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Online CNC machining service
On-demand CNC machining service for rapid prototyping and production parts, through a network of specialized, experienced and thoroughly vetted local and global CNC machine shops.
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From prototype to production volumes using one unified platform.
Instant pricing
Get instant prices and lead times for more than 100 combinations of materials and finishes.
Quality & compliance
Quality documentation including COC, REACH, RoHS and material certificates. ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and ISO TS16949.
Specialized network
Access machine shops throughout our network of more than 250 vetted manufacturing partners.
Production volumes
Volume pricing for production quantities. Expertise in high-mix configurations requiring extensive customization.
CNC processes
- Tolerances down to ±.020 mm (±.001 in)
- Quality control and documentation
- Broad range of surface finishes
- Lead times from 5 business days
Tighter tolerances available on request
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CNC turning
Produces parts by mounting a blank on a rotating chuck and removing material.
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3 & 5 axis CNC milling
Creates complex geometries using 3 linear degrees of freedom: the X, Y, and Z axis.
Order specifications
We can generate instant machining quotes for 50+ metals and plastics.
Metals
Alloys
Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu Aluminum 6061-T651 | 3.3211 | 65028 | AlMg1SiCu Aluminum 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu Aluminum 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn Aluminum 6060 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi Aluminum 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5 Aluminum 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi Aluminum 2014 | 3.1255 | 24345 | AlCu4SiMg Aluminum 6063 | EN AW-6063 | 62400| AlMg0,7Si Aluminum 7050 | EN AW-7050 | 3.4144| AlZn6CuMgZr Aluminum 2024-T351 | 3.1355 | 24530 | AlCu4Mg1 Aluminum MIC6 Aluminum 7075-T6 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5,5MgCu Aluminum 5083-H111 | 3.3547 | 54300| AlMg4.5Mn0.7 Aluminum 6082 | 3.2315 | 64430| AlSi1MgMn Aluminum 6061-T6 | 3.3211| 65028| AlMg1SiCu
Alloys
Stainless steel 416 | 1.4005 | X12CrS13 Stainless steel 15-5 | 1.4545 | X5CrNiCu15-5 Stainless steel 301 | 1.4310 | X10CrNi18-8 Stainless steel 430 | 1.4016 | X6Cr17 Stainless steel 440C | 1.4125 | X105CrMo17 Stainless steel 420 | 1.4028 | X30Cr13 Stainless steel 304/304L | 1.4301/1.4307 | X5CrNi18-10/X2CrNi18-9 Stainless steel 2205 Duplex | 1.4462 | 2205 | X2CrNiMoN 22-5-3 Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 - Annealed state Stainless steel 303 | 1.4305 | X8CrNiS18-9 Stainless steel 316/316L | 1.4401/1.4404 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2/X2CrNiMo17-12-2
Alloys
Mild steel S275JR | 1.0044 | Fe430B | IS2062 Mild Steel S235JR | 1.0038 | Fe 360 B Carbon steel C45 | 1.0503 | 1045 | EN8 Mild steel S355J2 | 1.0577 | 1522H | Fe 510 D Mild steel 1045 | 1.0503 | C45 | EN8 Mild steel A36 | 1.025 | Fe 410 Mild steel 1018 | 1.1147 | C18 |16Mn
Alloys
Brass Cz121 | C38500 | 2.0401 | CuZn39Pb3 Brass C360 | 2.0375 | CuZn36Pb3 | 319 grade 2
Alloys
Copper C101 | CU OFE Copper C110 | CU ETP
Alloys
Alloy steel 1.7131 | 16MnCr5 Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715 Alloy steel 4340 | 1.6511 | 36CrNiMo4 | EN24 Alloy steel 4140 | 1.7225 | EN19 | 42CrMo4
Alloys
Tool steel A3 - Annealed state Tool steel H13 | 1.2344 | X40CrMoV5-1 - Annealed state Tool steel S7 | 1.2355 | 50CrMoV13-15 - Annealed state Tool steel O1 | 1.2510 | 100MnCrW4 - Annealed state Tool steel A2 | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5-1- Annealed state Tool steel D2 | 1.2379 | X153CrMoV12-1 - Annealed state
Alloys
Titanium Grade 5 | 3.7164 | Ti6Al4V Titanium Grade 2 | 3.7035 Titanium Grade 1 | 3.7025
Alloys
Inconel 718
Alloys
Invar 36
Description
Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu
Aluminum 7075-T7351 is commonly used in aerospace and defense applications, as well as automotive and transportation, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability and good fatigue resistance. The "T7351" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.
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Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu
Aluminum 6061-T651 is commonly used in aerospace and defense applications, as well as automotive and transportation, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability and good fatigue resistance. The "T7351" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.
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Aluminum 6061-T651 | 3.3211 | 65028 | AlMg1SiCu
Aluminum 6061-T651 is commonly used in aerospace, automotive and construction industry, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability, and good weldability. The "T651" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.
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Aluminum 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu
Aluminum 7075-T651(CNC) is an aerospace-grade material with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strength and hardness comparable to steels. T651 is the temper of Aluminum 7075, and to achieve this temper, the alloy is solution heat-treated, stress relieved, and then artificially aged.
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Aluminum 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn
Aluminum 6082-T651 (CNC) has very similar composition and properties to 6061, with slightly higher tensile strength. Compliant with British Standards.
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Aluminum 6060 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi
Alloy 6060 offers good strength, relatively good corrosion resistance and is suitable for decorative anodizing.
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Aluminum 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5
Aluminum 5052 is a strain hardening aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for marine applications. Can be welded.
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Aluminum 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi
Aluminum 2017 has a higher ductility and formability than Aluminum 2014 and has intermediate strength.
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Aluminum 2014 | 3.1255 | 24345 | AlCu4SiMg
Aluminum 2014 is easily machined and can be hardened to get strengths comparable to steel, but is prone to corrosion. Suitable for aerospace applications.
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Aluminum 6063 | EN AW-6063 | 62400| AlMg0,7Si
Aluminum 6063 has good mechanical properties and can be heat treated. Suitable for aerospace applications. Can be welded.
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Aluminum 7050 | EN AW-7050 | 3.4144| AlZn6CuMgZr
Aluminum 7050 has excellent mechanical properties with good ductility, high strength, toughness and good resistance to fatigue. Suitable for aerospace applications.
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Aluminum 2024-T351 | 3.1355 | 24530 | AlCu4Mg1
Aluminum 2024 is a high-strength alloy with excellent fatigue resistance. Suitable for aerospace applications.
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Aluminum MIC6
Aluminum MIC6 is a light weight material that can be easily machined at high speed and is free from tension, contaminants and porosity.
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Aluminum 7075-T6 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5,5MgCu
Aluminum 7075-T6 (CNC) is an aerospace-grade material with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strength and hardness comparable to steels.
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Aluminum 5083-H111 | 3.3547 | 54300| AlMg4.5Mn0.7
Aluminum 5083 (CNC) is a strain hardening aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for marine applications. Can be welded.
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Aluminum 6082 | 3.2315 | 64430| AlSi1MgMn
Aluminum 6082 (CNC) has very similar composition and properties to 6061, with slightly higher tensile strength. Compliant with British Standards.
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Aluminum 6061-T6 | 3.3211| 65028| AlMg1SiCu
Aluminum 6061 (CNC) is the most popular aluminum alloy. It has good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent machinability and natural corrosion resistance.
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Stainless steel 416 | 1.4005 | X12CrS13
Stainless steel 416 is magnetic and has a high machinability.
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Stainless steel 15-5 | 1.4545 | X5CrNiCu15-5
Stainless steel 15-5 has a higher toughness than 17-4, better corrosion resistance and transverse properties compared to other similar martensitic grades.
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Stainless steel 301 | 1.4310 | X10CrNi18-8
Stainless steel 301 is corrosion resistant similar to Stainless steel 304.
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Stainless steel 430 | 1.4016 | X6Cr17
Stainless steel 430 is magnetic and corrosion resistant.
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Stainless steel 440C | 1.4125 | X105CrMo17
Stainless steel 440C has improved toughness and corrosion resistance due to Carbon and Chromium content.
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Stainless steel 420 | 1.4028 | X30Cr13
Stainless steel 420 provides high strength and corrosion resistance. It is the hardest of all stainless steels when hardened.
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Stainless steel 304/304L | 1.4301/1.4307 | X5CrNi18-10/X2CrNi18-9
Stainless steel 304L (CNC) has excellent mechanical properties and good machinability. Resistant to most environments and corrosive media.
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Stainless steel 2205 Duplex | 1.4462 | 2205 | X2CrNiMoN 22-5-3
Stainless steel 2205 Duplex (CNC) is the alloy with the highest strength and hardness. Suitable for applications in severe environments up to 300°C.
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Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 - Annealed state
Stainless steel 17-4 (CNC) - SAE grade 630 - is a precipitation hardening alloy with good corrosion resistance. Can be hardened up to 44 HRC.
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Stainless steel 303 | 1.4305 | X8CrNiS18-9
Stainless steel 303 (CNC) has excellent toughness, but lower corrosion resistance than 304. Ideal for high volumes, due to its excellent machinability.
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Stainless steel 316/316L | 1.4401/1.4404 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2/X2CrNiMo17-12-2
Stainless steel 316L (CNC) has similar mechanical properties to 304, with higher corrosion and chemical resistance. Ideal for marine applications.
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Mild steel S275JR | 1.0044 | Fe430B | IS2062
As a low carbon steel specifications S275 provides low strength with good machinability and is suitable for welding
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Mild Steel S235JR | 1.0038 | Fe 360 B
S235JR is a hot rolled non-alloy structural steel. It has good plasticity, toughness and weldability, certain strength and good cold bending properties.
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Carbon steel C45 | 1.0503 | 1045 | EN8
C45 has low thermal conductivity and low ductility among wrought carbon steels.
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Mild steel S355J2 | 1.0577 | 1522H | Fe 510 D
S355J2 has a high tensile strength. Compared to other carbon steels, it has high electrical conductivity but low thermal conductivity and low ductility.
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Mild steel 1045 | 1.0503 | C45 | EN8
Mild steel 1045 (CNC) is a medium carbon steel with good weldability and machinability, high strength and good impact resistance. Susceptible to corrosion.
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Mild steel A36 | 1.025 | Fe 410
Mild steel A36 (CNC) is a common structural steel with good weldability. Suitable for a variety of industrial applications. Susceptible to corrosion.
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Mild steel 1018 | 1.1147 | C18 |16Mn
Mild steel 1018 (CNC) is a general-use alloy with good machinability, weldability, toughness, strength. Susceptible to corrosion.
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Brass Cz121 | C38500 | 2.0401 | CuZn39Pb3
Brass Cz121/C360 (CNC) is a highly machinable alloy with good tensile strength and natural corrosion resistance. Ideal for parts that require low friction.
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Brass C360 | 2.0375 | CuZn36Pb3 | 319 grade 2
Brass C360 (CNC) is highly machinable alloy with good tensile strength and natural corrosion resistance. Ideal for parts that require low friction.
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Copper C101 | CU OFE
Copper (C101), 99.99% pure, is a copper alloy with excellent conductivity and high corrosion resistance and toughness.
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Copper C110 | CU ETP
Copper (C110) is a pure at 99.90% copper alloy, with universal for electrical applications high thermal conductivity and good corrosion resistance.
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Alloy steel 1.7131 | 16MnCr5
Steel 1.7131 has a high surface hardness and wear resistance with good machinability.
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Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715
Alloy steel 1215 is a low tensile, low harden-ability carbon steel. Can be machined at higher speeds.
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Alloy steel 4340 | 1.6511 | 36CrNiMo4 | EN24
Alloy steel 4340 (CNC) can be heat treated to high strength, while maintaining good toughness, wear resistance and fatigue strength. Weldable.
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Alloy steel 4140 | 1.7225 | EN19 | 42CrMo4
Alloy steel 4140 (CNC) has good overall properties, with good strength and toughness. Suitable for many industrial applications. Not weldable.
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Tool steel A3 - Annealed state
Tool steel A3 is an air-hardened general purpose tool steel with good toughness and excellent dimensional stability. Used for molding dies.
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Tool steel H13 | 1.2344 | X40CrMoV5-1 - Annealed state
Tool steel H13 has an excellent combination of high toughness and fatigure resistance. It is the most common tool steel used in tooling applications.
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Tool steel S7 | 1.2355 | 50CrMoV13-15 - Annealed state
Tool steel s7 has very high impact properties. Suitable for tool and die application..
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Tool steel O1 | 1.2510 | 100MnCrW4 - Annealed state
Tool steel O1 (CNC) is an oil-hardened alloy with a high hardness of 65 HRC. Used for industrial knives and cutting tools.
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Tool steel A2 | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5-1- Annealed state
Tool steel A2 (CNC) is an air-hardened general purpose tool steel with good toughness and excellent dimensional stability. Used for molding dies.
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Tool steel D2 | 1.2379 | X153CrMoV12-1 - Annealed state
Tool steel D2 (CNC) is a wear-resistant alloy that retains its hardness to a temperature of 425 °C. Used for cutting tools and dies.
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Titanium Grade 5 | 3.7164 | Ti6Al4V
Stronger than Grade 2, equally corrosion-resistant, and excellent bio-compatibility.
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Titanium Grade 2 | 3.7035
Stronger than Grade 1 and equally corrosion-resistant, excellent bio-compatibility.
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Titanium Grade 1 | 3.7025
Titanium Grade 1 (CNC) is a commercially pure metal with excellent corrosion and impact resistance and good machinability and weldability.
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Inconel 718
Inconel 718 is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy.
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Invar 36
INVAR 36 is a nickel alloy with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion.
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Plastics
Alloys
Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) FDA Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) ESD Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) Acetal Homopolymer (POM-H)
Alloys
Nylon 6 Flame Retardant Nylon 6/6 30% Glass Filled Nylon 6 30% Glass Filled Nylon 6
Alloys
PPSU | UL94 V-0
Alloys
ABS
Alloys
PEEK
Alloys
PTFE
Alloys
PC
Alloys
UHMW-PE HDPE
Alloys
Alloys
PMMA (Acrylic)
Alloys
PET
Alloys
PP Homopolymer PP+GF(30%) PP
Alloys
Garolite G-10
Alloys
FR4
Alloys
PEI Ultem 1000 PEI Ultem 2300 30% Glass Filled
Description
Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) FDA
Acetal is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability
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Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) ESD
Semicrystalline engineering plastic, permanently antistatic for varied applications in electronics, clean rooms and safety areas.
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Acetal Copolymer (POM-C)
Acetal (POM-C) is the easiest to machine engineering plastic. Ideal for parts with high stiffness, low friction and very low water absorption.
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Acetal Homopolymer (POM-H)
Delrin (POM-H) is the easiest to machine engineering plastic. Ideal for parts with high stiffness, low friction and very low water absorption.
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Nylon 6 Flame Retardant
PA 6 FR possesses a high degree of stiffness, tensile strength as well as good sliding and wear properties with simultaneously outstanding corrosion and chemical resistance.
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Nylon 6/6 30% Glass Filled
This grade has been re-enforced with glass fibres - and the composite inherits good strength, hardness and abrasion resistance from the 30% glass filler, and tough and lightweight properties of the plastic.
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Nylon 6 30% Glass Filled
Glass-reinforced nylon has higher tensile strength than un-reinforced nylon while still benifitting from its flexibility. Very tough.
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Nylon 6
Nylon 6 (CNC) - PA 6 - has excellent mechanical properties, with high toughness and hardness. Susceptible to moisture absorption.
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PPSU | UL94 V-0
PPSU offers hydrolytic stability, toughness and superior impact strength over a wide temperature range.
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ABS
ABS (CNC) has good mechanical properties and excellent impact resistance. It is commonly used to prototype parts prior to injection-molding.
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PEEK
PEEK (CNC) is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Can be used to replace metal parts. Biocompatible.
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PTFE
Teflon (CNC) - PTFE - has excellent thermal and chemical resistance and outstanding frictional and electrical properties.
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PC
Polycarbonate (CNC) has excellent impact strength and good temperature resistance. Suitable for outdoor applications. Can be colored or semi-transparent.
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UHMW-PE
High density polyethylene is very tough due to its long chain structure and has the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic.
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HDPE
HDPE (CNC) is a lightweight and strong thermoplastic, suitable for outdoor applciations. Commonly used for prototypes before Injection Molding.
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PMMA (Acrylic)
PMMA is a translucent rigid plastic, often used as a substitute for glass and when high transparency is needed, a high polishing process can be done to achieve this.
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PET
PET is a tough plastic that offers excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength.
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PP Homopolymer
PP-H offers a high strength to weight ratio and is stiffer and stronger than copolymer, this combined with good chemical resistance and weldability allows this material to be used in many corrosion resistant structures.
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PP+GF(30%)
Reinforced polypropylene with glass fiber for improved tensile strength.
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PP
Polyproplene has similar properties to polyethylene but is harder and more heat resistant.
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Garolite G-10
Garolite G-10 is a high pressure fiberglass laminate known for its high strength, low moisture absorption, and high electrical insulation.
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FR4
FR4 is a class of glass fiber epoxy laminate that is flame retardant.
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PEI Ultem 1000
High performance engineering thermoplastic polymer, with excellent durability, strength, stiffness and heat resistance (UL94-V0).
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PEI Ultem 2300 30% Glass Filled
30% glass fibre reinforced amorphous engineering thermoplastic, with very high rigidity and strength for demanding applications
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Finishes
Anodized type III (Hardcoat)
Non cosmetic
Bead Blasted + Anodized type III (Hardcoat)
Cosmetic on request
Bead Blasted + Chromate Conversion Coating
Cosmetic on request
Black oxide
Non cosmetic
Description
Anodized type III (Hardcoat)
Parts are cut and an anodizing type III coating is directly applied to the surface. Ideal to improve corrosion and wear resistance of components.
As machined + Anodized type II
Parts are anodized (type II) directly after machining. The most cost-effective anodizing option; ideal for non-cosmetic, functional parts. Used to improve wear and corrosion resistance.
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As machined + Anodized type III (Hardcoat)
Parts are machined and an anodizing type III coating is directly applied to the surface. Ideal to improve corrosion and wear resistance of components.
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Bead blasted
Parts are bead blasted with glass beads which results in a grainy texture and reduced machining marks.
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Bead Blasted + Anodized type II (Glossy)
Parts are bead blasted, anodized type II and bright dipped. Results in glossy color. Ideal for cosmetic parts needing an increase in corrosion resistance.
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Bead blasted + Anodized type II (Matte)
Parts are bead blasted and anodized type II. Ideal for increasing the corrosion resistance of the part. Results in naturally matte colors. For glossy colors, please select the bead blasted + glossy anodizing option.
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Bead Blasted + Anodized type III (Hardcoat)
Parts are bead blasted (grit #120) and anodized type III. Ideal to improve corrosion and wear resistance of components. Results in naturally matte colors. Colors available are black and clear.
Bead Blasted + Chromate Conversion Coating
Parts are bead blasted (grit #120) and a chromate conversion coating is applied. Ideal to increase the corrosion resistance of the part while maintaining its conductive properties. RoHS compliant.
Black oxide
Applicable on steels, black oxide is a conversion coating used to improve corrosion resistance and minimize light reflection.
Brushed + Anodized type II (Glossy)
Parts are manually brushed with fine sandpaper to attenuate the machining marks and then anodized. Ideal for increasing the corrosion resistance of the part. Typically results in a glossy aspect.
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Chromate Conversion Coating
Parts are machined and a chromate conversion coating is applied. Ideal to increase the corrosion resistance of the part while maintaining its conductive properties. RoHS compliant.
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Electroless Nickel Plating
Parts are machined to Ra1.6µm and electroless nickel plated. Ideal for wear abrasion and corrosion resistance, not for cosmetic purposes.
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Powder coated
Powder coating is a strong, wear-resistant finish that is compatible with all metal materials.
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Roughness
Description
As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
This is our standard finish. Parts are machined and deburred, sharp edges are chamfered.
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Brushed (Ra 1.2μm / Ra 47μin)
Parts are brushed manually with #400 - 600 grit sandpaper in order to reduce machining marks. Ideal to slightly reduce the roughness of the finish.
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Fine machining (Ra 0.8μm / Ra 32μin)
Finer-looking machining obtained either through higher-precision machines, lower feeds, sharper tools, or a combination of all the above. Machining marks are less evident.
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Polishing (Ra 0.8μm / Ra 32μin)
Parts are manually polished in multiple directions. Surface is smooth and slightly reflective.
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Smooth machining (Ra 1.6μm / Ra 63μin)
Smooth machining is like an ‘As machined’ finish but with slightly less evident machine marks. Parts are machined at a lower feed, no hand polishing is applied.
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FAQs
How much does your CNC machining service cost?
We use machine learning algorithms to calculate the exact cost of any machinable part directly from a CAD file, based on millions of CNC machining orders we’ve previously processed. No more waiting for technicians to get back to you via email, we can generate an exact quote for you instantly (well, in about 5 seconds).
This means you always know the price up front. Simply upload a CAD file to generate a quote: get an instant CNC machining quote. Our quotes are completely free, you only need to create an account so we can protect your IP.
It’s so easy to use that we encourage mechanical engineers to use it constantly as they optimize their designs for cost. Whenever you’ve made a new design iteration, simply load both the old and the new design into our quoting tool and see if the price is different.
This technology means our manufacturing partners also don’t need to do their own machining quotes, which means less overhead for them. This makes the whole process less expensive, which translates into lower prices for our customers.
How can I reduce the cost of my machined parts?
The main costs associated with CNC machining can be grouped into machining time, start-up costs, material costs, and feature costs. To reduce costs you need to understand the impact of these factors on cost.
The best way to reduce machining time is to design features that can be machined quickly, for example by choosing the correct radii for internal corners, reducing cavity depth, increasing wall thicknesses, limiting thread length and designing holes with standard sizes.
Material costs can be reduced by considering the size of the blank required, and the cost and machinability of the bulk material (softer alloys are faster to machine).
Start-up costs can be reduced by reducing the number part rotations or repositioning required to finish the part, for example by separating geometries into multiple parts that can be assembled later.
Feature costs can be reduced by only using tolerances when strictly necessary, removing all text & lettering, and avoiding multiple surface finishes.
These tips can be read in more detail in our full guide to reducing the cost of CNC machined parts.
How do you select the exact manufacturer for my parts?
We use algorithms to identify the best manufacturer in our network for your specific order, based on their proximity to you, their experience with similar parts and their available capacity right now. This allows us to balance our customers’ demands for speed, cost and quality better than ever before.
How do you guarantee the quality of my parts?
Your parts are made by experienced CNC machining shops within our network. All facilities are regularly audited to ensure they consistently meet our quality standards.
Protolabs Network is ISO-9001 certified and additional certifications are available through our manufacturing partners.
Find out more about our quality assurance measures.
Where can I learn more about CNC machining?
Protolabs Network was started by mechanical engineers and we have many more engineers and technicians in our team. Together we’ve written a lot of content on CNC machining over the years. You can find a selection of resources below, or you can head to our knowledge hub and filter on CNC machining to read case studies, in-depth design guidelines and explanations of different surface finishes.
We’ve also written a complete engineering guide to CNC machining. Here you can learn about how the many different kinds of mills and lathes work and the different materials available, so you can easily compare their benefits & limitations. You’ll also learn the basic design rules for machining and the most common applications of each material and surface finish, so you can make the right choices every time.
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