Jump to Section
→ Capabilities
→ Materials
→ Surface Finishes
→ Tour Our Machine Shop
→ About CNC Milling
Our CNC milling process produces custom prototypes and end-use production parts in as fast as 1 day. We use 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling processes to manufacture parts from more than 30 engineering-grade plastics and metals. With machined production parts, you can also get more competitive pricing at higher quantities in addition to first article inspection (FAI) reporting, material certifications, and additional finishing options like anodizing and chromate plating.
Our CNC milling service is commonly used for:
- functional prototypes
- jigs and Fixtures
- production components in lower volumes
CNC Milling Design Guidelines and Capabilities
Our basic guidelines for CNC milling include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time. View our design guidelines page for more details.
| Maximum Dimensions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum DimensionsMaximum depth that can be milled is 2 in. (50.8mm) from either side of part. For specific milling dimensions by material, see maximum part extents for machining.
**Denotes two-sided machining only |
| Minimum Dimensions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Dimensions
|
| Threading |
|---|
ThreadingWe currently support UNC and UNF threads from #2 up to 0.5 in., and metric threads from M2 to M12. Avoid modeling internal threads on your part design. We also offer the following for milled parts:
|
CNC Milling Materials
We stock more than 30 production-grade plastic and metal materials that are suitable for various part applications and industries.
Plastics
|
|
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Alloy Steel
- Steel Mild Low Carbon
- Titanium
Anodizing and Chromate Plating Specifications
| Anodize | Hard Anodize | Chromate |
|---|---|---|
|
MIL-A-8625 Type II, Class 2 (Blk) MIL-A-8625 Type II, Class 1(Clr) |
MIL-A-8625 Type III, Class 2 (Blk) | MIL-DTL-5541 Type II, Class 3 (Clr) |
Quick-turn Finishing
Here are the requirements to get parts in as fast as 4 days (1-day expedite + 3 days for plating):
High-requirement Finishing
Have AS9100 and ITAR requirements? Try our domestic precision machining option. If you have more complex anodizing and plating requirements, work with our digital network of manufacturers. The network works well for components that require a specialized color or material option such as titanium or nickel.
Surface Finish on Milled Parts
Typically, we break (debur) the edges on all machined parts. All machined plastic parts are left as-machined, which may leave visible tool marks. Some metal parts, on the other hand, allow more choice. Parts left with sharp edges should be handled with care.
Material: ABS Black Finish: Broken edge
Material: ABS Natural Finish: Broken edge
Material: Aluminum Finish: Broken edge
Material: Aluminum Finish: Bead Blast
Tour our Digital Machine Shop
Take a quick tour through our 215,000 sq. ft. CNC machining facility in Minnesota to see how we manufacture parts in as fast as 24 hours.
What is CNC Milling and How Does it Work?
CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process. It starts by fixturing a block of metal or plastic material inside the CNC mill. Using G-code, the CNC machine is programmed to rapidly mill out parts from the block of raw material. Our 3- and 5-axis CNC machines are equipped with various toolsets to maximize efficiency and production speed.
Machined plastic parts are left as-milled, which typically means they show visible tool marks. Some metal parts allow more finishing choices like anodizing and chromate plating. When the run is complete and your required surface finish is applied, parts are boxed and shipped shortly thereafter.
Additional Links and Resources
11 Tips to Reduce Injection Molding Costs
Stretch your budget with these injection molding design recommendations. Quick hint: Simplify!
How to Use Mold Flow Analysis
Flow analysis helps decide gate placement, locate knit lines, and find areas where gas can get trapped.
Glass Transition Temperature of Polymers
Glass transition temperature (Tg) affects moldability, strength, elasticity, transparency, and more.
Beginner’s Guide to Injection Molding
Learn what product designers must consider when designing a part for injection molding, including: warp, surface finish, stress, resin additives, and more.
