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CNC Machining Service
Get instant quotes on metal and plastic machined parts. We can make prototypes, small-batch, or mass production parts in as fast as one day with free standard shipping on all US orders.
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Custom CNC Machining Services
Xometry provides custom CNC machining services to engineers, product developers, designers, and more through our vetted network of 5,000+ suppliers. Our highly qualified ASD9100 machine shops can make any custom design, simple or complex. We offer rapid CNC prototypes, small-batch machining, and high-volume production, with all orders serviced by Xometry from end-to-end. Simply upload a CAD file to the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine℠ to get a price, lead time, and design-for-manufacturability feedback on your custom CNC parts. Our CNC service offers metals and plastics as well as flexible production and shipping options to meet you at the perfect price and product development stage.
Xometry guarantees the quality of your parts with our ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified quality management system, ITAR registration, and options to add inspections, hardware traceability, material certifications, and CoCs. We accept technical drawings and have support teams to ensure you get your CNC machined parts at quality and on time.
CNC Machining, Turning, and Milling
CNC Milling Service
CNC Milled Prototypes and Production Parts in as Fast as 1 Day | AS9100D | ISO9001:2015 | ITAR Registered | Free Standard Shipping on All US Orders
CNC Turning Service
CNC Turned Prototypes and Production Parts in as Fast as 1 Day | AS9100D | ISO9001:2015 | ITAR Registered | Free Standard Shipping on All US Orders
Xometry CNC Machining Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Maximum Part Size | Milled parts up to 80” x 48” x 24” (2,032 x 1,219 x 610 mm). Lathe parts up to 62” (1,575 mm) length and 32” (813 mm) diameter. |
Standard Lead Time | 3 business days |
General Tolerances | Tolerances on metals will be held to +/- 0.005" (+/- 0.127 mm) in accordance with ISO 2768 unless otherwise specified. Plastics and composites will be +/- 0.010”. |
Precision Tolerances | Xometry can manufacture and inspect to tight tolerances per your drawing specifications including GD&T callouts. |
Minimum Feature Size | 0.020” (0.50 mm). This may vary depending on part geometry and chosen material. |
Threads and Tapped Holes | Xometry can accommodate any standard thread size. We can also machine custom threads; these will require a manual quote review. |
Edge Condition | Sharp edges are broken and deburred by default |
Surface Finish | The standard finish is as-machined: 125 Ra or better. Additional finishing options can be specified when getting a quote. |
This table depicts the general tolerances for CNC machining. Learn more about our manufacturing standards.
What is CNC Machining?
CNC (computer numerical controlled) machining is a widely used manufacturing process that uses automated, high-speed cutting tools to form designs from metal or plastic stock material. Common CNC machines include 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling machines, lathes, and routers. Machines may vary in how parts are cut—the workpiece may remain in place while the tool moves, the tool may remain in place while the workpiece is rotated and moved, or both the cutting tool and workpiece may move together.
Skilled machinists operate CNC machines by programming tool paths based on the geometry of the final part. The part geometry information is provided by a CAD (computer-aided design) model. CNC machines can cut almost any metal alloy and rigid plastic with high precision and repeatability, which makes CNC machined parts suitable for nearly every industry including aerospace, medical, robotics, electronics, and industrial. Xometry offers CNC machining quotes on over 40 materials ranging from commodity aluminum and acetal to advanced titanium and engineered plastics like PEEK and Teflon.
Video: What is CNC Machining?
Learn more about this cost-efficient and dynamic process from Xometry's applications engineering team.
Metal CNC Machining Materials
CNC Machining Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum 6061
Aluminum 5052
Aluminum 2024
Aluminum 6063
Aluminum 7050
Aluminum 7075
Aluminum MIC-6
Learn more about aluminum for CNC machining.
CNC Machining Copper Alloys
CNC Machining Bronze Alloys
Copper C932
Learn more about bronze for CNC machining.
CNC Machining Brass Alloys
CNC Machining Stainless Steel Alloys
Nitronic 60 (218 SS)
Stainless Steel 15-5
Stainless Steel 17-4
Stainless Steel 18-8
Stainless Steel 303
Stainless Steel 316/316L
Stainless Steel 416
Stainless Steel 410
Stainless Steel 420
Stainless Steel 440C
Learn more about stainless steel for CNC machining.
CNC Machining Steel Alloys
Steel 1018
Steel 1215
Steel 4130
Steel 4140
Steel 4140PH
Steel 4340
Steel A36
Learn more about steel for CNC machining.
CNC Machining Titanium Alloys
CNC Machining Zinc Alloys
Zinc Alloy
Learn more about zinc for CNC machining.
Custom
We can source additional alloys and tempers from within our network of 5,000 machine shops. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Custom" under the material drop-down in the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine℠. You can then submit your quote for manual review and our expert manufacturing team will reach out.
Plastic CNC Machining Materials
ABS
High-strength engineering plastic used for many commercial products.
Learn more about ABS for CNC machining.
Acrylic
A clear glass-like plastic. Good wear and tear properties. Great for outdoor use.
Learn more about acrylic for CNC machining.
Delrin (Acetal)
Resin with good moisture resistance, high wear-resistance, and low friction.
Learn more about Delrin for CNC machining.
Garolite G10
Constructed of an epoxy resin with fiberglass fabric reinforcement, and also called epoxy-grade industrial laminate and phenolic, this material offers high strength and low moisture absorption.
Learn more about garolite G10 for CNC machining.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene is a moisture and chemical-resistant plastic with good impact strength. The material is outstanding for outdoor applications as well as watertight containers or seals.
Learn more about HDPE for CNC machining.
Nylon 6/6
Offers increased mechanical strength, rigidity, good stability under heat and/or chemical resistance.
Learn more about Nylon 6/6 for CNC machining.
PC (Polycarbonate)
With almost twice the tensile strength of ABS, polycarbonate has superior mechanical and structural properties. Used widely in automotive, aerospace, and other applications that require durability and stability.
Learn more about PC for CNC machining.
PEEK
Offering excellent tensile strength, PEEK is often used as a lightweight substitute for metal parts in high-temperature, high-stress applications. PEEK resists chemicals, wear, and moisture.
Learn more about PEEK for CNC machining.
Polypropylene
Has excellent electrical properties and little or no moisture absorption. It carries light loads for a long period in widely varying temperatures. It can be machined into parts requiring chemical or corrosion resistance.
Learn more about polypropylene for CNC machining.
PTFE (Teflon)
This material surpasses most plastics when it comes to chemical resistance and performance in extreme temperatures. It resists most solvents and is an excellent electrical insulator.
Learn more about PTFE for CNC machining.
UHMW PE
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. A general-purpose material. It offers a unique combination of wear and corrosion resistance, low surface friction, high impact strength, high chemical resistance, and does not absorb moisture.
Learn more about UHMW-PE for CNC machining.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (Type 1) is a highly chemical-resistant synthetic plastic, PVC is commonly in environments exposed to liquids or requires electrical insulation.
Learn more about PVC for CNC machining.
Custom
We can source additional CNC machining plastics from within our network of 5,000 machine shops. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Custom" under the material drop-down in the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine℠. You can then submit your quote for manual review and our expert manufacturing team will reach out.
CNC Threads
Available CNC Machining Finishes
Standard (As-Milled)
The finish option with the quickest turnaround. Parts are left with visible tool marks and potentially sharp edges and burrs, which can be removed upon request. Surface finish is comparable to 125 uin Ra finish.
Bead Blast
The part surface is left with a smooth, matte appearance.
Tumbled
This is a batch-based process that tumbles vibrating media to remove sharp edges and burrs on machined parts. Tumbling can remove machine marks on exterior surfaces. Parts over 8” may require a manual review.
Anodized (Type II Or Type III)
Type II (MIL-A-8625, Type II) creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and gold are most common—and is usually associated with aluminum. Type III (MIL-A-8625, Type III, Class 1/2 "hardcoat") is thicker and creates a wear-resistant layer in addition to the corrosion resistance seen with Type II.
Titanium Anodize
A surface finish for titanium per AMS-2488 Type 2 specification. Also called Tiodize, this finish increases fatigue strength and the wear resistance of a part. Titanium anodized parts are common in aerospace and medical device manufacturing. Non-pigmented titanium anodize finishes will dull shine.
PTFE Impregnated Hard Anodize
A hard coat anodize process that embeds PTFE to create a self-lubricating, dry contact surface with Type 3 hard coat’s protective properties. This finish can be used on aluminum alloys or titanium and increases the service life of the product. This finish conforms to the AMS-2482 Type 1 Hard Coat Anodizing with Teflon (Non-Dyed).
Chem Film (Chromate Conversion Coating)
Provides corrosion resistance and good conductivity properties. Can be used as a base for paint. Can leave surface yellow/gold. Adds very little thickness, about 0.00001”-0.00004”. Chem film will conform to MIL-DTL-5541, TYPE I/II.
Passivation
Improves corrosion resistance for 200 and 300 series and precipitation hardened corrosion-resistant steels. Thickness is negligible, about 0.0000001”. Conforms to ASTM A967, AMS-QQ-P-35, MIL-STD-171, ASTM A380, or AMS 2700.
Powder Coat
This is a process where powdered paint is sprayed onto a part that is then baked in an oven. This creates a strong, wear- and corrosion-resistant layer that is more durable than standard painting methods. A wide variety of colors are available to create the desired aesthetic.
Electropolishing
An electrochemical process cleans steel parts to reduce corrosion and improve appearance, by making the metal brighter. Removes about 0.0001”-0.0025” of the metal. Conforms to ASTM B912-02.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Provides uniform nickel coating which offers protection from corrosion, oxidation, and wear on irregular surfaces. The finished part will be brighter. Thickness starts at .0001”. Conforms to MIL-C-26074.
Silver Plating
Silver offers high solderability and electrical conductivity but is susceptible to tarnish. Conforms to AMS QQ-S-365D. Thickness is about 0.00002” - 0.0003.”
Gold Plating
Gold Plating provides good corrosion and tarnish resistance with excellent solderability. Default application specification is MIL-G-45204 and ASTM B488, CLASS 00, 0, OR 1. Thickness is about 0.00002" - 0.00005."
Zinc Plating
Provides uniform zinc coating which offers protection from corrosion, oxidation, and wear on irregular surfaces. Conforms to ASTM B633-15.
CNC Machining Design Guidelines
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Internal corner fillets | Design internal corner fillets to be 0.020” - 0.050” greater than a standard drill size for the radii. Follow a drill diameter to depth ratio of 1:6 (1:4 recommended) as a guideline for internal corner radii. |
Floor fillets | Design floor fillets smaller than corner fillets to allow the same tool to clear material from the interior. |
Undercuts | Always design undercuts to standard sizes and away from corners so they are accessible by the cutting tool. |
Tapped/threaded hole depth | Provide tool clearance slightly beyond the tapped hole depth to ensure complete threads. |
Complexity | Keep the number of small cuts to a minimum to reduce costs; only design in the necessary features to balance function with aesthetic. |
To see more design-for-manufacturing recommendations, view our CNC Machining Design Guide.
Applications of CNC Machining
Rapid Tooling
Because CNC machining can cut a high variety of fully dense, durable materials like aluminum 5052 and stainless steel, it is perfect for creating fixtures or molds.
Rapid Prototyping
The range of affordable metal alloys (like aluminum 6061) and plastics (like acetal or ABS) combined with the speed of our skilled machinists makes our CNC service a great option for prototyping.
End-Use Production
Performance-enhancing finishes, precision tolerances as low as +/- 0.001”, and certifiable material options make CNC machining an excellent technology for end-use parts.
Ready to Get a CNC Machining Quote?
Why Choose Xometry for CNC Machining?
Endless Options
Choose from thousands of possible combinations of CNC materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of CNC part sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Vetted Network
We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and AS9100D compliant. Only the top machine shops that apply to become Suppliers make it through our qualification process.
Examples of Our CNC Machining Work
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