As part of Protolabs’ global services, we are your comprehensive manufacturing solution from prototype to production. Here’s how we differ from traditional machine shops:
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We have an incredibly broad range of capabilities–much more than most individual shops.
In most cases our quotes are instant. Request as many quotes as you like to find the best solution for your project.
There is no minimum order quantity.
We can scale with you from quick-turn prototypes with 1-day lead times to millions of production parts with volume pricing.
We leverage a global network to guarantee competitive pricing on every order.
We machine custom parts for customers in multiple industries: aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, hardware startups, industrial automation, machinery, manufacturing, medical devices, oil & gas and robotics.
At Protolabs Network we offer CNC milling (3-axis, 3+2-axis and 5-axis) and turning. Milled parts can be machined up to x x 200 mm (78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in.) for 3/3+2 axis CNC milling. For 5-axis milling, the maximum part size is 650 x 650 x 300 mm (25.5 x 25.5 x 11.8 in.). The maximum diameter for CNC turning is 431mm (17 in.), length 990 mm (39 in). Minimum part dimensions recommended are around 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 in. (10 x 10 x 10mm).The minimum for feature dimensions is 0.5 mm.
We are limited to a mm (39 in.) maximum size for parts on our platform. If you need higher dimensions, you can place the request through your account manager.
Deburring and edge breaking are standard procedures for all CNC machined parts. If there are any critical edges that should be left sharp, they must be clearly indicated in technical drawings. Surfaces will be free of defects such as scratches, dents, stains, blemishes, hanging marks, minor defects. Surfaces indicated as critical (primary (a) side, as indicated on the technical drawing) will be free of mill steps and other marks. For the secondary (b) side, minor hanging marks and up to 2 minor defects are acceptable. A number of post-processing and finishing methods can be applied to improve the surface roughness, visual properties and wear resistance of machined parts.
Read more about surface finishes for CNC machining.
We use machine learning algorithms to calculate the exact cost of any machinable part directly from a CAD file, based on millions of CNC machining orders we’ve previously processed. No more waiting for technicians to get back to you via , we can generate an exact quote for you instantly (well, in about 5 seconds).
This means you always know the price up front. Simply upload a CAD file to generate a quote: get an instant CNC machining quote. Our quotes are completely free, you only need to create an account so we can protect your IP.
It’s so easy to use that we encourage mechanical engineers to use it constantly as they optimize their designs for cost. Whenever you’ve made a new design iteration, simply load both the old and the new design into our quoting tool and see if the price is different.
This technology means our manufacturing partners also don’t need to do their own machining quotes, which means less overhead for them. This makes the whole process less expensive, which translates into lower prices for our customers.
Protolabs Network was started by mechanical engineers and we have many more engineers and technicians in our team. Together we’ve written a lot of content on CNC machining over the years. You can find a selection of resources below, or you can head to our knowledge hub and filter on CNC machining to read case studies, in-depth design guidelines and explanations of different surface finishes.
We’ve also written a complete engineering guide to CNC machining. Here you can learn about how the many different kinds of mills and lathes work and the different materials available, so you can easily compare their benefits & limitations. You’ll also learn the basic design rules for machining and the most common applications of each material and surface finish, so you can make the right choices every time.
Learn about how the many different kinds of CNC machines work, the materials available, the benefits & limitations, basic design rules and the most common applications.
Read articleWhat is CNC machining and how does it work? Learn the basic principles and fundamental mechanics, as well as the key benefits and limitations, of this subtractive manufacturing process.
The company is the world’s best custom cnc milling supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Read articleIn this complete guide to designing for CNC machining, we've compiled basic & advanced design practices and tips to help you achieve the best results for your custom parts.
Read articleMake the most of CNC machining by optimizing your design and making the right material choices. Read these 14 design tips to help you reduce CNC-machining costs and create the perfect parts for your project.
Read articleHow do you prepare technical drawings for CNC machining and why are they important? Technical drawings are widely used in manufacturing to improve the communication of technical requirements between the designer and engineer and the manufacturer.
Read articleThis comprehensive guide compares the 25 most common materials used in CNC machining and helps you choose the right one for your application.
Read articleWhat surface finishes are available for CNC machining? You can apply post-processing and surface finishes to improve the surface roughness, cosmetic properties and wear resistance of metal parts. Learn about the most common ways to finish CNC machined parts, and how to select the best methods for your applications.
Read articleWhat are the different types of heat treatment and how do they affect CNC-machined parts? This article explores how heat treatments can be applied to many metal alloys to drastically improve key physical properties like hardness, strength and machinability.
Read articleWhen it comes to custom part production, choosing between 3D printing and CNC machining can be challenging. This guide breaks down the key differences between these popular manufacturing technologies, helping you decide which is best suited for prototyping, low-volume production, or functional end-use parts.
Read articleWe believe ordering custom parts ought to be simple, fast, and straightforward. When we designed and created our Instant Quote system, we began with the goal of making prices available right away. We know that getting a price on your part without having to wait allows you to move faster, which means your ideas move forward. Let PartsBadger become a part of your supply chain as Your Online CNC Machine Shop.
Enter your dimensions, material, finish, and features your part needs and let our Instant Quote algorithm give you immediate pricing.
Enter your material, finish, tolerance, quantity, and upload your file to get your own custom quote in 2-6 hours. The Rapid Quote is perfect for higher volumes or special features.
Our Design Engineers can work with you and your 2D files (such as .dxf, .pdf, .slddrw, .jpg, .dwg, .tif, .png) or hand drawings to provide you a rapid quote, so you can keep innovating.
Do you have a project that has an ITAR requirement? PartsBadger is ITAR Registered and will protect the interests and safety of our customers and their projects.
Create your part using 2D or 3D CAD.
Upload your part and get a quick quote.
Get your parts in 14 days or less.
Our Modern CNC machines can handle small radius cuts and maintain a high quality level whether you want one piece or one hundred. Chamfered edges, multi radius curves, and tapped holes are a few things that make machining a part more workable for any projects. We take pride in making quality, custom, low cost, machined parts.
Check our full list of materials available at PartsBadger. With no restrictions on materials, our Online Machining Service has you covered no matter what you need us to machine. There are also no limitations on quantity, we feel high quality, machined parts should be affordable when ordering 1 or 5,000.
PartsBadger offers a number of different machining methods to create your parts. Using a wide variety of machines PartsBadger is able to create simple and complex parts at the required tolerance and the best possible price.
We’re here to help you manufacture your machined parts efficiently and timely. We understand the importance of getting your product(s) to market before your competitors do. We provide quotes in hours and most parts in 14-Days or less. Use the form to reach our specialists to request a quote, check on an order status, or to learn more about us and our capabilities. We’re ready to accelerate your innovation.
For more information, please visit EDM Services.