CNC Machining 101: Get to Know CNC Machining Basics
Despite CNC machining being a long-standing presence in our lives, it’s surprising that some people remain unfamiliar with this manufacturing …
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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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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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Online CNC machining services for rapid prototypes and production parts. Get instant CNC quotes today, and order your custom metal and plastic parts.
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Lead time
MOQ
Tolerances
If you need custom machined parts with complex geometries, or get end-use products in the shortest possible time, RapidDirect is good enough to break through all of that and achieve your idea immediately. We operate over 150 sets of 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines, and offer 100+ different types of materials and surface finishes, guaranteeing quick turnaround and quality of one-off prototypes and production parts.
CNC milling removes materials from the workpiece to create custom-designed parts with flat surface using cutting tool or multi-point milling cutters.
WIth our 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling services, you can get milled parts with tight tolerance up to 0.02mm (±0.0008 in.)
CNC turning shears materials from the ouside of a rod at incredible speeds using a spinning tool. At RapidDirect, we apply 50+ CNC lathes and CNC turning centers to create round or cylindrical turned parts with extreme precision that consistantly meet customers’ expectations.
Check out our extensive gallery that shows precision machined prototypes and parts from our valued customers.
RapidDirect provides an AI-powered, hassle-free online quotation platform that can help simplify your ordering and manufacturing process. Stop wasting time in emails, get interactive quotes with DFM analysis within seconds, optimize your orders immediately, compare your multiple quotes side by side, manage your orders in one place.
Get instant CNC quotes in a minute by simply uploading your design files. Our big data quoting engine calculates CNC machining quotes instantly and provides you with competitive prices.
Our platform built with an advanced machine learning algorithm can automatically identify part geometry that may be difficult to machine. Give you a comprehensive design-for-manufacturing analysis for your custom CNC parts within minutes.
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CNC machining is a computerized and versatile manufacturing process ideal for rapid prototyping and on demand production. Here are the custom CNC services available at the RapidDirect.
With our instant quotation platform and strong capacity, you can get excepted prototypes in short lead times. This allows you to quickly test prototype parts and get them to market.
Bridge-to-production ensures seamless design-to-product transition. Our engineering team offers actionable design advice for your low-volume machined parts.
Our on-demand production delivers high precision, quality products. Enjoy enhanced rates and just-in-time delivery of production parts.
With precision CNC machining services, RapidDirect is your ideal partner to create precision machined prototypes and parts. Our standard CNC machining tolerances for metals is ISO 2768-f and for plastics is ISO 2768-m. We can also achieve special tolerances as long as you indicate your requirements 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-f Plastics: ISO 2768-m |
Metals: ISO 2768-f Plastics: ISO 2768-m |
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 corner 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 |
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 100+ 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 |
||
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 is able to 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 |
RapidDirect’s advanced 5-axis CNC machining produced the Iron Man Suit exoskeleton, enhancing human strength. Despite challenges like oblique hole grooves, their precision resulted in four impeccable lats and deltoid components from aluminum, demonstrating elite industrial equipment mastery.
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.
We strictly implement a quality management system to ensure consistent, expected quality on the products. Full inspections also make sure you receive precision machined parts devoid of unwanted defects.
Not only do we have a digital CNC machining services platform that provides faster ordering process, we also own domestic workshops and state-of-the-art machinery to accelerate the production of your prototypes or parts.
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 options and even lead time.
RapidDirect works with leading manufacturers from different industries to support growing demands and streamline their supply chain. The digitalization of our custom CNC machining services helps more and more manufacturers bring their idea to products.
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.
Despite CNC machining being a long-standing presence in our lives, it’s surprising that some people remain unfamiliar with this manufacturing …
CNC machining remains one of the most cost-effective methods for on-demand production to date despite advancements in technologies like 3D …
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