axis machining for complex curved trays (avoids tool interference) et GED (Usinage par électroérosion) for heating element grooves (ensures positional accuracy ±0.03mm).
2.2 Workpiece Clamping & Exécution de l'usinage
Proper clamping prevents deformation and ensures precision. The table below outlines clamping methods for different components:
| Component Type | Matériel | Clamping Method | Key Precautions |
| Baking Tray Body | Acier inoxydable | Flat pliers + support blocks | Add anti-slip pads to avoid surface scratches; ensure flatness during clamping |
| Heating Plate | Alliage d'aluminium | Vacuum adsorption platform | Even pressure distribution to prevent thin-wall deformation |
| Upper Cover | Plastique ABS | Custom soft claws | Reduce clamping force (≤50N) to avoid cracking |
| Handle | Plastique ABS | Indexing head | Align with pre-marked hole positions for accurate drilling |
Machining Execution Tips:
- For curved baking trays: Utiliser spiral layered milling (0.5mm per layer) to ensure smooth surfaces (Râ <0.8µm).
- For heating element grooves: After CNC milling, polish the bottom plane to Ra <0.4µm (reduces thermal conduction resistance).
- Pour pièces en plastique: Utiliser grande vitesse, low-feed cutting (par ex., ABS: 2500 tr/min, 0.1mm/tooth) to avoid melt sticking to tools.
3. Post-traitement & Assemblée: Enhance Performance & Esthétique
Post-processing removes machining flaws and prepares components for assembly, while careful assembly ensures the prototype functions safely and smoothly.
3.1 Post-traitement
- Metal Parts:
- Acier inoxydable: Sandblast (matte texture) or electropolish (haute brillance) to remove tool marks; apply food-grade anti-rust oil.
- Alliage d'aluminium: Anodize (color options: black/silver) pour la résistance à la corrosion; hard oxidize (épaisseur: 5–10μm) pour la résistance à l'usure.
- Plastic Parts:
- ABS/PC: Paint (matte/glossy) or UV print (logos de marque, operation instructions); laser engrave graduation lines (for temperature knobs) with 0.1mm depth.
- Sealing Rings: Clean with food-grade disinfectant and apply high-temperature adhesive (for bonding to upper cover grooves).
3.2 Step-by-Step Assembly
- Pre-Assembly Check: Verify all components meet dimensional standards (par ex., baking tray flatness ≤0.1mm, handle hole alignment ±0.05mm).
- Core Component Assembly:
- Attach the heating plate to the baking tray body using M3 screws (couple: 1.5–2.0 N·m); seal with silicone gaskets to prevent heat loss.
- Install the thermostat into its mount (threaded connection) and connect wires to the power interface (use heat-shrinkable tubes for insulation).
- Final Assembly:
- Fasten the upper cover to the base via buckles (ensure 0.5–1mm gap for easy opening/closing).
- Mount the handle to the upper cover (screw fixing, couple: 1.0–1.2 N·m) and install control knobs into button grooves.
4. Tests fonctionnels & Problem Troubleshooting
Testing validates the prototype’s performance, while troubleshooting resolves common issues to ensure reliability.
4.1 Functional Testing Checklist
Test the prototype in four key areas to validate performance:
| Test Category | Tools/Methods | Pass Criteria |
| Heating Performance | Thermocouple, temperature data logger | Reaches 200°C within 5–8 minutes; temperature variation ≤±5°C across the tray |
| Contrôle de la température | Multimeter, manual knob adjustment | Shuts off at set temperature (par ex., 180°C) and restarts at 160°C; no overheating |
| Safety | Infrared thermometer, pull test | Handle temperature <40°C after 30 minutes of use; handle resists 5kg pull force |
| Sealing | Water filling (tray 50% full) | No water leakage from upper cover-tray junction after 10 minutes |
4.2 Common Problems & Solutions
| Problème | Cause | Solution |
| Baking tray flatness exceeding standard (>0.1mm) | Clamping deformation, usure des outils | Add support blocks during clamping; replace with new carbide tools |
| Large gap between heating plate and thermostat | Positional errors, tolerance accumulation | Use jigs for precise thermostat mounting; optimize machining sequence |
| ABS upper cover cracking | Residual stress, aggressive cutting parameters | Anneal plastic before machining (80°C pour 2 heures); reduce feed rate to 0.08mm/tooth |
| Heat dissipation hole burrs | Dull drill bits, improper retraction | Replace with new high-speed steel drills; optimize retraction path (arc retraction) |
Yigu Technology’s Perspective
Chez Yigu Technologie, we see CNC machining electric baking pan prototype models as a “performance validator”—they bridge design concepts and mass production while ensuring user safety. Our team prioritizes two core aspects: precision and heat efficiency. For critical parts like heating plates, we use aluminum alloy with five-axis machining to ensure thermal conductivity uniformity (±3% variation). Pour pièces en contact avec les aliments, we strictly select 304 stainless steel and apply food-grade post-processing. We also integrate 3D scanning post-machining to verify dimensional accuracy (tolerance ±0.03mm). By focusing on these details, we help clients reduce post-production defects by 25–30% and cut time-to-market by 1–2 weeks. Whether you need an appearance prototype for exhibitions or a functional one for testing, we tailor solutions to meet global safety standards.
FAQ
- Q: How long does it take to produce a CNC machining electric baking pan prototype model?
UN: Typically 7–10 working days. This includes 1–2 days for 3D programming, 2–3 days for CNC machining, 1–2 days for post-processing, 1–2 days for assembly, et 1 day for testing & dépannage.
- Q: Can I use PC plastic instead of stainless steel for the baking tray body?
UN: It’s not recommended. PC plastic has lower heat resistance (max 135°C) and may deform under long-term baking (180–220°C). Acier inoxydable (304/316) can withstand high temperatures and resist food acid corrosion, making it the only safe choice for the tray body.
- Q: What should I do if the prototype has uneven heating across the baking tray?
UN: D'abord, check the heating element layout (ensure even spacing between pipes/plates). If the layout is correct, verify the heating plate flatness (should be ≤0.1mm). If uneven, re-machine the heating plate with a precision grinder to restore flatness—this fix takes 1–2 hours and resolves most heating uniformity issues.