When you need tight tolerances, complex geometries, or consistent repeatability, machining is often the answer. Unlike forming or casting, machining removes material layer by layer to achieve exact specifications — making it ideal for custom metal and plastic components.

Common Machining Processes

• CNC Turning – The workpiece rotates while a stationary cutting tool shapes it. Perfect for cylindrical parts like shafts, bushings, and threaded fittings.
• CNC Milling – Rotating cutting tools remove material from a stationary workpiece. Ideal for flat surfaces, slots, pockets, and 3D contours.
• Drilling & Tapping – Creates holes and internal threads for assembly.
• EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) – Uses electrical sparks to cut hard metals. Great for intricate cavities or sharp internal corners.

Common MacWhy Choose Machining for Custom Parts?

1. High precision

Typical CNC tolerances range from ±0.025mm to as tight as ±0.005mm. That means parts fit right the first time, with no rework.

2. Material versatility

Machining works on nearly any metal or rigid plastic — from aluminum and stainless steel to brass, titanium, POM, and PEEK.

3. No minimum quantity

Unlike casting or injection molding, machining doesn’t require expensive tooling. One piece or a hundred — the unit cost remains predictable.

4. Fast lead times

Digital files (STEP, IGES, DWG) go straight to CNC programming. Prototypes can be ready in days, not weeks.

Design Tips to Save Time & Cost

• Avoid unnecessary tight tolerances — only specify what you truly need.
• Reduce deep cavities and thin walls (they require special tooling and slow down machining).
• Use standard hole sizes (e.g., for M6, M8 threads) to avoid custom drills.
• Add generous fillets where possible — sharp internal corners are difficult to machine.

When Machining Is the Right Choice

Functional prototypes that need real material properties

 Replacement parts for legacy equipment

 Low-to-medium volume production (1 – 1000 pcs)

 Components requiring precise hole locations, flatness, or surface finish