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Custom CNC Prototyping Service

First Mold’s CNC prototyping service is a rapid prototyping method that produces parts with accuracy and performance very close to actual production parts.

CNC Prototyping Quote

🔒 NDA available before quotation

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.

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)
Tolerance Standard	ISO‑2768‑M + Custom Precision Tolerance
Tightest Prototype Tolerance	±0.005mm
Max Prototype Machining Size	800mm × 800mm × 1500mm
Minimum Machining Dimension	5mm × 5mm × 5mm
Supported Materials	100+ grades
Fastest Rush Delivery	3‑7 Days

CNC Prototyping Cases

CNC Milled Automotive Metal Pipe Connectors

Cooling Manifold Manufacturing

CNC-machined aluminum cooling manifold for efficient thermal management.

Custom Shim Manufacturing

CNC-milled titanium shim for high-precision gap filling.

CNC Prototype Quote

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.

Aluminum 6061

A go-to all-rounder for rapid CNC milling with balanced strength and easy chip formation

Aluminum 7075

An aerospace-grade alloy for when the prototype demands extreme strength-to-weight performance

Aluminum 5052

A corrosion-resistant marine-grade sheet ideal for CNC-formed prototype enclosures

Aluminum 6063

An architectural-finish alloy for CNC prototypes where surface aesthetics take priority

Stainless Steel 304

A versatile food-grade stainless steel for durable CNC prototypes with universal chemical compatibility

Stainless Steel 316

A marine-grade stainless resisting pitting in salt-spray-exposed CNC prototypes

Stainless Steel 301

A high-strength work-hardening stainless ideal for spring-action prototype parts via CNC forming

Brass C360

A free-cutting brass grade that turns effortlessly into precision CNC prototype fittings

Brass C230

A red brass with a warmer tone for CNC prototypes where a decorative finish matters

Copper C110

An electrolytic tough-pitch copper for rapid CNC turning of conductive thermal prototypes

Titanium Ti6Al4V

The high-end workhorse for CNC prototyping ultralight yet super-strong aerospace or medical parts

Steel Alloy 4140

A tough chromium-molybdenum alloy for rapid CNC fabrication of high-stress mechanical prototypes

Carbon Steel A36

A mild structural steel grade for CNC machining low-cost metal validation parts

Carbon Steel 1045

A medium-carbon steel offering harder wear resistance for CNC functional test prototypes

Tool Steel D2

A high-wear tool steel for CNC prototyping durable cutting or forming test fixtures

Magnesium AZ31

An ultralight alloy for rapid CNC prototyping weight-sensitive aerospace or automotive mockups

Zinc Alloy Zamak 3

A dimensionally stable zinc grade for rapid CNC turning of precise mechanical prototypes

Zinc Alloy Zamak 5

A slightly harder zinc alloy ideal for CNC prototyping wear-resistant small components

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

PEEK

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)

The surface of the part transitions from rough to smooth and refined. For transparent materials, the clarity increases significantly after polishing.

Bead Blasting

Removes all visible machining marks to give the prototype a smooth, uniform, and non-reflective matte finish with a subtle frosted texture.

Anodizing

Adds a protective layer to aluminum prototypes, resulting in a premium, metallic-tinted appearance in custom colors without hiding the metal’s natural texture.

Powder Coating

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.

Polishing

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.

Electroplating

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.

More Finish Options

Elevate Your Designs with a Click

Precision Prototyping Await

CNC Prototyping vs. Other Rapid Prototyping Methods

Feature	CNC Prototyping	3D Printing	Vacuum Casting	Rapid Injection Molding
Best For	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)
Material	Metals & Plastics	Resins, Plastics, Limited metal powders	PU simulating ABS/PC/Rubber/Silicone	Plastics
Strength	Excellent (Isotropic)	Isotropic (SLA/SLS) or Anisotropic (FDM)	Medium	Excellent (Isotropic)
Lead Time	3–7 days	1–3 days	7–10 days	10–15 days
Cost (1–10)	Medium–High	Low	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

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.

CNC Prototyping Workshop At 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 Prototoyping Workshops

A Haas brand CNC machine shop, a GF+ high precision CNC workshop, a mill & lathe workshop, an EDM workshop.

Two departments, four teams

Two departments are divided into four groups according to the industries they are responsible for.

CNC Prototyping Workflow

Submit Your Drawings and Requirements

Rapid Response and Contract Agreement

Part and Assembly Drawing Analysis

Material and Shape Selection

CNC Prototype Programming

Machining Allowance and Process Dimensioning

Equipment and Tool Selection

Cutting Parameters and Labor Quota Determination

Main Process Specifications and Inspection Methods

CNC Prototyping Process

On-time Delivery

Elevate Your Designs with a Click

Precision Prototyping Await

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?

Before quoting, we assess the machining risks of the thin-walled structure and provide professional advice. If our assessment shows that deformation will not occur, the parts you receive will be free from deformation. We control deformation by optimizing the fixturing plan, using small depth of cut with layered machining, removing material symmetrically, and adding process stiffeners.

Can you apply spray painting according to Pantone color codes? Will there be a noticeable color difference?

Yes. Provide the Pantone color number, and we will use a color mixing system for precise matching. There is an objective color difference between painted parts and the standard color swatch, but we strive to control the Delta E value to ≤ 1.5. Before mass production, we will provide a color sample for your confirmation to minimize any visual difference.

Are there any set-up fees or programming fees for CNC prototype sampling?

Our prototype quotations do not have a separate set-up fee. Programming costs are usually absorbed into the unit part price. For very few complex orders or single-piece orders, a minimum charge may apply, but this will be clearly listed in the quotation with absolutely no hidden fees.

After successful prototype testing, can you undertake small-batch CNC production?

Yes. First Mold supports everything from single-piece prototyping to small-batch CNC machining of tens or hundreds of parts. As the quantity increases, the unit price will be reduced in tiers.

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.