CNC Machining
CNC Machining, formally known as Subtractive Manufacturing, is the process of carving a physical object from a solid block of material. Unlike 3D printing (additive manufacturing), which builds an object layer by layer, CNC machining cuts away material from a solid workpiece (like a sculptor carving stone or wood) to reveal the final part.
Imagine a solid block of marble. A sculptor chips away everything that isn't the statue. CNC machining works on this exact principle: the computer reads a digital design file and controls spinning tools or a rotating workpiece to cut away excess material until the full 3D object is formed.
While there are many technologies used to achieve this, the two most common methods for prototyping and production are CNC Milling and CNC Turning.
Machining technologies
- CNC Milling
- CNC Turning
Unlike 3D printed parts which have mechanical weak points between layers, milled parts are carved from a solid, continuous block. This offers isotropic strength, meaning the part is equally strong in all directions.
- Structural Reliability: Because the material structure is not altered during the process, these parts are ideal for high-stress applications like engine components, aerospace brackets, and heavy-load structural elements.
CNC Milling is not limited to specific filaments or resins. It can machine a vast array of engineering-grade materials:
- Metals: Aluminum (6061, 7075), Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper, Titanium.
- Plastics: POM (Delrin), Nylon, Polycarbonate, PEEK, PTFE (Teflon).
Woods & Foams: For artistic or modeling applications.
Parts come off the machine with a smooth, professional, and cosmetically pleasing finish.
- No Layer Lines: There is no "stair-stepping" effect. Surfaces are smooth to the touch immediately.
- Post-Processing: Milled parts can be easily bead-blasted, anodized, or powder-coated to achieve a finished consumer-product look.
While CNC has a higher setup time than printing, it becomes very efficient for low-to-mid volume production. Once the machine is programmed, it can produce 10 or 20 identical metal parts much faster than printing them one by one.
If you need parts that fit together with a satisfying "click" or require airtight seals, CNC is the superior choice.
- Tolerances: CNC machines can hold extremely tight tolerances (often +/- 0.01mm to 0.05mm), far surpassing the accuracy of standard FDM printers.
- Sharp Edges: Capable of producing sharp, crisp edges and perfectly flat surfaces that represent true engineering quality.
CNC Turning (Lathe) is designed specifically for parts with rotational symmetry. The workpiece spins while a stationary tool cuts it.
- Ideal Geometry: Perfect for shafts, pins, custom bolts, spacers, and bushings.
- Concentricity: Guarantees that the part is perfectly round and balanced, which is critical for rotating assemblies.
For round parts, turning is significantly faster than milling or 3D printing.
High Material Removal: A lathe can remove large amounts of material very quickly, making it the most cost-effective method for simple cylindrical parts.
Turning naturally produces a very fine surface finish on the outer diameter of parts, often requiring no further polishing.
We are fully compatible with leading 3D design standards, ensuring seamless processing for .STL, .OBJ, .3MF, and .F3D assets.
We support a wide range of standard materials. Soft metals: Aluminum, Brass . Plastics: POM (Delrin), Nylon 6/6, Polycarbonate, ABS and Woods. Specialty materials available on request.
Yes, we can help to optimize your design for printability.
This depends on the complexity of the part and the material choice. Standard lead times are typically 1-2 weeks, but we strive to produce urgent prototypes as quickly as possible.
The work area up to 0.02mm high precision is restrict to the following sizes:Â
- Milling: 280mm x 200mm x 80mm
- Turning: to be defined
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