Functional prototypes
Real material, real threads, real wall thickness. Test the assembly before committing to tooling, with the same alloy you plan to mould or cast in.
1–20 pcs · 3–5 days Service — CNC machining
CNC Machining for Prototypes and Low‑Volume Parts
Milled and turned parts from your STEP file, quoted by an engineer within 24 hours and machined at ISO-certified partner factories in Dongguan & Shenzhen.
1 pc minimum · No tooling cost · NDA on request
CNC machining facts
DIN/ISO 2768-mStandard tolerance on every quote
±0.02 mmTightest tolerance, on request
3–7 working daysTypical lead time after approval
8 plastics / 7 metalsGrades stocked for CNC machining
CMM reports includedDimensional record with the parts
Where it fits
Three jobs CNC does better than anything else
If the part needs to hold a dimension and survive a drop test, start here.
Jigs, fixtures & test rigs
Production tooling that has to survive daily use. Hard jaws, locating pins and clamp seats machined to the fixture drawing, not to a generic tolerance.
1–50 pcs · 4–7 daysBridge-to-production
Parts needed before the mould is ready. Same geometry, same finish, quantities that keep the pilot line running without tooling lead time.
50–500 pcs · 5–10 days Process capability
Axes, envelope and the machine that runs it
We match the part to the machine before quoting, so the tolerance you read is the tolerance the machine can hold.
What each setup buys you
- 3-axisPlates, pockets and housings with features reachable from one direction. Cheapest per part.
- 4-axisPrismatic parts with cylindrical features, cross-holes or slots on four faces.
- 5-axisUndercuts, steep walls and organically shaped surfaces finished in one setup.
- TurningShafts, bushings and threaded parts, with live tooling for cross-features.
Maximum envelope 850 × 500 × 550 mm for milling; Ø 320 × 600 mm for turning. Larger parts are quoted against a partner factory with the required travel.
| Machine | Axes | Envelope | Typical work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical machining centre | 3 | 850 × 500 × 550 mm | Housings, plates, pockets |
| 4-axis VMC | 4 | 600 × 500 × 500 mm | Cross-holes, slots on four faces |
| 5-axis VMC | 5 | 600 × 500 × 500 mm | Undercuts, organic surfaces |
| CNC lathe + live tooling | 2 + C | Ø 320 × 600 mm | Shafts, bushings, fittings |
Envelope is per machine at the partner factory. We confirm the specific machine in the quote.
Materials & finishes
Stock grades, and what happens after machining
All grades are stocked in the region. Mill certificates are available for every lot.
| Group | Grades | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Plastics (8) | ABS, PC, PMMA, PA, POM, PP, PEEK, TPU | Housings, jigs, wear parts |
| Aluminium | Al 6061, Al 7075 | Enclosures, brackets, heat sinks |
| Stainless | SS 304, SS 316 | Medical, food-contact, marine |
| Copper alloys | Brass, Copper | RF shielding, busbars, connectors |
| Titanium | Titanium (Grade 5) | Lightweight structural parts |
Need a grade not listed? Send the datasheet — we confirm stock and machinability before quoting.
Surface finishing
- AnodisingClear, black or hard coat Aluminium
- Bead blastingMatte, uniform Ra Metal
- Powder coatingRAL matched, 60–80 µm Metal
- PassivationFree iron removal Stainless
- Laser markingSerial, logo, UDI Metal / plastic
- As machinedTool marks visible All
Tolerance & inspection
Every tight callout is agreed before the spindle starts
Standard work is DIN/ISO 2768-m. If the drawing calls for 2768-f or a tighter feature, we confirm the measurement method in the quote — not after the part is made.
- DIN/ISO 2768-m — default for linear and angular dimensions.
- DIN/ISO 2768-f — on request, where fits and gaps matter.
- ±0.02 mm — achievable on critical features after review, with the datum scheme stated.
- GD&T — position, flatness and profile measured as defined on the drawing.
CMM inspection is included for critical features. First article inspection (FAI) and third-party QC can be added to any order.
Bore Ø 12 H712.012 mmPASS
Flatness (0.02)0.009 mmPASS
Position (0.05)0.021 mmPASS
Surface Ra1.4 µmPASS
Datum A-B-C · 22.0 °C · Calibrated stylus · Report shipped as PDF
| Level | Included |
|---|---|
| Dimensional report | Standard |
| First article inspection (FAI) | On request |
| Material certificate | On request |
| Third-party QC | Quoted separately |
Related work
Two parts, two tolerance problems
Both were quoted within 24 hours and measured on a CMM before shipping.
Handheld scanner housing
Cosmetic chamfers on a thin-walled shell. ±0.05 mm held across 200 pcs, anodised and shipped in 5 days.
Read the case →
Robot joint bracket
Undercut and two perpendicular bores in one setup. 18% lighter, bores held to 0.021 mm, shipped in 6 days.
Read the case → Process
Four steps, each with a named owner
The engineer who quotes your part follows it through inspection and shipping.
- Day 0–1
Upload + DFM review
File checked for tool access, wall thickness and tolerance stack. Questions come back the same day.
- Day 1
Quote approval
Price, lead time, finish and shipping term confirmed in writing. Material is reserved.
- Day 2–6
Machining at partner factory
Programmed, machined and finished at the ISO-certified partner factory matched to the part.
- Day 7
Inspection + shipment
CMM record, photos and commercial invoice before the parcel leaves.
Up to 850 × 500 × 550 mm for milling and Ø 320 × 600 mm for turning at the partner factories we work with. Larger parts are quoted against a factory with the required travel — send the envelope and we will confirm.
No — and no honest machine shop will say yes. ±0.02 mm is achievable on named critical features after review, with the datum scheme and measurement method agreed. General dimensions follow DIN/ISO 2768-m.
Mill certificates are available for every lot on request. CMM dimensional records are included for critical features; FAI sheets and third-party inspection can be added to the order.
Yes, if the grade and condition are documented. We will confirm machinability and may adjust the lead time. Customer-supplied material is inspected on arrival and photographed before cutting.
Finishing-only is possible for parts machined elsewhere, subject to inspection. Light assembly — inserts, hardware, protective film — can be quoted as a separate line item.