Online CNC Machining Service
Machined prototypes and production parts in as fast as 1 day. Request an online quote today.
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR
CNC Machining Capabilities
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 manufacturing network provides advanced CNC machining capabilities like tighter tolerances, volume pricing, and anodizing options.
CNC Machining for Prototyping to Production
Compare our CNC machining services designed to meet the needs of every stage of the product lifecycle.
CNC Machining Materials
Metals
Plastics
Looking for additional metals like Inconel, Invar, or magnesium? How about plastic like fiber epoxy or Garolite? Check out Protolabs Network.
Factory vs. Network
We offer a range of capabilities through our in-house digital factories at Protolabs along with our digital network of manufacturers. If speed is essential, our factory capabilities have you covered, but if you're in need of advanced capabilities and have more flexibility in your schedule, try Protolabs Network.
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Factory Capabilities |
Network Capabilities |
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| Maximum Part Size | 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. (559mm x 356mm x 95.3mm) | 25.5 in. x 25.5 in. x 11.8 in. (650mm x 650mm x 300mm) | |
| Minimum Part Size | 0.25 in. x 0.25 in (6.35mm x 6.35mm) | 0.019 in. (0.50mm) | |
| Tolerances | +/- 0.005 in. (+/- 0.13mm) | +/-0.001 in. (0.020mm) | |
| Radii | Sharp inside corners on a part will be radiused (rounded) as a natural result of the CNC machining process. | ||
| Text |
Plastic and soft metals: Minimum width of 0.018 in. (0.457mm), depth of 0.0118 in. (0.3mm). Example text size would be 16 point Arial Rounded MT font. Hard metals: Minimum width of 0.033 in. (0.838mm) and depth of 0.0118 in. (0.3mm). Example text size would be 22 point Arial Rounded MT font. |
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| Upload a Part | Upload a Part | ||
Note: Maximum part size varies by material. View this table to see a complete listing of our maximum part sizes.
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Factory Capabilities |
Network Capabilities |
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| Maximum Dimensions | Diameter | 3.95 in. (100.33mm) | 17 in. (431mm) |
| Length | 9 in. (228.6mm) | 39 in. (990mm) | |
| Minimum Dimensions | Diameter | 0.16 in. (4.07mm) | 0.039 in. (1mm) |
| Length | 0.05 in. (1.27mm) | 0.019 in. (0.5mm) | |
| Wall Thickness | 0.020 in. (0.51mm) | 0.019 in. (0.5mm) | |
| Angle | 30° | Below 90° | |
| Tolerances | +/- 0.005 in. (+/- 0.13mm) | ±0.001 in. (0.020mm) | |
| Upload a Part | Upload a Part | ||
Note: Small features may be allowed, but the diameter in any region should not be less than 0.030 in. (0.76mm). Sharp conical points are allowed; angles should be greater than 30 degrees. Walls thinner than 0.020 in. (0.5mm) typically do not survive the machining process.
Tolerances for CNC Machining
We offer a wide range of tolerances for CNC machined parts to fit your project priorities.
| Tolerances | Lead Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Factory | +/- 0.005 in. | 1-3 days |
| Traditional Factory | +/-0.002 in. | 4-15 days |
| Network | +/-0.001 in. | 5-20+ days |
| Tolerances | Lead Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Factory | +/- 0.13mm | 1-3 days |
| Traditional Factory | +/- 0.0508mm | 4-15 days |
| Network | +/- 0.020mm | 5-20+ days |
Surface Finish and Post-Processing Options
Protolabs offers a variety of CNC machining surface finishing options to meet your part requirements. More advanced coating and plating options are also available.
Surface Finish Options:
- Edges broken with tool marks visible
- Edges broken with light bead blasting
- Sharp edges (tool marks visible)
Coating and Plating Options:
- Anodizing
- Chromate coating
- Powder coating
Why Choose Us for Custom CNC Machining?
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.
Domestic Production and Support
Work with a trusted U.S.-based manufacturer and eliminate the risk of sending parts overseas. You can also call or email us at any time and we'll help with ordering parts, design feedback, material recommendations, and answer any questions.
Infinite Capacity
Eliminate downtime spent waiting for parts and safeguard in-house machining with on-demand relief and infinite 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, platinum, and copper.
Advanced Capabilities
Get anodizing, tighter tolerances, and volume pricing options through Protolabs Network. You'll find plating (black oxide, nickel), anodizing (Type II, Type III), and chromate coating in larger part quantities; tolerances down to ±0.001 in. (0.020mm); and cost-efficient machined parts at higher volumes to lower piece-part price.
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:
- Housings and enclosures
- Brackets
- Fixtures for manufacturing
- Gears and bearings
- Internal mechanical components
- Medical instrumentation
Get an Instant CNC Machining Quote
Upload a 3D CAD file of your machined part and within a few hours we'll send you manufacturing analysis and an interactive quote. Within your quote you can modify materials and quantities and see pricing updates in real-time. Additionally, within your manufacturing analysis, you can assign threading with a click of your mouse.
View a Sample QuoteTour Our CNC Machine Shop
Take a quick tour through our 215,000 sq. ft. CNC machining facility in Minnesota to see how we leverage digitally-enabled processes to achieve industry-best lead times.
CNC Machining FAQs
How much does CNC machining cost?
expand_less expand_morePrices start around $65, but vary based on complexity, quantity and lead time. The best way to find out is to submit a 3D CAD model and get an interactive quote with design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. Because we use proprietary software and automated fixturing processes, there are no up front non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs. This makes purchasing quantities as low as 1 to 200 parts cost effective. Prices compared to 3D printing are comparable to somewhat higher, but machining offers improved material properties and surfaces.
What types of threading options are available?
expand_less expand_moreWe offer UNF, UNC, and metric threads for machining along with coil and key inserts (but do not supply or install the inserts). These are available on both milled or turned CNC parts. 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:
