Precision
CNC
Prototyping
Engineering-grade prototypes machined to ±0.005mm from our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. 5-axis CNC milling, turning & Swiss machining — 50+ certified materials, Zeiss CMM inspection — delivered globally in 2–7 days. No MOQ.
How CNC Prototyping Compares
Understanding prototyping method tradeoffs helps you select the right process for your application requirements, timeline, material specifications, and regulatory needs.
3D Printing
- Fast for single plastic form models
- Anisotropic layered properties
- ±0.1–0.3mm typical tolerance
- Limited material strength & heat resistance
- No regulatory-grade material certs
- Layer lines require post-processing
Good for visual form/fit checks, not functional testing
CNC Machining
- Real certified material grades
- Isotropic strength — all axes identical
- ±0.005mm routinely achievable
- 50+ metals & engineering plastics
- Production-grade surface finish (Ra 0.4µm)
- Full mill certs, CMM reports, GD&T
Ideal for functional prototypes, regulatory submissions & bridge production
CNC machiningInjection Molding
- Economical at 10,000+ units
- $5K–$50K+ tooling investment
- 4–12 week tooling lead time
- Limited to thermoplastic polymers
- Design changes require new tooling
- No iterations during development
Only cost-effective at scale — wrong for prototyping
Injection Molding
From CAD to
Certified Metal
in Days
CNC prototyping uses computer-controlled multi-axis machining to remove material from certified billet stock — producing functional, dimensionally accurate components with the exact material properties of your final production parts. Unlike 3D printing, every prototype uses the real certified alloy your product demands.
Isotropic Strength vs. 3D Printing
CNC-machined parts have uniform mechanical properties in all directions — no layer lines, no Z-axis weakness. Critical for load-bearing, pressure-tested, and fatigue-cycled components where anisotropy would mask failure modes.
Real Certified Material Properties
Machine from certified 7075-T6 aluminum (σy=503 MPa), Grade 5 titanium (σy=880 MPa), 316L stainless, or PEEK — with full mill certificates, chemical composition, and heat lot traceability on every order.
±0.005mm Geometric Accuracy
5-axis simultaneous machining with in-process touch probing and Zeiss CMM final verification (±1.5µm). Achieve GD&T callouts, H7/h6 bore fits, and surface finishes to Ra 0.4µm in a single setup.
Regulatory-Ready Documentation Package
Every prototype ships with full dimensional ballooning report, surface finish profilometry, material certificates, and CoC — ready for FDA 510(k) submissions, aerospace PPAP, or AS9100 first article audits.
Inside Our CNC Prototyping Process
From raw certified billet to precision-inspected finished prototype — every stage of our manufacturing workflow, photographed inside our Shenzhen facility.
Design for Manufacturability Analysis
Every order begins with a free DFM review. Our engineers analyze geometry, tolerances, and material selection before a single tool touches metal.
Precision Workholding
Material Removal
Ra 0.4µm Surface
Complex Geometry
What Happens at This Stage
- CAD file geometry review & ambiguity resolution
- Undercut & thin-wall identification
- Tolerance stack-up verification
- CAM toolpath generation in Mastercam
- Simulation & collision checking
Equipment & Software Used
- Mastercam / Hypermill / Siemens NX CAM
- CATIA V5 for GD&T callout verification
- In-house DFM review engineers
- Customer portal: 24/7 file upload
- Accepted formats: STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, DXF
Quality Gates & Outputs
- Written DFM report within 24 hours
- Itemized cost-reduction recommendations
- Confirmed firm lead time quote
- Signed NDA before any file access
- Material selection confirmation
Every Process,
One Facility
From Ø0.5mm micro-features on Swiss-type lathes to 2,000mm large-format structural assemblies — our machining centers cover every geometry, tolerance, and material class in a single ISO-certified production environment.
3/4/5-Axis CNC Milling
Simultaneous 5-axis machining for complex contours, undercut geometries, deep pockets, and thin-wall sections as thin as 0.5mm. Single-setup accuracy eliminates re-fixturing error propagation. Max envelope: 2000×1000×500mm. High-speed spindles to 24,000 RPM for aluminum finishing.
CNC Turning & Swiss Machining
Precision cylindrical components with C-axis live tooling for milled features, threads, and off-center holes in one operation. Swiss-type sliding headstock lathes (Citizen Machinery) for micro-components — minimum shaft diameter Ø0.5mm, length-to-diameter ratio up to 60:1.
Wire & Sinker EDM
Electrical discharge machining for hardened tool steels (60+ HRC), exotic superalloys, and micro-geometries that exceed conventional tooling limits. Wire EDM achieves Ra 0.2µm and ±0.002mm on sharp internal corners, narrow keyways, and complex punch profiles.
Metal Prototype Fabrication
Full range of certified aerospace and medical-grade metals from certified billet stock. Al 6061/7075/2024, SS 304/316L/17-4PH/15-5PH, Ti Grade 2/5, Inconel 718/625, Hastelloy, Magnesium AZ31, Brass C360, Copper C110 OFE — all with AMS/ASTM mill certificates.
Engineering Plastic Prototypes
High-performance polymer machining for medical, chemical-resistant, and electrical applications. PEEK (ISO 10993 biocompatible grades), POM/Delrin, PTFE, Nylon PA6/66/12, PC, PMMA, UHMWPE, PEI Ultem, Vespel PI — precision ground from certified stock with dimensional stability.
Assembly-Ready Prototypes
Complete multi-component assemblies — up to 50+ individual machined parts — with hardware installation (inserts, pins, fasteners), press-fit assembly, leak testing, and functional verification to customer-defined acceptance criteria. Ships as a ready-to-integrate unit with full assembly report.
The MW+
Prototyping
Workflow
Our 6-step workflow delivers full transparency, certified quality, and fast lead times — from your first file upload to arrival at your door anywhere in the world. Every step has a defined quality gate and documented output.
File Submission & Secure Upload
Upload STEP, IGES, SolidWorks (.sldprt/.sldasm), Parasolid (.x_t), or DXF/PDF via our 24/7 encrypted portal. An NDA is executed before any file access. Our engineering team reviews geometry, confirms critical dimensions, and flags any ambiguities before quoting. No CAD? Submit a PDF sketch or technical drawing — we'll model it.
Free DFM Analysis — 24-Hour Report
Every order includes a no-cost Design for Manufacturability review delivered within 24 hours. We flag: undercut geometries requiring 5-axis or special tooling, thin walls below 0.5mm, conflicting tolerance callouts, thread depth limitations, and surface finish achievability. We propose specific geometry or tolerance adjustments that reduce cost without sacrificing function.
Itemized Quotation & Material Confirmation
Transparent pricing broken down by raw material, operations (roughing/semi-finishing/finishing), surface treatment, CMM inspection, and documentation. No hidden tooling costs. Firm lead times confirmed at acceptance — Standard 5–7 days, Express 2–3 days, Rush same-day quoting. Material confirmation includes alloy grade, AMS specification, and stock availability.
CAM Programming, Toolpath Optimization & Setup
Our CAM engineers generate optimized toolpaths using Mastercam or Hypermill with full 5-axis simultaneous strategies. Fixturing and work-holding design is validated in simulation to eliminate clamp interference. In-process touch probe cycles are configured to verify critical dimensions after each operation. Tool selection is matched to material — carbide grades, coatings, and geometries chosen per alloy.
Multi-Axis Machining with In-Process Verification
Parts are cut on DMG MORI NMV 5000 and Mazak VARIAXIS i-500 5-axis machining centers, or Citizen Cincom L32 Swiss-type lathes for turned components. In-process Renishaw OMP60 touch probing verifies critical dimensions after each operation — dimensions outside tolerance trigger an immediate operator hold. Coolant strategy (through-spindle, flood, or MQL) is material-specific.
Zeiss CMM Inspection, Post-Processing & Global Shipping
100% of prototype features are inspected on our Zeiss Contura CMM (±1.5µm volumetric accuracy). Surface roughness is measured with a contact profilometer per ISO 4287. All dimensions are balloon-numbered to the 2D drawing. Post-machining operations (anodizing, passivation, plating, engraving) are performed by qualified in-house or partner facilities. Parts are packed in anti-static, foam-lined export cartons and shipped DHL/FedEx — tracked and insured — with full customs documentation from Shenzhen.
Technical Specifications
Complete machining parameters, equipment specifications, and capability limits for engineering reference and vendor qualification documentation.
All tolerances achievable on our DMG MORI NMV 5000 and Mazak VARIAXIS i-500. Critical dimensions verified by Zeiss Contura CMM at ±1.5µm volumetric accuracy. Documentation available on request.
Additional equipment: Sodick wire EDM, Zeiss Contura CMM, Mahr profilometer, Brinell/Rockwell hardness testers, optical comparators. Full equipment list on request for PPAP/APQP submissions.
Prototype Showcase — Technical Detail
Representative cross-section of a precision servo assembly — the level of technical complexity and documentation delivered on every MetalWorks Plus order.
50+ Engineering-Grade Materials
Every material is certified, traceable to AMS/ASTM standards, and selected for your production environment. Full mill certificates, chemical composition reports, and mechanical property data on every order. No substitutions without written approval.
| Alloy / Grade | Yield Strength | Density | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al 7075-T6 AMS 2770 / QQ-A-250/12 | 503 MPa | 2.81 g/cc | Aerospace, high-load structures |
| Al 6061-T6 AMS 2770 / ASTM B209 | 276 MPa | 2.70 g/cc | General structural, robotics |
| Al 2024-T4 ASTM B209 | 324 MPa | 2.78 g/cc | Aircraft skins, fatigue applications |
| Material | Grade / Spec | Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 304 / 316L / 17-4PH / 15-5PH | Very High | Medical, marine, food-grade |
| Titanium | Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5 · AMS 4928 | 880 MPa | Aerospace, implants, motorsport |
| Inconel | 718 / 625 · AMS 5662 | Extreme | High-temp, jet engines, turbines |
| Tool Steel | D2 / H13 / P20 / M2 | 62+ HRC | Tooling, molds, dies, punches |
| Brass / Copper | C360 / C110 OFE / C101 | Medium | Connectors, heat sinks, RF |
| Material | Key Property | Max Temp | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEEK (ISO 10993) | Chemical resistance · Biocompatible | 250°C | Medical implants, aerospace seals |
| POM / Delrin | Low friction · Dimensional stability | 120°C | Gears, bushings, precision sliders |
| PTFE | Non-stick · Chemically inert | 260°C | Seals, chemical process parts |
| PEI Ultem 1010 | High strength · Sterilizable | 217°C | Medical, aerospace interior |
| Nylon PA6/66/12 | Tough · Self-lubricating | 140°C | Structural, wear parts, gears |
STEP format preferred for highest geometric fidelity. 2D PDF required alongside 3D model for GD&T callout verification. No CAD? Submit a sketch — we'll model it.
Industries That
Trust MW+ Precision
From Silicon Valley hardware startups to Tier-1 aerospace primes — our CNC prototyping powers innovation across every sector requiring certified material properties, tight tolerances, and regulatory documentation.
Robotics & Automation
Precision joints, harmonic drive housings, servo mounts, and structural frames with ±0.005mm for tight gear-mesh. In-house assembly verification available.
5-Axis · Aluminum · TitaniumMedical Technology
ISO 13485 compliant. Biocompatible PEEK / Ti implant prototypes, surgical tools, and complete FDA 510(k)-ready documentation packages.
ISO 13485 · PEEK · 316LAerospace & UAV
AS9100 documentation support, PPAP available. 7075-T6, Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel for flight-critical prototypes. ITAR-compliant facility.
ITAR · 7075 · TitaniumElectric Vehicles
Battery enclosures, motor mounts, thermal management components, and powertrain housings in heat-resistant aluminum alloys and copper.
6061 · Copper · Thermal MgmtConsumer Electronics
Precision aluminum enclosures with tight EMI shielding tolerances, Class-A cosmetic finishes, and hard-anodized wear surfaces.
Anodize · Mirror Polish · 6063Defense & Optics
ITAR-compliant production with classified-part handling. High-precision gimbal mounts, optical housings, and targeting system components.
ITAR · Classified · NDAsSemiconductor Equipment
Ultra-clean machined components for wafer handling, vacuum chambers, and semiconductor process tools. Cleanroom packaging available on request.
6061 · PTFE · CleanroomStartups & R&D Labs
No MOQ. Agile iterations, fast 24-hour DFM feedback, and fully NDA-protected IP. From proof-of-concept to bridge production in days — not weeks.
No MOQ · Fast DFM · NDAQuality Control
Built Into Every Part
Quality is embedded at every production stage — from DFM review through final Zeiss CMM measurement. No prototype ships without a complete dimensional inspection report, surface finish verification, and material certification package.
Metrology & Inspection
Zeiss Contura CMM — ±1.5µm Accuracy
Full 3D dimensional verification against your CAD model. Every feature balloon-numbered to 2D drawing. Reports delivered in PDF and dimensional data in Excel/CSV for SPC analysis.
Surface Roughness Profilometry
Mahr profilometer contact measurement of Ra, Rz, and Rmax on all drawing-specified surfaces per ISO 4287. Measurements documented in the QC report with actual vs. required values.
GD&T Tolerance Verification
ISO 2768 general tolerances plus full ASME Y14.5 GD&T verification: flatness, cylindricity, parallelism, perpendicularity, true position, concentricity, runout — all measured and documented.
Material Mill Certificates & Traceability
AMS/ASTM chemical composition, mechanical properties (UTS, yield, elongation), and heat lot number on every certified metal order. Traceable from receipt to shipment.
PPAP, FAI & AS9102 Documentation
Full Production Part Approval Process, First Article Inspection reports, and Balloon Drawing packages available for aerospace AS9100, automotive IATF 16949, and medical ISO 13485 clients.
In-Process Renishaw Touch Probing
Renishaw OMP60 optical probes installed on machining centers. Critical dimensions verified after each operation — parts are held for operator review if any feature falls outside tolerance before the next setup.
Certifications & Compliance
ISO 9001
2015 certified QMS covering all machining, inspection, documentation, and delivery processes. Annual third-party surveillance audits.
Certified ActiveISO 13485
Medical device manufacturing standard. Complete documentation packages for FDA 510(k) and CE Mark submissions. Risk management per ISO 14971.
Medical GradeITAR
Compliant facility for defense and sensitive aerospace applications. Strict access controls, personnel vetting, and encrypted data handling for export-controlled projects.
Defense ReadyNDA+IP
Mutual NDA executed before any file transfer. CAD data on AES-256 encrypted servers with role-based access control. Files purged on project completion upon request.
IP ProtectedShenzhen Precision,
Global Reach
Located in Shenzhen — China's hardware manufacturing capital — MW+ combines proximity to the world's best cutting tools, precision instruments, and raw material supply chains with a highly skilled engineering team of 70+ specialists covering CNC, metrology, and applications engineering.
2–7 Business Day Firm Lead Times
Standard 5–7 days, Express 2–3 days, Rush production available. Lead times confirmed in writing at order acceptance — not estimates. Your program schedule is our responsibility.
50+ Countries — Door-to-Door Tracked
DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and UPS Worldwide. All shipments fully insured, with commercial invoice, packing list, COO, and HS code classification from Shenzhen.
98% On-Time Delivery Rate
Tracked across 850+ global client teams. Proactive communication if any production variable changes. Real-time order status portal available for all active orders.
AES-256 Encrypted IP Protection
CAD data stored on encrypted servers with role-based access control and CCTV-monitored facility. Files never shared with subcontractors. Data purged on written request at project completion.
Everything You Need
to Know
Standard CNC prototypes ship in 5–7 business days. Express service is 2–3 days. Rush production with same-day quoting is available for critical programs. All lead times are firm confirmed commitments at order acceptance — not estimates that can change.
General tolerance per ISO 2768-m (±0.1mm). Precision machining routinely achieves ±0.005mm on critical features. EDM processes achieve ±0.002mm. Every critical dimension is verified on our Zeiss Contura CMM (±1.5µm volumetric accuracy) with a full dimensional report included.
STEP (.stp/.step) preferred, IGES, SolidWorks (.sldprt/.sldasm), Parasolid (.x_t), AutoCAD (.dwg/.dxf), Catia V5, and PDF drawings. STEP is preferred for highest geometric fidelity. A 2D PDF is required alongside any 3D model if GD&T callouts need to be verified on the CMM report.
Yes — every order receives a free Design for Manufacturability review delivered within 24 hours. Our engineers identify undercut geometries, thin-wall risks below 0.5mm, conflicting tolerance callouts, thread depth limitations, and opportunities to reduce cost or improve manufacturability. Written report provided at no charge.
No MOQ. We machine single parts for R&D validation and scale to hundreds for bridge production. Volume pricing applies automatically at 5, 10, 25, and 50+ pieces. There are no setup fees on repeat orders from the same file revision.
Yes. Our DMG MORI NMV 5000 and Mazak VARIAXIS i-500 5-axis centers handle undercuts, freeform surfaces, compound angles, and multi-face features in one setup — eliminating re-fixturing error accumulation. Ideal for turbine blades, impellers, medical implants, and complex structural brackets.
Yes — we ship to 50+ countries via DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and UPS Worldwide. All shipments include a commercial invoice, packing list, HS code classification, Certificate of Origin, and EX1 export declaration from Shenzhen. Duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility unless DDP is requested.
We execute a mutual NDA before any file is shared. CAD data is stored on AES-256 encrypted servers in a CCTV-monitored, access-controlled facility. Files are never shared with subcontractors or external parties. All data is purged from our servers upon written request at project completion.
Start Your
Prototype Today
Upload your CAD files and receive an itemized quote within 24 hours. Our engineers in Shenzhen are ready to review your design, run a free DFM analysis, and get parts into production — same day if needed.
NDA signed before any file transfer · Free DFM included · Quotes within 24 hours