CNC prototyping service

Use computer-controlled machining technology to design and make prototype parts with automated speed and precision.

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Rapid CNC prototyping

Our CNC manufacturing capabilities allow you to create prototypes with high dimensional accuracy and excellent mechanical properties from a variety of metals and plastics. Manufacture on-demand with our 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills, or our CNC turning process, and receive your prototype parts when you need them.

Our CNC prototyping process is simple: upload your CAD file to our Cloud Manufacturing Platform™, optimize your design with our expert engineers, and move to production when your project is ready.

Learn more about our on-demand manufacturing services with our full range of CNC manufacturing capabilities.

Our CNC machining technologies

Our CNC prototyping capabilities include automated milling and turning services:

CNC milling up close

Milling

CNC mills are effective for geometric designs and rapid production requirements. Our CNC prototyping capabilities include both 3-axis and 5-axis mills.

CNC turning machine

Turning

CNC turning is a process in which an automated lathe shapes a rotating workpiece. Turning is useful for rounded or cylindrical geometries.

Design considerations

Optimize your CNC machined prototype with the following design considerations, materials, and finishing and post processing options:

General process information
3-Axis Milling5-Axis MillingTurning
Max. Part size1800 x 1000 x 500 mm
70.9 x 39.4 x 19.7 in
1000 x 900 x 600 mm
39.4 x 35.4 x 23.6 in
Ø 350 x 600 mm
Ø 13.8 x 23.6 in
Min. Part size12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 mm
0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 in
12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 mm
0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 in
6.4 x 6.4 x 6.4 mm
0.25 x 0.25 x 0.25 in
Min. Feature sizeØ 1 mm
Ø 0.039 in
Ø 1 mm
Ø 0.039 in
Ø 1 mm
Ø 0.039 in
Standard toleranceMetals
+/-0.13 mm
+/-0.005 in

Plastics
+/- 0.20 mm
+/- 0.008 in
Metals
+/-0.13 mm
+/-0.005 in

Plastics
+/- 0.20 mm
+/- 0.008 in
Metals
+/-0.13 mm
+/-0.005 in

Plastics
+/- 0.20 mm
+/- 0.008 in
Lead timeAs 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
CNC machining materials
PlasticAluminumStainless SteelOther SteelOther Metal
ABS2024303Mid steelBrass
Nylon 66061304Alloy steelCopper
Acetal (Delrin)6082316Tool steelTitanium
Polycarbonate705017-4Contact us for additional
metal machining options
PVC7075420
HDPE
PTFE (Teflon)
PEEK
Nylon 30%GF
UHMW
Finishing and post-processing options
As machined (standard)Bead blastingPolishingHeat treatingBlack oxide
AnodizingBrushingScreen printingPassivating
Powder coatingPaintingEngravingPlating

Get a quote for your CNC prototyping project

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Why prototype with CNC machining?

The CNC machining process offers unique prototyping benefits:

Design potential

Unlock the potential of your CNC prototyping project: our 3-axis and 5-axis milling capabilities offer automated speed and precision, and enable complex geometries and angles.

Virtual iteration

Work with Fast Radius engineers to iterate your CNC machining prototypes on our Cloud Manufacturing Platform™. Optimize your design virtually, and move to production quickly.

Fast turnaround

CNC machining is best suited to full production runs: we can manufacture your CNC prototype quickly, and scale up cost-effectively when you’re ready to move to a higher volume order.

Versatility

Manufacture CNC prototypes in a variety of materials, including plastic and metal, and choose from a number of finishing and post-processing options to suit your end-use.

CNC prototyping applications

Precise and quick to produce, CNC machined parts serve a spectrum of industrial applications:

Complex dimensions

Our CNC machining services are ideal for creating prototype parts with features located along or around axes, or parts with radial holes, grooves, and slots.

Niche manufacturing

Prototype in metal and plastic for niche manufacturing applications. CNC machining is suited to oblong or cylindrical parts, and to complex parts that need to be cut from multiple axes.

Automotive

CNC machining is ideal for creating functional automotive prototypes quickly, to exacting industry certification standards.

Hybrid manufacturing

Create prototypes for hybrid manufacturing projects, including multiple components in metal and plastic.

Fast Radius manufacturing solutions

Fast Radius manufacturing solutions serve the needs of businesses across the industrial landscape. Explore our capabilities:

3D printing

Fast, scalable, and cost-effective 3D printing technology for a variety of industrial applications.

CNC machining

Automated CNC turning and 3-axis and 5-axis milling, using rotating drills, end mills, and lathes.

Injection molding

Cost-effective plastic injection molding for precision, high-volume production runs.

Urethane casting

Versatile mold-casting for the production of urethane parts customizable with colors and textures.