CUSTOM CNC MACHINING

Custom CNC Machining Services

Custom CNC machining services for precision metal and plastic parts. Use 3-axis, 3+2, 5 axis CNC machining and turning with engineer-led DFM, surface finishing and drawing-defined inspection from prototype through repeat production.

  • 3-axis, 3+2 and 5 axis CNC machining
  • CNC milling and turning for metals and plastics
  • Precision CNC machining from prototype to repeat production

RFQ files: STEP / STP / Parasolid + PDF drawing recommended

CNC MACHINING / 01CNC milling cutter machining a precision metal component with coolant
CNC MILLING / PRODUCTION-INTENT METAL PARTS
PRECISION FEATURE / REVIEW±0.005 mmSelected features only, after review of geometry, material, setup and inspection.
3 / 3+2 / 5MILLING ROUTES
Milling + turningCORE CNC PROCESSES
Metal + plasticMATERIAL FAMILIES
1 → repeatORDER STAGES
CUSTOM PARTS / PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION

CNC Machining Services for Custom Metal and Plastic Parts

Mockup provides custom CNC machining for prototypes, bridge quantities and repeat production. We select the process from geometry, material, quantity, tolerance, surface finish and inspection needs, then confirm the manufacturing route before material is released.

CUSTOM CNC MACHINING CAPABILITIES

CNC Milling, CNC Turning, and 5-Axis Machining Services

Start with the simplest process that can control the required geometry. Axis count is not a quality grade; it is a route decision based on access, setups, datum transfers and total cost.

CNC Milling CNC machining capability3 / 4 / 5 AXIS
01

CNC Milling

3-axis, indexed 4-axis and simultaneous 5-axis routes for housings, brackets, fixtures and complex multi-face parts.

CNC Turning CNC machining capabilityROTATIONAL GEOMETRY
02

CNC Turning

Precision rotational parts including shafts, pins, bushings, sleeves and threaded components with drawing-led inspection.

5-Axis Machining CNC machining capabilityCOMPLEX GEOMETRY
03

5-Axis Machining

Fewer setups for compound angles, contoured surfaces and critical features that need to stay related to one controlled datum strategy.

Swiss Machining CNC machining capabilitySMALL PRECISION PARTS
04

Swiss Machining

Stable production of small, slender and feature-dense turned components where concentricity and repeatability matter.

Prototype Machining CNC machining capabilityVALIDATION BUILDS
05

Prototype Machining

Fast engineering builds for fit, function and design validation, with production-intent materials and finishing available.

Production Machining CNC machining capabilityREPEAT PRODUCTION
06

Production Machining

Repeat-order planning, documented inspection and controlled finishing for bridge quantities and ongoing programs.

PROCESS SELECTION

5 Axis CNC Machining: When It Improves the Manufacturing Result

Five-axis machining can reduce fixtures, keep features related in fewer setups and improve access with shorter tools. Straightforward parts may still be faster and less expensive on 3-axis equipment.

01

3-axis

BEST FIT

Plates, brackets, fixtures, pockets and accessible housings

ROUTE DECISION

Lowest-complexity route when features are reachable from a small number of orientations.

02

Indexed 3+2

BEST FIT

Multi-face parts, angled holes and features related across several faces

ROUTE DECISION

Locks the rotary axes before cutting; often reduces fixtures and datum transfers without full simultaneous motion.

03

Simultaneous 5-axis

BEST FIT

Compound angles, continuous contours, deep access and complex tool orientation

ROUTE DECISION

Use when continuous tool motion, shorter tools or one-setup feature relationships create measurable value.

04

CNC turning

BEST FIT

Shafts, pins, bushings, sleeves, threads and concentric geometry

ROUTE DECISION

Most efficient when the primary geometry is rotational; live tooling or secondary milling may add cross-holes and flats.

FEATURE-SPECIFIC CONTROL

Precision CNC Machining Tolerances and GD&T

Machine resolution is not finished-part accuracy. Material stress, workholding, tool deflection, temperature, datum transfers and measurement uncertainty all enter the result. The drawing should identify which relationships actually control function.

RequirementMockup review basisWhat the buyer should define
Unspecified dimensions

Drawing-defined general tolerance; ISO 2768 classes can be applied when explicitly agreed

Avoid applying a tight value to every dimension by default

Critical linear features

Selected features down to ±0.005 mm after engineering review

Depends on size, geometry, material, setup, thermal stability and measurement method

GD&T relationships

Position, flatness, perpendicularity, runout and profile reviewed from the datum reference frame

The datum scheme must support manufacturing and inspection access

Threads and fits

Drawing callout, fit class, gauge or measurement method confirmed before release

Include mating function and inspection requirement in the RFQ

Surface roughness

Specify only on functional surfaces and state the required parameter and cutoff where relevant

Fine finish can add passes, tool changes, polishing or grinding

Post-finish dimensions

Critical dimensions evaluated in the final delivered condition

Coating thickness, masking and stock allowance must be planned before machining

The values above are screening guidance, not blanket acceptance criteria. The approved quotation and drawing control each project.

GRADE / TEMPER / PRODUCT FORM

CNC Machining Materials: Metals, Plastics, and Grade Selection

Compare common grades, applications and compatible finishing routes. Final grade, temper, product form, certification and availability are confirmed against your drawing and project requirements.

Download CNC materials guide
Tool steel

A2 Tool Steel

Air-hardening tool steel selected for wear resistance, toughness and dimensional stability in tooling and fixture applications.

Common grades
A2
Finishing options
As machined, heat treated, black oxide, coating
Get a material quote
A2 Tool Steel CNC machined sample
Aluminum

6061 for balanced machinability and finishing; 7075 where higher strength-to-weight justifies cost and corrosion review.

Stainless steel

303 for machinability, 304/316 for corrosion requirements, and precipitation-hardening grades for higher strength by review.

Engineering plastics

Acetal, nylon, polycarbonate, PEEK, PTFE and other plastics require allowance for moisture, heat, stress and dimensional movement.

Titanium and copper alloys

Tool wear, heat, stock cost and removed volume can dominate price; use these materials where their performance is functional.

FUNCTION / APPEARANCE / DIMENSIONAL EFFECT

Surface Finishes for CNC Machined Parts

Surface finish affects corrosion, wear, friction, conductivity, cleanability, appearance and final dimensions. Define the functional outcome, critical interfaces, masked areas and cosmetic acceptance—not only a finish name.

01

As machined

Functional parts where tool marks are acceptable

Lowest post-process cost; define edge break and roughness only where needed

02

Bead blasted

Uniform matte appearance or preparation before anodizing

Cosmetic consistency depends on media, pressure, distance and handling

03

Anodized

Aluminum corrosion protection, wear response or controlled color

Type, color, sealing, masking and dimensional allowance should be specified

04

Passivated

Specified stainless-steel parts after machining and cleaning

Confirm alloy, governing specification and documentation requirement

05

Plated

Nickel, zinc or application-specific metallic coatings

Coating build can affect threads, bores, fits and electrical interfaces

06

Powder coated / painted

Durable color and environmental barrier for housings or hardware

Define color, gloss, texture, cosmetic zones and masked interfaces

07

Polished / brushed

Reflective, directional or controlled cosmetic surfaces

Identify grain direction, appearance zones and approved reference standard

08

Heat treatment / stress relief

Mechanical properties or dimensional stability where the alloy route requires it

Sequence machining, heat treatment and finish around distortion and final tolerance

Explore surface finishing services
MATERIAL / MACHINE TIME / SETUPS / INSPECTION

CNC Machining Cost Drivers and How to Reduce Cost

CNC machining cost is driven by the complete process, not part size alone. The most useful cost reduction removes machining or inspection work without changing the feature that makes the product function.

01

Material and stock form

Alloy price, bar or plate size, certification, minimum purchasable stock and removed volume all affect material cost.

02

Machine time

Deep cavities, small cutters, long-reach tools, fine stepovers and hard materials increase cycle time.

03

Setups and workholding

Each orientation, custom fixture and datum transfer adds programming, handling and verification work.

04

Tolerance and inspection

Tight features, GD&T, fine roughness and detailed reports add controlled machining and measurement time.

05

Quantity and repeatability

Programming and fixtures are distributed across quantity, while repeat orders benefit from a stable revision and approved route.

06

Finishing and logistics

Masking, polishing, plating, anodizing, painting, certification, packaging and expedited shipping change total landed cost.

RADII / POCKETS / WALLS / HOLES / TOLERANCES

CNC Machining Design Guidelines for Manufacturable Parts

Good CNC design reduces tool reach, setup count, chatter, distortion and ambiguous inspection. These are starting points; the part’s size, material and function determine the final recommendation.

01

Internal corners

Use the largest practical internal radius. A larger cutter is stiffer, faster and better able to reach useful depth.

02

Deep cavities

Reduce depth where possible or increase corner radius and access. Deep pockets require long tools, slower cuts and more setups.

03

Thin walls

Wall stability depends on material, height, tool access and unsupported length. Keep walls robust or identify where thin geometry is functional.

04

Holes and threads

Use standard drill and thread sizes, provide tool access, avoid unnecessary depth and define whether the thread must be gauged.

05

Undercuts

Prefer standard tool profiles and accessible widths. Custom undercut tools and hidden access increase cost and process risk.

06

Tolerance allocation

Tighten only the interfaces that control fit, seal, alignment, motion or optical position; use a general tolerance elsewhere.

07

Feature alignment

Relate critical features to functional datums that can also be located in manufacturing and inspection.

08

Cosmetic surfaces

Mark appearance zones, grain direction, color, masking and acceptance standard instead of relying on a generic finish name.

Read complete CNC design guidelines
CMM inspection for precision CNC machined parts
PRECISION CNC MACHINING / DRAWING-DEFINED INSPECTION
DRAWING RECONCILIATION / CMM / FAI

CNC Machining Quality Control and Inspection

The 3D model defines nominal geometry; the 2D drawing communicates tolerances, GD&T, threads, finishes and documentation. We reconcile both before release so production and inspection work from the same requirements.

01

Drawing reconciliation

Confirm model revision, drawing revision, units, material, finish and conflicts before quotation is released.

02

Manufacturing plan

Review stock, tool access, setups, datum transfers, special processes and feature-specific risks.

03

Inspection plan

Match critical dimensions and GD&T to gauges, optical measurement, roughness testing or CMM access.

04

First article and release

Agree what evidence is required before the remaining quantity or repeat-production route is approved.

05

Repeat-order control

Keep the approved revision, material, finish, deviations and inspection expectations connected to the next order.

Explore quality systems
FILES / MATERIAL / QUANTITY / FINISH / QUALITY

CNC Machining RFQ Requirements and Quote Checklist

A complete RFQ reduces assumptions, back-and-forth questions and price changes after order.

FILES READY?Upload the CNC machining RFQ
013D model

STEP, STP or Parasolid preferred

022D drawing

Tolerances, GD&T, threads, finish and inspection notes

03Material

Grade, temper, product specification and substitution limits

04Quantity

Prototype quantity, annual demand and repeat-order expectation

05Finish

Process, color, gloss/texture, masking and cosmetic zones

06Quality records

Dimensional report, FAI, CMM data or certificates required

07Commercial target

Required delivery date, destination and packaging needs

HOUSINGS / BRACKETS / SHAFTS / MANIFOLDS

Custom CNC Machined Parts and Applications

Representative housings, brackets, shafts, manifolds, fixtures, thermal parts, robotic mechanisms and precision mounts.

Multi-face aluminum brackets
Milled aluminum · complex pocketsMulti-face aluminum brackets
Black anodized housing
Threaded interfaces · cosmetic finishBlack anodized housing
Precision aluminum mounts
Profile milling · controlled boresPrecision aluminum mounts
Turned and milled housing
Large diameter · secondary featuresTurned and milled housing
STEP / PARASOLID / PDF DRAWING

Get a Custom CNC Machining Quote

Send the part geometry, tolerances, material, quantity, surface finish and inspection requirements. Engineering will confirm the likely process, open questions and quotation path.

Get a CNC machining quote
TECHNICAL / PURCHASING QUESTIONS

CNC Machining Services FAQs

What files are best for a CNC machining quote?+

A STEP, STP or Parasolid model plus a PDF drawing is the strongest RFQ package. The model defines nominal geometry; the drawing communicates tolerances, GD&T, threads, material, surface finish, cosmetic zones and inspection requirements. Include quantities, target delivery and required quality records.

Can Mockup support both prototypes and production?+

Yes. Custom CNC machining can support one-off prototypes, bridge quantities and repeat production. Quantity affects stock purchasing, programming, fixtures, inspection sampling and unit cost, so share both the immediate order and expected repeat demand where possible.

What tolerances can your precision CNC machining service achieve?+

Tolerance capability is feature-specific rather than a blanket value for an entire part. Selected features may be reviewed down to ±0.005 mm, depending on part size, geometry, material, setup, thermal stability and the agreed inspection method. The approved quotation and drawing control the final requirement.

When should I choose 5 axis CNC machining?+

Use 5-axis machining when compound angles, continuous contours, deep access, short-tool requirements or critical relationships across several faces create measurable value. Accessible prismatic parts are often more economical on 3-axis equipment, while indexed 3+2 machining can reduce fixtures without requiring simultaneous motion.

Which metals and plastics can be CNC machined?+

Common options include aluminum, stainless steel, tool and mild steels, titanium, brass, bronze and copper, plus ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, acetal, PEEK, PTFE and acrylic. Exact grade, temper, product form, certification and availability are confirmed during review.

Which surface finishes are available for CNC machined parts?+

Options include as-machined, bead blasted, polished or brushed, anodized, passivated, plated, painted and powder coated finishes. Compatibility depends on the exact substrate. Coating thickness, masking, threads, fits, cosmetic zones, color and texture should be defined before production.

What drives the cost of CNC machining?+

The main drivers are material and stock size, removed volume, machine cycle time, tool access, setup and fixture count, tolerance and inspection scope, quantity, finishing, certification, packaging and delivery. Cost falls most safely when non-functional complexity is removed while functional interfaces remain protected.

How can I reduce CNC machining cost without weakening the design?+

Use the largest practical internal radii, avoid unnecessarily deep cavities, standardize holes and threads, limit tight tolerances and fine roughness to functional surfaces, keep features accessible from fewer setups, and identify cosmetic finishing only where it is visible or required.

Can you machine thin walls, deep pockets and complex geometries?+

They can be reviewed, but capability depends on material, unsupported length, tool reach, access and tolerance. Thin walls may move during cutting; deep pockets require longer, less rigid tools; and complex geometry may need 3+2 or 5-axis machining. Share the functional reason for the feature so engineering can recommend a practical route.

What inspection and quality documents can be supplied?+

Project-specific options can include dimensional inspection reports, first-article records, CMM data, material certificates and finish documentation. Required records, sampling level and acceptance criteria should be stated in the RFQ so they are included in the quoted route.

How quickly will I receive DFM feedback and a quote?+

Timing depends on part count, geometry, materials, tolerance complexity, finishing and documentation requirements. After the files are reviewed, Mockup confirms open questions, the expected quotation timing and whether additional engineering review is required.

CUSTOM CNC MACHININGUpload CAD for a quote