CAPABILITIES
CNC Machining Service
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Tight Tolerances
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Parts as Fast as 2 Days
Tight Tolerances
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CNC Machining Capabilities
CNC Machining Materials
TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
What is CNC Machining?
What is CNC Machining?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that employs computerized tools to remove material from a workpiece, thereby creating a range of shapes and sizes. This process is extensively employed in prototype development and small-scale production runs. CNC machining can be applied to a multitude of materials including metals, plastics, and composites. The procedure commences with a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) file, containing the blueprint of the desired part. This file guides the CNC machine, regulating the movement of the cutting tools to precisely shape the workpiece. Offering unparalleled versatility, CNC machining is ideal for creating intricate geometric parts with a high degree of precision and speed, making it a preferred choice for limited-scale production.
About the CNC Machining Process
CNC machining utilizes computer-guided machinery to execute programmed cuts on workpieces, enabling an automated and highly accurate manufacturing process. The process's computerized controls facilitate the production of diverse shapes, offering significant flexibility in design and fabrication.
Types of CNC Machining
Several CNC machining processes exist, each tailored for different materials and applications. The most commonly employed processes are milling, turning, and drilling. Milling is primarily used for materials that are challenging to work with, such as aluminum. Turning, conversely, is utilized for shaping cylindrical objects like shafts and spindles. Drilling is predominantly used to bore holes in workpieces. Other CNC machining processes include sawing and grinding, each offering specific benefits and limitations. Thus, selecting an appropriate machining process is crucial, depending on the specific application.
How Does CNC Machining Work?
CNC machining commences with the development of a computerized model of the intended part, crafted using CAD software or by scanning an existing component. The model is then transferred into the CNC machine, which employs cutting tools to sculpt the workpiece, guided by the model's design. Post-machining, the part is deburred, cleaned, and dispatched to the client.
CNC machining, although complex, outperforms traditional manufacturing methods in accuracy and design complexity. The ability of CNC machines to function continuously enhances productivity by eliminating breaks or downtime, making it a preferred manufacturing method across various industries.
CNC vs 3D Printing
CNC machining, a subtractive manufacturing process, carves the desired shape from a larger material block using tools like drill bits, end mills, and lathes. Renowned for precision, CNC machining can craft intricate designs. Conversely, 3D printing, an additive manufacturing process, builds the desired shape layer by layer. Although 3D printing is faster and more cost-effective, it lacks the precision of CNC machining.
CNC Design Considerations
When designing for CNC machining, several critical factors merit attention. Foremost is the material selection, as different materials possess varied properties impacting the machining process. For instance, harder materials necessitate specific cutting tools. The dimensions and geometry of the part are also vital, as parts that are excessively large or small, or those with complex designs, may necessitate multiple operations to achieve the desired finish. The required tolerances for the finished part should also be contemplated, as tighter tolerances might involve costly and time-intensive machining operations. A thoughtful contemplation of these aspects can ensure that the final CNC machined part aligns with your design specifications.
Our Quality Promise
All CNC-machined parts inspected using hand metrology, CMM, and/or laser scanners.
All parts manufactured & inspected at ProtoXYZ facilities.
Quality guaranteed. If a part is not made to spec, we’ll make it right.
Inspection report included with every order.
Tolerances
We follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC Machining. Tighter tolerances are available upon request.
Nominal Size
Plastics (ISO 2768-m)
Metals (ISO 2768-f)
0.5 mm ≤ x ≤ 3 mm
± 0.1 mm
± 0.05 mm
3 mm < x ≤ 6 mm
± 0.1 mm
± 0.05 mm
6 mm < x ≤ 30 mm
± 0.2 mm
± 0.1 mm
30 mm < x ≤ 120 mm
± 0.3 mm
± 0.15 mm
120 mm < x ≤ 400 mm
± 0.5 mm
± 0.2 mm
400 mm < x ≤ 1,000 mm
± 0.8 mm
± 0.3 mm
Plastics (ISO 2768-m)
Nominal Size
Tolerance
0.5 mm ≤ x ≤ 3 mm
± 0.1 mm
3 mm < x ≤ 6 mm
± 0.1 mm
6 mm < x ≤ 30 mm
± 0.2 mm
30 mm < x ≤ 120 mm
± 0.3 mm
120 mm < x ≤ 400 mm
± 0.5 mm
400 mm < x ≤ 1,000 mm
± 0.8 mm
Metals (ISO 2768-f)
Nominal Size
Tolerance
0.5 mm ≤ x ≤ 3 mm
± 0.05 mm
3 mm < x ≤ 6 mm
± 0.05 mm
6 mm < x ≤ 30 mm
± 0.1 mm
30 mm < x ≤ 120 mm
± 0.15 mm
120 mm < x ≤ 400 mm
± 0.2 mm
400 mm < x ≤ 1,000 mm
± 0.3 mm