Seamlessly scale from prototype to production with quality CNC machining services
With in-house capabilities and a trusted global network, we provide expert CNC machining support at every stage.
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ISO 9001:2015
What is CNC Machining?
CNC (computer numerical control) machining is a manufacturing process where a machine uses computer instructions to cut parts out of solid blocks of material like metal or plastic. You can think of it as a robotic tool moving with incredible precision, carving your part from a solid chunk the way a sculptor would, but much faster and more accurately.
These machines can move and cut in different directions depending on how complex the part needs to be:
3-axis machines move side-to-side (X), front-to-back (Y), and up-and-down (Z). These are great for simpler shapes and flat surfaces.
4-axis machines add rotation so the part can spin while it’s being cut. This helps cut around cylindrical objects.
5-axis machines can tilt and rotate both the cutting tool and the material. This makes it possible to cut complex angles and detailed geometries in a single setup.
This process is fully automated, which means once the instructions are loaded, the machine can make part after part with incredible consistency. CNC machining works with a wide range of materials and is used to make everything from car parts and aerospace components to medical tools, electronics, and custom prototypes.
Why Quickparts for CNC Machining?
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Perfect Precision
3 and 5-axis machining with tolerances to ±0.001”
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Instant Quoting
Get pricing in seconds with our updated customer portal, QuickQuote®
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Unconstrained Quantities, Size and Complexity
supporting you from prototyping to low, mid and high volume manufacturing
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Pre-production Review
Our standard ‘design for manufacturing’ review helps to mitigate potential issues, ensuring your parts meet your expectations
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Experience
Over 35 years of industry expertise. Our skilled CNC operators have an average of 10 years experience
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Outstanding Customer Service
More than 4000 satisfied customers
CNC machining materials
Metals
Here’s a selection of some of our popular metal materials. There are many more available depending on your application and project requirements, but these represent some of the most commonly requested and versatile options.
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Tool Steel
- Magnesium
- Ren
- Titanium
Plastics
Here’s a selection of some of our popular plastic materials. There are many more available depending on your application and project requirements, but these represent some of the most commonly requested and versatile options.
- ABS
- POM (Acetal)
- Polycarbonate
- PMMA (Acrylic)
- PA (Nylon)
- Foam
- Delrin
- PEI
- PEEK
Finishes
We offer many finish options to meet functional, cosmetic, or performance requirements. For CNC-machined parts, common finishes include:
- Standard: 63–125 RMS surface finish for most functional components
- Polished: Smooth, reflective surface for metal parts
- Heat-treated: Alters material properties like hardness or strength
- Anodized: Improves corrosion resistance and adds color (available for aluminum)
- Plated finishes: Nickel, tin, gold, and silver plating for improved conductivity
- Black oxide and chemical conversion: Provide corrosion resistance and aesthetic options
We also offer custom finishes upon request.
Quickparts CNC Machining Solutions
Quickparts offers a range of CNC services, including milling and turning.
CNC Milling
In CNC milling, the workpiece remains stationary while the rotating cutting tool moves along multiple axes to carve out the desired shape. This makes it ideal for creating complex geometries and flat surfaces.
CNC Turning
In CNC turning, the workpiece rotates on a lathe while a stationary cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical or conical shapes. This process is perfect for producing symmetrical parts like shafts and tubes.
Quickparts has the right CNC machining options for your metal or plastic part needs.
Speak with an expert to determine the right machining process for your product.
CNC Machining Industries & Applications
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Aerospace: Precision-machined structural parts, engine components, and avionics housings that demand tight tolerances and high-performance materials.
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Automotive: Powertrain and drivetrain components, custom tooling, performance parts, and EV battery/cooling hardware for production and prototyping.
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Medical: Biocompatible implants, surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment parts, and rapid-iteration prototypes for regulated medical devices.
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Robotics & Automation: High-accuracy brackets, gears, end-effectors, and mechanical assemblies used in robotic systems and automated production lines.
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Electronics: Machined heat sinks, enclosures, precision mounts, and prototype components for consumer electronics and industrial electronics.
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Industrial Equipment: Durable parts for pumps, compressors, tooling, and replacement components for heavy machinery and manufacturing systems.
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Defense: Ruggedized housings, mounts, optical system components, and mission-critical hardware for demanding military applications.
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Energy: High-strength fittings, turbine components, battery and thermal hardware, and precision machined parts for renewable and traditional power sectors.
CNC Machining Tolerances
We support tight tolerances down to ±0.001” using precision 3- and 5-axis CNC equipment. Our CNC capabilities also include:
- Applications: Validation builds, pre-production runs, functional testing, and form-fit-function prototypes
- Lathe capacity: Up to 203.2 mm (8″) in diameter and 609.6 mm (24″) in length
- Milling capacity: Travel limits of 1016 mm (40″) X, 533.4 mm (21″) Y, and 457.2 mm (18″) Z
- Minimum feature size: Typically greater than 0.25 mm (0.0098″), depending on geometry and material
- Lead times: Projects typically ship in 3–15 business days, depending on complexity and finishing needs
If you have specific tolerance or dimensional needs, upload your CAD file to QuickQuote® to get instant feedback on what’s possible and how fast we can deliver.
CNC Machining Resources
Let us help determine which manufacturing process is right for your project.
Explore CNC Machining Resources
CNC Machining FAQs
What is the process of CNC machining?
At Quickparts, the CNC machining process starts when a CAD file is created to define the part’s shape and dimensions. Then that CAD file is entered into a CNC program that tells the machine how to move.
A machinist sets up the block of material and secures it inside the CNC machine. The machine uses cutting tools like mills or lathes to remove material according to the program. From there, optional surface treatments, polishing, or other finishing processes are applied. The final part is measured and inspected to ensure it meets the required specs.
How does CNC machining differ from traditional machining?
CNC machining is a modern form of traditional machining. It follows the same core principles as cutting raw material into precise shapes, but automates the process using computer programming and highly accurate equipment. Once a machinist programs the machine using digital instructions from a CAD file, the CNC machine controls the cutting tools automatically.
This automation makes CNC machining more consistent across hundreds or thousands of parts, faster for complex designs, and capable of tighter tolerances, often down to ±0.001. At Quickparts, we use CNC machining because it allows us to make your parts better, faster, and more scalable.
What are the advantages and challenges of CNC machining?
Advantages of CNC machining include:
- Advanced precision: Creates highly accurate and repeatable parts
- Versatility: Works with a wide range of metals and plastics across different industries
- Speed: Provides quick turnaround on both prototypes and production parts
- Consistency: Produces identical parts every time
At Quickparts, we can help you overcome CNC machining challenges like:
- Upfront cost: Programming and tooling can make one-off jobs more expensive. Our engineers help optimize part design and recommend the right material or process to keep costs reasonable.
- Complex geometry limits: Some shapes can’t be achieved with standard tools alone. Our team will flag these during quoting and suggest alternative approaches.
What is the maximum part size for CNC machining?
There isn’t one universal maximum size for CNC-machined parts. It depends on the type of machine, the number of axes, and the vendor’s equipment. Some specialty shops are equipped to handle parts several feet long or wide, while others are optimized for small, highly detailed components.
At Quickparts, our instant quoting platform supports CNC parts up to:
- Milling: 1016 mm × 533.4 mm × 457.2 mm (40″ × 21″ × 18″)
- Turning: 203.2 mm diameter × 609.6 mm length (8″ × 24″)
If your part exceeds those dimensions, that’s okay! We work with a broad network of global partners, including facilities equipped for large-format CNC machining. Just reach out with your specs, and we’ll help evaluate your design and match it with the right solution.
What are your tolerances for CNC-machined parts?
We offer 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining with tolerances as tight as ±0.001 inches, depending on the material, geometry, and surface finish requirements of your part. Before production, our engineering team reviews your design to confirm which tolerances are achievable and whether any areas need adjustments.
Do you offer rapid or quick-turn CNC machining?
Yes! Quickparts specializes in quick-turn CNC machining for both prototypes and low-volume production runs.
We deliver fast turnaround times thanks to our own manufacturing capabilities with a global network of vetted CNC partners. We can match your project with the best-fit facility based on speed, material, complexity, and finish.
Many parts can ship in as little as 3–15 business days, depending on the design requirements. If you’re on a tight timeline, our team can help assess lead times and coordinate delivery options to keep your project moving.
What is the history of CNC machining?
CNC machining began in the 1940s and 1950s, when engineers adapted early punch card systems to automate machine tools. The original machines relied on numerical control, where code was manually input to control the movement of the machine.
By the 1970s, with the rise of computers, CNC became the standard. These machines could now be programmed digitally, which made the process more accurate and repeatable.
Today, CNC machining allows manufacturers to create custom parts at scale with extremely tight tolerances and fast turnaround times.
