CNC MachiningPrecision Subtractive Manufacturing
Forge Labs operates 3-axis and 5-axis machining centers alongside turning, inspection, and finishing services to deliver production-ready CNC parts. From rapid prototypes to validated production runs, we hold tight tolerances and deliver consistent surface finishes in metals and engineering plastics.
Technology Overview
Precision Subtractive Manufacturing
Precision CNC machining delivers exceptional tolerances and surface finish quality using advanced 3-axis and 5-axis capabilities. Perfect for functional prototypes and production parts requiring tight dimensional control.
Advanced manufacturing capabilities enable complex geometries, functional prototypes, and end-use production parts that would be impossible or cost-prohibitive with traditional manufacturing methods. From functional prototypes to end-use production parts, this technology delivers exceptional performance across demanding industries.
Advanced Applications
Advanced Manufacturing Components
The CNC manufacturing process delivers precision parts through controlled layer-by-layer construction, ensuring consistent quality and mechanical properties.
Advanced Manufacturing Solutions
The CNC manufacturing process delivers precision parts through controlled layer-by-layer construction, ensuring consistent quality and mechanical properties.
Key Advantages
Complex Geometries: Intricate internal channels, overhangs, and assemblies impossible with traditional manufacturing.
Functional Prototypes: Test mechanical properties and fit before investing in production tooling.
Custom Tooling: Jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids tailored to specific production requirements.
End-Use Parts: Production components for aerospace, medical, automotive, and industrial applications.
How CNC 3D Printing Works
Every CNC project moves through DFM review, toolpath programming, precision fixturing, machining, finishing, and final inspection. The result is production-grade hardware that is ready for integration immediately on arrival.
Programming and DFM Review
Engineering team reviews CAD files, optimizes toolpaths, and develops fixture strategy to balance precision and efficiency.
Step Specifications
Precision CNC Materials
Select from certified metals and engineering plastics optimized for subtractive manufacturing. Our CNC material library spans aerospace aluminum, stainless steels, and advanced polymers with documented process controls.
Aluminum 6061-T6
Lightweight Aerospace Grade
Versatile aerospace alloy balancing strength, machinability, and cost for structural components.
Applications:
Aluminum 7075-T6
Engineering Grade Material
High-strength aluminum alloy for performance-critical brackets, fixtures, and flight hardware.
Applications:
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
Engineering Grade Material
Precipitation hardening stainless delivering high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Applications:
Stainless Steel 304
Engineering Grade Material
Corrosion resistant stainless for sanitary equipment, marine hardware, and durable housings.
Applications:
PEEK (CNC Grade)
Engineering Grade Material
High-performance thermoplastic with exceptional chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability.
Applications:
Delrin (Acetal)
Engineering Grade Material
Low-friction engineering plastic for precision motion components and wear surfaces.
Applications:
Polycarbonate
Engineering Grade Material
Impact resistant, transparent plastic for guards, enclosures, and optical covers.
Applications:
Material Surface Finishes
CNC machined parts can be supplied as-machined or with specialty surface treatments that improve aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and functional performance.
As-Machined
Ra 1.6 - 3.2 Micrometers
Parts deburred and cleaned straight from the machine with visible tool marks. Ideal for functional components and internal features where cosmetic appearance is not critical.
Finish Attributes
Precision Milled
Ra 0.4 - 0.8 Micrometers
Fine tooling and optimized stepovers produce near-polished surfaces on sealing, optical, or cosmetic faces without secondary finishing.
Finish Attributes
Post-Processed
Custom Finishing and Coatings
Includes bead blasting, anodizing, chem film, passivation, electropolishing, painting, and part marking tailored to your specification.
Finish Attributes
Additional Manufacturing Services
Enhance CNC machined components with engineering support, fixturing, finishing, and inspection documentation so every delivery is production ready.
Design for Manufacturability
Collaborative reviews to optimize geometry for tool access, tolerances, and cost.
Custom Workholding
Engineer fixtures and soft jaws that stabilize complex parts during machining.
Inspection Documentation
FAIR, PPAP, CMM reports, and certificates of compliance for regulated programs.
Assembly and Kitting
Hardware installation, fastener integration, and packaging by build or station.
CNC Machining Design Guidelines
Essential design considerations to optimize your CNC Machining parts for manufacturing success.
Maximum Part Envelope
1000 x 600 x 500 mm (39.4 x 23.6 x 19.7 in)
Plan part geometry within our standard milling envelopes. Larger components may require segmenting the design or special fixturing to maintain accuracy and throughput.
Tolerances
+/- 0.025 mm typical, down to +/- 0.010 mm on request
Standard milling tolerances cover most functional components. Tighter tolerances are achievable with secondary finishing or inspection requirements and should be specified on technical drawings.
Minimum Feature Size
Tool access: 1.0 mm end mill | Engraving: 0.25 mm cutter
Feature size is limited by available tool diameters and tool deflection. Ensure deep pockets, thin fins, and engraved details accommodate realistic cutter diameters and step-down depths.
Surface Finish
As-machined Ra 1.6 - 3.2 micrometers | Precision finish Ra 0.4 micrometers
Define surface finish requirements on critical faces. As-machined finishes are suitable for functional prototypes, while polishing or bead blasting can be specified for cosmetic or sealing surfaces.
Advantages of CNC 3D Printing for Prototyping & Production
CNC machining delivers production-grade quality with precise dimensional control, premium surface finish, and traceable quality documentation for critical applications.
- Inspection-Ready Tolerances
- Hold critical dimensions down to +/- 0.020 mm with in-process probing and CMM verification.
- Production Surface Quality
- Achieve Ra 1.6 micrometer as-machined finishes with optional polishing and bead blasting.
- Hybrid Material Capabilities
- Machine aerospace alloys, stainless steels, and engineering polymers within a single workflow.
- 5-Axis Complexity
- Produce intricate geometries, undercuts, and multi-face features in a single setup.
- Quality Documentation
- First article inspection, FAIR, and traceable certifications available for regulated industries.
- Rapid Turnarounds
- Optimized CAM programming and fixture libraries reduce lead times for urgent builds.
Instant Quote Tool
From Upload to Delivery
75% complete
Simple File Upload Process
Drag and drop your 3D files or browse to upload. Our system automatically analyzes your designs and provides instant feedback on printability and optimization suggestions.
- Drag & drop multiple file formats
- Automatic design analysis
- Printability feedback
- File optimization suggestions
CNC Applications Across Industries
Discover how CNC Machining is transforming manufacturing across industries with innovative solutions and enhanced capabilities.
Aerospace Brackets
Lightweight structural brackets and linkages machined from aerospace alloys with full inspection support.
Medical Instrumentation
Sterilizable stainless steel and PEEK components for surgical tooling and diagnostic equipment.
Electronics Enclosures
Precision housings and thermal management components for industrial and consumer electronics.
Production Tooling
Jigs, fixtures, and molds that streamline assembly and validation workflows on the factory floor.
Success Stories
Real results from our CNC manufacturing partnerships
Precision Electronics Housing
High-density electronics enclosure with tight connector alignment and critical heat sinking surfaces.
Aerospace Actuation Assembly
Weight optimized aluminum and stainless assemblies supporting a next-generation flight platform.
Ready to manufacture your parts?
Upload your CAD files to receive CNC machining quotes for CNC components. Production-grade manufacturing with fast turnaround times.
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CNC Questions & Answers
Common questions about CNC machining technology. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to our technical team.