CNC Machining Services
Slecting CNC machining service for your custom metal and plastic parts, AN-Prototype is one of the best options. From one-off prototypes to full mass production.
- Free & Automatic DFM feedback
- Tolerances Up to ±0.0002″ (0.005mm)
- Machined parts as fast as 1 day
- OEM & ODM 1Pcs
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Your trusted partner For Custom CNC Machining Parts
AN-Prototype provides online customized CNC machining services, including CNC milling, CNC turning, EDM, wire cutting, surface grinding, lapping and CNC laser cutting. With 50+ precision 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers, combined with other advanced capabilities and an experienced team, it can process 160+ types of metal and plastic materials, and provide more than 60+ surface treatment options. AN-Prototype is committed to producing high quality machined parts according to your budget and delivery time requirements.
CNC Milling
CNC milling services are a subtractive process that utilizes 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling machines, equipped with a variety of cutting tools, to remove plastic or metal material to create final parts with varying geometries.
CNC Turning
CNC turning services are ideal for removing excess material from plastic and metal rod or tubing, with deep holes, threads, or all types of cylindrical parts with an excellent surface finish.
50+
3-,4-,5 Axis CNC Machines
ISO
ISO 9001 & ISO 13485
45k+
CNC Machining Projects
160+
Metal & Plastic Material
From CNC Prototyping to Mass Production
CNC Machining Capability
AN-Prototype has 15+ years of experience in CNC machining custom parts, from design, rapid prototyping, and part production with complex geometries to low-volume or high-volume production. The maximum size of parts that can be processed by CNC machines is 2000mm*1300mm*600mm, among which the 5-axis CNC machine tool from the United States Haas can machine the largest parts size is 500mm*500mm*500mm, achieving a tolerance of +/-0.005MM, which can meet Tightest tolerances in applications such as medical,automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace.
3 Axis CNC Machining
3-axis CNC machining is by far the most widely used process and is often used for drilling, tapping, and cutting surfaces. 3-axis CNC machining is also the most economical and ideal for machining relatively simple parts.
4 Axis CNC Machining
4-axis CNC machining with enhanced production capabilities. With the addition of the fourth axis, the workpiece can be turned over automatically so the machine can remove material from both sides. 4-axis CNC machining is useful when holes or cuts need to be made on the side of a workpiece.
5 Axis CNC Machining
5-axis CNC machining allows machining of all five sides of a workpiece in one operation. 5-axis CNC machining saves time and is ideal for manufacturing complex precision parts in the medical, oil and gas, and aerospace industries.
Swiss CNC Machining
Swiss machining is a manufacturing technique designed to turn metal blanks into complex, slender or delicate components that require tight tolerances. Swiss machining accurately creates varying diameters, complex holes, hex edges, slots and threads without the need for multiple setups or additional equipment. Swiss machining is an ideal production method for high volumes of small parts that require complex turning.
EDM
EDM, or Electrical Discharge Machining, is capable of machining complex shapes in hard metal materials. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) removes material from a workpiece using a sequence of rapid electric current discharges between electrodes immersed in a dielectric fluid. This requires that the material must be electrically conductive.
WIR EDM
Wire EDM is an electrothermal production process that uses electrical discharges to remove material from a workpiece. It is an improvement over traditional EDM methods, is compatible with almost all conductive materials, and can create complex designs and shapes.
Surface Grinding
Surface grinding is the process of smoothing the surface of a part with the help of a rotating wheel. If your parts require a very flat surface, there is no better way than surface grinding. The special grinding wheel passes over the surface of the workpiece under the careful control of the digital motor, leaving a smooth and delicate texture.
Finishing Services
Surface treatments are designed to improve part aesthetics, adhesion, solderability, chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, resistance to discoloration or abrasion, hardness, electrical conductivity, defect removal, and surface friction control. The most common ones are anodizing, sandblasting, mirror polishing, laser etching, electroplating, passivation, plating, powder coating.
Quality Inspection
AN-Prototype has invested over $500,000 in inspection and testing equipment and a climate-controlled inspection department to achieve maximum accuracy and repeatability of machined parts. Our reputation is built on our ability to provide the best quality assurance service in the industry, and it is the guarantee of your trust.
What is CNC machining?
CNC machining, the most common machining process for prototyping and low-volume manufacturing, uses computer-controlled processes to create desired shapes by removing excess from metal or plastic raw materials. Its accuracy and repeatability, flexible processes, and wide choice of materials help bring products to market faster. CNC Manufacturing is also used for secondary drilling, tapping and milling operations on parts made by other technologies.
Among them, 5-axis CNC machining allows complex parts with multiple side features to machine up to five sides in a single setup. This brings huge benefits in terms of increased CNC machine utilization, reduced setup and cycle times, and improved quality. 5-axis CNC machining capability will make our CNC shop more cost-effective for a wider range of work. Need tight tolerances of ±0.0005mm or better?
AN-Prototype is always ready to take on the challenge of tighter tolerances and more complex CNC machined parts. Try our CNC machining services and be our next satisfied customer.
CNC Machining Materials
CNC Machining Metal Parts
AN-Prototype is good at CNC machining metal with any complex design structure, including turning, milling, drilling and tapping. Aluminum, magnesium alloy, zinc alloy, steel, stainless steel, copper is the conventional metal processing raw material.
Aluminum is highly machinable and less expensive than carbon steel, tool steel, and stainless steel, making it ideal for CNC machining. Rapid Manufacturing companies can process aluminum three to four times faster than other commonly processed materials such as steel and titanium. Aluminum is non-toxic, “lightweight” that can easily replace heavier metals, and is corrosion resistant, readily available and infinitely adaptable material. Common aluminum materials are AL6061\AL7075\AL5083\AL6082.
With excellent machinability and excellent uniformity, stainless steel is a very common CNC machining project material. Stainless steel also offers good weldability, high ductility, formability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and tensile strength to meet the needs of your specific project. Common stainless steel materials are SU304\SU316, SU303\17-4PH\420. Stainless steel is used in medical equipment Machine parts, food industry, gears, heavy construction equipment, vacuum and pressure vessels, etc.
Titanium has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, and is also relatively easy to machine and weldable. It is also beneficial for almost all surface finishing processes including: sandblasting, powder coating and electrophoresis all give good results when applied on titanium. Despite its high price, titanium is still a very popular material. Titanium’s high strength, corrosion resistance, good strength-to-weight ratio, ductility, good machinability, and a variety of surface treatment options are often used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.
Titanium aerospace CNC machining includes aircraft engine parts, fuselage parts, rotors, compressor blades, etc. Two-thirds of the total titanium produced in the world is used in aircraft engines and airframes. In the medical field, titanium parts include surgical implants (such as long-term hip replacements) and instruments. The metal is also used to make items such as wheelchairs and crutches.
Most CNC copper parts have good machinability, ductility and impact strength. They also have high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and wear resistance. CNC copper parts are compatible with a variety of cost-effective surface treatments, including milling, grooving, drilling, tapping, spot facing, chamfering, threading, knurling, brazing, grooving, trimming, and nickel plating.
Bronze is made of copper mixed with up to about 35% tin and up to 8% lead. It is easy to machine because it contains lead alloy (a soft metal). Bronze is well suited for applications such as bearings and marine applications requiring pumps and fittings resistant to seawater corrosion. The mechanical properties of this material cannot be compared to many other machinable metals, making it best suited for low stress components manufactured by CNC machining.
Bronze, brass and other copper alloys have a range of important electrical, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. Specifically, bronze has excellent machinability with an index of 100%. It also has low-friction properties, making it ideal for parts subject to continuous frictional contact. Common bronze models are 932, 954, 544.
Brass contains copper, zinc and other metals such as magnesium, iron and lead. These alloying metals all contribute to its properties, and the addition of lead makes it very easy to CNC machine. Brass is highly machinable, corrosion-resistant, and ductile. The common models are C360\C220\C230, which are used in hinges, knobs, plumbing equipment, bells, jewelry, gears, door decorations, etc.
Magnesium is a lightweight metal whose main appeal is its weight, as light as plastic but as tough as metal. When alloyed, magnesium’s strength-to-weight ratio exceeds that of all other structural metals. This gives the material a tensile strength comparable to steel and aluminum. Magnesium has a high level of machinability and can be CNC machined to create parts with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. CNC machining magnesium is a dangerous business as it can easily catch fire or explode. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal and also provides an excellent surface finish when machined.
Zinc alloy metal is one of the cheapest metal materials. Although less expensive, they have good mechanical strength, are easy to CNC machine, and resist mechanical shocks well. Complex components are often die cast first and then CNC machined to create critical features, reducing overall CNC machining time and cost. CNC machined zinc alloy parts are widely used in the automotive industry.
CNC Machining other Materials
CNC Machining Plastic Parts
AN-Prototype has excellent equipment, high performance machines, tools and fixtures for precision plastic CNC machining, and has the ability to challenge any geometric structure, high tolerances, and optical clarity.We are experts in custom CNC machining plastics parts in China.
ABS is a common thermoplastic that is a low-cost solution for CNC-machined, injection-molded parts. ABS has good mechanical properties, very high impact strength, good heat resistance and is easy to process. Applications include prototyping, enclosures and protective components.
Nylon is an engineering thermoplastic material with good comprehensive mechanical properties, impact resistance, excellent abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, but it is easy to absorb moisture. Nylon is stronger and can withstand higher temperature environments than PTFE and PEEK. Typical applications include bushings, bearings, gears, insulators, and aerospace and medical parts.
PC is one of the most commonly used plastics in manufacturing and is used in various types of applications. PC has the characteristics of heat resistance, flame retardancy, impact resistance and recyclability. Its applications are not limited to automotive lighting systems, aerospace glass replacement parts, laboratory lenses, heat-loaded plastic parts, and other electrical applications.
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC-ABS) is an engineering thermoplastic blended from PC and ABS. This material combines the best of PC and ABS, and its unique properties depend on the ratio of PC to ABS in the blend, the molecular weight of the polycarbonate, and any thermoplastic additives in the blend.
Also known as acrylic or plexiglass, PMMA is a common clear thermoplastic that is often used as a replacement for lightweight and shatter-resistant glass parts. PMMA is considered more cost-effective than PC when clarity and UV resistance are more important than impact strength. Typical applications include lenses and sensors, medical implants, smartphone screens and automotive windows, automotive taillights, headlights and light guides.
POM, also known as Delrin or polyoxymethylene in the industry, is a low-friction engineering plastic with impact and high temperature resistance, high stiffness, and excellent dimensional stability. When CNC machined, POM combines high strength and elasticity. Unlike nylon, it has very low moisture absorption; ideal for machining precision mechanical parts. . Typical applications include bearings, gears, insulators, and pump components, plumbing components, home appliances, automotive components, consumer electronics, and more.
PEEK, also known as polyether ether ketone, is a common high-strength plastic that often replaces soft metal parts that require high strength and stiffness. PEEK also has very high resistance to heat, chemicals and moisture. PEEK is one of the few plastics compatible with high vacuum environments, and these properties make it ideal for aerospace, automotive, medical, semiconductor and chemical applications.
Teflon (PTFE) is an extremely elastic engineering thermoplastic with the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material. It has very low moisture absorption compared to nylon and is therefore also suitable for applications in wet conditions. PTFE has excellent chemical and heat resistance, making it ideal for manufacturing parts used in chemically harsh environments, ideal for moving parts that require high strength, low friction, and long-term durability.
PAGF30 is a glass fiber reinforced plastic with increased strength, stiffness, creep strength and dimensional stability as well as heat resistance. These properties of PA GF30 make the material suitable for parts subjected to high static loads for long periods of time at high temperatures. Glass filled nylon 6 is less suitable for sliding applications as glass fibers tend to have a noticeable abrasive effect on mating surfaces in some cases.
Polypropylene (PP) is an inexpensive thermoplastic whose impact resistance varies with grade. Abrasive, flexible, and capable of high elongation, PP also has high chemical resistance, making it ideal for flexible and lightweight CNC machined parts.
PVC is a high-strength thermoplastic material with excellent chemical resistance, good mechanical strength and ease of processing; suitable for strong and chemically resistant components. It is widely used in pipelines, medical equipment, wire and cable insulation and other fields.
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic with excellent impact resistance, high ductility and low friction, making it ideal for machining wear-resistant parts. PE is mainly used for blow molding and has high temperature resistance, oil resistance, steam permeability resistance and environmental stress cracking resistance. PE also has good electrical insulation, impact resistance and temperature resistance.
PET has high strength, good dimensional stability and excellent wear resistance, making it ideal for demanding processing processes.
HDPE is a thermoplastic made from a string of ethylene molecules (hence, the poly part of polyethylene) known for being lightweight and strong. HDPE has excellent impact resistance, high strength and good machinability, and is suitable for strong and durable machine parts.
Finishing Services For CNC Machining Parts
CNC machining is the process of removing excess from raw material to create a part of the desired shape. Visible tool marks are left on the surface of the machined part. To help improve the functionality and aesthetics of CNC machined parts, AN-Prototype supports one-stop surface treatment services for CNC machined parts. Including sandblasting, mirror polishing, painting, printing, laser etching, anodizing, electroplating, passivation, nickel plating, chrome plating, powder coating, etc.
As Machined
Standard "As Machined" parts have a surface roughness of 3.2 µm, which cleanly removes sharp edges and deburrs parts. The surface roughness of smooth machining is Ra 1.6-0.8μm. The surface roughness of ultra-finishing machining is Ra 0.8-0.2μm.
Anodizing
Anodizing has the characteristics of corrosion resistance, wear resistance and insulation, and can maintain the performance of parts for a long time. Anodizing is often used on aluminum alloy parts to achieve an aesthetic effect. All Apple products are anodized.
Powder Coating
Powder coating uses the phenomenon of corona discharge to add a thin layer of protective polymer to the surface of the part, ranging in thickness from about 50 μm to 150 μm. Creates a strong, wear-resistant finish for an even more wear-resistant layer.
Electroplating
Electroplating is a finishing process that deposits metal onto a conductive surface using many specific materials such as alloys, cadmium, chromium, composites, gold, nickel, rhodium, silver, tin, zinc and zinc nickel.
Mirror Polishing
Mirror polishing starts with coarse sandpaper and gradually increases to 2000 grit, aiming to give the prototype a glossy finish or mirror look. Examples include transparent automotive light guides, headlights and rear taillights. The surface of the prototype is smooth enough.
Sandblasting
Sand blasting is the impact of fine abrasive glass bead particles on the prototype surface under high pressure. The surface of the CNC prototype produces a grainy-like depression that creates a matte or eroded surface, resulting in a matte surface finish. Glass bead sizes from #80 to #220.
Laser Etching
Laser etching is a process that alters the surface of a material to create a permanent mark with information or aesthetic value. Metallic materials most commonly used for laser etching include aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc, and other non-metallic materials include glass, polymers, and ceramics.
Passivation
Passivation is a method to transform the metal surface into a state that is not easily oxidized, and to delay the corrosion rate of the metal. The material commonly used in the passivation process is stainless steel to further enhance its corrosion resistance.
CNC Machining Tolerances
In AN-Prototype, the highest tolerance of CNC machining parts can reach 0.005mm, but not every place can achieve this precision. AN-Prototype’s standard tolerances apply to ISO 2768 (fine) for CNC machined metal parts and ISO 2768 (medium) for CNC machined plastic parts. Typically, we can maintain CNC machining tolerances within ±0.005″ (±0.125mm) to ±0.002″ (±0.05mm).
If you need tighter tolerances, you need a 2D drawing with complete information. Since tolerances and dimensions can be greatly affected by part geometry and material type, we strongly recommend that you consult with our engineers in advance if you have any doubts, to provide the highest possible accuracy for your part.
| Linear dimension | +/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 inch |
| Hole diameters (not reamed) | +/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 inch |
| Shaft diameters | +/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 inch |
| Part size limit | CNC Milling Parts: 2000 * 1300 * 600 mm CNC Turning Parts: 200×500 mm |
Case Applications Of CNC Machined Projects
CNC machining is a widely used manufacturing technique to produce custom components for a variety of industries not limited to aerospace, automotive, medical, optics, robotics, etc. The digitization of AN-Prototype’s custom CNC machining services is helping more and more manufacturers turn their ideas into products. To help you understand our CNC machining capabilities, below are some of our previous CNC projects, as well as demo parts designed by our engineers.