CNC Machining Cost: A Guide on Influential Factors and Cost-Saving Strategies
Even with the advent of new technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining remains one of the most economical ways …
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The extremely high level of precision needed within the aerospace industry makes CNC machining a suitable manufacturing process for the sector.
This article provides you with a complete guide to aerospace machining and its importance.
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Choose from 50+ metals and plastics for your project.
If you want to produce high-quality machined parts with a sleek appearance, it’s essential to consider some critical factors related to CNC machining.
Here, we’ve gathered some basic information and important considerations to help you achieve the desired results.
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From prototypes to on-demand production parts, get an instant quote for your metal or plastic projects with our online CNC machining services. Choose from 40+ materials, 10+ surface finishes. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485 certified.
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MOQ
Tolerances
For engineers, product developers, and designers requiring prototyping and low-volume production, RapidDirect’s custom CNC services is the solution. From simple to intricate designs with tight tolerances, our ISO 9001 certified CNC machine shops ensure excellence. Our fast CNC machining capabilities promise quality custom machined parts delivered within 1 day.
CNC milling performs multi-axis milling operations, including 3, 4, and 5-axis machining processes. Offer precision and allow for the creation of detailed and specific geometries from metal or plastic blocks.
CNC turning uses CNC lathes and turning centers to shape metal rob stock, focusing primarily on cylindrical parts. Ensure components achieve consistent dimensions and smooth finishes.
View the custom CNC machined prototypes and end-use parts we’ve produced for our customers.
Upload your design file to our Instant Quote Platform and instantly receive pricing, lead time, and DFM details for your CNC components. Specializing in CNC machining for metals and plastics, we provide adaptive production and shipping solutions to align with your product development needs.
Eliminate long waits and reduce uncertainty. With our instant online quotations, you gain clear cost insights immediately, and free & professional DFM feedback, streamlining your CNC machining decisions.
Say goodbye to tedious back-and-forths. Directly annotate on your 3D drawing online and convey specific changes or queries instantly via live chat. Ensure precise machining requirements are communicated and understood without ambiguity.
Take full control of your CNC projects. Manage both quotes and orders in a unified platform. Effortlessly oversee every project, ensuring that each stage is transparent and easily accessible.
Strengthen your CNC coordination. Create teams, invite members instantly, and access shared quotes & orders with ease. Include key departments like accounting, ensuring smooth payment oversight and execution.
Begin with a prototype, transition to small batches, and end with precise parts made just for your project. Every solution, designed for your needs.
Turn ideas into reality quickly with Rapid Prototyping. Detect and fix design errors early, saving time and costs, while ensuring your CNC machined product is market-ready.
Need a limited batch without the wait? Our Low-volume Production gets you machined parts fast, without the burden of large-scale orders, balancing costs and efficiency.
Get flexibility for any order size with our On-Demand Production. freeing customers from volume constraints while guaranteeing CNC machining precision and quality.
A number of materials can be used in CNC machines, giving you various of options to complete rapid prototyping to production runs of custom complex parts. For your manufacturing needs, we provide instant quotations of 40+ metals and plastics, and even you can compare prices for different machining materials.
Aluminum is a highly ductile metal, making it easy to machine. The material has a good strength-to-weight ratio and is available in many types for a range of applications.
Price: $
Lead Time: < 10 days
Tolerances: ±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max part size: 200 x 80 x 100 cm
Copper displays excellent thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and plasticity. It is also highly ductile, corrosion resistant and can be easily welded.
Price: $$$
Lead Time: < 10 days
Wall Thickness: 0.75 mm
Tolerances: ±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max part size: 200 x 80 x 100 cm
Brass has desirable properties for a number of applications. It is low friction, has excellent electrical conductivity and has a golden (brass) appearance.
Price: $$
Lead Time: < 10 days
Wall Thickness: 0.75 mm
Tolerances: ±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max part size: 200 x 80 x 100 cm
Stainless steel is the low carbon steel that offers many properties that are sought after for industrial applications. Stainless steel typically contains a minimum of 10% chromium by weight.
Price: $$
Lead Time: < 10 days
Wall Thickness: 0.75 mm
Tolerances: ±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max part size: 200 x 80 x 100 cm
Titanium has a number of material properties that make it the ideal metal for demanding applications. These properties include excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals and extreme temperatures. The metal also has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Price: $$$
Lead Time: < 10 days
Wall Thickness: 0.75 mm
Tolerances: ±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max part size: 200 x 80 x 100 cm
Plastics are also very popular option for CNC machining because of its wide choices, relatively lower price, and significantly faster machining time needed. We provide all common plastics for CNC machining services.
POM | PEEK | HDPE | PET |
Nylon | PTFE | PVC | PP |
ABS | PC | PMMA |
CNC machining leaves visible tool marks during the process of removing portions of the block’s surface to create desired shapes. If don’t want as-machined parts, select a surface finishing for your custom parts. At RapidDirect, we offer several common surface finishes that help improve functionality and aesthetics.
Name | Description | Materials | Color | Texture | Link |
Anodizing | Anodizing improves corrosion resistance, enhancing wear resistance and hardness, and protecting the metal surface. Widely used in mechanical parts, aircraft, and automobile parts, precision instruments, etc. | Aluminum | Clear, black, grey, red, blue, gold. | Smooth, matte finish. | Learn More>> | |
Bead Blasting |
Bead blasting results in parts with a smooth surface with a matte texture. Used mainly for visual applications and can be followed by other surface treatments. |
ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel |
N/A | Matte | Learn More>> | |
Powder Coating | Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Unlike conventional liquid paint which is delivered via an evaporating solvent, powder coating is typically applied electrostatically and then cured under heat or with ultraviolet light. | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel |
Black, any RAL code or Pantone number |
Gloss or semi-gloss |
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Electroplating | Electroplating can be functional, decorative or corrosion-related. Many industries use the process, including the automotive sector, in which chrome-plating of steel automobile parts is common. |
Aluminum, steel, stainless steel |
N/A |
Smooth, glossy finish |
|
|
Polishing |
Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface, either through physical rubbing of the part or by chemical interference. The process produces a surface with significant specular reflection, but in some materials can reduce diffuse reflection. |
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel |
N/A |
Glossy |
||
Brushing |
Brushing is a surface treatment process in which abrasive belts are used to draw traces on the surface of a material, usually for aesthetic purposes. |
ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel |
N/A | satin |
For metals, our RapidDirect CNC machining service adheres to the ISO 2768-m standard, and for plastics, we follow ISO 2768-c. For custom tolerances, mark them clearly on your drawing.
Standards |
CNC Milling |
CNC Turning |
Maximum Part Size | 4000×1500×600 mm
157.5×59.1×23.6 in. |
200×500 mm
7.9×19.7 in. |
Minimum Part Size | 4×4 mm
0.1×0.1 in. |
2×2 mm
0.079×0.079 in. |
Minimum Feature Size | Φ 0.50 mm
Φ 0.00197 in. |
Φ 0.50 mm
Φ 0.00197 in. |
Standard Tolerances | Metals: ISO 2768-m Plastics: ISO 2768-c |
Metals: ISO 2768-m Plastics: ISO 2768-c |
Linear Dimension | +/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 in. |
+/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 in. |
Hole Diameters (Not Reamed) |
+/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 in. |
+/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 in. |
Shaft Diameters | +/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 in. |
+/- 0.025 mm +/- 0.001 in. |
Edge Condition | Sharp corners will be removed in the form of a chamfer or radius. The size of the chamfer, or resulting radii, must be indicated on the drawing. | |
Threads and Tapped Holes | Diameter: Φ 1.5-5 mm, depth: 3×diameter
Diameter: Φ 5 mm or more, depth: 4-6×diameter |
Diameter: Φ 1.5-5 mm, depth: 3×diameter
Diameter: Φ 5 mm or more, depth: 4-6×diameter |
RapidDirect can produce threads of any specification and size required by our customers. | ||
Text | Minimum width of 0.5 mm, depth of 0.1 mm
RapidDirect can use CNC engraving or laser carving to create standard text based on customers’ requirements. |
RapidDirect can use laser marking to create standard text for CNC turned parts. |
Lead Time | 5 business days | 5 business days |
With custom CNC machining, RapidDirect supports diverse industry requirements.
Andrea, a skilled mechanical engineer from Italy, leveraged RapidDirect’s advanced 5-axis CNC machining services to create a high-quality passive exoskeleton prototype. This design enhances human power and reduces physical fatigue.
See the efficiency of RapidDirect’s incredible line of Hermle 5-axis CNC machines—precision parts in just 24 hours.
No need to write a quote request email, get instant CNC quotes by simply uploading your design files. Our digital quoting platform analyzes your part geometry, and provides real-time & competitive pricing and comprehensive DFM feedback.
Advanced CNC capabilities, rigorous quality checks, combined with constant communication, ensure that every machined piece you receive meets the highest standards, consistently and reliably.
Boasting robust manufacturing capacity, RapidDirect ensures quick turnaround for CNC machined parts. Plus, with our varied shipping choices, you'll get your order on time, without the usual hassles.
No matter where you are, you can get our 24/7 engeering support all year around. Our experienced engineer can provide you with the most appropriate solution to your part design, material selection, and surface finishing and even lead time.
CNC Machining, or Computer Numerical Control Machining, is a manufacturing technique where computer-controlled devices are used to remove layers from a material, creating detailed parts or components. Through a combination of tooling and precise machine movement, it produces parts to exact specifications.
The CNC machining process begins by designing a part in CAD software. This design is then converted into a set of machine commands using CAM software. The CNC machine reads these commands to precisely cut and shape the material, producing a finished part that matches the digital design.
CNC Machining offers unparalleled precision and repeatability, making it a top choice for industries requiring intricate parts. Its ability to handle a variety of materials, from metals to plastics, combined with fast production times and consistent quality, makes it an essential method in modern manufacturing.
3D printing is an additive manufacturing method, building parts by depositing material layer by layer. In contrast, CNC machining is a subtractive method, starting with a solid block of material and removing sections until the desired part is achieved. While 3D printing is often favored for complex geometries and rapid prototyping, CNC machining excels in durability, precision, and material versatility.
RapidDirect is proficient in facilitating the production and prototyping of large machined parts, be it metal or plastic. We boast a substantial CNC machining build envelope measuring 2000 mm x 1500 mm x 300 mm. This ensures we can accommodate even sizable parts, including those tailored for furniture or architectural applications.
Absolutely! The exact tolerance we offer is contingent upon your specific requirements. For CNC machining, our metal components adhere to the ISO 2768-m standards, while our plastic parts align with ISO 2768-c standards. It’s worth noting that the demand for higher precision will correspondingly increase the cost.
Of course! RapidDirect has the capability to produce upwards of 10,000 diverse prototypes on a monthly basis, spanning from simple to intricate designs. Our infrastructure is bolstered by 120 state-of-the-art CNC machines, and we pride ourselves on having a team of over 100 skilled technical experts.
RapidDirect CNC Services is versatile in terms of material compatibility. Commonly used CNC materials include metals like aluminum, steel, brass, and copper, as well as plastics such as ABS, Polycarbonate, and POM. However, specific materials availability might vary, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the service provider.
The expense associated with our CNC machining service is variable and directly influenced by the distinct attributes of your project, including its design and tolerance specifications. The machining duration for the chosen material is another key determinant of the cost. To illustrate, should you require a part where the combined machining and material expense is $2, with an additional setup charge of $200, the total cost for a singular part would amount to $202. Contrastingly, should you commission the production of 200 identical parts, the cost per unit would be just $3! Learn more about the CNC machining costs.
RapidDirect caters to both one-off prototype and large-scale production runs. Thus, there is typically no strict MOQ. Whether you need a single part or thousands, RapidDirect aims to provide a solution.
Lead times can vary based on the complexity of the design, the chosen material, and the current workload at RapidDirect. However, one of the advantages of CNC machining is its speed, especially for simpler parts. Once the setup is complete, machining times can be relatively quick. Parts delivered as fast as 1 day! But for an accurate estimate, it’s best to request for quotes directly.
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Copyright © 2023 Shenzhen Rapid Direct Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.