CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing technique that employs 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling to shape solid plastic and metal blocks into finished components.
CNC turning with live tooling integrates lathe and milling functions to machine parts with cylindrical shapes from metal rod material.
Our manufacturing network offers enhanced CNC machining capabilities, including precise tolerances, bulk pricing, and anodizing services.
Explore our CNC machining services tailored to support each phase of the product lifecycle.
View Our SolutionsAluminum
Aluminum is widely favored for machining because of its lightweight, excellent mechanical properties, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Commonly used aluminum alloys in CNC machining include 6061-T651, 7075-T651, and 2024-T351, as they provide an ideal combination of strength, ease of machining, and cost-effectiveness.
Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. This gold-colored material is resistant to weathering and corrosion, with tensile strength comparable to mild steel. It is also easy to machine, allowing for high feed rates and minimal coolant requirements.
Copper is a corrosion-resistant metal known for its excellent electrical conductivity and high ductility. Its distinctive orange-red hue is easily recognizable, and it develops a bluish-green patina over time due to natural oxidation. While copper remains visually appealing even as it ages, its weldability is generally considered moderate to poor.
Copper is a corrosion-resistant metal with outstanding electrical conductivity and great ductility. Its characteristic orange-red color is well-known, and it develops a bluish-green patina naturally due to oxidation. Although copper maintains its aesthetic appeal as it ages, its weldability is typically regarded as moderate to poor.
Steel Alloy 4140 is a low-alloy steel composed of chromium, molybdenum, and manganese. Known for its toughness, high fatigue strength, and resistance to abrasion and impact, it is a popular material choice for machining and is used in various industries.
Low carbon steel, or mild steel, contains up to 0.30% carbon. This results in a material with lower strength but greater malleability and ductility compared to high carbon steels.
Titanium is a favored material for CNC machining because of its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, it poses specific machining challenges due to its high strength, low thermal conductivity, and tendency to harden during cutting.
ABS
ABS is an affordable engineering plastic that is simple to machine. It is an excellent choice for structural applications that require impact resistance, strength, and rigidity. Due to its great dimensional stability and ease of painting and bonding, ABS is commonly used for pre-production prototypes.
Acetal
Delrin 570 is a homopolymer acetal reinforced with 20% glass fiber filler. It offers excellent stiffness, minimal warpage, and low creep, making it ideal for high-performance applications at elevated temperatures.
CPVC
CPVC, or Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride, offers exceptional corrosion resistance at high temperatures, making it perfect for self-supporting structures where temperature stability is critical.
Delrin
Delrin, also referred to as Polyoxymethylene (POM), is a high-performance plastic known for its impressive properties. Its superior stiffness, low friction, and excellent wear resistance make it ideal for applications demanding high mechanical strength, such as gears, bushings, and bearings.
Thanks to its exceptional combination of characteristics, Delrin is a highly versatile and dependable material suitable for a wide range of applications.
HDPE
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a lightweight material known for its low moisture absorption, chemical and corrosion resistance, and high strength. It’s an ideal choice for applications like orthotic and prosthetic devices, water storage, and tanks.
LDPE
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is more flexible than HDPE, while maintaining its lightweight nature and resistance to chemicals and corrosion. Its exceptional flexibility makes it an excellent choice for prosthetic devices and thermoformed parts.
Nylon
Nylon is a highly versatile and commonly used material in CNC machining due to its outstanding properties. It offers high tensile strength, low friction, and excellent resistance to wear and abrasion, making it ideal for durable and reliable applications like gears, bushings, and bearings. Furthermore, nylon’s low moisture absorption and strong dimensional stability ensure consistent performance even in fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions.
Its ease of machining, along with its chemical resistance, makes it suitable for a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical. With its impressive range of benefits, nylon remains a dependable and adaptable choice for numerous CNC machining projects.
PEEK
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is an excellent material choice for CNC machining applications that require exceptional thermal, chemical, and combustion resistance.
Available in forms like sheet, rod, tube, or film, PEEK is a high-performance material that can be easily customized and utilized across a wide range of CNC machining projects.
PEI
ULTEM, also known as polyetherimide (PEI), is an amorphous thermoplastic material renowned for its outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Typically found in a translucent amber hue, ULTEM boasts remarkable mechanical strength, exceptional performance at high temperatures, excellent heat resistance, and impressive stress durability.
PET
PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester that offers excellent wear resistance, a low coefficient of friction, high flexural modulus, and exceptional dimensional stability. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for a wide range of mechanical and electro-mechanical applications.
PMMA(Acrylic)
Acrylic, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a highly versatile plastic used extensively in CNC machining due to its outstanding qualities. Known for its excellent optical clarity, light transmission, and UV resistance, acrylic is commonly chosen for applications such as signage, displays, lenses, and lighting components.
With its unique blend of optical transparency, ease of machining, and adaptability, acrylic is an ideal material for CNC machining projects that demand both precision and visual appeal.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) is a durable engineering plastic known for its excellent dimensional stability, strength, and stiffness. It’s a preferred choice for parts requiring both clarity and high impact resistance.
We provide four types of machined polycarbonate:
Polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) Copolymer is a widely used thermoplastic known for its versatility. It is easy to process, resistant to cracking under vibration or wear, and suitable for applications that demand chemical resistance or FDA compliance.
Polystyrene
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is an affordable plastic that is easy to machine, commonly used in low-strength structural applications where impact resistance, ease of machining, and cost-efficiency are important. Its dimensional stability and ability to be painted or glued make it an ideal choice for prototyping.
PPSU
RADEL R polyphenylsulfone resins provide excellent hydrolytic stability and superior toughness compared to other high-temperature engineering resins. They feature a high deflection temperature and exceptional resistance to environmental stress cracking. This polymer is naturally flame retardant, with outstanding thermal stability and reliable electrical properties.
PSU
RADEL R polyphenylsulfone resins offer exceptional hydrolytic stability and toughness that is superior to other commercially available, high-temperature engineering resins. It offers high deflection temperature and outstanding resistance to environmental stress cracking. The polymer is inherently flame retardant, has excellent thermal stability, and good electrical properties.
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), widely recognized by the brand name Teflon, is a highly versatile material favored in CNC machining for its distinctive properties. As a fluoropolymer, PTFE is renowned for its non-stick surface and low friction, making it an ideal choice for components like bearings, bushings, and seals that require minimal friction. Additionally, PTFE boasts excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for challenging environments.
PTFE can withstand a broad temperature range, from -200°C to +260°C, making it an excellent material for high-temperature applications. It also has excellent electrical insulating properties, which makes it a popular choice for electrical components and insulation.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a highly versatile polymer commonly used in various industries for its excellent corrosion resistance, strong strength-to-weight ratio, and affordability.
Looking for additional metals like Inconel, Invar, or magnesium? How about plastic like fiber epoxy or Garolite? Try our digital network at Hubs.
| Factory Capabilities | Network Capabilities | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. (559mm x 356mm x 95.3mm) | 25.5 in. x 25.5 in. x 11.8 in. (650mm x 650mm x 300mm) |
| Minimum Part Size | 0.25 in. x 0.25 in (6.35mm x 6.35mm) | 0.019 in. (0.50mm) |
| Tolerances | +/- 0.005 in. (+/- 0.13mm) | +/-0.001 in. (0.020mm) |
| Radii | Inside corners on a part will naturally be rounded due to the CNC machining process. | |
| Text | Plastic and soft metals: Minimum width of 0.018 in. (0.457mm), depth of 0.0118 in. (0.3mm). For example, a 16 point Arial Rounded MT font. Hard metals: Minimum width of 0.033 in. (0.838mm) and depth of 0.0118 in. (0.3mm). For example, a 22 point Arial Rounded MT font. |
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| Factory Capabilities | Network Capabilities | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Dimensions | Diameter | 3.95 in. (100.33mm) | 17 in. (431mm) |
| Length | 9 in. (228.6mm) | 39 in. (990mm) | |
| Minimum Dimensions | Diameter | 0.16 in. (4.07mm) | 0.039 in. (1mm) |
| Length | 0.05 in. (1.27mm) | 0.019 in. (0.5mm) | |
| Wall Thickness | 0.020 in. (0.51mm) | 0.019 in. (0.5mm) | |
| Angle | 30° | Below 90° | |
| Tolerances | +/- 0.005 in. (+/- 0.13mm) | ±0.001 in. (0.020mm) | |
Note: While small features may be possible, the diameter in any area should not be smaller than 0.030 in. (0.76mm). Sharp conical tips are permissible, but angles should exceed 30 degrees. Walls thinner than 0.020 in. (0.5mm) are generally not viable during the machining process.
We provide a variety of tolerance options for CNC machined parts to meet the specific needs of your project.
| Tolerances | Lead Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Factory | +/- 0.005 in. | 1-3 days |
| Traditional Factory | +/-0.002 in. | 4-15 days |
| Network | +/-0.001 in. | 5-20+ days |
| Tolerances | Lead Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Factory | +/- 0.13mm | 1-3 days |
| Traditional Factory | +/- 0.0508mm | 4-15 days |
| Network | +/- 0.020mm | 5-20+ days |
AIXI provides a range of CNC machining surface finishing solutions to suit your part specifications. We also offer advanced coating and plating options for enhanced performance.
Speed up your product development by rapidly iterating part designs with fast-turnaround parts. Our automated design analysis will identify any challenging-to-machine features before your design reaches the production stage, helping you avoid expensive rework later in the development process.
Reduce downtime by accessing parts on demand and protect your in-house machining with unlimited manufacturing capacity.
By uploading your 3D CAD file for a quote, we’ll review your part design to detect any features that might be challenging to machine, such as narrow walls or unthreadable holes.
We offer over 30 engineering-grade plastic and metal materials, ideal for a wide range of part applications and industries. Our material selection includes plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, and PEEK, as well as metals like aluminum, stainless steel, platinum, and copper.
Partner with a reliable U.S.-based manufacturer to avoid the risks of offshore production. Our team is always available via phone or email to assist with orders, provide design insights, suggest materials, and address any inquiries you may have.
Access anodizing, precise tolerances, and volume pricing through our network of manufacturers at Hubs. We offer plating options like black oxide and nickel, anodizing (Type II, Type III), and chromate coating for larger quantities. With tolerances as tight as ±0.001 in. (0.020mm), and cost-effective machining for higher volumes, you can reduce per-part costs.
We offer a comprehensive range of capabilities through our in-house digital factories, along with our extensive network of manufacturers. If quick turnaround is essential, our factory capabilities can meet your requirements, but if you need advanced features and have more flexibility with your timeline, our network provides the perfect solution.
CNC machining is a highly automated manufacturing method that converts solid blocks or rods of material into finished parts using end mills. These mills are controlled by software (G-code), which interprets a 3D CAD model to precisely shape the material into the desired geometry. Thanks to the high level of automation, parts can be produced quickly.
Various types of CNC machines exist, such as CNC milling and CNC turning. This machining process is ideal for producing one-off prototypes, custom components, and mid-volume production runs.
Check out our guide to CNC machining
CNC machining, as a subtractive manufacturing process, offers several advantages for both prototyping and production parts.
CNC machining is commonly employed in industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive for its capability to quickly produce high-precision parts from production-grade materials. Common CNC-machined parts include:
Simply upload a 3D CAD file of your machined part, and within hours, you’ll receive a comprehensive manufacturing analysis and an interactive quote. You can easily adjust materials and quantities, with real-time pricing updates. The manufacturing analysis also allows you to quickly assign threading with just a click.
Join us on a quick tour of our 215,000 sq. ft. CNC machining facility in Minnesota and discover how we use digitally-driven processes to deliver some of the best lead times in the industry.
Check out our guide to CNC machining
Prices typically start at around $65, but can vary depending on factors such as complexity, order quantity, and lead time. The most accurate way to get an estimate is by submitting a 3D CAD file for an interactive quote, which includes design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. With our proprietary software and automated fixturing processes, there are no upfront non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees, making small quantities, from 1 to 200 parts, cost-effective. While CNC machining may be slightly more expensive than 3D printing, it delivers superior material properties and surface finishes.
We provide UNF, UNC, and metric threading options for machining, as well as coil and key inserts (note that we do not supply or install the inserts). These threading options are available for both milled and turned CNC parts. Visit this page to explore all our available threading options.
The maximum part size depends on the material chosen. The largest part we offer is 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. (559mm x 356mm x 95.25mm), available in Aluminum 6061 and 7075. For more details, please refer to the table for maximum dimensions based on material.
We offer a range of resources to help you understand CNC machining and how to design parts effectively. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Reducing CNC Part Costs
Choosing the Right CNC Machining Material
CNC Tolerances Explained
Design Tips for CNC Machining
