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Online CNC Machining Service in the UK
Industrial-grade machined prototypes and production parts delivered fast. Our expertise ensures complex geometries, exceptional repeatability, and compliance with the highest industry standards, with UK shipping in as fast as 1 day
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | JOSCAR
Our CNC Machining Capabilities in the UK
CNC Milling
CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling processes to cut solid plastic and metal blocks into final parts.
CNC Turning
CNC turning with live tooling combines both lathe and mill capabilities to machine parts with cylindrical features from metal rod stock.
Protolabs Network
Our global network offers CNC machining for complex and oversized parts, as well as tighter tolerances and volume pricing on production orders.
Post-Processing for CNC Machining Service in the UK
We provide a range of post-processing services for your CNC machined parts to enhance strength, appearance, and functionality. Choose from finishing options such as anodising, chromate conversion, part marking, basic assembly, and inspection reports, all designed to meet your specific application and quality requirements.
CNC Machining Materials in the UK
| Metal |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Brass |
| Carbon Steel |
| Copper |
| Mild Steel |
| Stainless Steel |
| Titanium |
| Plastic | |
|---|---|
| ABS | PEEK |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | PEI |
| HDPE | PET |
| PA (Nylon) | PE-UHMW |
| PBT | PC |
| PP | POM (Acetal) |
| PPSU | PPSU |
| PVC |
Factory vs Network Machining:
|
| Feature | Factory Machining | Network Machining |
|---|---|---|
| Production speed | Parts in as fast as 1 day, most in 3 days or less | Instant quotes, production suited for larger volumes, thousands parts |
| Capacity | ‘Infinite capacity’ via hundreds of in-house CNC machines | Expanded capacity through a global digital manufacturing network |
| Materials | 40+ plastics and metals | 50+ plastics and metals available |
| Part size (Milling) | Max: 559 × 356 × 95 mm Min: 6.35 × 6.35 mm |
Max: 1,000 mm ( with bigger parts available upon request ) Min: 0.5 mm |
| Diameter / length (Turning) | Max: 75 × 228 mm Min: 4 × 1.27 mm |
Min. diameter: 0.3 mm |
| Tolerances | Standard: ±0.1 mm | Down to ±0.020 mm (with tighter tolerances available upon request) |
| Surface finishes | Quick anodising and chromate | 10+ finishes, including plating (black oxide, nickel), anodising (Type II/III), and chromate coating |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, JOSCAR compliant (EU factory) | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and ISO TS16949 and AS9100-certified machining network |
| Quality & features | 3D CAD automatic thread detection, DfM feedback | Complex parts fully milled, tapped, and post-processed |
| Batch size | Optimised for lower quantities and small batches | Cost-effective for higher volumes |
| Ideal for | Low-quantity, fast-turnaround parts | High-volume, high-precision, or complex parts |
| Start your project | Via Factory | Via Network |
Why Choose Us for Custom CNC Machining in the UK?
Fast and Reliable Delivery
Iterate part designs quickly and accelerate product development with quick-turn parts. Our automated design analysis will help spot any difficult to machine features before your design is sent to the manufacturing floor and save you from costly reworks further down the product development cycle.
Manufacturing Analysis and Online Quotes
When you upload your 3D CAD file to request a quote, we'll analyze your part geometry to identify any features that may be difficult to machine such as tall, thin walls or holes that cannot be threaded.
UK Production and Support
Work with a trusted UK manufacturer accredited with JOSCAR and Cyber Essentials for secure, compliant production. Our local team is always ready to help with design feedback, material advice, and order support.
Infinite Capacity
Reduce downtime and alleviate pressure on your in-house machining by using our automated process, which provides on-demand, unlimited manufacturing capacity.
Material Selection
We stock more than 30 engineering-grade plastic and metal materials that are suitable for various part applications and industries. Materials range from plastics like ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, and PEEK to aluminum, stainless steel, and copper.
Advanced Capabilities
Benefit from cost-effective pricing through our global manufacturing network, offering tighter tolerances, volume discounts, and a wide range of materials and finishes — including brushed, black oxide, and custom options.
What is CNC Machining and How Does it Work?
CNC machining is an automated manufacturing process that transforms a solid block or rod of material into a part using end mills. The end mills are controlled by software (G-code) which references a 3D CAD model to reduce the stock material into a desired geometry. Parts can be manufactured relatively quickly due to the level of automation.
There are many types of CNC machines, which include CNC milling and CNC turning. CNC machining is a suitable manufacturing process for one-off prototypes or custom components as well as mid-volume production quantities.
Check out our guide to CNC machining
Advantages of CNC Machining
The subtractive process of CNC machining provides multiple benefits for both prototyping and production parts.
- Precision and repeatability
- Tight tolerances
- Production-grade materials
- Quick-turn parts within 1 day
- Lower piece-part price at higher quantities
- Robust post-processing to improve cosmetics and material properties
CNC Machining Applications
CNC machining is widely used throughout the aerospace, medical, automotive industries for its ability to rapidly manufacture precise parts in production-grade materials. Typical CNC parts, include:
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Get an Instant CNC Machining Quote
Upload a 3D CAD file of your machined part and in seconds to hours, we'll send you manufacturing analysis and quote specific to your request. In the automated factory, within your quote you can modify materials and quantities, see pricing updates in real-time, and assign threading with a click of your mouse. In the semi-automated workflow that accepts technical drawings, you’ll receive a quote specific to the expanded needs you’ve uploaded.
View a Sample QuoteCNC Machining FAQs
How much does CNC machining cost?
expand_less expand_moreCNC machining is a very effective solution for limited runs and lower quantity parts. Price depends on the material chosen, complexity, quantity, and required lead time. Prices for geometry manufacturable by CNC versus 3D printing are relatively comparable, but typically machining offers improved material properties and surfaces. The best way to find your exact price is to submit a 3D CAD model and get an interactive quote with design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. The automated and semi-automated manufacturing sites are best suited for high mix, lower quantity solutions. Pricing for higher volume part quantities are best quoted through our Protolabs Network.
What types of threading options are available?
expand_less expand_moreAt all our fulfillment locations, we offer UNF, UNC, and metric threads. Our automated factory can machine parts for coil and key inserts without supplying or installing them. In our semi-automated factory and Protolabs Network, we provide the same threading options, plus SM1, SM2, and SM3 lens threads. We can also install hardware like standard coil inserts, key inserts, and heli-coils at these locations. View this page to see our complete threading options.
What is the maximum part size for CNC machining?
expand_less expand_moreMaximum part size will vary based on your selected material. Our largest part size offered is 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. (559mm x 356mm x 95.25mm) and is available in Aluminum 6061 and 7075. View this table to see maximum dimensions by material.
Where can I learn more about CNC design?
expand_less expand_moreWe have a variety of resources on CNC machining and how to design parts for the process. Here are some of our favorites:
