CNC Prototyping Services - Custom Parts Made Fast

What is CNC Prototyping

CNC prototyping is a manufacturing process that uses CNC machining to produce rapid prototypes, and small-batch parts. Same as CNC machining, CNC prototyping is a subtractive process that starts with a solid block of material and carves it away to reveal the final part, which is unlike 3D printing that builds parts layer by layer(additive).

TEAM RAPID loves rapid prototypes and low-volume manufacturing:

• We invest in advanced 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machines specializing in CNC prototyping services. 
• Timing is the same important as the quality, we can ship as little as two calendar days for common CNC machining prototype parts. 

How CNC Prototyping Works

• Create the CAD Design:Common file formats:STEP, IGES, STL
• Prepare CAM Programming: Converts the design into G-codeto select the cutting tools, generate toolpaths, and define the working parameters.
• Select Material:Using real production materials allows accurate functional testing.
• CNC Machining the Part:The machine removes material with micron-level precision.
• Inspection and Quality Control:Typical CNC prototyping tolerances range from±0.02to ±0.1mm.
• Post-Processing and Finishing:This improves appearance, corrosion resistance, or surface performance.
• Testing and Iteration:Design changes can be made quickly, and a revised prototype can be machined again—often within days

  

CNC Prototyping Materials

There are a wide range of production-grade materials suitable for CNC prototyping, which is why CNC machining widely used to produce functional prototypes for functional testing and pre-production validation. Below are the tables list the commonly used materials for prototyping.

Metal Materials

Material	Key Properties	Typical Applications
Aluminum (6061, 7075)	Lightweight, easy to machine, good strength	Enclosures, brackets, housings
Steel (1018, 1045)	High strength, low cost	Structural parts, fixtures
Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316)	Corrosion-resistant, durable	Medical, food, outdoor parts
Brass	Excellent machinability, good conductivity	Valves, fittings, connectors
Copper	High electrical & thermal conductivity	Heat sinks, electrical parts
Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V)	High strength-to-weight, corrosion resistant	Aerospace, medical implants

Plastic Materials

Material	Key Properties	Typical Applications
ABS	Tough, impact-resistant, low cost	Consumer product prototypes
POM (Delrin)	Low friction, high dimensional stability	Gears, bearings
Nylon (PA6, PA66)	Strong, wear-resistant	Mechanical components
PC (Polycarbonate)	High impact strength, transparent	Covers, lenses
PMMA (Acrylic)	Optical clarity, rigid	Light guides, display parts
PEEK	High temperature & chemical resistance	Aerospace, medical, oil & gas

How to Choose the Right CNC Prototyping Materials

As the properties vary significantly, people can depend on mechanical and chemical profiles to distinct metal and plastic materials. Selecting the right material is critical to the success of your application.There are three primary criteria that we can used for in-depth analysis of various materials:

• Mechanical Strength:Structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities.
• Machinability:The ease with which a material can be cut, affecting lead times and cost.
• Thermal Resistance:Performance stability under high-temperature environments.

In order to help you narrow down your choices, please refer to the infographic below. You can have a quick-reference guide to identifying the ideal CNC materials for your specific prototyping requirements.

For more materials selection, please refer to our Technical Documents.

Benefits of CNC Prototyping

CNC prototyping service has various benefits compared to the traditional prototyping method. The primary difference between CNC prototyping and traditional prototyping is that CNC prototyping uses computerized instructions that allow you to create much more precise and accurate prototypes or hardware parts every single time. Benefits of CNC prototyping: 

• Consistent High-quality Prototypes by CNC Machining Services

You can get consistent, high-quality prototypes or hardware parts for your product with prototype CNC machining services. The computerized technology allows you to calculate every aspect of the machining and production process, ensuring that you can get high-quality prototypes every time you run the operation. Thus, the repeatability and consistency in quality are very high with CNC prototypes.

• Reliable Precision and Accuracy Prototype Machining Services

With computerized calculations for the machining process, you will always produce prototypes or hardware components with reliable accuracy and precision. Compared to the traditional prototyping that might give you hit-and-miss results, the CNC prototype service ensures that you can get reliable precision and accuracy for the prototypes you produce.

• A Wide Range of Materials Selection

CNC prototyping allows you to choose from a wide range of materials, meaning that you can get plenty of variations from the CNC rapid manufacturing process. Among the materials you can use for CNC prototyping include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, zinc, and various types of plastic materials.

• Consistency with the 3D Design

The CNC prototyping process will follow the 3D design you have submitted to the machining equipment, meaning that the result will always be consistent with the 3D design you have provided. You don't need to worry that the CNC machining equipment will produce prototypes or hardware parts that deviate from the original design you have created.

• Easy Customization By CNC Machining Services

There are various customization options you can change in the CNC prototyping process. The customization options will allow you to change multiple aspects of the machining processes to get the best result according to your preferences.

Why Making CNC Prototypes at TEAM RAPID

• Speed

Our CNC prototype service can build your rapid prototypes in days!

• Quality

We follow ISO standards and guarantee good-quality prototypes!

• Services

One-stop CNC machining services from prototype CNC services to mass CNC machining productions. We help you to launch the market with minimum risk.

• Materials and Finishes

Most metals and plastics are available for CNC machining prototype service. Customers can get accurate materials in expected finishes in  their prototype machining services.

• Low Shipping Cost

TEAM RAPID works closely with express companies such as FedEx and DHL, freight forwarders, etc... We can offer low shipping costs by air, by land, and by sea, which can help you to reduce wholesale CNC prototype service investments.

 

Please request a free quote from TEAM RAPID, and let our engineers help with your projects.

Tips to Get the Best Result from CNC Prototyping

CNC prototyping is the machining process that uses advanced computerized technology. However, even with this advanced automated technology, the result will still depend on how you use the CNC machining equipment. As the user, you will determine whether you will get the best outcome for the prototype production. Here are some tips to get the best result from CNC machining prototype service: 

● Be Sure to Update Your 3D CAD Software to the Latest Version

Using outdated 3D CAD software can only limit your design capability, and it will also limit yours in using the advanced features of the CNC machining equipment. Using the most up-to-date 3D CAD software to create your prototype design is best.

● Avoid Designing Complicated Objects

It's best to keep your design as simple as possible. Creating a complicated procedure for your prototype can only cause problems in the CNC machining process. Sometimes, the CNC machining equipment can only translate your design instructions well if the design gets simple enough.

● Avoid Using Complex Internal Geometries

Complex internal geometries are out of the question with the subtractive process for CNC prototyping. You can't create a prototype that has complex internal geometries with CNC machining.

● Create a Design Checklist

The design checklist can help you keep your design in check, ensuring it can go well with the CNC machining equipment.

Rapid CNC Prototyping at TEAM RAPID

As a professional CNC prototype service manufacturer, TEAM RAPID has helped many customers make their CNC machining prototypes these years. Rapid CNC prototyping in ABS, POM, PC, Aluminum, Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel, etc., is widely used in various walks of life. Customers are happy with our quality and services, and usually introduce us to their colleagues and cooperated companies. In the past five years, our sales increased by 50% every year from customers' trust.

CNC Prototype Machining + Assembly Services

1. Plastic Prototype Part with Undercuts

Split the prototype to 2 or several small pieces, and glue these small pieces to components. The CNC prototyping parts made in this way has no good strength and can't work well under pressure without damage.

2. Metal Prototype Part with Undercuts

Same action as plastic prototype to split it to 2 or several small pieces, and weld these small pieces to components. Differ from the glued plastic prototype, the metal one made in this way can have good strength and can work well under pressure if the welding is good.

3. Large Prototyping Parts

For large CNC prototyping parts, to cut down the costs, some customers request the way of split and gluing/welding: plastic part split and glue, metal part split and weld.

CNC Prototyping or 3D Printing Prototyping: How to Choose

Rapid prototyping is critical, it is a great method to bring a product from concept to reality. CNC prototyping and 3D printing prototyping are two of the most popular methods, each offering unique advantages depending on your design, materials, and production goals.

CNC Prototyping

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) prototyping is a CNC machining way to create prototypes, it cut directly from solid blocks of material, typically for metals or engineering plastics.

Key Benefits:

• High precision: CNC machining can achieve tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, ideal for precise parts and components that used in functional testing and assembly.
• Material versatility:Supports a wide range of metals, plastics, and composites.
• End-used prototypes:Produces strong, durable parts that same as final production components.

Considerations:

• Longer lead time for complex parts when compares to 3D printing.
• Typically higher cost for very low-volume prototypes or intricate geometries.

3D Printing Prototyping

3D printing prototyping is one kind of additive manufacturing, it builds parts layer by layer from digital models. It is highly effective for visual models, design validation, and small-volume prototyping.No tooling & jig fixture investment, good to make complex features such as undercuts.

Key Benefits:

• Fast turnaround:Rapid production from CAD files in hours or days.
• Complex geometries:Can create intricate internal structures impossible with traditional prototype machining methods.
• Cost-effective for small runs:Ideal for quick iterations or one-off prototypes.

Considerations:

• Limited material strength and heat resistance compared to CNC prototyping.
• Surface finish may require post-processing for functional testing.

How to Choose

• Choose CNC prototyping when you need functional, durable prototypes made from production-like materials with precise tolerances.
• Choose3D printing for quick design validation, complex shapes, or visual prototypes where speed and cost are more critical than material performance.

Contact Us

Ready to have high-quality prototypes made? Whether you need CNC prototyping parts or 3D-printed prototyping models, TEAM RAPID can help you to select the most efficient, cost-effective method for your project. We serve customers from many industries, such as medical, energy, industrial, automotive, and robotic. We receive lots of positive feedback from our happy customers.

Contact us today to discuss:

• Your part drawings and CAD files
• Material requirements and tolerances
• Prototype quantity and lead time

Our team will guide you through the best prototyping approach, ensuring your parts are accurate, durable, and ready for testing or production. Don’t wait—bring your ideas to life with precision prototypes today!

Frequently Asked Questions