Have questions about CNC machining, vacuum casting, or plastic machining? This FAQ section covers everything from CAD files and material options to ordering and support, helping you confidently move your project forward.
For CNC machining, most services accept a variety of neutral and native CAD file formats to ensure compatibility and precision. Neutral formats like STEP (.stp or .step), STL (for simpler geometries, though less precise for CNC), Parasolid (.x_t or .x_b), SAT (.sat). Native formats from popular software are also supported, such as SolidWorks (.sldprt), Autodesk Inventor (.ipt), and CATIA (.catpart). Always check with your provider, as STL and OBJ may not be suitable for high-precision CNC due to mesh-based limitations; instead, opt for solid models. To avoid issues, export in STEP for the best interoperability.
Yes, we offer comprehensive CAD design support, including design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews before production begins. This involves our engineering team analyzing your files for potential issues like thin walls, tight tolerances, or machinability challenges, providing feedback and suggestions to optimize for CNC processes.
If needed, we can assist with minor modifications or recommend adjustments to align with material properties and tooling capabilities. This service is typically free or low-cost during the quoting phase to streamline production.
If your CAD file is incompatible, start by exporting it to a universal neutral format like STEP or IGES from your original software, as these preserve essential geometry and are widely accepted. Use built-in export tools or dedicated conversion software (e.g., Autodesk’s translators) to avoid data loss. Consult your CNC provider early—they often offer file conversion assistance or DFM checks to identify and fix issues like version mismatches or mesh errors.
For DXF files, clean up overlaps, scale correctly, and remove unnecessary elements. If the file is from an older or proprietary system, redraw parametric models if needed, and always verify dimensions post-conversion to ensure accuracy before submission.
For CNC machining, recommended CAD software includes Autodesk Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists, integrates CAD/CAM seamlessly for beginners), SolidWorks (professional-grade with advanced simulation and assembly tools), and Autodesk Inventor (strong for mechanical designs with parametric modeling).
Choose based on your experience, ensure it supports neutral exports like STEP and includes tools for tolerances, fillets, and material simulations to optimize for machining.
Vacuum casting uses polyurethane (PU) resins that closely mimic the properties of production-grade plastics. Common options include:
Yes, vacuum casting excels at producing parts with complex geometries, including undercuts, deep features, and intricate details that would be difficult or impossible with traditional CNC machining or injection molding without complex tooling.
The flexible silicone mold allows easy removal of the cast part without damage, even for parts with significant undercuts or interlocking features. This makes it ideal for prototypes and low-volume production of detailed components such as housings, enclosures, and consumer product parts.
Vacuum casting offers one of the fastest lead times for functional prototypes with production-like quality. Typical turnaround is 3–14 days from master model approval to delivery, often faster than CNC machining for complex parts (which can take 2–4 weeks) and much quicker than traditional injection molding (which requires weeks for tooling).
Compared to 3D printing, it provides superior surface finish, material properties, and consistency in small batches, making it a great balance of speed, quality, and cost for 5–100 parts.
Vacuum casting is best suited for low-to-medium volumes, typically up to 50–100 parts per silicone mold (depending on part complexity and material). The silicone mold gradually degrades with repeated use, so beyond 100 parts, costs rise due to the need for new molds. For higher volumes (hundreds to thousands), injection molding or CNC machining from production-grade materials becomes more economical.
However, vacuum casting is an excellent bridge between prototyping and full production, allowing you to test and refine designs before investing in hard tooling.
We provide full CNC machining services for plastics and metals, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling for complex geometries, pockets, and surfaces, as well as CNC turning (lathe) for cylindrical parts like shafts, bushings, fittings, and threaded components. These processes work well with a wide range of plastics such as ABS, acrylic (PMMA), Delrin (acetal/POM), nylon, polycarbonate, and PEEK.
We achieve tight tolerances (typically ±0.005″ or better) and can handle features like threads, grooves, and precise bores. Multi-axis milling is ideal for intricate prototypes or functional parts, while turning excels at high-speed production of rotationally symmetric components.
We offer a range of standard and advanced surface finishes for CNC machined parts to meet aesthetic, functional, and performance needs. Common options include:
Finishes can be combined (e.g., brushed then anodized) and are selected based on your application—functional (e.g., reduced friction) or cosmetic. Let us know your requirements during quoting for the best recommendation.
Our pricing is highly competitive and often lower than Xometry and Protolabs, especially for small to medium batch sizes (1–100 parts) of CNC machined plastics and vacuum cast parts.
We achieve this through efficient domestic production, streamlined quoting, and no hidden fees. While Xometry and Protolabs may offer slightly lower prices on very high-volume runs or certain standard materials due to their scale, we typically provide better value for prototypes and low-volume production with faster lead times and more personalized support.
Our lead times are typically equal to or faster than Protolabs and Hubs for both CNC machining and vacuum casting. We offer standard delivery in 1–7 days for vacuum casting and 3–10 business days for CNC parts, often with expedited options available.
Protolabs and Hubs are known for fast prototyping (3–7 days for simple parts), but we match these times for complex geometries or custom materials, especially when domestic production avoids international shipping delays. You’ll receive parts quicker without sacrificing quality.
Our CNC machining stands out from many Chinese on-demand services through superior quality control, faster domestic shipping (no customs delays), and more responsive customer support. We use high-precision machines and rigorous inspection processes to ensure consistent tolerances and finishes.
We offer real-time communication, detailed DFM feedback, and the ability to make quick adjustments if needed. You get the cost benefits of efficient production without compromising on reliability, lead time, or part quality.
Our customer support team is highly responsive and typically replies within 1–2 hours during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–7 PM, GMT+8). For urgent inquiries, we offer priority response for active projects.
You can reach us via live chat on the website, email, or phone. Our engineers and account managers are available to provide quick guidance on design feasibility, material choices, and order status.
If you encounter any quality issues, simply contact us within 7 days of receiving your parts. We’ll review photos, measurements, or samples you provide and respond within 24 hours.
Depending on the situation, we’ll offer a free remake, partial refund, or full refund—no questions asked for defects caused by our processes. We stand behind our work and aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly.
Yes, we ship worldwide using reliable carriers like DHL, etc. We handle customs documentation and provide tracking numbers for all international shipments. While we recommend domestic production for faster delivery and to avoid import duties, we offer competitive international shipping rates and clear cost estimates during quoting. For urgent international orders, we can expedite shipping at an additional cost.
During the quoting process or via direct consultation, our engineering team reviews your design and application requirements to recommend the most suitable material.
We consider factors like mechanical properties (strength, flexibility, heat resistance), aesthetics, cost, and regulatory needs (e.g., food-grade or medical). We provide detailed material datasheets and can suggest alternatives if your preferred choice isn’t ideal for machining or casting. This helps ensure your parts perform as expected.
Yes, every order receives a tracking number once it ships. You can track your package in real time via the carrier’s website. We also send email notifications at key stages: order confirmation, production start, quality inspection complete, and shipment dispatched.
If you need to make changes after placing an order, contact us as soon as possible. If production hasn’t started, we can usually accommodate revisions with no or minimal fees (e.g., for file updates or minor specification changes).
If production is underway, we’ll assess the impact and provide a clear cost and timeline estimate before proceeding. Major changes mid-production may require a new order or additional fees, but we work with you to find the most efficient solution.
Placing an order is simple and straightforward:
No, you do not need to create an account to place an order. Simply use the quote request form on our Contact Us page to submit your project details and CAD file. We’ll handle everything through email communication, send you a quote, and manage the order process without requiring registration.
We accept the following secure payment methods:
All transactions are encrypted and secure. For international orders, payment in USD or your local currency may be available depending on your location.
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