Prototype CNC Parts
Prototype parts in 5–15 days using the production process, so the test means something.
Prototypes machined the same way the production parts will be, not 3D printed stand-ins. A prototype is only useful if the thing you test behaves like the thing you ship.
How we make it: Prototype machining service →
1–2 weeks
1 piece
ISO 9001:2015
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Lead time | 5–15 | days |
| Tolerance | ±0.01 | mm |
| Quantity | 1–50 | pieces |
| Process match | As production | - |
| Fixture cost | Absorbed | on prototypes |
| Setups | 3-axis where possible | - |
Available Materials
- Aluminium 6061-T6
- Aluminium 7075-T7351
- Steel 4140
- Stainless 316L
- Brass C360
- ABS / PC (machined)
Typical Applications
- Design verification
- Fit and function testing
- Trade show samples
- Investor samples
- Pre-production pilot runs
Surface Finishes
- As-machined
- Bead blast
- Anodise (cosmetic)
- Paint
- Primer
- Polished
Industries Served
- Automotive & EV
- Medical
- Consumer Electronics
- Robotics
- Industrial Equipment
What drives the price of this part
Derived from the callouts on this page. Where a driver is not on the drawing, it is not on this list.
- Tolerance
- Tolerance at ±0.01 mm is the tightest callout this family carries. Tightening a callout is a process decision, not a machining decision: below the standard ±0.005 mm the work moves to grinding or jig boring, and the price moves with it.
- Material
- The first material listed, Aluminium 6061-T6, rates 9/10 on our machinability scale at 95 HB. On this shop's scale a harder alloy means slower passes and more tool changes, and that is cycle time the quote has to carry.
- Order size
- Minimum order is 1 piece, so on a first order setup and programming are spread over very few parts and they are most of the price. Repeat orders at the same quantity are cheaper without anything on the drawing changing.
See how cycle time is calculated in the machining time calculator and what else moves a price in the cost driver reference.
How these parts are inspected
Matched to the callouts above and the instruments actually on the floor.
- Coordinate measuring machine (Zeiss CONTURA G2, two machines, GR&R 8.4% on the critical feature)
- Dimensional report against the drawing, with a 100% check on critical features rather than a sample
- Certificate of conformance and the mill certificate with every shipment
The full equipment list, with counts, is on the capability page; the inspection sequence is on quality and inspection.
Questions buyers ask
- Why not 3D print the prototype?
- Print it for form and fit if that is all you need. If you are testing strength, wear, heat or a bearing fit, print the material and the numbers will not transfer to metal.
- Can you keep the prototype identical to the production part?
- Yes, and we normally do - same process, same tolerances. Where we take a shortcut to save time we tell you which dimensions differ, so you know what your test did not cover.
Related part families
Custom CNC Machining
One-off and low-volume custom parts from your drawing, with DFM feedback before the first cut.
Precision Milling Components
3, 4 and 5-axis milled components to ±0.005 mm, from one-off prototypes to 10,000-piece runs.
Sheet Metal Brackets
Laser cut and press-brake formed brackets, 0.5–6 mm, with rivet nuts and inserts fitted in-house.