CNC Milling Service
Get custom milled parts for rapid prototyping and production.
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR
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- About CNC Milling
Our factory CNC milling process produces custom prototypes and end-use production parts in as fast as 1 day. Our factories use 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling processes to manufacture parts from more than 30 engineering-grade plastics and metals. Through our semi-automated factory, you can also order first article inspection (FAI) reporting, material certifications, and additional finishing options like anodizing, chromate plating, and powder coating. Additionally, our Protolabs Network is ideal for machined production parts, you can also get more competitive pricing at higher quantities in addition to inspections, coatings, and other certifications.
Our CNC milling service is commonly used for:
- functional prototypes
- jigs and fixtures
- production components in lower volumes
CNC Machining Design Guide
In this guide to CNC machining, you'll learn how to create efficient, manufacturable metal and plastic parts for prototyping and production.
CNC Milling Design Guidelines and Capabilities
Our basic guidelines for CNC milling include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time. View our design guidelines page for more details.
Maximum Dimensions
Maximum depth that can be milled is 2 in. (50.8mm) from either side of part. For specific milling dimensions by material, see maximum part extents for machining.
| Material | US | Metric | |
| 3-axis** |
| 10 in. x 14 in. x 1.75 in. | 254mm x 356mm x 44.5mm |
| 3-axis** |
| 22 in. x 14 in. x 0.75 in. | 559mm x 356mm x 19.1mm |
| 3-axis** |
| 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. | 559mm x 356mm x 95.3mm |
| 5-axis |
| 10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in. | 254mm x 178mm x 44.45mm |
| 5-axis |
| 10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in. | 254mm x 178mm x 95.3mm |
| 5-axis |
| 4.25 in. x 3.25 in. x 3.75 in. | 107.95mm x 82.55mm x 95.25mm |
*Hard metals: Titanium (6Al-4V), Stainless Steels (303, 316, 17-4PH), Steel Alloy (4140)
**Denotes two-sided machining only
CNC Machining Services for End-Use Parts
Get high‑quality machined parts faster with our expanded automated CNC milling—parts ready in as fast as 4 days
CNC Milling Materials
We stock more than 30 production-grade plastic and metal materials that are suitable for various part applications and industries.
Metals
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Steel Alloy
- Steel Mild Low Carbon
- Titanium
Evaluate standard surface finishes for CNC machined parts as well as advanced capabilities to improve durability, surface finish, and add color.
Surface Finish on Milled Parts
Typically, we break (debur) the edges on all machined parts. All machined plastic parts are left as-machined, which may leave visible tool marks. Some metal parts, on the other hand, allow more choice. Parts left with sharp edges should be handled with care.
Material: ABS Black
Finish: Broken edge
Material: ABS Black
Finish: Broken edge
Material: ABS Black
Finish: Broken edge
Material: ABS Black
Finish: Broken edge
Material: ABS Black
Finish: Broken edge
Tour our Digital Machine Shop
Take a quick tour through our 215,000 sq. ft. CNC machining facility in Minnesota to see how we manufacture parts in as fast as 24 hours.
What is CNC Milling and How Does it Work?
CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process. It starts by fixturing a block of metal or plastic material inside the CNC mill. Using G-code, the CNC machine is programmed to rapidly mill out parts from the block of raw material. Our 3- and 5-axis CNC machines are equipped with various toolsets to maximize efficiency and production speed.
Machined plastic parts are left as-milled, which typically means they show visible tool marks. Some metal parts allow more finishing choices like anodizing and chromate plating. When the run is complete and your required surface finish is applied, parts are boxed and shipped shortly thereafter.
Resources
Plastic Manufacturing: Common Processes and Materials
Learn how to select the best manufacturing process and material for your custom plastic parts
Stainless Steel
This versatile, corrosion-resistant, and attractive metal is consistently a popular choice.
Aluminum
This metal is popular due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, conductivity, and recyclability.
Aluminum
This metal is popular due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, conductivity, and recyclability.
Get an online quote and manufacturing analysis today.