CNC Machining

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses rotating computer-controlled cutting tools like drills, end mills, and turning tools to remove material from a solid block of material, thereby shaping the part.

Digital design files direct the CNC machines how to cut the block (also known as the “workpiece”) and multiple machines can use the same design file at the same time, which greatly increases the speed of the production process.

CNC machining is a viable option for manufacturing parts with a range of materials, from plastic and metal to wood, fiberglass, and more. Fast Radius can rapidly produce your CNC-machined parts with tight tolerances and excellent mechanical properties.

Producing parts with CNC machining

We’re proud to offer a number of traditional manufacturing methods, including CNC machining. We use lathe-, router-, mill-, and drill-based CNC machining equipment.

General process information

	3-axis milling	5-axis milling	Turning
Max. part size	• 2000 x 1200 x 500 mm • 78.7 x 47.2 x 19.6 in	• 2000 x 1200 x 500 mm • 78.7 x 47.2 x 19.6 in	• Ø 350 x 600 mm • Ø 13.8 x 23.6 in
Min. feature size	• Ø 0.50 mm • Ø 0.019 in	• Ø 0.50 mm • Ø 0.019 in	• Ø 0.50 mm • Ø 0.019 in
Best achievable tolerance	• +/- 0.01 mm • +/- 0.0004 in	• +/- 0.005 mm • +/- 0.0002 in	• +/- 0.01 mm • +/- 0.0004 in
Lead time	As low as 8 days for less than 50 parts	As low as 10 days for less than 50 parts	As low as 8 days for less than 50 parts

Our team of engineers can help optimize existing designs across manufacturing processes. We also provide deeper design engagements and consultative services to help bring a part to life from the ground up.

Materials used in CNC Machining applications

Plastic	Aluminum	Stainless Steel	Other steel	Other metal
ABS	6061	303	Mild steel	Brass
Nylon 6	6061 - T6	304	Alloy steel	Copper
Acetal (Delrin)	6082	316	Tool steel	Titanium
Polycarbonate	7075	2205 Duplex		Inquire for additional options
PVC		17-4
HDPE		420
PTFE (Teflon)
PEEK
G-10
Nylon 30%GF
UHMW

FINISHING/POST-PROCESSING OPTIONS
As machined (standard)	Bead blasting	Polishing	Heat treating
Anodizing	Brushing	Screen printing	Passivating
Powder coating	Painting	Engraving	Plating

Let’s make your CNC-Machined parts. Right now.

Achieved a 95% first pass yield.

Made possible with Fast radius

Every day we’re working with the world’s leading product manufacturers to make the parts that matter most to their businesses.

Common CNC machining Applications

CNC machining is often used to produce industrial hardware products in a subtractive manner from metal or plastic.

Tooling

Make complicated cuts at various angles.

Niche manufacturing processes

Cut durable metal products that alternative processes can’t create.

Medium- to high-volume production

Cost-effective for production runs in the hundreds and thousands.

Metal fabrication

Safe and effective way to meet the demand for high-quality metal parts with exceptional tight tolerance.

CNC machining ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

Because CNC machining doesn’t require the creation of expensive molds, manufacturers can begin production far sooner than they can with other processes. CNC machining is highly automated, enabling production both during and outside work hours with minimal input from human workers. What’s more, multiple CNC machines can work from the same design, simultaneously producing identical parts — ultimately shortening production lead times and saving on costs.