CNC machining (Computer Numerical Control) is a widely used manufacturing process that uses automated high-speed cutting tools to form designs from metal or plastic stock, with pre-programmed computer software controlling the movement of the machinery and tools. This technology enables accurate, automated and repeatable production of complex parts by removing material from the workpiece to create the desired shape.
CNC milling uses rotational cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece to produce finished parts and products. This manufacturing process works well for many materials, including metals, polymers, wood and glass. CNC milling systems generally have 3 linear degrees of freedom: the X, Y and Z axis. This allows for top-notch precision and detailing. Protolabs Network also offers more advanced, 5-degree systems, where the tool head and machining bed (A and B axis) can also rotate. 5-axis CNC machines can produce parts with high geometric complexity without needing multiple machine setups.
We’re not only the fastest CNC machining manufacturer of machined prototypes but also the most reliable source of on-demand production parts. Why is this important? You have a single-source CNC machining supplier from concept validation to short-run production.
We offer more competitive pricing at higher quantities in addition to tighter tolerances, hardware assembly, first article inspection (FAI) reporting, material certifications, and additional finishing options like anodizing and chromate plating. It’s CNC machining designed around your project needs—whether prototyping or production.
| Size | Metric units | Imperial units |
| Max. part size for soft metals[1]& plastics | 2000x1500x200 mm 1500x800x500 mm | 78.7x59.0x7.8in 59.0x31.4x27.5 in |
| Max. part for hard metals [2] | 1200x800x500 mm | 47.2 x31.4 x 19.6 in |
| Min. feature size | 0 0.50 mm | 0 0.019 in |
| [1]:Aluminum,copper & brass [2]:Stainless steel, tool steel, alloy steel & mild steel |
CNC Turning is a manufacturing process in which bars of material are held in a chuck and rotated while a tool is fed to the piece to remove material to create the desired shape. ... CNC lathes or turning centers have tooling mounted on a turret which is computer-controlled
Equipped with live tooling, Shbury as one CNC turning factory can provide services capable of receiving a solid chunk of raw material and - without any operator handling - can turn, mill, drill, bore, engrave, tap, and thread a ready-to-ship, finished product.
CNC lathes remove a lot of material quickly. And when using fine cutting tools such as our Guhring cutters, the surface finish is excellent and doesn’t need any post-finishing. Turning is really the only practical way to make internal and external threads, long bores, tapers, ring grooves, and many other features that are essentially round in cross-section. Some of these same features can also be made on a CNC mill, but this would be slower and is not optimized for maximum efficiency.
| Part size limitations | Metric units |
| Maximum part diameter | 500 mm |
| Maximum part length | 2000 mm |
| Maximum swing over the carriage | 350 mm |
| Maximum spindle through-hole | 60 mm |
| Limits for nominal size | Plastics(ls0 2768-m) | Metals (ls0 2768-f) |
| 0.5mm* to 3mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
| Over 3mm to 6mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
| Over 6mm to 30mm | ±0.2mm | ±0.1mm |
| Over 30mm to 120mm | ±0.3mm | ±0.15mm |
| Over 120mm to 400mm | ±0.5mm | ±0.2mm |
| Over 400mm to 1000mm | ±0.8mm | ±0.3mm |
| Over 1000mm to 2000mm | ±1.2mm | ±0.5mm |
| Over 2000mm to 4000mm | ±2mm | |
| *Please clearlyindicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing. |
| Stainless Steel | SS201, S5301, S5303, SS304, SS316, $S416 17-4PH etc. |
| Steel | mild steel, Carbon steel. 4140, 4340, 0235.0345B. 20#.45# etc. |
| Brass | HPb63,HPb62,HPb61,HPb59, H59, H68, H80, H90 etc. |
| Copper | C11000, C12000, C12000 C36000 etc. |
| Aluminum | AL6061, A16063, AL6082, AL7075, AL5052, A380 etc. |
| lron | A36, 45#, 1213, 12L14, 1215 etc. |
| Plastic | ABS, PC, PE, POM, Delrin, Nylon, Teflon, PP, PEl, Peek etc. |
| Aluminum parts | Stainless Steel parts | Steel | Plastic |
| Clear Anodized | Polishing | Zinc plating | Plating |
| Color Anodized | Passivating | Oxide black | Painting |
| Sandblast Anodized | Sandblasting | Nickel plating | polishing |
| Chemical Film | Laser engraving | Chrome plating | Laser engraving |
| Brushing | Carburized | ||
| Polishing | Hot treatment | ||
| Chroming | Powder Coated |
This type of machining relies on a tool moving in five different directions around which the tool rotates. It is a multi-axis subtractive manufacturing process in which the machine shapes the workpiece material and moves in 5 directions or vertically.
The directions of movement include; X, Y, and Z , as well as A and B. 5-axis machining allows operators to approach part machining from all directions and axis in a single operation. Therefore, eliminating the need for manual workpiece repositioning between operations. Also, it saves time and is ideal for creating highly complex parts requiring precision.
Precision machining is the process of using precision CNC machinery to manufacture prototypes or parts. This precision manufacturing process should meet strict design specifications, critical tolerances, and manufacturing standards.
High-precision machining is usually an ideal choice for parts with complex features and tight machining tolerances. So, when looking for precision machining services, you’d better work with a reliable CNC machining company.
