Developing an electric pressure cooker prototype requires precise CNC machining to validate design rationality, funcionalidade de teste (Por exemplo, pressure sealing), and evaluate appearance—critical steps before mass production. Unlike regular kitchen appliances, electric pressure cookers have strict requirements for sealing performance e força estrutural, which shape every stage of the CNC process. This guide breaks down the full workflow, Do design ao pós-processamento, with key parameters, Escolhas materiais, and practical tips to ensure prototype success.
1. Preparação Preliminar: Projeto & Data Processing
The foundation of a high-quality prototype lies in accurate design and optimized data. This stage focuses on creating a detailed 3D model and preparing it for CNC machining.
(1) 3D Modelagem com software CAD
Use professional CAD tools (Por exemplo, SolidWorks, e) to design a model that reflects every critical detail of the electric pressure cooker. The model must include both external and internal structures, plus process features to simplify machining.
| Structure Category | Key Design Details | Requisitos de precisão | Propósito |
| External Structure | Lid (curved top), eu posso corpo (cylindrical shape), lidar (aderência ergonômica), botões de controle (凸起 height ≥2mm) | Lid-body alignment tolerance ±0.1mm; handle mounting hole position error ≤0.05mm | Garanta a precisão da montagem; meet user ergonomics |
| Estrutura interna | Sealing ring groove (width 5mm ±0.05mm), pressure valve mounting seat, furos de fixação do sensor | Sealing groove depth tolerance ±0.03mm; valve seat hole diameter error ≤0.02mm | Guarantee pressure tightness; fit internal components (Por exemplo, sensores) |
| Recursos do processo | Inclinação de calado (3°~5° on lid/pot body), arredondando cantos (R2mm on handle edges), linhas de separação | Draft slope ensures easy demolding; rounding prevents stress concentration | Simplify CNC machining; avoid prototype damage during testing |
(2) Model Repair & Format Conversion
Raw 3D models often have defects that can ruin machining—fix these issues before exporting:
- Defect Checking: Use software like Magics to identify broken surfaces, Geometria sobreposta, or missing features (Por exemplo, incomplete sealing grooves).
- Repair Steps: Fill gaps, merge overlapping surfaces, and smooth uneven edges to ensure the model is “machinable.”
- Format Export: Convert the repaired model to Formato STL (the standard for CNC machining), with a mesh density of 0.1mm (balances detail and file size).
2. Seleção de material & Processing Process Planning
Choosing the right materials and processes is critical—materials must mimic the performance of mass-produced parts, while processes need to balance precision and cost.
(1) Prototype Material Selection
Different components of the electric pressure cooker require materials with specific properties (Por exemplo, Resistência ao calor, resistência ao desgaste). Below is a detailed comparison:
| Tipo de material | Applicable Parts | Propriedades -chave | Dicas de maquinabilidade | Tratamento de superfície |
| Abs | Pot body, tampa (appearance parts), control button housings | Easy to mill, superfície lisa, baixo custo | Use high-speed spindle (10,000–15,000 rpm) para evitar derreter | Spray matte black paint (adhesion ≥4B standard) to simulate plastic texture |
| Nylon (PA) | Peças estruturais internas (Por exemplo, Suportes de sensores, pressure valve covers) | Alta resistência, resistência ao desgaste, Resistência ao calor (até 120 ° C.) | Use ferramentas de carboneto; add cutting fluid to prevent overheating | No treatment needed (naturally wear-resistant) |
| Liga de alumínio (6061) | Metal handles, lid holders | Leve, alta rigidez, resistente à corrosão | Use high spindle speed (18,000–22,000 rpm) to reduce burrs | Anodizando (silver-gray, 8–10μm thick) for anti-oxidation + wire drawing |
| Transparent Acrylic | Observation windows (if included) | High light transmittance (≥90%), clear appearance | Precision cutting with Φ3mm ball-head tool; avoid chipping edges | Polishing with abrasive paste (from coarse 400# to fine 1200#) |
(2) Core CNC Machining Processes
The process combination depends on the part’s shape and function. Below are the key processes and their applications:
| Nome do processo | Cenários de aplicação | Parâmetros -chave & Pontas |
| Fresagem CNC | Pot body cavity (depth ≥80mm), lid curved surface, sealing ring groove | Usar “corte em camadas” for deep cavities (0.5mm por camada); use ball-head tool for curved surfaces (RA ≤1,6μm) |
| CNC virando | Round components (Por exemplo, pressure valve knobs, handle shafts) | Velocidade do eixo 20,000 RPM; taxa de alimentação 1,000 mm/min (ensures smooth surface) |
| Perfuração & Tocando | Sensor mounting holes (M4 threads), handle fixing holes | Drill Φ3.3mm bottom holes first, then tap (avoids thread stripping); use pecking drilling for deep holes |
| Fio EDM | Special-shaped parts (Por exemplo, acrylic observation window frames) | Achieves accuracy ±0.02mm (critical for transparent, visible parts) |
3. Execução de usinagem CNC: Etapas -chave & Parâmetros
Precise execution is essential to avoid defects like poor sealing or structural weakness. Focus on programming, Seleção de ferramentas, and process monitoring.
(1) Programação & Seleção de ferramentas
Use o software CAM (Por exemplo, MasterCam, PowerMill) to convert STL models into G-code, and select tools based on material and feature:
| Estágio de usinagem | Tipo de ferramenta | Tool Size | Key Settings |
| Desbaste | Flat-bottom end mill | Φ10mm (ABS/nylon), Φ8mm (liga de alumínio) | Remover 90% de material; leave 0.3mm finishing allowance |
| Semi-infinita | Ball-head end mill | Φ6mm | Smooth curved surfaces; reduce allowance to 0.1mm |
| Acabamento | Small ball-head end mill | Φ3mm (ABS/nylon), Φ2mm (acrílico) | Machine fine features (Por exemplo, sealing grooves); achieve Ra ≤1.0μm |
| Perfuração | Twist drill | Φ2–Φ5mm | Pecking drilling (drill 3mm, retract 1mm) to clear chips |
(2) Machining Parameter Setting
Parameters vary by material to ensure quality and efficiency. Below is a practical reference:
| Material | Estágio de usinagem | Velocidade do eixo (RPM) | Taxa de alimentação (mm/min) | Profundidade de corte (milímetros) |
| Abs | Desbaste | 10,000–12,000 | 1,500–2.000 | 0.5–1.0 |
| Abs | Acabamento | 15,000–18,000 | 800–1,200 | 0.1–0.3 |
| Liga de alumínio | Desbaste | 12,000–15,000 | 1,200–1.800 | 0.5–0.8 |
| Liga de alumínio | Acabamento | 18,000–22,000 | 800–1,000 | 0.1–0.2 |
| Nylon | Desbaste | 8,000–10.000 | 1,000–1.500 | 0.4–0.8 |
| Nylon | Acabamento | 12,000–15,000 | 600–800 | 0.1–0.2 |
(3) Machining Process Monitoring
The first prototype (first piece) requires strict monitoring to catch issues early:
- Verificações dimensionais: Pause after roughing to measure critical features (Por exemplo, sealing groove width, lid-body gap) with calipers or a micrometer. Adjust the program if tolerance exceeds ±0.1mm.
- Surface Quality Checks: Inspect for tool marks, Burrs, or melting (common in ABS/nylon). If tool marks are visible, increase spindle speed by 2,000 RPM.
- Clamping Stability: Ensure the part doesn’t shift during machining—use vacuum suction cups for flat parts (Por exemplo, aluminum handles) or custom fixtures for curved parts (Por exemplo, pot lids).
4. Pós-processamento & Teste funcional
Post-processing enhances appearance and performance, while functional testing validates if the prototype meets design goals—especially critical for pressure cookers.
(1) Tratamento de superfície
Tailor the treatment to the part’s role and material:
| Papel | Etapas de tratamento de superfície | Resultado Esperado |
| ABS Pot Body/Lid | 1. Grind with 600# → 1000# lixa (remover marcas de ferramentas); 2. Spray primer (30μm de espessura); 3. Spray de tinta fosca (50μm de espessura); 4. Oven cure at 60°C for 2 horas | Adesão da pintura ≥4B; no peeling or fading |
| Aluminum Alloy Handle | 1. Degrease with isopropyl alcohol; 2. Anodizar (form oxide film); 3. Hand-wire draw along the length | Uniform silver-gray color; Sem arranhões |
| Acrylic Observation Window | 1. Polonês com 400# pasta abrasiva (remover marcas de corte); 2. Polonês com 1200# colar (achieve transparency); 3. Limpe com limpador de lentes | Light transmittance ≥90%; Sem defeitos visíveis |
(2) Teste funcional
Assemble internal components (anel de vedação, pressure valve, sensor) and simulate real usage:
| Tipo de teste | Test Method | Pass Standard |
| Teste de aperto | Fill the pot with 500ml water, close the lid, and pressurize to 100kPa (simulate working pressure). Hold for 30 minutos. | No water leakage; pressure drop ≤5kPa in 30 minutos |
| Button Feel Test | Press control buttons 1,000 vezes (2 presses/second). Measure stroke (2mm ±0.2mm) and feedback force (5–8N). | Consistent stroke and force; no button jamming |
| Structural Strength Test | Apply 5kg load to the lid (simulate accidental pressure). Hold for 10 minutos. | No deformation; lid-body gap remains ≤0.1mm |
| Heat Resistance Test | Heat the pot to 100°C (simulate cooking) and hold for 2 horas. Cool to room temperature. | No material warping; sealing groove tolerance remains ±0.05mm |
5. Inspeção & Otimização
Inspect critical dimensions and iterate on the design to fix defects—this ensures the prototype is ready for mold opening.
(1) Critical Dimension Inspection
Use um Máquina de medição de coordenadas (Cmm) Para verificar as principais dimensões:
- Lid-body mating gap: ± 0,1 mm (ensures sealing)
- Sealing ring groove width: 5mm ±0.05mm (fits standard sealing rings)
- Threaded hole position (sensor mounting): ± 0,05 mm (avoids assembly interference)
- Handle mounting hole alignment: ≤0.03mm (ensures handle stability)
(2) Iteração de design & Otimização de custos
If defects are found (Por exemplo, leakage, button jamming), modify the 3D model and reprocess. Use these tips to reduce costs:
- Split Complex Parts: Machine the lid and its holder separately instead of as one piece—cuts machining time by 30% and reduces tool wear.
- Use Hybrid Processes: 3D print small internal parts (Por exemplo, pressure valve covers) with SLS nylon, then CNC machine appearance parts (Por exemplo, eu posso corpo) with ABS—lowers material waste by 25%.
- Batch Machining: Para 10+ protótipos, use aluminum profile blanks (pre-cut to approximate size) instead of full blocks—reduces material removal by 40%.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Electric Pressure Cooker Prototype CNC Machining
Na tecnologia Yigu, acreditamos sealing performance and structural strength are the core of electric pressure cooker prototype machining. Many clients overspend by using high-cost materials for non-critical parts—e.g., aluminum alloy for internal brackets that only need nylon. Our team selects materials strategically: ABS for appearance parts (econômico, easy to finish) and nylon for internal structures (resistente ao calor, resistente ao desgaste). We also optimize machining for sealing: nosso “layered finishing” of sealing grooves ensures Ra ≤0.8μm, and we test tightness three times during production to avoid leakage. Para economia de custos, we use hybrid CNC + 3D printing and batch processing, cutting prototype costs by 20–30%. Our goal is to deliver prototypes that accurately validate design and function, accelerating clients’ path to mass production.
Perguntas frequentes
- Why is nylon (PA) used for internal structural parts instead of ABS?
Nylon has better heat resistance (até 120 ° C.) and wear resistance than ABS—critical for internal parts near heating elements or moving components (Por exemplo, pressure valves). ABS melts at ~90°C and wears faster, making it unsuitable for parts that need to withstand high temperatures or repeated use.
- How do you ensure the lid and pot body have a tight seal after CNC machining?
We focus on two key steps: 1) Machining the sealing groove with a Φ3mm ball-head tool to achieve Ra ≤0.8μm (smooth surface reduces leakage risk); 2) Inspecting the lid-body gap with a CMM to ensure tolerance ±0.1mm. We also test tightness with 100kPa pressure—only prototypes with ≤5kPa pressure drop pass.
- How long does it take to CNC machine a single electric pressure cooker prototype?
Total time is ~4–6 days: 1 day for design/data processing, 1–2 days for CNC machining (varies by part complexity), 1 dia para pós-processamento (painting/anodizing), and 1–2 days for assembly/functional testing. Batch production (10+ protótipos) can be shortened to 3–4 days with parallel processing.