3 & 5 axis CNC milling
Access over 1,000 milling centers, including standard 3-axis mills, indexed 3+2-axis mills & fully-continuous 5-axis mills
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On-demand CNC machining service for rapid prototyping and production parts, through a network of specialized, experienced and thoroughly vetted local and global CNC machine shops.
Get instant quote Our capabilitiesOur CNC machining service capabilities
CNC machine all types of parts, from simple “as machined” workholdings to complex geometries. Our manufacturers operate almost every kind of CNC mill and turning center, with EDM and grinders available on request. We offer tolerances down to ±.020 mm (±.001 in) and lead times from 5 business days.
CNC turning
CNC turning
Access over 300 turning centers, including Swiss lathes and multi-axis mill turns.
Learn moreGallery of CNC machined parts
Here’s a small selection of the CNC machined prototypes and end-use parts we’ve produced for our customers.
CNC machining materials
We can generate instant machining quotes for 50+ metals and plastics.
Metals
Aluminum
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Mild steel
Mild steel
Brass
Brass
Copper
Copper
Alloy steel
Alloy steel
Tool steel
Tool steel
Titanium
Titanium
Inconel
Inconel
Invar 36
Invar 36
Aluminum
Aluminum alloys have good strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal and electrical conductivity, low density and natural corrosion resistance. Can be anodized.
Alloys
Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu Aluminum 6061-T651 | 3.3211 | 65028 | AlMg1SiCu Aluminum 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu Aluminum 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn Aluminum 6060 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi Aluminum 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5 Aluminum 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi Aluminum 2014 | 3.1255 | 24345 | AlCu4SiMg Aluminum 6063 | EN AW-6063 | 62400| AlMg0,7Si Aluminum 7050 | EN AW-7050 | 3.4144| AlZn6CuMgZr Aluminum 2024-T351 | 3.1355 | 24530 | AlCu4Mg1 Aluminum MIC6 Aluminum 7075-T6 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5,5MgCu Aluminum 5083-H111 | 3.3547 | 54300| AlMg4.5Mn0.7 Aluminum 6082 | 3.2315 | 64430| AlSi1MgMn Aluminum 6061-T6 | 3.3211| 65028| AlMg1SiCu Show all alloys
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Stainless steel
Stainless steel alloys have high strength, ductility, wear and corrosion resistance. They can be easily welded, machined and polished.
Alloys
Stainless steel 416 | 1.4005 | X12CrS13 Stainless steel 15-5 | 1.4545 | X5CrNiCu15-5 Stainless steel 301 | 1.4310 | X10CrNi18-8 Stainless steel 430 | 1.4016 | X6Cr17 Stainless steel 440C | 1.4125 | X105CrMo17 Stainless steel 420 | 1.4028 | X30Cr13 Stainless steel 304/304L | 1.4301/1.4307 | X5CrNi18-10/X2CrNi18-9 Stainless steel 2205 Duplex | 1.4462 | 2205 | X2CrNiMoN 22-5-3 Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 - Annealed state Stainless steel 303 | 1.4305 | X8CrNiS18-9 Stainless steel 316/316L | 1.4401/1.4404 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2/X2CrNiMo17-12-2 Show all alloys
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Mild steel
Mild steels are low-carbon metal alloys offering good mechanical properties, machinability and weldability at low cost. Can be carburized to increased hardness.
Alloys
Mild steel S275JR | 1.0044 | Fe430B | IS2062 Mild Steel S235JR | 1.0038 | Fe 360 B Carbon steel C45 | 1.0503 | 1045 | EN8 Mild steel S355J2 | 1.0577 | 1522H | Fe 510 D Mild steel 1045 | 1.0503 | C45 | EN8 Mild steel A36 | 1.025 | Fe 410 Mild steel 1018 | 1.1147 | C18 |16Mn Show all alloys
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Brass
Brass is a metal alloy with good machinability and excellent electrical conductivity. Ideal for applications that require low friction.
Alloys
Brass Cz121 | C38500 | 2.0401 | CuZn39Pb3 Brass C360 | 2.0375 | CuZn36Pb3 | 319 grade 2
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Copper
Copper offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, it's often used for busbars, wire connectors, and other electrical applications. Copper has a glossy reddish-orange appearance.
Alloys
Copper C101 | CU OFE Copper C110 | CU ETP
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Alloy steel
Alloy steels contain other alloying elements in addition to carbon, resulting in improved hardness, toughness, fatigue and wear resistance.
Alloys
Alloy steel 1.7131 | 16MnCr5 Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715 Alloy steel 4340 | 1.6511 | 36CrNiMo4 | EN24 Alloy steel 4140 | 1.7225 | EN19 | 42CrMo4
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Tool steel
Tool steels are metal alloys with exceptionally high hardness, stiffness and abrasion resistance. Suitable for manufacturing industrial tools.
Alloys
Tool steel A3 - Annealed state Tool steel H13 | 1.2344 | X40CrMoV5-1 - Annealed state Tool steel S7 | 1.2355 | 50CrMoV13-15 - Annealed state Tool steel O1 | 1.2510 | 100MnCrW4 - Annealed state Tool steel A2 | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5-1- Annealed state Tool steel D2 | 1.2379 | X153CrMoV12-1 - Annealed state Show all alloys
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Titanium
Titanium is a metal with excellent strength-to-weight ratio, low thermal expansion and high corrosion resistance that is sterilizable and biocompatible.
Alloys
Titanium Grade 5 | 3.7164 | Ti6Al4V Titanium Grade 2 | 3.7035 Titanium Grade 1 | 3.7025
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Inconel
Inconel is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy. Ideal for aerospace applications.
Alloys
Inconel 718
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Invar 36
Invar 36 is a nickel alloy with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. Ideal for applications where high dimensional stability is required, such as precision instruments, engines valves and large aerostructure molds.
Alloys
Invar 36
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Plastics
POM (Delrin/Acetal)
POM (Delrin/Acetal)
Nylon
Nylon
PPSU
PPSU
ABS
ABS
PEEK
PEEK
PTFE (Teflon)
PTFE (Teflon)
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
Polyethylene
Polyethylene
PVC
PVC
PMMA (Acrylic)
PMMA (Acrylic)
PET
PET
Polypropylene
Polypropylene
G-10
G-10
FR4
FR4
PEI
PEI
POM (Delrin/Acetal)
POM is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.
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Nylon
Nylon - polyamide (PA) - is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties and high chemical and abrasion resistance.
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PPSU
PPSU offers exceptional hydrolytic stability, and toughness superior to other commercially-available, high-temperature engineering resins. They offer high deflection temperatures and outstanding resistance to environmental stress cracking. This polymer is inherently flame retardant, and also has excellent thermal stability and good electrical properties.
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ABS
ABS is a common thermoplastic with all-around good mechanical properties, excellent impact strength, good heat resistance and good machinability.
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PEEK
PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties and chemical over a very wide temperature range.
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PTFE (Teflon)
PTFE is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent chemical and thermal resistance and the lowest coefficient of friction of any know solid.
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Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermoplastic with high toughness, excellent impact strength and good machinability. Can be optically transparent.
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Polyethylene
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic with high strength-to-weight ratio, good impact strength and excellent weather resistance.
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PVC
PVC is the third most used plastic with all-around good mechanical properties, excellent chemical and weather resistance and good toughness.
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PET
PET is a tough plastic that offers excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength.
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G-10
G-10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate with a high strength, low moisture absorption, and high level of electrical insulation and chemical resistance.
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FR4
FR4 is a class of glass fiber epoxy laminate that is flame retardant, with similar properties to G-10.
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PEI
Characterized by a combination of outstanding thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, Polyetherimide (PEI) has made its place in high performance applications like automotive, aerospace, industrial and many more.
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We can source any other material on request, but quotes take up to 48 hours.
CNC machining surface finishes
We can instantly quote a wide variety of post-machining surface finishes.
As machined
(Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
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Smooth machining
(Ra 1.6μm / Ra 63μin)
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Fine machining
(Ra 0.8μm / Ra 32μin)
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Polishing
(Ra 0.8μm / Ra 32μin)
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Brushed
(Ra 1.2μm / Ra 47μin)
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Bead blasted
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Powder coated
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Black oxide
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Electroless Nickel Plating
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Bead Blasted + Chromate Conversion Coating
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Bead Blasted + Anodized type III
(Hardcoat)
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Bead Blasted + Anodized type II
(Glossy)
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As machined + Anodized type II
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Brushed + Anodized type II
(Glossy)
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Bead blasted + Anodized type II
(Matte)
See details
As machined + Anodized type III
(Hardcoat)
See details
Our ordering process
Upload CAD file
Securely upload your part design to our online quote builder
Confirm specs
Configure your part specifications and select a lead time that suits your schedule
Receive instant quote
Upload your CAD to our
online quoting platform
Manufacturing
We select the best manufacturer for your order, and production begins immediately
Quality control
We take full responsibility for making sure your parts are manufactured according to our standards
Delivery
Specialist industries
We’ve manufactured millions of parts for all sorts of applications, but we’re especially knowledgeable in these areas.
Aerospace & aviation
Aerospace & aviation
Aerodynamic parts for aircraft, drones, satellites and rockets with AS 9100 certification.
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Medical
Medical
Create custom medical devices and diagnostic equipment to get healthcare innovations into hospitals and homes.
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Automotive
Automotive
Fast-tracked development for electric vehicles and other automotive innovations.
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Robotics & automation
Robotics & automation
Produce complex robotic systems, end effectors and automated machinery for this innovative industry.
Read moreHone Shaving: Manufacturing High-quality Shaving Products
Watch how the founder of Hone Shaving, Andrew Mitchell, tells the story of how he created his unique and high-quality razors with the help of Protolabs Network.
Consistent quality, every time with our CNC machining service
Protolabs Network guarantees the quality of every part we manufacture. Along with thoroughly vetting the manufacturing partners we work with, every order is dimensionally and visually inspected according to The Protolabs Network Standard. Globally manufactured orders also undergo a second inspection at our cross-docks in Amsterdam and Chicago when necessary.
The Protolabs Network Standard
The Protolabs Network Standard
We use a rigorous set of protocols and procedures to maintain quality
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Full-scale production manufacturing
Get complete program management from our team of experts to optimize cost, quantity, and quality control of production orders for end-use parts. Find out about manufacturing higher volumes at reduced part costs, our commitment to quality and expanded capabilities to support with scaling to production.
Explore production
Our distributed network of CNC machine shops
We offer you the capacity and capabilities of dozens of local and global machine shops, with the ease of dealing with one. You get the experience and specialization of all our partner shops, we handle all the communications, delivery, quality control and customs.
Manufactured through Protolabs Network
How we compare to traditional CNC machine shops
As part of Protolabs’ global services, we are your comprehensive manufacturing solution from prototype to production. Here’s how we differ from traditional machine shops:
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We have an incredibly broad range of capabilities–much more than most individual shops.
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In most cases our quotes are instant. Request as many quotes as you like to find the best solution for your project.
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There is no minimum order quantity.
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We can scale with you from quick-turn prototypes with 1-day lead times to millions of production parts with volume pricing.
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We leverage a global network to guarantee competitive pricing on every order.
We machine custom parts for customers in multiple industries: aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, hardware startups, industrial automation, machinery, manufacturing, medical devices, oil & gas and robotics.
FAQ's about CNC machining service
What tolerance standards do you guarantee?
We guarantee that our manufacturing partners follow ISO 2768 standards for all CNC machined parts. Parts machined with metal will follow ISO 2768-m (medium) or ISO 2768-f (fine). Parts machined with plastics will follow 2768-m (medium). Geometric tolerances down to ± 0004 in. (0.010 mm) are possible but must be clearly indicated in technical drawings. We can achieve tighter tolerances on shafts with up to H7 fits with manual quoting and on occasion tighter.
Read more about our standards for tolerances here
What are the minimum and maximum dimensions you can machine?
At Protolabs Network we offer CNC milling (3-axis, 3+2-axis and 5-axis) and turning. Milled parts can be machined up to 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm (78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in.) for 3/3+2 axis CNC milling. For 5-axis milling, the maximum part size is 650 x 650 x 300 mm (25.5 x 25.5 x 11.8 in.). The maximum diameter for CNC turning is 431mm (17 in.), length 990 mm (39 in). Minimum part dimensions recommended are around 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 in. (10 x 10 x 10mm).The minimum for feature dimensions is 0.5 mm.
We are limited to a 1000 mm (39 in.) maximum size for parts on our platform. If you need higher dimensions, you can place the request through your account manager.
What cosmetic standards do you guarantee?
Deburring and edge breaking are standard procedures for all CNC machined parts. If there are any critical edges that should be left sharp, they must be clearly indicated in technical drawings. Surfaces will be free of defects such as scratches, dents, stains, blemishes, hanging marks, minor defects. Surfaces indicated as critical (primary (a) side, as indicated on the technical drawing) will be free of mill steps and other marks. For the secondary (b) side, minor hanging marks and up to 2 minor defects are acceptable. A number of post-processing and finishing methods can be applied to improve the surface roughness, visual properties and wear resistance of machined parts.
How much does your CNC machining service cost?
We use machine learning algorithms to calculate the exact cost of any machinable part directly from a CAD file, based on millions of CNC machining orders we’ve previously processed. No more waiting for technicians to get back to you via email, we can generate an exact quote for you instantly (well, in about 5 seconds).
This means you always know the price up front. Simply upload a CAD file to generate a quote: get an instant CNC machining quote. Our quotes are completely free, you only need to create an account so we can protect your IP.
It’s so easy to use that we encourage mechanical engineers to use it constantly as they optimize their designs for cost. Whenever you’ve made a new design iteration, simply load both the old and the new design into our quoting tool and see if the price is different.
This technology means our manufacturing partners also don’t need to do their own machining quotes, which means less overhead for them. This makes the whole process less expensive, which translates into lower prices for our customers.
How can I reduce the cost of my machined parts?
The main costs associated with CNC machining can be grouped into machining time, start-up costs, material costs, and feature costs. To reduce costs you need to understand the impact of these factors on cost.
The best way to reduce machining time is to design features that can be machined quickly, for example by choosing the correct radii for internal corners, reducing cavity depth, increasing wall thicknesses, limiting thread length and designing holes with standard sizes.
Material costs can be reduced by considering the size of the blank required, and the cost and machinability of the bulk material (softer alloys are faster to machine).
Start-up costs can be reduced by reducing the number part rotations or repositioning required to finish the part, for example by separating geometries into multiple parts that can be assembled later.
Feature costs can be reduced by only using tolerances when strictly necessary, removing all text & lettering, and avoiding multiple surface finishes.
These tips can be read in more detail in our full guide to reducing the cost of CNC machined parts.
How do you select the exact manufacturer for my parts?
We use algorithms to identify the best manufacturer in our network for your specific order, based on their proximity to you, their experience with similar parts and their available capacity right now. This allows us to balance our customers’ demands for speed, cost and quality better than ever before.
Where can I learn more about CNC machining?
Protolabs Network was started by mechanical engineers and we have many more engineers and technicians in our team. Together we’ve written a lot of content on CNC machining over the years. You can find a selection of resources below, or you can head to our knowledge hub and filter on CNC machining to read case studies, in-depth design guidelines and explanations of different surface finishes.
We’ve also written a complete engineering guide to CNC machining. Here you can learn about how the many different kinds of mills and lathes work and the different materials available, so you can easily compare their benefits & limitations. You’ll also learn the basic design rules for machining and the most common applications of each material and surface finish, so you can make the right choices every time.
Should I choose local or global manufacturing?
Customers in the US and EU can choose local or global manufacturing for CNC machined parts. Local orders are manufactured within your customs-clearance zones, allowing for shorter lead times (from 5 days) and faster delivery as there’s no need for shipments to clear customs. Global orders generally result in longer lead times at a lower price. The best option depends on the timeline and requirements of your project.
How does Protolabs Network's custom CNC machining service work?
Using CAD (computer-aided design) modeling software and G-code, CNC milling and CNC turning machines remove material from a solid workpiece with precision and speed. CNC machines manufacture parts with tight tolerances and a range of impressive mechanical and chemical properties. Our custom CNC machining service is ideal for one-off jobs and low-to-medium volume production, thanks to automation and high repeatability.
How do you start CNC machining parts with Protolabs Network?
Our global network of CNC machining centers manufacture custom parts for applications ranging from rapid prototyping to serial production. To start sourcing CNC-machined parts, simply upload a CAD file and technical drawing to our online Quote Builder. You’ll either receive an instant CNC quote and be able to start production in only a few clicks, or you’ll be directed to one of our engineers for design for manufacturability (DFM) guidance.
CNC machining resources for engineers
What is CNC machining?
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How to design parts for CNC machining
Read article
14 proven design tips to reduce the cost of CNC machining
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How to prepare a technical drawing for CNC machining
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How do you select the right materials for CNC machining?
Read article
What are the types of surface finishes for CNC machining?
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What is heat treatment and how does it improve CNC-machined parts?
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3D printing vs. CNC machining: Which is better for prototyping and end-use parts?
Read article
CNC machining: The manufacturing & design guide
Learn about how the many different kinds of CNC machines work, the materials available, the benefits & limitations, basic design rules and the most common applications.
Read article
What is CNC machining?
What is CNC machining and how does it work? Learn the basic principles and fundamental mechanics, as well as the key benefits and limitations, of this subtractive manufacturing process.
Read article
How to design parts for CNC machining
In this complete guide to designing for CNC machining, we've compiled basic & advanced design practices and tips to help you achieve the best results for your custom parts.
Read article
14 proven design tips to reduce the cost of CNC machining
Make the most of CNC machining by optimizing your design and making the right material choices. Read these 14 design tips to help you reduce CNC-machining costs and create the perfect parts for your project.
Read article
How to prepare a technical drawing for CNC machining
How do you prepare technical drawings for CNC machining and why are they important? Technical drawings are widely used in manufacturing to improve the communication of technical requirements between the designer and engineer and the manufacturer.
Read article
How do you select the right materials for CNC machining?
This comprehensive guide compares the 25 most common materials used in CNC machining and helps you choose the right one for your application.
Read article
What are the types of surface finishes for CNC machining?
What surface finishes are available for CNC machining? You can apply post-processing and surface finishes to improve the surface roughness, cosmetic properties and wear resistance of metal parts. Learn about the most common ways to finish CNC machined parts, and how to select the best methods for your applications.
Read article
What is heat treatment and how does it improve CNC-machined parts?
What are the different types of heat treatment and how do they affect CNC-machined parts? This article explores how heat treatments can be applied to many metal alloys to drastically improve key physical properties like hardness, strength and machinability.
Read article
3D printing vs. CNC machining: Which is better for prototyping and end-use parts?
Is 3D printing or CNC machining better for your custom part applications? Learn the practical differences between CNC machining and 3D printing and how to select the right technology for manufacturing prototypes, end-use parts and everything in between.
Read articleOur other manufacturing capabilities
3D printing
3D printing
FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF
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25+ plastics & 35+ colors
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±0.5% dimensional accuracy with a lower limit down to ±0.0059 in (0.15 mm)
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Lead times from 1 business day
Sheet metal fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication
Laser cutting, bending, post-processing
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Tolerances down to ±0.1 mm (±.004 in)
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Lead times from 5 business days
Injection molding
Injection molding
Prototypes and production tooling
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Wide range of part complexities and sizes
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1 to 1M parts
Put your CNC parts into production today
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