Precision CNC Machined Parts
Achieve consistent, high-quality parts for prototyping and manufacturing precision with CNC machining
From quick metal components to complex, mission-critical parts, A3D Manufacturing offers the right tool for the job at hand.
CNC machining allows for hitting tight tolerances and high repeatability with every order.
If you’re in need of production-grade metal materials, prototypes or production runs and quick turnaround times, our machining team can help.
HOW IT WORKS
An overview of the CNC machining process
Rather than building parts layer by layer like additive technology, CNC machining starts with a solid stock piece and cuts away material – leaving behind a finished part.
Starting with an STP file and 2D drawing, our team programs and validates the operations that the mill follows.
Once finished parts are created, secondary options like smoothing, polishing, painting and more can be performed.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Explore popular uses for this traditional manufacturing method
- Medical
- Automotive
- Military
- Aerospace
- Consumer goods
SPECIFICATIONS
MACHINE TECHNICAL DETAILS
Seven to 10 days.
Each feature and material is different, but as a rule of thumb:
- Default: +/- 0.005”
- Small features and holes: +/- 0.001-0.002”
- Features over ~10” pick up ~0.001 in/in
As always, 2D drawings are required to guarantee any tolerance.
MATERIAL OPTIONS
- Aluminum 6061
- Brass
- Copper
- Cold Rolled Steel
- Mild Steel
- Stainless Steel
- ABS
- Acrylic
- Delrin
- HDPE
- Nylon
- PEEK
- Polycarbonate
- Polypropylene
- Ultem
- Teflon
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The location and accessibility of a part’s features will dictate how many set-ups or operations are required.
Parts with multiple set-ups may suffer a small tolerance loss between features. Multiple operations can also affect a project’s cost and lead time.
Long, thin cutters deflect and break. When reaching into a deep pocket, keep radii large to accommodate a thicker, more robust cutter.
Residual internal stresses in the workpiece, coupled with elevated temperatures involved in the cutting operation, can cause parts to deflect.
This effect is exacerbated when a large amount of material is being removed from a thin, flat workpiece.
Rotating cutting tools are essentially cylinders, meaning that internal vertical corners need a radius, if only a small one.
If the cutting tool is unable to reach a feature, it cannot be CNC machined. Careful tool selection can reach some mild undercuts, but, as a general rule, all features should be line-of-sight.
This effect is exacerbated when a large amount of material is being removed from a thin, flat workpiece.
FAQ
Gain answers to common questions about the CNC machining process.