How does wood-plastic composite (WPC) compare to resin in terms of machining speed?
When comparing wood-plastic composite (WPC) to solid resin in CNC machining operations, significant differences in machining speed emerge due to their material compositions. WPC, being an abrasive material containing wood fibers and plastic, typically requires slower machining speeds than pure resin. The wood particles in WPC act as an abrasive that accelerates tool wear, necessitating reduced feed rates of approximately 100-150 inches per minute to maintain tool life and achieve clean cuts. Conversely, homogeneous resin materials allow for faster machining speeds, often reaching 200-300 inches per minute, as they create less friction and wear on cutting tools. While resin provides smoother cutting with higher speed capabilities, WPC requires more conservative machining parameters to prevent burning, fraying, and excessive tool degradation. The optimal speed for each material depends on specific composition, tooling, and desired finish quality.