Custom CNC Prototyping Service
- No Minimum Order Quantity
- ±0.005mm Tight Tolerances
- Efficiente sia per i pezzi piccoli che per quelli grandi
Functional CNC Applications & Cases
CNC prototypes are used for various types of validation on your products, such as material validation, functional validation, assembly validation, tolerance validation, appearance validation, and tactile validation.
CNC Prototyping Gallery Across Diverse Industries
Over the past five years, about 31.5% of First Mold’s CNC prototype services went to the new energy vehicle industry, 24.1% to consumer electronics, 12.9% to industrial equipment and tools, 9.4% to aviation, and 8.9% to the medical industry.
- Consegna entro cinque giorni
- Misure di riservatezza multiple
Our Capability of CNC Prototyping
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Prototyping‑Dedicated Mills (5‑Axis Focused) | 15 |
| Prototyping Team Headcount | 25 |
| Monthly Prototype Output | 1,500 units (one‑off & low‑volume batches) |
| Tolleranza standard | ISO‑2768‑M + Custom Precision Tolerance |
| Tightest Prototype Tolerance | ±0,005 mm |
| Max Prototype Machining Size | 800mm × 800mm × 1500mm |
| Dimensione minima di lavorazione | 5mm × 5mm × 5mm |
| Supported Materials | 100+ grades |
| Fastest Rush Delivery | 3‑7 Days |
CNC Prototyping Cases
Materials for CNC Prototyping
CNC prototyping is essentially using CNC machining to quickly make prototypes. This means any material that can be CNC machined can also be used for CNC prototyping. If you break it down to specific material grades, there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.
ABS
A general-purpose prototyping plastic that CNC machines cleanly for durable consumer-product housings
PC
A tough transparent plastic for CNC machined shatter-resistant prototype lenses or guards
PMMA
An optically clear plastic for CNC polishing into glossy display prototype parts
POM
A dimensionally stable slippery material ideal for CNC prototyping low-friction gears and bearings
PA6
A tough wear-resistant nylon for CNC prototyping durable mechanical sliding components
PA66
A higher-strength nylon variant for CNC machining heat-resistant functional test parts
PA6 GF30
A glass-filled nylon that stays rigid under load for CNC machined structural insulators
PP
A lightweight chemical-resistant plastic for CNC prototyping living hinges and tank linings
HDPE
An impact-resistant easy-flow plastic for rapid CNC cutting of budget-friendly large covers
PTFE
An ultra-low-friction fluoropolymer for CNC prototyping non-stick chemically inert seals
SETTIMANA
A high-temperature engineering thermoplastic for CNC prototyping aerospace and medical load parts
Surface Finishing Options for CNC Machined Prototypes
Experience the convenience of First Mold's one-stop service with our full range of surface finishing options and competitive pricing
As-Machined (Raw)
La superficie del pezzo passa da ruvida a liscia e raffinata. Per i materiali trasparenti, la chiarezza aumenta notevolmente dopo la lucidatura.
Granigliatura
Removes all visible machining marks to give the prototype a smooth, uniform, and non-reflective matte finish with a subtle frosted texture.
Anodizzazione
Adds a protective layer to aluminum prototypes, resulting in a premium, metallic-tinted appearance in custom colors without hiding the metal’s natural texture.
Rivestimento in polvere
Covers the raw material entirely with custom Pantone colors, making the prototype look exactly like a colorful, retail-ready mass-produced product in either a glossy or matte finish.
Lucidatura
Smooths the surface completely, giving metal prototypes a highly reflective mirror-like shine, and turning clear plastics (like Acrylic) into a fully transparent, glass-like state.
Galvanotecnica
Coats the prototype with a thin layer of metal (such as chrome or nickel), transforming its exterior into a shiny, ultra-smooth, and highly reflective premium metallic finish.
Per migliorare i vostri progetti basta un clic
CNC Prototyping vs. Other Rapid Prototyping Methods
CNC prototypes are used for various types of validation on your products, such as material validation, functional validation, assembly validation, tolerance validation, appearance validation, and tactile validation.
| Caratteristica | Prototipazione CNC | Stampa 3D | Colata sotto vuoto | Stampaggio a iniezione rapido |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Il migliore per | High-precision functional parts | Complex geometry, visual & functional prototypes | Small batches (10–50) of flexible/rubber parts | Bridge production (100+) with final materials |
| Accuracy | ±0.01–0.05mm (High) | SLA ±0.05mm, FDM ±0.15mm (Med) | ±0.15mm/100mm (Med) | ±0.05mm (High) |
| Materiale | Metals & Plastics | Resins, Plastics, Limited metal powders | PU simulating ABS/PC/Rubber/Silicone | Plastica |
| La forza | Excellent (Isotropic) | Isotropic (SLA/SLS) or Anisotropic (FDM) | Medio | Excellent (Isotropic) |
| Tempi di consegna | 3–7 days | 1–3 days | 7–10 days | 10–15 days |
| Cost (1–10) | Medium–High | Basso | Medium (tooling amortized) | High (aluminum tool) |
| Min. Wall/Feature | ≥0.5mm (tool limited) | ≥0.8mm (SLA/SLS), ≥1.5mm (FDM) | ≥1.5mm recommended | ≥0.8mm (same as production) |
| Max Part Size | Very large (e.g., 1000mm) | Medium (~300mm) | Medium (~500mm) | Small–medium (mold frame limited) |
| Ideal Quantity | 1–50 pcs | 1–100 pcs | 10–50 pcs (mold life ~50) | 100–10,000 pcs |
| Design Constraints | Tool reach, internal sharp corners | Support structures, overhangs | Draft angles ≥1°, uniform walls | Draft ≥0.5°, avoid undercuts |
If you need high precision, a fine surface finish, and parts that are transparent or made of metal, CNC is your best choice.
If your design is complex, still being updated often, and you need to keep costs down, 3D printing is the way to go.
If you only need 10–50 plastic parts, want a rubber-like feel or clear material, and don’t want to pay for a mold, vacuum casting is the best option.
If your design is final and you need thousands of parts for market testing, rapid injection molding is the top choice.
Materials for CNC Prototyping
CNC prototyping is essentially using CNC machining to quickly make prototypes. This means any material that can be CNC machined can also be used for CNC prototyping. If you break it down to specific material grades, there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.
High Cost-Performance
Our CNC prototyping services are not the cheapest, yet you will receive quality services worthy of your investment.
Highly Collaborative
We never charge extra fees casually for drawing adjustments. Our team always offers timely and positive responses to all clients.
Deep Expertise
We are equipped with premium equipment and experienced engineers. We will not modify your complex designs unless it is truly necessary.
Laboratorio di prototipazione CNC presso FirstMold
We are equipped with advanced machinery for precision CNC rapid prototyping, including GF+ milling centers, Haas 5-axis machining centers, Makino EDM series, and Sodick EDM series.
4 Laboratori di prototipazione
Un'officina meccanica CNC a marchio Haas, un'officina CNC ad alta precisione GF+, un'officina di fresatura e tornitura, un'officina di elettroerosione.
Due dipartimenti, quattro squadre
Due dipartimenti sono divisi in quattro gruppi in base ai settori di cui sono responsabili.
Flusso di lavoro della prototipazione CNC
Inviate i vostri disegni e requisiti
Risposta rapida e accordo contrattuale
Analisi dei disegni di parti e assiemi
Selezione del materiale e della forma
Programmazione di prototipi CNC
Quote di lavorazione e dimensionamento del processo
Selezione di attrezzature e strumenti
Parametri di taglio e determinazione della quota di manodopera
Principali specifiche di processo e metodi di ispezione
Processo di prototipazione CNC
Consegna puntuale
Per migliorare i vostri progetti basta un clic
FAQ for CNC Prototyping Services
What should I do if the CNC prototype dimensions are out of tolerance?
We carry out full inspection before shipment. If you find any dimensions exceeding the drawing tolerance after receipt, please provide the inspection report. Once confirmed, we will immediately rework or remake the parts free of charge and cover the related shipping costs.
I'm not familiar with materials. Can you recommend suitable plastics or metals for CNC machining based on my application?
Certainly. Just tell us the intended use of the prototype, such as high temperature resistance, high toughness, transparent display, or food contact, and our engineers will recommend suitable materials (e.g., ABS, PC, POM, aluminum alloy 6061, 7075, etc.).
Will your thin-walled parts deform during CNC machining?
Can you apply spray painting according to Pantone color codes? Will there be a noticeable color difference?
Are there any set-up fees or programming fees for CNC prototype sampling?
After successful prototype testing, can you undertake small-batch CNC production?
How long is the CNC prototype quotation valid?
Our quotation is valid for 30 days. Due to price fluctuations in raw materials such as aluminum alloys and plastics, the price may need to be reconfirmed after expiry. If raw material market prices experience extremely large fluctuations during a certain period, the validity period may be relatively shortened accordingly.
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