Developing a juicer prototype model requires a precise CNC machining process to validate design rationality, test component fit (Por exemplo, blade assembly, juice flow paths), and evaluate user-centric details (Por exemplo, non-slip base, button layout). Unlike large appliances, juicers have compact, multi-functional structures—from transparent juice cups to wear-resistant transmission parts—that demand tailored machining strategies. This guide breaks down the full workflow, from preliminary design to final assembly, with key parameters, material selections, and practical tips to ensure prototype success.
1. Preparação Preliminar: Estabeleça a base para a usinagem
The success of CNC machining starts with thorough preparation, including 3D modeling, Seleção de material, and equipment/tool readiness. This stage ensures the subsequent process avoids rework and meets design goals.
(1) 3D Modelagem: Define Juicer Structure with Precision
Use o software CAD profissional (Por exemplo, SolidWorks, e, Gosto) to create a detailed 3D model that covers all critical components. The model must balance aesthetic design, functional logic, and machining feasibility.
| Component Category | Key Design Details | Requisitos de precisão | Propósito |
| Main Body (Concha) | Streamlined contour, non-slip base (groove depth 2mm), button mounting holes (Φ8mm) | Shell dimensional error ±0.2mm; hole position tolerance ±0.1mm | Ensure structural stability; fit control buttons and power components |
| Juice Cup (Transparente) | Inner cavity volume (Por exemplo, 500mL), feeding port (Φ50mm), juice outlet (Φ15mm) | Cavity roundness error ≤0.1mm; wall thickness uniformity ±0.05mm | Ensure smooth juice flow; avoid leakage at connections |
| Tool Holder & Peças de transmissão | Blade mounting slot (depth 5mm), gear cavity (for POM gears), motor fixing holes | Slot depth tolerance ±0.05mm; gear cavity clearance 0.1mm | Fit rotating components; ensure smooth blade operation |
Model Optimization Tips:
- Component Splitting: Split integrated structures (Por exemplo, cup body + tampa) into independent parts to avoid tool interference. Por exemplo, machine the juice cup and its lid separately, then assemble with a sealing ring.
- Process Marking: Label critical features (Por exemplo, “polish inner wall of juice cup”) and reference datums (Por exemplo, base bottom as origin) to guide CNC programming.
- Interference Check: Use software to simulate blade rotation and juice flow—ensure 0.5mm clearance between blade and cup wall to prevent friction.
(2) Seleção de material: Match Performance to Component Roles
Juicer components have distinct functional needs (transparência, resistência ao desgaste, força), so material selection is critical. Below is a detailed comparison of suitable options:
| Tipo de material | Applicable Components | Propriedades -chave | Machinability Advantages |
| Plástico ABS | Main shell, base, tampa | Resistência ao alto impacto (Izod strength 20 KJ /), fácil de colorir, baixo custo | Low tool wear; machinable at 8,000–12,000 rpm (fast and efficient) |
| PC Plástico | Transparent juice cup, observation window | Alta transparência (light transmittance ≥88%), resistente ao impacto (10x mais forte que o vidro) | Precision cutting achievable; minimal edge chipping (≤0.1mm) |
| Pom (Poloximetileno) | Engrenagens, tool holder (Peças resistentes ao desgaste) | Baixo coeficiente de atrito (0.15), alta resistência ao desgaste, boa estabilidade dimensional | No deformation during machining; suitable for small transmission parts |
| Liga de alumínio (6061) | Motor brackets, metal decorative parts | Alta rigidez (resistência à tracção 276 MPA), resistente à corrosão | Fast cutting speed; surface can be anodized for enhanced texture |
Material Blank Preparation:
- Cut blanks with 5–10mm machining allowance on all sides to accommodate roughing and finishing:
- A PC juice cup (Tamanho final: Φ80mm×120mm) needs a Φ90mm×130mm blank.
- An ABS main shell (200mm×150mm×80mm) requires a 210mm×160mm×90mm blank.
(3) Equipamento & Preparação de ferramentas: Ensure Machining Accuracy
Select CNC equipment and tools based on component complexity and material properties to avoid defects like tool marks or dimensional deviations.
| Equipment/Tool Type | Selection Criteria | Recommended Specifications |
| CNC Machining Center | 3-axis for flat parts; 5-axis for curved surfaces (Por exemplo, juice cup inner wall) | Positioning accuracy ±0.005mm; spindle speed range 8,000–24,000 rpm |
| Cortadores de moagem | Solid carbide for plastics; Aço de alta velocidade (HSS) para liga de alumínio | – Desbaste: Φ8–Φ12mm flat-bottom mills (fast material removal)- Acabamento: Φ2–Φ6mm ball-head mills (superfícies curvas); Φ0.5–2mm small mills (logo/buttons) |
| Special Tools | Taper cutters (chamfering juice cup edges); diamond polishers (PC transparency) | Taper angle 45°; diamond polisher grit 1,200# (for PC surface refinement) |
| Acessórios | Vacuum suction cups (flat ABS/PC parts); precision vises (aluminum/POM components) | Vacuum pressure ≥0.8 MPa; vise clamping force ≥3 kN (prevents workpiece displacement) |
2. Execução de usinagem CNC: From Blank to Prototype Components
This stage divides machining into roughing and finishing to balance efficiency and precision—critical for juicer components with diverse structures.
(1) Usinagem áspera: Shape the Foundation
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 | Operações-chave & Parâmetros |
| ABS Main Shell | Machine outer contour, base grooves, button holes | Use Φ10mm flat-bottom mill; velocidade de corte 10,000 RPM, taxa de alimentação 1,200 mm/min; layer depth 3mm |
| PC Juice Cup | Mill outer wall and inner cavity; pre-drill feeding/juice outlets | Use Φ8mm end mill; velocidade de corte 9,000 RPM, taxa de alimentação 800 mm/min; retain 0.5mm finishing allowance |
| POM Gear Cavity | Machine cavity outline and mounting holes | Use Φ6mm end mill; velocidade de corte 8,000 RPM, taxa de alimentação 600 mm/min; Evite superaquecer (POM melts at 160°C) |
Post-Roughing Inspection:
- Use a digital caliper to check key dimensions (Por exemplo, juice cup diameter, shell height) and ensure they are within ±0.5mm of the design value.
- Clean chips with compressed air—especially critical for PC parts (chips left on surfaces cause scratches during finishing).
(2) Acabamento: Achieve Precision & Qualidade da superfície
Finishing refines components to meet final design requirements, focusing on transparency (computador), smoothness (Abs), e precisão dimensional (POM/aluminum).
| Tipo de componente | Finishing Focus | Operações-chave & Parâmetros |
| PC Juice Cup | Polish inner/outer walls (transparência); chamfer edges (prevent sharpness) | Use Φ4mm ball-head mill (inner wall); velocidade de corte 15,000 RPM, taxa de alimentação 500 mm/min; then diamond polish (light transmittance ≥85%) |
| ABS Main Shell | Smooth shell surface; engrave logo/button labels (depth 0.3mm) | Use Φ2mm ball-head mill; velocidade de corte 12,000 RPM, taxa de alimentação 700 mm/min; surface roughness Ra ≤0.8μm |
| POM Gear Cavity | Refine cavity walls; ensure gear clearance (0.1milímetros) | Use Φ3mm end mill; velocidade de corte 9,000 RPM, taxa de alimentação 500 mm/min; tolerância dimensional ± 0,05 mm |
Finishing Quality Checks:
- For PC parts: Use a spectrophotometer to verify transparency (≥85%) and a surface roughness tester to confirm Ra ≤0.4μm.
- For POM gear cavities: Use a feeler gauge to check clearance (0.1milímetros) and ensure gears rotate smoothly without jamming.
3. Pós-processamento: Aprimorar a estética & Funcionalidade
Post-processing bridges the gap between machined components and a realistic juicer prototype, focusing on surface refinement and assembly readiness.
(1) Tratamento de superfície: Adaptar ao material & Component Role
| Material/Component | Etapas de tratamento de superfície | Resultado Esperado |
| ABS Main Shell | 1. Sand with 400#→800#→1200# sandpaper (remover marcas de ferramentas)2. Degrease with isopropyl alcohol3. Spray matte/gloss paint (50espessura de μm) | Adesão da pintura ≥4B (Sem descascamento); surface gloss 30–70 GU (por design) |
| PC Juice Cup | 1. Diamond polishing (1,200#→2,000# grit)2. Clean with lens cleaner3. Apply anti-scratch coating | Sem arranhões visíveis; anti-scratch level ≥3H (pencil test) |
| Aluminum Brackets | 1. Desengordure com limpador alcalino2. Anodizar (silver-gray, 8–10μm film)3. Jateamento de areia (acabamento fosco) | Resistência à corrosão: Sem ferrugem após teste de névoa salina de 48 horas; coeficiente de atrito ≤0,15 |
| POM Gear Parts | Nenhum tratamento adicional (superfície naturalmente lisa) | Friction coefficient remains 0.15; no wear after 1,000 rotation tests |
(2) Conjunto & Functional Debugging
Proper assembly ensures components work together seamlessly, while functional tests validate the prototype’s usability.
Etapas de montagem:
- Verificação pré-montagem: Verify all parts meet dimensional requirements (Por exemplo, juice cup fits shell with 0.5mm clearance).
- Component Fixing:
- Bond PC juice cup to ABS shell with food-grade adhesive (ensure no leakage).
- Screw aluminum motor brackets to the base (torque 5 N · m, evite danos à linha).
- Install POM gears and 3D-printed resin simulation blades (replace real metal blades for safety).
- Sealing Test: Pour 200mL water into the juice cup—check for leakage at connections (no water seepage within 10 minutos).
Functional Debugging:
- Button Operation: Test switch/pulse buttons 100 times—stroke 2mm ±0.2mm, feedback force 5–8N (comfortable for users).
- Blade Rotation: Simulate juicing with a motor (500 RPM)—ensure blade rotates smoothly, no friction with cup wall.
- Juice Flow: Pour water through the feeding port—check flow rate (≥50mL/min) and no residue in the cup.
4. Controle de qualidade & Otimização do processo
Strict quality control ensures the prototype meets design standards, while optimization reduces costs for future iterations.
(1) Key Quality Control Standards
| Control Item | Acceptance Criteria | Inspection Method |
| Precisão dimensional | – Juice cup: ± 0,1 mm- Concha: ± 0,2 mm- Gear cavity: ± 0,05 mm | Cmm (critical components); PALIPER DIGITAL (partes gerais) |
| Qualidade da superfície | – computador: Ra ≤0.4μm, transparency ≥85%- Abs: RA ≤0,8μm, Sem marcas de ferramentas | Surface roughness tester; spectrophotometer; Inspeção visual (500lux light) |
| Functional Performance | – No leakage (10-minute water test)- Blade rotation: 500 rpm ±50 rpm | Water leakage test; tachometer (blade speed) |
(2) Process Optimization Tips
- Material Saving: Design hollow structures for ABS parts (Por exemplo, base with 3mm thick walls) to reduce blank size—saves 20–30% material cost.
- Eficiência de usinagem: Combine roughing and semi-finishing for simple parts (Por exemplo, decorative strips) to cut tool change time by 15%.
- Post-Processing Simplification: Para peças ocultas (Por exemplo, motor brackets), skip anodizing—use natural aluminum finish to save 10–15% of treatment cost.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on CNC Machining Juicer Prototype Models
Na tecnologia Yigu, acreditamos functional precision and user experience are the core of juicer prototype machining. Many clients overcomplicate processes—for example, using 5-axis machines for flat ABS shells when 3-axis works, or over-polishing hidden POM parts. Our team optimizes for both quality and cost: We use PC with diamond polishing for juice cups (ensuring transparency ≥85%) and 3-axis machines for most components to cut 20% of machining time. We also simplify blade simulation (3D-printed resin instead of metal) for safety and cost. For batch prototypes, we use multi-cavity fixtures to machine 2–3 juice cups at once, reduzindo o tempo de produção por 30%. Our goal is to deliver prototypes that validate design and user needs at the lowest cost.
Perguntas frequentes
- Why is PC plastic preferred for juicer juice cups instead of acrylic?
PC plastic has higher impact resistance (10x mais forte que o vidro) and better temperature stability (heat-resistant up to 135°C) than acrylic—critical for juice cups that may encounter accidental drops or warm liquids. Acrylic is prone to cracking and yellowing under heat, making it unsuitable for long-term juicer use.
- How to prevent POM parts from melting during CNC machining?
POM melts at 160°C, so we control temperature by: 1) Using low cutting speeds (8,000–10,000 rpm) to reduce friction heat; 2) Blowing compressed air continuously to cool the workpiece; 3) Avoiding deep cuts (layer depth ≤2mm) to minimize heat accumulation. These steps keep POM temperature below 120°C during machining.
- What is the total time required to machine a single juicer prototype?
Total time is ~4–6 days: 1 day for 3D modeling/material prep, 1–2 days for CNC machining (desbaste + acabamento), 1 dia para pós-processamento (polishing/painting), and 1–2 days for assembly/debugging. Batch production (10+ protótipos) can be shortened to 3–4 days with parallel processing.