Custom Online CNC Machining Services

Aluminum is lightweight, strong, and easy to machine, positioning it great for various applications like aerospace and automotive parts. Its corrosion resistance also adds to its appeal in outdoor projects and structural components.

Aluminum 6061

Aluminum 5052

Aluminum 2024

Aluminum 6063

Aluminum 7050

Aluminum 7075

Aluminum MIC-6

Learn more about aluminum for CNC machining.

Copper is a ductile, malleable, and highly conductive transition metal with the chemical symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is one of the few metals that occur naturally in a directly usable metallic form, making it one of the earliest materials exploited by humans—dating back to the Copper Age around 8000 BCE.

Copper 101

Copper C110

Learn more about Copper for CNC machining.

A family of copper-based alloys primarily alloyed with tin, though other elements like phosphorus, aluminum, silicon, or nickel may be added to enhance properties. Historically one of the first engineered alloys, bronze is valued for its high hardness, excellent corrosion resistance (especially in marine environments), low friction, and castability. It is widely used in bearings, gears, sculptures, and musical instruments, and is distinct from brass due to its tin-based alloying system.

Copper C932

Learn more about bronze for CNC machining.

A copper-zinc alloy with variable zinc content (typically 5–45%) that dictates its mechanical and physical properties. Additional alloying elements such as lead, tin, or aluminum can be incorporated to improve machinability, strength, or corrosion resistance. Brass has a characteristic golden appearance, good ductility, and is easy to machine, polish, and cast. Common applications include plumbing fittings, electrical connectors, musical instruments, and decorative hardware.

Copper 260

Copper 360

Learn more about brass for CNC machining.

A group of iron-based alloys defined by their minimum 10.5% chromium content, which forms a passive, corrosion-resistant oxide layer on the surface. Most grades also contain nickel, molybdenum, or nitrogen to boost performance—such as enhanced corrosion resistance, strength, or heat resistance. Stainless steel is categorized into main types (austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex) and is prized for its durability, hygiene, and recyclability. It is used extensively in kitchenware, medical devices, construction, automotive parts, and chemical processing equipment.

Nitronic 60 (218 SS)

Stainless Steel 15-5

Stainless Steel 17-4

Stainless Steel 18-8

Stainless Steel 303

Stainless Steel 316/316L

Stainless Steel 416

Stainless Steel 410

Stainless Steel 420

Stainless Steel 440C

Learn more about stainless steel for CNC machining.

A fundamental iron-carbon alloy with carbon content ranging from 0.002% to 2.14% (beyond this range, the material is classified as cast iron). It is the most widely used structural material globally, with properties that can be tailored through alloying (adding manganese, silicon, nickel, etc.) and heat treatment (quenching, tempering, annealing) to achieve varying levels of strength, hardness, and ductility. Steel is broadly divided into carbon steel (low, medium, high carbon) and alloy steel, and is essential for construction, machinery, automotive manufacturing, and infrastructure projects.

Steel 1018

Steel 1215

Steel 4130

Steel 4140

Steel 4140PH

Steel 4340

A2 Tool Steel

O1 Tool Steel

Learn more about steel for CNC machining.

A lightweight, high-strength transition metal with the atomic number 22. It has a strength-to-weight ratio superior to steel, excellent corrosion resistance (even in harsh environments like seawater or acidic solutions), and good biocompatibility. Titanium is often alloyed with aluminum, vanadium, or molybdenum to further enhance its mechanical properties. Key applications include aerospace components, medical implants (e.g., hip replacements), marine hardware, and high-performance sports equipment. Its main drawbacks are high cost and challenging machinability.

Titanium (Grade 2)

Titanium (Grade 5)

Learn more about titanium for CNC machining.

A ductile, bluish-white transition metal (atomic number 30) with low melting point and good corrosion resistance. It is most commonly used as a protective coating for steel and iron (a process called galvanization) to prevent rust. Zinc is also a key component in alloys such as brass (with copper) and zamak (with aluminum, magnesium, and copper)—a popular alloy for die casting. Additionally, it is used in batteries, electrical components, and as a nutritional supplement in trace amounts.

Zinc Alloy

Learn more about zinc for CNC machining.

We can source additional alloys and tempers from within our network of 10,000 custom machine shops. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Custom" under the material drop-down in the FlagShip Instant Quoting Engine℠. You can then submit your quote for manual review and our expert manufacturing team will reach out.

High-strength engineering plastic used for many commercial products.

Learn more about ABS for CNC machining

A clear glass-like plastic. Good wear and tear properties. Great for outdoor use.

Learn more about acrylic for CNC machining

Acetal Delrin 150 Delrin 100 Resin with good moisture resistance, high wear resistance, and low friction.

Learn more about Delrin for CNC machining.

Garolite G10 (FR4) Garolite G10 (non-FR) Garolite G11 (FR5) Constructed of an epoxy resin with fiberglass fabric reinforcement, also called epoxy-grade industrial laminate and phenolic, this material offers high strength and low moisture absorption.

Learn more about garolite G10 for CNC machining and phenolic machining

High-density polyethylene is a moisture and chemical-resistant plastic with good impact strength. The material is outstanding for outdoor applications as well as watertight containers or seals.

Learn more about HDPE for CNC machining.

Offers increased mechanical strength, rigidity, good stability under heat and/or chemical resistance.

Learn more about Nylon 6/6 for CNC machining.

With almost twice the tensile strength of ABS, polycarbonate has superior mechanical and structural properties. Used widely in automotive, aerospace, and other applications that require durability and stability.

Learn more about Polycarbonate for CNC machining.

PEEK PEEK (USP Class VI TECAPEEK) PEEK GF30 Offering excellent tensile strength, PEEK is often used as a lightweight substitute for metal parts in high-temperature, high-stress applications. PEEK resists chemicals, wear, and moisture.

Learn more about PEEK for CNC machining.

Has excellent electrical properties and little or no moisture absorption. It carries light loads for a long period in widely varying temperatures. It can be machined into parts requiring chemical or corrosion resistance.

Learn more about Polypropylene for CNC machining.

This material surpasses most plastics when it comes to chemical resistance and performance in extreme temperatures. It resists most solvents and is an excellent electrical insulator.

Learn more about PTFE for CNC machining

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. A general-purpose material. It offers a unique combination of wear and corrosion resistance, low surface friction, high impact strength, high chemical resistance, and does not absorb moisture.

Learn more about UHMW-PE for CNC machining.

Polyvinyl chloride (Type 1) is a highly chemical-resistant synthetic plastic, PVC is commonly in environments exposed to liquids or requires electrical insulation.

Learn more about PVC for CNC machining.

ULTEM 1000 ULTEM 2300 ULTEM (Polyetherimide) is a stiff, robust, performance-grade thermoplastic that can operate continuously in high-temperature environments (up to 340°F). It has one of the highest dielectric strengths of commercially available thermoplastics, making it an excellent electric insulator. Since ULTEM is also resistant to chemicals, easily cleaned, and does not absorb moisture, it is often used for medical applications.

Learn more about ULTEM for CNC machining.

We can source additional CNC plastics from within our network of 10,000 machine shops. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Custom" under the material drop-down in the FlagShip Instant Quoting Engine℠. You can then submit your quote for manual review and our expert manufacturing team will reach out.

CNC machining utilizes subtractive manufacturing processes, where material is precisely removed from a workpiece to achieve the final shape. This involves drilling holes, boring slots, and shaping metal or plastic stock into complex geometries with tight tolerances.

Unlike additive manufacturing (which builds parts layer-by-layer) or injection molding (which uses molds), subtractive machining ensures high precision through computer-controlled tools. It supports materials like aluminum, steel, titanium, and engineering plastics, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical device applications.

Traditional machining relies on manual operation by skilled machinists, using tools like lathes and mills to shape materials per blueprints. In contrast, CNC machining uses computer numerical control (CNC) to automate the process, driven by G-code programming.

CNC machines offer consistent precision (±0.0001" vs manual ±0.001"), repeatability across 1000+ parts, and the ability to produce complex 3D geometries. This makes them essential for high-volume production, aerospace components, and medical implants where accuracy is critical.

CNC machining is vital in aerospace (turbine components, aircraft frames), automotive (engine parts, transmission components), and consumer electronics (precision housings for smartphones). Other key industries include:

• Medical: Surgical instruments, implantable devices
• Robotics: Gear systems, robotic arms
• Energy: Oil & gas pipeline components, renewable energy parts
• Defense: Military-grade equipment and weaponry

Its versatility across materials and precision makes it a staple in modern manufacturing.

CNC machining emerged in the 1940s during WWII, when John T. Parsons developed computational methods for machining helicopter rotor blades at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His team used interpolation curves to achieve complex tapers, laying the groundwork for automated machining.

In the 1950s, MIT’s Servomechanisms Laboratory advanced the technology with Cartesian coordinate systems, enabling machines to follow digital designs with precision. By the 1970s, CNC had replaced manual machining in most industrial applications, driven by advancements in computer technology and software programming.

We offer 6 inspection tiers via our quoting platform’s Inspection tab, including:

1. Standard Inspection: Included in all orders (dimensional checks, surface finish)
2. First Article Inspection (FAI): Detailed report per AS9102 standards
3. Material Certification: Traceability for metal alloys and plastics
4. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Dye penetrant, X-ray for hidden defects
5. 3D Scanning: Digital comparison to CAD models (±0.001" accuracy)
6. Heat Treatment Verification: Hardness testing, microstructure analysis

All machined parts undergo in-process quality control using CMMs and optical comparators.

Manufacturing Process: 3D printing is an additive process, building parts layer by layer from materials like plastic or metal. In contrast, CNC machining is subtractive, cutting away material from a solid block to shape the final product. Material Efficiency: 3D printing minimizes waste by using only the material needed to form the part, whereas CNC machining can produce more waste due to its subtractive nature. Speed and Cost: For small batches and complex geometries, 3D printing can be faster and more cost-effective. CNC machining is preferable for larger volumes and materials requiring high precision and strength. Surface Finish and Tolerances: CNC machining typically achieves better surface finishes and tighter tolerances compared to 3D printing.

Our standard tolerances include:

• Metals: ±0.005" (local), ±0.010" (large parts after heat treatment)
• Plastics: ±0.010" (due to thermal expansion)
• Surface Finish: 125 μin (Ra) for "As Milled" parts
• Fabricated Parts: 0.010" dimensional / 1° angular tolerance
• Tapped Holes: Machined to CAD-specified diameters if not labeled as Features

Tighter tolerances (±0.0005") are available for aerospace and medical projects upon request.

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.

Our CNC capabilities include:

• 5-Axis Machining: Up to 26" components (complex geometries)
• 4-Axis Machining: 36" max size (prismatic parts)
• 3-Axis Machining: 60" large-format parts (prototypes & low-volume)
• CNC Turning: 32" swing, 18" diameter (dual spindle lathes)
• Wire EDM: 18" depth (hard materials, tight tolerances)
• Materials: Aluminum, steel, titanium, PEEK, nylon, and 50+ alloys

All processes are supported by our Manufacturing Partner Network for scale.

G and M codes are the programming languages used in CNC machining to control CNC machine tools. G-codes are primarily used for specifying the movements of the machine, such as linear interpolation, circular movements, and other specific functions related to the actual path of the tool. M-codes, on the other hand, handle machine functions that are not directly related to the path of the tool, such as turning the machine on or off, starting or stopping the spindle, and controlling coolant. Together, G and M codes provide a comprehensive set of instructions that CNC machines follow to produce parts accurately and efficiently.

Yes! We offer:

• Standard Lead Time: 3-7 business days for most parts
• Expedite Service: 1-2 day turnaround (available at checkout)
• 24-Hour Quote: Instant pricing for standard designs
• Dedicated Project Managers: Rush order coordination

Our automated quoting platform lets you select lead times based on urgency and budget.

For U.S.-bound prototypes produced internationally, our checkout price includes:

• Tariffs & Duties: Calculated based on HS codes and trade agreements
• Shipping: Door-to-door delivery via DHL, FedEx, or UPS
• Customs Clearance: Our team handles documentation

For large orders, we offer duty-deferred shipping and free trade zone processing. Learn more about international manufacturing costs.