Plastic milling – precise CNC machining for large models, molds, and components
Plastic milling is one of our core competencies.
With powerful CNC milling machines, 5-axis technology, in-depth expertise, and decades of experience, we process almost all types of plastic—from classic model-making materials to sophisticated thermoplastics and epoxy resins.
We mill plastic parts and milled parts up to a size of 8.0 × 3.5 × 2.5 meters, including finished surfaces or assembled components.
We offer design, manufacturing, and post-processing from a single source.
Precision for demanding applications
Alongside wood and aluminum, plastic is one of the most important materials in CNC machining.
As an experienced company in model and mold making, we mill plastic milled parts precisely, reproducibly, and exactly according to your requirements—from individual parts and small series to large-format molds.
Plastic – why this material is so versatile
Plastic impresses with its wide range of properties: low weight, good durability, high strength depending on the material, excellent workability, and a wide range of applications.
Whether transparent plastic sheets, high-strength engineering plastics, or dimensionally stable model-making sheets—thanks to its properties, the material can be milled, drilled, cut, and precisely machined. This versatility makes plastic a true all-rounder in industry. It is used in model making, mold making, and prototype production.
Our services in plastic milling
Our services at a glance:
Our plastic milling services
We offer design and manufacturing from a single source. Our Zimmermann CNC milling machines are optimally designed for plastic processing and enable enormous machining sizes of up to 8 m × 3.5 m × 2.5 m.
We mill plastic parts, plates, special workpieces, and complex pieces—from the initial idea to the finished surface or assembled component.
CNC milling of plastic sheets and block materials
Processing of thermosets, thermoplastics, and elastomers
Production of models, molds, cores, and inserts
Prototypes, small series, and near-series components
Post-processing, assembly, and surface finishing
Combination of plastic, metal, and aluminum
CNC milling – plastics at the highest technical level
CNC machining of plastics places special demands on machines, tools, and experience. Our CNC milling machines feature adjustable air cooling, some even with internal air cooling in the milling tool, as well as vacuum clamping devices. This enables us to mill sensitive materials with low stress and achieve high dimensional accuracy.
Plastic as a material: a true all-rounder
Plastic offers numerous advantages over metal: low weight, high resistance to chemicals, good impact strength, excellent sliding properties with certain materials such as POM or PE, and a wide range of design options. Depending on the type of plastic, stiffness, strength, UV protection, and corrosion resistance can be specifically adjusted.
Various plastics introduce themselves
In plastics processing, we generally distinguish between three groups:
thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers.
Thermoplastics such as PE, PE HD, PVC, POM, polyamide (PA), polyethylene, PC, acrylic, or Plexiglas are very easy to mill, are recyclable, and are becoming increasingly important in additive manufacturing. We use CNC milling to rework near-series prototypes from 3D printing in order to achieve dimensional accuracy and precision.
Thermosets such as polyurethane or epoxy resin are classically anchored in model making. Ureol is particularly well known – a PU model plate with a density of approx. 0.7 g/cm³, which is excellent for milling. Elastomers such as rubber are more challenging to process in comparison, but are indispensable for special applications.
Thermoplastics in the focus of Modern Plastics Processing
Thermoplastics are becoming increasingly relevant thanks to modern manufacturing processes. They are easy to recycle, offer a wide range of properties, and are suitable for series production and industrial applications.
At the same time, their CNC machining can be challenging in some cases: heat generation, warping, and the desired edge quality require experience, suitable tools, and coordinated speed.
Thermosets in classic model and mold making
Thermosets, especially polyurethane, dominate traditional model making. They are processed as plastic sheets or blocks, cut to size, glued, and then precisely milled. Our experience in foundry model making flows directly into the production of high-quality molds and workpieces.
Composite mold making and epoxy resin technology
In the composite sector, we differentiate between room temperature processes (wet laminate, vacuum infusion) and high-temperature processes in autoclaves. We use temperature-stable epoxy resin plastics for PrePreg applications.
Alternatively, direct tools can be manufactured from aluminum in the next stage, which is also possible and common practice at our company.
In addition, we have an epoxy resin paste system from Tartler, which we use to create seamless, closed surfaces – this prevents marks from adhesive joints. For large molds and prototypes, this also offers the advantage of being able to use a lightweight material in the core, which is then only coated on the surface with the solid epoxy resin material and reworked with our large CNC 5-axis milling machines; this offers both enormous financial savings and weight advantages.
Advantages: Plastic milling from a single source
At Schröter, you benefit from short communication channels, clear communication, and high efficiency. From planning and design to production and post-processing, we are your one-stop shop for everything you need. Our CNC milling machines, our expertise, and our qualified specialists ensure reproducible results.
Plastic CNC milling – what is important?
When milling plastic, the choice of material, milling tools, cutting values, milling process, and clamping technology are crucial. Whether thermoplastic or thermoset—choosing the wrong tool has an immediate effect on the surface, edges, and dimensional accuracy. Our highly trained specialists select the milling cutter, speed, and process individually depending on the material and application.
CNC milling – processes, machines, and precision
Our five large CNC milling machines enable 3-axis and 5-axis machining. This allows us to manufacture complex geometries, large molds, and precise plastic parts with a high degree of accuracy. Vacuum clamping systems, modern machines, and coordinated processes ensure optimal results.
Why Schröter Model and Mold Making is the right partner
We combine decades of experience, modern expertise, and high-performance machines for CNC milling. Hardly any other company offers this combination of machining sizes, flexibility, quality, and a complete process chain—from design to the finished assembly.
CNC milling machines – our technical backbone
Our CNC milling machines are also ideally suited for plastic processing. They enable efficient production, low tolerances, clean edges, and high-quality surfaces—even for large workpieces and series production.
Have plastic milled – contact us now!
Would you like to have plastic milled, plastic sheets processed, or complex components manufactured? Get in touch with us. We will advise you personally and develop the right solution for your requirements.