- What is the standard lead time for CNC machined parts?
- Prototypes and low-volume orders of CNC machined parts ship in 1 to 10 business days. For production, lead time depends on quantity, material and finishes, and appears with the price on your quote. If you need your parts urgently, let us know when you request your quote.
- What tolerances can you hold on CNC machined parts?
- We provide a standard tolerance of ±0.005" (±0.127mm) per ISO 2768-m. For high-precision projects, we can maintain tight tolerances down to ±0.001" (±0.025mm) through controlled machining environments and calibrated inspection. Use our interactive ISO 2768 chart, tap drill calculator, and drill bit size chart when specifying holes and threads.
- Which materials are most cost-effective for CNC machining?
- Aluminum 6061-T6 is the most economical metal due to its excellent machinability. For plastics, Acetal (Delrin) is the best choice for a balance of cost, strength, and dimensional stability during the subtractive process.
- Can you machine parts from a 3D CAD model without a 2D drawing?
- While we can machine directly from CAD files (STEP, IGES, Parasolid), we highly recommend a 2D technical drawing for features requiring tight tolerances, specific thread classes, or GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
- What is the maximum part size you can machine?
- For milling, the largest part we machine is 40" x 20" x 20". For CNC turning, we handle diameters up to 12" depending on part length.
- Do you provide material certifications and inspection reports?
- Absolutely. We provide Material Test Reports (MTRs) and Certificate of Conformance (CoC) upon request. We also offer Full Inspection Reports and First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 standards.
- What surface finishes are available for CNC parts?
- We offer a full suite of finishes, including As-Machined (Ra 125-32), Bead Blasting, Type II & III Anodizing (MIL-A-8625), Electroless Nickel Plating, Passivation, and Powder Coating.
- How can I reduce the cost of my CNC machined parts?
- To lower costs: 1) Increase internal corner radii to allow larger tools, 2) Minimize deep pockets, 3) Limit the use of tight tolerances to functional features only, and 4) Design for fewer setups (standard 3-axis).
- Do you support high-volume production runs?
- Yes. We make everything from single-part prototypes to production lots and repeat orders, with a documented process and inspection so quality stays the same.