CNC metal machining has revolutionized the manufacturing sector. It is a popular technique in many industries because of its speed and accuracy. From automotive components to medical devices, you can use CNC metal machining to manufacture a wide range of components. Metal CNC machining is repeatable and compatible with both ferrous and nonferrous metals.
The CNC metal machining service provider you use makes all the difference. A reliable CNC machining service manufacturer will streamline the production process and get your parts to market on time. Are you new to machining or want to explore other options? You are not alone. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best CNC metal machining service manufacturers to help you make informed decisions.
What is CNC Metal Machining Service
CNC metal machining is a range of services that describes the gradual removal of excess material from a stock metal to produce the final product. CNC metal machining service involves creating a 3D model of the part you want to machine and then converting it to a programming language. The final step is configuring the machine and executing the operation. CNC metal machining service is automated and controls a wide range of complex tools and machinery. This service is computer controlled and machine parts exactly to specifications. There are different types of CNC metal machining services available. The most common ones are:
Milling
CNC metal milling service describes the process of rotating a multipoint cutting tool into a stationary workpiece. The spindle can move along X, Y, and Z axes to mill the metal with high accuracy. CNC milling machines now come with rotary tables that allow movement along A and B axes for the production of more complex shapes and designs.
Turning
In CNC turning metal service, a rotating chuck moves the raw material at a high speed against a stationary cutting tool. As the tool engages and disengages, it removes excess material gradually to produce the final part. CNC turning services can either be internal or external operations. Internal operations are drilling, boring, knurling, and threading. Facing, grooving and parting encompasses external operations.
Swiss Type Automatic Lathe
A Swiss-type automatic lathe is an example of a CNC lathe. It has one spindle and is suitable for slender and thin parts. This machine can automatically change tools so you can perform different operations simultaneously. The final parts are of higher quality because they come with a guide bushing that secures the workpiece and prevents unwanted vibrations.
Lathe-milling Machining Center
This type of CNC machining service can perform both turning and milling operations. It moves along multiple axes to improve productivity and ensure a fast lead time. You can use this machine for different engineering materials and complex designs.
10 Best Metal CNC Machining Service Manufacturers in 2024
Here are the top 10 metal CNC machining service providers you can choose for your project
- Zintilon
Zintilon is a global leader in custom parts and prototype manufacturing. It is a one-stop CNC machining shop that has everything you need from rapid prototyping and DFM analysis to inspection and logistics. Zintilon is ISO certified which shows they are internationally recognized for providing a high level of quality in their products and services. They have been in the industry for more than 20 years and have served 3000 customers and counting. With Zintilon, there is no limit to the type of engineering material and surface finishing you can use. Their machinists and engineers are dedicated and ready to bring your ideas to life. Zintilon does not have a strict minimum order quantity and you can be sure of lead time as fast as a day. They allow you to track your order and carry you along through every production step
- Fictiv
Fictiv is another CNC metal machining service provider you can use. It is a US-based company that provides a digital manufacturing ecosystem. Fictiv machine parts with tight tolerances and exactly to specifications. Their production team is trusted by over 3000 companies to deliver high-quality components. Fictiv offers free DFM analysis and makes sure your ideas are machinable before you invest financially. This company has sophisticated coordinate measuring machines and other inspection tools on stand-by to test your finished products before shipping them to you.
- Xometry
Xometry is one of the top CNC metal machining service providers you would find. They have a massive network capacity and serve many industries in Asia and beyond. Xometry provides instant quotation and DFM analysis in less than a day to help you make informed decisions. With this company, your data is confidential and all uploads are secure. Xometry is ISO 9001 certified and you can be sure of accurate and precise components. They are your ideal partner from rapid prototyping to production and more.
- Wayken
Wayken is another metal machining service provider that may be perfect for you. They have supplied over 30 countries and have served more than 800 customers. Their customers are their topmost priorities and they ensure that products get to market on time. Wayken specializes in rapid prototyping, low-volume production, and mass manufacturing of parts. They offer different CNC machining capabilities and numerous surface finishing options. Wayken complies with industry regulations in all stages of product development.
- Hubs
Hubs is a leading online metal CNC machining service manufacturer. They are tested and trusted by both local and international companies. Hubs work with a wide range of metal materials to meet everyone’s production goals. Their production team comprises skilled engineers who machine parts with high accuracy and precision. They have been in the industry for years and they operate with the ‘parts in 1 day’ rule. Hubs has a vetted network of manufacturing partners all over the world including in India, China, the United Kingdom, and Netherlands.
- Rapid Direct
Rapid Direct is another manufacturer you can trust with all your production needs. Though located in China, they have shipped products to more than 120 countries with over 20,000 customers served. Rapid Direct offers free and instant quotations to make things easy for their new and existing customers. They are ISO 9001 certified and ensure quality in every step from sourcing for raw materials to production in full and shipping. Rapid Direct has invested in a wide range of sophisticated CNC machines and can handle very complex projects. They thoroughly inspect finished components and provide full dimensional inspection reports.
- 3erp
3erp is a China-based company that is committed to providing high-quality rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing services. They focus on 3Es- Excellent, Efficient, and Economic while serving their customers. 3erp provides instant quotes for 1-1000 parts and has a lead time of 3 business days. Their machines are up to date and can meet tolerance as tight as 0.01mm. 3erp is known worldwide for prioritizing quality and they ship an average of 10,000 CNC machined parts every month. They work with a wide range of materials and have many finishing options.
- Protolabs
Protolabs have been in existence since 1999 and have evolved greatly over time. They are ISO 9001 certified and ITAR registered. Their cost and speed of production are their main strengths. Once you upload your CAD file, you will get the DFM analysis in less than a day. With Protolabs, you can price in real-time and be sure the manufacturing costs are within budget before taking further steps. Protolabs have provisions for on-demand CNC metal manufacturing services and can ship parts in one day. Though their primary location is in the United States, Protolabs has a digital network of partners around the world.
- The Federal Group USA ( TFG USA)
TFG USA is a reliable metal CNC machining service manufacturer. They have been supplying quality since 1980 with their team of dedicated experts. TFG USA prioritizes the product and they will take you through all production stages to ensure you get the worth of your investment. Their ISO 9001 quality system undergoes continuous improvement to accommodate their customers’ evolving needs. TFG USA offers fast lead time and provides customer support even after the contract has ended.
- Star Rapid
Star Rapid is another manufacturing service provider that can turn your ideas into reality in a short time. They are equipped with the latest technologies and software to give you a smooth manufacturing experience. Star Rapid is based in China but has other offices in Australia, the US, the UK, and Hong Kong. They’ve been in the business for over 40 years and have served more than 1000 companies. Star Rapid is quality certified and you can trust their team for your rapid prototyping and low-volume production needs.
Conclusion
It is important to use a good precision CNC machining service manufacturer to ensure quality and prevent defects and recalls. Before choosing a contract manufacturer, you should write down your production goals and objectives. You can go about the selection process either online or offline. Some factors you should consider include experience in your field, equipment and capabilities, and certifications for quality control. You should also note their pricing structure, ease of scalability and customer support the company provides.
