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What is CNC milling?

CNC milling uses rotational cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece to produce finished parts and products. This manufacturing process works well for many materials, including metals, polymers, wood and glass. CNC milling systems generally have 3 linear degrees of freedom: the X, Y and Z axis. This allows for top-notch precision and detailing. Protolabs Network also offers more advanced, 5-degree systems, where the tool head and machining bed (A and B axis) can also rotate. 5-axis CNC machines can produce parts with high geometric complexity without needing multiple machine setups.
Maximum part size for 3- and 3+2-axis CNC milling

There are several types of CNC milling machines, each with its own distinct maximum part size. 3-axis and 3+2 axis machines have the lowest start-up costs and can produce parts with relatively simple geometries.

3-axis milling

Size Metric units Imperial units
Max. part size for soft metals [1] & plastics 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm 1500 x 800 x 500 mm 78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in 59.0 x 31.4 x 27.5 in
Max. part for hard metals [2] 1200 x 800 x 500 mm 47.2 x 31.4 x 19.6 in
Min. feature size Ø 0.50 mm Ø 0.019 in
[1] : Aluminum, copper & brass [2] : Stainless steel, tool steel, alloy steel & mild steel

3+2 axis milling

Size Metric units Imperial units
Max. part size for soft metals [1] & plastics 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm 78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in
Max. part for hard metals [2] 1200 x 800 x 500 mm 47.2 x 31.4 x 19.6 in
Min. feature size Ø 0.50 mm Ø 0.019 in
[1] Aluminum, copper & brass [2] Stainless steel, tool steel, alloy steel & mild steel
Maximum part size for 5-axis CNC milling

The more advanced of the milling machine family, 5-axis centers can produce parts with more complex geometries. These machines require fewer machine setups so they are more productive.

Size Metric units Imperial units
Max. part size for all materials 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm 78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in
Min. feature size Ø 0.50 mm Ø 0.019 in
CNC machining materials

We can generate instant machining quotes for 50+ metals and plastics.

Metals
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • Mild steel
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Alloy steel
  • Tool steel
  • Titanium
  • Inconel
  • Invar
Aluminum

Aluminum alloys have good strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal and electrical conductivity, low density and natural corrosion resistance. Can be anodized.

Alloys Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu
Aluminum 6061-T651 | 3.3211 | 65028 | AlMg1SiCu
Aluminum 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu
Aluminum 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn
Aluminum 6060 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi
Aluminum 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5
Aluminum 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi
Aluminum 2014 | 3.1255 | 24345 | AlCu4SiMg
Aluminum 6063 | EN AW-6063 | 62400| AlMg0,7Si
Aluminum 7050 | EN AW-7050 | 3.4144| AlZn6CuMgZr
Aluminum 2024-T351 | 3.1355 | 24530 | AlCu4Mg1
Aluminum MIC6
Aluminum 7075-T6 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5,5MgCu
Aluminum 5083-h111 | 3.3547 | 54300| AlMg4.5Mn0.7
Aluminum 6082 | 3.2315 | 64430| AlSi1MgMn
Aluminum 6061-T6 | 3.3211| 65028| AlMg1SiCu
  Show all alloys

Stainless steel

Stainless steel alloys have high strength, ductility, wear and corrosion resistance. They can be easily welded, machined and polished.

Alloys Stainless steel 416 | 1.4005 | X12CrS13
Stainless steel 15-5 | 1.4545 | X5CrNiCu15-5
Stainless steel 301 | 1.4310 | X10CrNi18-8
Stainless steel 430 | 1.4016 | X6Cr17
Stainless steel 440C | 1.4125 | X105CrMo17
Stainless steel 420 | 1.4028 | X30Cr13
Stainless steel 304/304L | 1.4301/1.4307 | X5CrNi18-10/X2CrNi18-9
Stainless steel 2205 Duplex | 1.4462 | 2205 | X2CrNiMoN 22-5-3
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 - Annealed state
Stainless steel 303 | 1.4305 | X8CrNiS18-9
Stainless steel 316/316L | 1.4401/1.4404 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2/X2CrNiMo17-12-2
  Show all alloys

Mild steel

Mild steels are low-carbon metal alloys offering good mechanical properties, machinability and weldability at low cost. Can be carburized to increased hardness.

Alloys Mild steel S275JR | 1.0044 | Fe430B | IS2062
Mild Steel S235JR | 1.0038 | Fe 360 B
Carbon steel C45 | 1.0503 | 1045 | EN8
Mild steel S355J2 | 1.0577 | 1522H | Fe 510 D
Mild steel 1045 | 1.0503 | C45 | EN8
Mild steel A36 | 1.025 | Fe 410
Mild steel 1018 | 1.1147 | C18 |16Mn
 

Brass

Brass is a metal alloy with good machinability and excellent electrical conductivity. Ideal for applications that require low friction.

Alloys Brass Cz121 | C38500 | 2.0401 | CuZn39Pb3
Brass C360 | 2.0375 | CuZn36Pb3 | 319 grade 2  

Copper

Copper offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, it's often used for busbars, wire connectors, and other electrical applications. Copper has a glossy reddish-orange appearance.

Alloys Copper C101 | CU OFE
Copper C110 | CU ETP
 

Alloy steel

Alloy steels contain other alloying elements in addition to carbon, resulting in improved hardness, toughness, fatigue and wear resistance.

Alloys Alloy steel 1.7131 | 16MnCr5
Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715
Alloy steel 4340 | 1.6511 | 36CrNiMo4 | EN24
Alloy steel 4140 | 1.7225 | EN19 | 42CrMo4
 

Tool steel

Tool steels are metal alloys with exceptionally high hardness, stiffness and abrasion resistance. Suitable for manufacturing industrial tools.

Alloys Tool steel A3 - Annealed state
Tool steel h13 | 1.2344 | X40CrMoV5-1 - Annealed state
Tool steel S7 | 1.2355 | 50CrMoV13-15 - Annealed state
Tool steel O1 | 1.2510 | 100MnCrW4 - Annealed state
Tool steel A2 | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5-1- Annealed state
Tool steel D2 | 1.2379 | X153CrMoV12-1 - Annealed state
 

Titanium

Titanium is a metal with excellent strength-to-weight ratio, low thermal expansion and high corrosion resistance that is sterilizable and biocompatible.

Alloys Titanium Grade 5 | 3.7164 | Ti6Al4V
Titanium Grade 2 | 3.7035
Titanium Grade 1 | 3.7025
 

Inconel

Inconel is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy. Ideal for aerospace applications.

Alloys Inconel 718
 

Invar

Invar is a nickel alloy with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. Ideal for applications where high dimensional stability is required, such as precision instruments, engines valves and large aerostructure molds.

Alloys Invar
 

Plastics
  • POM (Delrin/Acetal)
  • Nylon
  • PPSU
  • ABS
  • PEEK
  • PTFE (Teflon)
  • Polycarbonate
  • Polyethylene
  • PVC
  • PMMA (Acrylic)
  • PET
  • Polypropylene
  • G-10
  • FR4
POM (Delrin/Acetal)

POM is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.
Nylon

Nylon - polyamide (PA) - is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties and high chemical and abrasion resistance.
PPSU

PPSU offers exceptional hydrolytic stability, and toughness superior to other commercially-available, high-temperature engineering resins. They offer high deflection temperatures and outstanding resistance to environmental stress cracking. This polymer is inherently flame retardant, and also has excellent thermal stability and good electrical properties.
ABS

ABS is a common thermoplastic with all-around good mechanical properties, excellent impact strength, good heat resistance and good machinability.
PEEK

PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties and chemical over a very wide temperature range.
PTFE (Teflon)

PTFE is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent chemical and thermal resistance and the lowest coefficient of friction of any know solid.
Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermoplastic with high toughness, excellent impact strength and good machinability. Can be optically transparent.
Polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic with high strength-to-weight ratio, good impact strength and excellent weather resistance.
PVC

PVC is the third most used plastic with all-around good mechanical properties, excellent chemical and weather resistance and good toughness.
PMMA (Acrylic)

PMMA is a transparent rigid plastic often used as a substitute for glass.
PET

PET is a tough plastic that offers excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength.
Polypropylene

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G-10

G-10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate with a high strength, low moisture absorption, and high level of electrical insulation and chemical resistance.
FR4

FR4 is a class of glass fiber epoxy laminate that is flame retardant, with similar properties to G-10.
    We can source any other material on request, but quotes take up to 48 hours.
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CNC machining surface finishes

We can instantly quote a wide variety of post-machining surface finishes.

As machined

Surface roughness:Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin
Applicable materials:Metals, plastics
Cosmetic availability:Not cosmetic
Visual appearance:Machining marks are visible, light surface scratches are visible

Smooth machining

A finishing CNC machining operation can be applied to the part to reduce its surface roughness. The standard smoothing surface roughness is Ra 1.6 μm (64 μin). Light surface scratches are visible.

Fine machining

Surface roughness:Ra 0.8μm / Ra 32μin
Applicable materials:Metals
Cosmetic availability:Not cosmetic

Polishing

Example of a polished part

Brushed

Example of a brushed part

Bead blasted

Applicable materials:Aluminum, Copper, Mild steel, Titanium, Brass, Alloy steel, Stainless steel, Tool steel
Media:Glass beads with grit #120
Cosmetic availability:Cosmetic upon request
Visual appearance:Grainy, slightly matte texture. Machining marks are reduced for “non-cosmetic” options and entirely removed on primary surfaces for “cosmetic” options.

Powder coated

Surface preparation:As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
Colors*:White, Black, RAL and Pantone
Glossiness:Glossy (Above 70 GU)
Cosmetic availability:No
Thickness:50μm to 150μm
Visual appearance:Parts are powder coated directly after machining.

Black oxide

Surface preparation:As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
Colors:Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper
Applicable materials:Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper
Cosmetic availability:No
Thickness**:0-30μm / 0-1181μin
Visual appearance:Smooth black matte

Electroless Nickel Plating

Surface preparation:Smooth machined (Ra 1.6μm / Ra 63μin)
Tolerances:Apply after Electroless nickel plating
Cosmetic availability:No
Thickness:3μm to 40μm
Visual appearance:Electroless nickel plated parts will have a smooth, semi-bright appearance.

Bead Blasted + Anodized type II (Glossy)

Surface preparation:As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
Colors:Clear, Black, Red, Blue, Orange, Gold
Glossiness:Glossy (Above 20 GU)
Cosmetic availability:No
Thickness**:for clear: 8 to 12μm(0.0003” to 0.0004”) black and color: 12 to 16μm(0.0004” to 0.0006”)
Visual appearance:Parts are anodized directly after machining. Machining marks will be visible.

As machined + Anodized type II

Surface preparation:As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
Colors:Clear, Black, Red, Blue, Orange, Gold
Glossiness:Glossy (Above 20 GU)
Cosmetic availability:No
Thickness**:for clear: 8 to 12μm(0.0003” to 0.0004”) black and color: 12 to 16μm(0.0004” to 0.0006”)
Visual appearance:Parts are anodized directly after machining. Machining marks will be visible.

Brushed + Anodized type II
(Glossy)

Surface preparation:As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
Colors:Clear, Black, Red, Blue, Orange, Gold
Glossiness:Glossy (Above 20 GU)
Cosmetic availability:No
Thickness**:for clear: 8 to 12μm(0.0003” to 0.0004”) black and color: 12 to 16μm(0.0004” to 0.0006”)
Visual appearance:Parts are anodized directly after machining. Machining marks will be visible.

Bead blasted + Anodized type II (Matte)

Applicable materials: Aluminum, Copper, Mild steel, Titanium, Brass, Alloy steel, Stainless steel, Tool steel
Media:Glass beads with grit #120
Cosmetic availability:Cosmetic upon request
Visual appearance:Grainy, slightly matte texture. Machining marks are reduced for “non-cosmetic” options and entirely removed on primary surfaces for “cosmetic” options.

Chromate Conversion Coating

Surface preparation:As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin)
Colors:Clear/ slight yellow tint
Applicable materials:Aluminum (7xxx series not recommended)
Thickness:None
Cosmetic availability:No
Visual appearance:Machining marks are visible

Our ordering process
Drawing transfer

Securely upload your drawing to our website quote builder or send by email.

Confirm specs

Communicate and understand your part specifications before quoting.

Submit quote

Our quote includes price, lead time,material, shipping and payment terms etc.

Production

Production begins immediately after receiving your order and will be completed on time.

Quality control

FAl, routing inspection, final inspection and industry-specific reports such as PPAP and FMEA.

Delivery

Sea or express depending on your needs.

Specialist industries

We've manufactured millions of parts for all sorts of applications, but we're especially knowledgeable in these areas.

Aerospace & aviation

Aerodynamic parts for aircraft, drones, satellites and rockets with AS 9100 certification.

Medical

Create custom medical devices and diagnostic equipment to get healthcare innovations into hospitals and homes.

Automotive

Fast-tracked development for electric vehicles and other automotive innovations.

Robotics & automation

Produce complex robotic systems, end effectors and automated machinery for this innovative industry.

CNC milling tolerances

We follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC machining.

Limits for nominal size Plastics (ISO 2768- m) Metals (ISO 2768- f)
0.5mm* to 3mm ±0.1mm ±0.05mm
Over 3mm to 6mm ±0.1mm ±0.05mm
Over 6mm to 30mm ±0.2mm ±0.1mm
Over 30mm to 120mm ±0.3mm ±0.15mm
Over 120mm to 400mm ±0.5mm ±0.2mm
Over 400mm to 1000mm ±0.8mm ±0.3mm
Over 1000mm to 2000mm ±1.2mm ±0.5mm
Over 2000mm to 4000mm ±2mm
*Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing.
CNC milling design guidelines

Check the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features of parts produced with precision CNC turning.

Feature Recommended size Feasible size
Min. feature size Ø 2.5 mm Ø 0.50 mm
Internal edges R 0.8 mm R 0.25 mm
Minimum wall thickness 0.8 mm (for metals) 1.5 mm (for plastics) 0.5 mm (for metals) 1.0 mm (for plastics)
Holes Diameter: standard drill bit sizes
Depth: 4 x diameter		 Diameter: Ø 0.5 Depth: 10 x diameter
threads Size: M6 or larger Length: 3 x diameter Size: M2
Custom CNC milling Components Sample

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  • Phone: +86 13416744140
    Add: No.108, BaXin Rd, Wanjiang District, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province，China

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