CNC machining Complete Engineering Guide Part 5
Have questions?
Feel free to discuss CNC machining with us.
Part 5: Start CNC machining
With your parts designed and optimized for CNC machining, it is time to start thinking about manufacturing. In this section, we walk you through the 3 simple steps needed to manufacture custom parts with CNC machining.
Part 1: The basics
What is CNC? What types of machines are there? Which are their key benefits & limitations?
Part 2: Design for CNC machining
In less than 15 minutes, you will learn how to design parts optimized for CNC machining.
Part 3: Materials for CNC machining
Learn more about the most popular materials & finishes used in CNC machining.
Part 4: Cost reduction tips
Use these 3 design tips to cut the costs of your CNC machining project.
Part 5: Start CNC machining
Learn how to prepare, get a quote & source custom CNC machined parts in 3 simple steps.
Part 6: Useful resources
Useful resources A list of useful resources for those who want to delve deeper.
Benefits & Limitations of CNC machining
Here’s a list of the key strengths and limitations of CNC machining.
Applications of CNC machining
The benefits of CNC machining lie in a wide range of applications.
SGS Certification
ISO Standards
Environmental Compliance
Customer Satisfaction
Continuous Improvement
Step 1: Export your design to a CNC-compatible CAD file format
The file formats predominantly used in CNC machining are STEP and IGES. These formats are open-source, standardized and can be used across platforms.
For best results:
Export your designs directly from your native CAD software into the STEP file format.
On Protolabs Network, you can also upload files and get an instant quote for file formats used in your the native CAD software, including SLDPRT, 3DM, IPT, SAT and X_T.
Step 2: Prepare a technical drawing
A technical drawing is not always required for machining parts with CNC. Yet it is recommended to include one in your order as it has information that is not presented in a STEP file.
A technical drawing is required in the following situations:
- When your design contain threads
- When any tolerances are specified
- When certain surfaces need a different finishing
Learn how to correctly prepare a technical drawing for CNC →
Step 3: Get an instant quote & start manufacturing
With GreatLight, outsourcing parts for CNC machining is easy, fast and highly price-competitive.
By combining a network of manufacturing services with our smart sourcing engine, you can instantly access readily available production capacity for the best possible quotes and lead times.
When you upload your parts to Protolabs Network, our automated Design for Machinability analysis will detect any potential design issues before production begins and will give you an instant quote, based on our machine learning algorithm.
This way you can be sure that you always receive the best price in the market at the fastest turnaround times for your CNC machining parts!
Welcome to GreatLight Metal，Maximum Processing Size 4,000 mm
Precision Machining CNC Quote Online
Click here to upload or drag and drop your model to the canvas.
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Model Stats:
| Material Volume: |
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| Support Material Volume: |
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| Box Volume: | cm3 |
| Surface Area: | cm2 |
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Submit your design files (STEP/IGES/DWG) and receive a competitive quote within 1 hour, backed by ISO 9001-certified quality assurance.
📋 How It Works
- Upload & SpecifyShare your 3D model and select materials (Aluminum/Stainless Steel/Titanium/PEEK), tolerances (±0.002mm), and surface treatments.
- AI-Powered AnalysisOur system calculates optimal machining strategy and cost based on 10+ years of automotive/aerospace data.
- Review & ConfirmGet a detailed breakdown including:
- Volume pricing tiers (1-10,000+ units)
- Lead time (3-7 days standard)
- DFM feedback for cost optimization
Unit Price:
Free for first product valued at less than $200. (Background check required)
Have questions?
Feel free to discuss CNC machining with us.
In this guide we touched upon all you need to get you started with CNC machining. But there is plenty more to learn.
Below we list the best and most useful resources on CNC machining and other digital manufacturing technologies for those who want to delve deeper.
