Turning Ideas into Prototypes by CNC Machining
We offer cost-effective rapid CNC machining service and manufacturing service for your custom products.
- Instant Pricing Quote in a Few Hours
- Rapidly-made Prototypes in a Few Days
- High-Precision Capabilities
- Flexible Low-volume Manufacturing
What is CNC Milling
CNC milling, also known as computer numerical control milling, is a machining process that removes material from a workpiece using computerized controls and a rotating cylindrical tool called a milling cutter to create a custom-designed part or product.
CNC Machining Capability
LEADRP invests in advanced CNC machining technology and CNC machining equipment to increase the speed and capability of mass production applications. LEADRP offers different general tolerance options from 0.10mm to 0.05mm and you can also specify available tolerances according to ISO 2768-mK.
Max dimensions | 1600mm x 1200 mm x 900 mm |
Tolerance | Linear dimension: +/-0.025 mm Hole diameters (not reamed): +/- 0.025 mm Shaft diameters: +/- 0.025 mm |
Threads and holes | Leadrp can adapt to any standard thread size and customized threads |
Min. feature size | The minimum feature size we make is 0.5 mm, depending on the geometry of the product and the materials being used |
Burrs and chamfers | Deburring by default, chamfering according to your requirements |
Surface Finish | The standard finish is 32 Ra or better, you can specify surface finishing options |
Overview of CNC Milling Process
The CNC milling process, like most traditional mechanical CNC machining processes, employs computerized controls to operate and manipulate machine tools that cut and shape stock material. Furthermore, the process follows the same basic production stages as all CNC machining processes, which include:
- Creating a CAD model
- Creating a CNC program from the CAD model
- Configuring the CNC milling machine
- Carrying out the milling operation
The CNC milling process starts with the design of a 2D or 3D CAD part. The completed design is then exported to a CNC-compatible file format and converted by CAM software into a CNC machine program, which dictates the machine’s actions and tooling movements across the workpiece. Before running the CNC program, the operator must first prepare the CNC milling machine by attaching the workpiece to the machine’s work surface (worktable) or work holding device (e.g., vise) and attaching the milling tools to the machine spindle. Depending on the specifications and requirements of the milling application, the CNC milling process employs horizontal or vertical CNC-enabled milling machines, as well as rotating multi-point (multi-toothed) cutting tools such as mills and drills. When the machine is ready, the operator starts the program via the machine interface, instructing the machine to perform the milling operation.
CNC Milling Materials
Milling can be done on any material that is hard enough to produce chips when cut. The shorter the chips produced by a material, the easier it is to mill and remove chips from the work area. If a chip does not break off the workpiece quickly, it will create a wire that will likely wrap around the tool or spindle, reducing cutting power. Material that is too soft will smear rather than produce chips, and it will also interfere with the cutter.
Metal & Alloy Materials
Alloy steel contains trace amounts of one or more alloying elements (other than carbon), such as manganese, silicon, nickel, titanium, copper, chromium, and aluminum. Alloying provides it with unique qualities not present in standard carbon steel. Due to its low cost, wide availability, ease of processing, and superior mechanical rates, alloy steel is ideal for industrial applications. In general, alloy steels are more malleable to heat and mechanical treatment than carbon steels.
LEADRP offers a complete Alloy Steel CNC machining service and can produce custom Alloy Steel parts in various shapes and grades, including 4130, 4140, 4340, and more.
Mild steel is a type of carbon steel with a low amount of carbon. It is also known as “low carbon steel.” Low carbon means it has very little carbon and other alloying elements to block dislocations in its crystal structure, resulting in less tensile strength than high carbon and alloy steels. Mild steel has good weldability and machinability, making it a popular choice for consumer products.
LEADRP offers a complete Mild Steel CNC machining service and can produce custom Mild Steel parts in a variety of shapes and grades, including Hot and Cold Rolled, Commercial Quality, Galvanized, 1018, 1020, 1026, 1020/1026, CR 1045, HR 1045, 12L14, CR 1215 and more.
Tool steel is a type of carbon alloy steel. It is frequently used to create, modify, or repair hand tools and machine dies. Tool steel is notable for its hardness, abrasion, and deformation resistance. Because steel can retain a cutting edge at extremely high temperatures, it is frequently used to shape other materials via cutting, pressing, coining, or extruding. Because of their abrasion resistance, they are commonly used in the production of injection molds. Tool steel is widely used in dies (stamping or extrusion), cutting, mold production, and impact applications such as hammers (personal or industrial).
LEADRP offers a complete Tool Steel CNC machining service and can produce custom Tool Steel parts in various shapes and grades, including A2, D2 and O1, and more.
Stainless steel is a steel alloy that is more corrosion resistant than carbon/alloy steel. Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains at least 10.5 percent chromium. The presence of chromium results in forming a thin chromium oxide film on the surface of the steel, known as a passivation layer. This layer prevents corrosion on the steel surface; the higher the Chromium concentration in the steel, the more excellent the corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is an ideal material for food handling/processing, medical instruments, hardware, appliances, and structural/architectural products.
LEADRP offers a complete Stainless Steel CNC machining service and can produce custom Stainless Steel parts in various shapes and grades, including 17-4, 303, 304, 316, 416, 440C, and more.
Copper alloys are one of the most versatile metals, and they have beneficial properties like corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, and very high electrical conductivity. Copper alloys are excellent for different industries such as electrical, construction, transport, and consumer goods. The final product made from copper includes architectural parts, coinage, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors.
LEADRP offers a complete Copper CNC machining service and can produce custom Copper parts in a variety of shapes and grades, including Copper C110 and C101.
Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc. Small amounts of zinc elements are frequently added to improve specific properties. Depending on the part of zinc added to the alloy, the color of brass can range from red to yellow. Alloying can increase strength, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and color. Brass is also germicidal, which means it can kill microorganisms when they contact it.
Brass is used in various applications and products, including decorative items, architectural parts, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors.
LEADRP offers a complete Brass CNC machining service and can produce custom Brass parts in various shapes and grades, including Brass C260 and C360.
Aluminum is a silver-colored, low-density metal used in a wide range of commercial applications. Under most conditions, unalloyed aluminum is ductile, has moderate strength, and is highly corrosion-resistant. Appropriate alloying elements (Cu, Mg, Mn, Si, etc.) and subsequent heat/work treatments can significantly strengthen aluminum. Because of its low density and corrosion resistance is widely used in aerospace, transportation, architectural, food, and chemical handling (cookware, pressure vessels, etc.) industries.
LEADRP offers a complete Aluminum CNC machining service and can produce custom Aluminum parts in a variety of shapes and grades, including 1100, 2011, 2024, 3003, 4017, 5052, 6061, 6063, and 7075.
Titanium alloys are alloys composed of titanium and other chemical elements. Titanium alloys are light in weight, have incredibly high tensile strength and toughness, are extremely corrosion resistant, and withstand extreme temperatures.
Titanium alloys are widely used in military applications, aircraft, spacecraft, bicycles, medical devices, jewelry, high-stress components such as connecting rods on high-end sports cars, and some premium sports equipment and consumer electronics.
LEADRP offers a complete Titanium CNC machining service and can produce custom Titanium parts in various shapes and grades, including Titanium Grade 1, Titanium Grade 2, and Titanium Grade 5.
There are many other metal and alloy materials for different applications. Whether it’s on our material list or not, we could source them from a certified supplier for your project.
Plastic Materials
ABS is a plastic material with three main ingredients: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Each of these monomers imparts specific properties, making ABS terpolymer with robust features. ABS has good strength, toughness, and resistance to impact and temperature. It is easily molded and gives a high-quality glossy surface finish. This plastic polymer does not have a specific melting point.
LEADRP offers a complete ABS machining service and can produce custom ABS parts in various shapes and grades.
Nylon plastic (PA) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer commonly used in injection molding applications. It’s a versatile, durable, flexible material often used as a more affordable alternative to silk, rubber, and latex.
LEADRP offers a complete Nylon machining service and can produce custom Nylon parts in a variety of shapes and grades.
Polycarbonate(PC) is a thermoplastic polymer containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonate has good stiffness and thermal resistance due to its molecular structure and reasonably high viscosity. Polycarbonates can be molded and thermoformed with great ease, making them a popular choice for a wide range of products.
LEADRP offers a complete polycarbonate machining service and can produce custom polycarbonate parts in a variety of shapes and grades.
Polyethylene (PE) is generally divided into multiple groups based on density. These include low-density polyethylene (or LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE or UHMW). The higher the density, the higher the tensile and flexural strength, chemical and abrasion resistance, and surface hardness.
LEADRP offers a complete Polyethylene machining service and can produce custom Polyethylene parts in a variety of shapes and grades.
PET(Polyethylene Terephthalate) or polyester is a semi-crystalline resin with a good balance of strength, stiffness, toughness, a natural high gloss finish, excellent chemical resistance, and good dielectric properties. PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages worldwide; PET is sustainable, completely recyclable, and they are the most recycled plastic. PET is commonly used in Plastic components in electrical products, Electrical encapsulation or insulation, Electrical insulation polymers, Connectors for electrical, Packaging or containers for consumables and food, and Appliances.
LEADRP offers a complete PET injection molding service and can produce custom PET parts in various shapes and grades.
Acrylic(PMMA) is a glass-like plastic, their excellent weatherability, good resistance to fading caused by UV and fluorescent lighting, and high resistance to scratching, durability, and natural transparency mak it a good material choice for food storage containers, refrigerator drawers,automotive and consumer products. Acrylics are also well-suited to overmolding and other specialized injection molding processes.
LEADRP offers a complete Acrylic injection molding service and can produce custom Acrylic parts in various shapes and grades.
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as Delrin® or Acetal, is a thermoplastic engineered material used to make parts that require increased stiffness, low friction versatility, and more excellent dimensional stability. POM has high tensile strength, wear resistance, creep and warp resistance, and overall toughness and durability. POM is widely used in manufacturing gears, bearings, conveyor parts, automotive parts, sporting equipment, electrical components, sliding and guiding parts, and so on.
LEADRP offer a complete POM/Delrin®/Acetal injection molding service and can produce custom POM parts in various shapes and grades. LEADRP will work with you to produce injection molded Delrin® parts that meet the exact specifications of your project.
Polypropylene (PP) is a polyolefin or saturated polymer, like polyethylene (PE) and polybutene (PB). PP is one of the most versatile polymers with good chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, better temperature resistance, and lower density than HDPE.
PP is widely made for buckets, bowls, crates, toys, medical components, washing machine drums, battery cases, and bottle caps. PP can be elastomer modified for bumpers and talc-filled for added stiffness at high temperatures.
LEADRP has been producing injection-molded polypropylene parts for over 10 years. Our team has extensive experience and expertise in delivering molded PP parts in even the most complex shapes. We can help you decide which of these plastic materials is best suited to your specific application.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon®, is a synthetic tetrafluoroethylene with numerous applications. PTFE has high thermal stability, good chemical resistance, and high-temperature resistance.
PTFE products also have excellent sliding properties, electrical resistance, and a nonstick surface. PTFE can be reinforced with glass fiber, carbon, or bronze additives to improve mechanical properties. Due to its structure, PTFE is frequently formed into semi-finished products using compression molding and then machined with cutting/machining tools.
PEEK is a family of high-performance thermoplastics. The name PEEK is derived from the words polyether ether ketone.
PEEK is a engineering plastic used for a wide range of applications where it needs to be strong and tough. It has good chemical resistance and can withstand high temperatures up to 260°C.
PEEK has excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications such as medical implants, automotive components, and even aeronautical parts. PEEK is also used in electronic components such as connectors and insulators.
Like High-Performance Plastics, Engineering Plastics, Industrial Plastics, Biocompatible Materials, Food Safe Plastics, and Other Modified Thermoplastics. There are many other plastic or resin materials for different applications. Whether it’s on our material list or not, we could source them from a certified supplier for your project.
Benefits of CNC Milling
CNC milling machines are quick and precise, allowing for the efficient production of complex and specialized products. CNC milling has lots of advantages, including:
Cost Savings
Every business seeks ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality. Businesses can improve their bottom line by utilizing CNC mills, which provide significant cost savings. CNC mills enable the efficient production of complex and specialized products because they work faster and more accurately.
Safety
When CNC machinery is used, safety is greatly improved. Because there is no bending or crouching required to operate the machines, ergonomic conditions for workers are greatly improved. This results in fewer workplace accidents and less fatigue, reducing the risk of human error in the milling process significantly.
Efficiency
CNC milling machines operate continuously with little downtime. Facilities that run three shifts can operate without interruption 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accuracy
CNC machines have a high level of accuracy (within 0.0015″). Once a program is written, each part will come out exactly the same as the last one. The process can also be repeated with 100% consistency as many times as required.
CNC milling is ideal for a wide range of complex, high-quality production runs of all sizes. CNC machines will also save you time and money because of their operational efficiency and lower labor costs.
CNC Machined Parts
CNC Machining Service
LEADRP has been providing high-quality CNC machining service with exceptional customer support and quick turnaround times since 2006. Click to request a quote or contact us for more information on our CNC machining services.
Frequently Asked Questions
We accept 3D CAD files in STL, STP, STEP, OBJ IGS or IGES format and 2D drawings(jpg, png, gif, bmp, pdf) with dimensional details and specific manufacturing requirements.
We respond within 2 hours after your request. Princing quote will be send within 8 hours. If the quote is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Yes, master models are used to create silicone molds for vacuum casting and can be made from any rigid solid that can withstand heat up to 100 °C. Models used for CNC machining will be 3D scanned to create a CAD/CAM program for production.
Quality parts less than 1000pcs can be made in as fast as one week if you provide complete 2D and 3D CAD models. More complex parts requiring other special features will take longer. As for shipping, most of our shipments are via air freight, which can take 5-7 days from China to Europe or North America.
We respect your intellectual property. None of your information, images, files or likenesses will be shared with any third party, and it will not be used for any advertising, marketing, or promotional use without your explicit written authorization. If you would like to sign NDA agreement, please contact our team for support.
We follow the ISO/IATF standard and guarantee that we will rework the products or refund them if there are any quality problems. The full-dimensional report, material certification, or first article inspection are provided on request before order placement.
