Custom CNC Machining Services

From rapid prototyping to production at scale, Shapeways enables CNC machining with predictable quality and precision. Manufacture thousands of parts with confidence, tight tolerances, and materials ready for real-world performance.

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CNC Machining Built for Production

CNC machining remains a cornerstone of industrial manufacturing because it delivers what production teams value most, precision, repeatability, and control at scale.

At Shapeways, our CNC capabilities are built to support the full product lifecycle, from early validation to sustained production. Whether you are producing a small batch or scaling to thousands of parts, we ensure consistent dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and material performance across every run.

By combining CNC machining with additive manufacturing, we give engineering teams the flexibility to evolve designs, optimize for production, and scale efficiently as volumes grow.

What is CNC Machining?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process where automated machine tools remove material from solid blocks to produce precise, high-performance parts. Guided by CAD data, CNC systems follow exact tool paths to achieve tight tolerances and consistent, repeatable results.

Compared to manual machining, CNC enables:

• Higher dimensional accuracy
• Consistent quality across every production runs
• Faster transition from prototype to production

At Shapeways, our CNC capabilities are built for both prototyping and scale. We support complex geometries, critical features, and demanding material requirements, delivering parts that meet real-world performance standards.

CNC Machining Applications

CNC machining is widely used for functional, end-use parts and production tooling across demanding industries.

Typical CNC machining applications include:

• Rapid prototyping and functional testing
• Production parts with tight tolerances
• Low- to high-volume end-use components

Shapeways’s CNC Machining Capabilities

Shapeways supports a range of CNC machining operations, including:

• CNC milling for complex 3-axis and multi axis geometries
• CNC turning for rotational and cylindrical parts
• Precision drilling and finishing operations

These operations allow us to manufacture functional components with tight tolerances, clean surface finishes, and reliable repeatability.

Why Choose CNC Machining?

CNC machining is ideal when precision, material performance, and repeatability matter.

Key benefits include:

• Production-ready quality across thousands of identical parts
• Tight tolerances for critical features and assemblies
• Material versatility, including metals and engineering plastics
• Scalable volumes, from prototypes to full production

CNC machining integrates seamlessly with additive manufacturing, allowing teams to prototype quickly and transition to traditional production methods when volumes increase.

Submit an Instant Quote today, or Contact Sales to speak with one of our experts.

CNC Machining Materials

Aluminum

CNC Aluminum is a precision-machined metal available in three structural grades, produced using multi-axis CNC milling from certified aluminum stock. It delivers tight dimensional tolerances, excellent surface quality, and the full mechanical properties of the alloy — making it the right choice for functional prototypes, end-use parts, jigs and fixtures, and structural components where dimensional accuracy and material integrity are non-negotiable. Available with a range of surface finishes including anodizing and powder coating.

Explore the design guidelines for Aluminum ➔

POM-C

CNC-machined POM-C (Polyoxymethylene) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its exceptional strength, low friction, and outstanding dimensional stability. Available in White and Black, this material is ideal for precision components used in mechanical, automotive, and industrial applications.

Explore the design guidelines for POM-C ➔

Stainless Steel

CNC Stainless Steel is a precision-machined metal available in two austenitic grades, produced using multi-axis CNC milling from certified stainless stock. Both grades offer excellent corrosion resistance, good strength, and full weldability — the right choice for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and components where hygiene, corrosion resistance, or structural integrity are non-negotiable. Available with a range of surface finishes including powder coating.

Explore the design guidelines for Stainless Steel ➔

Traditional Manufacturing

[CNC Machining

CNC machines are powerfully automated, with their work centered around your product. Parts are constructed through the removal of material to create a desired structure.

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[Sheet Metal

Sheet metal fabrication consists of numerous traditional manufacturing processes to create durable, high-quality metal structures.

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[Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting is a versatile, yet traditional manufacturing method for mass production of parts, relying on a vacuum to draw liquid into a mold where it solidifies into the required structure.

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[Machine Tooling

Industrial machine tools are used to make molds to create high-performance parts out of metals like steel and aluminum.

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[Injection Molding

Used for mass production, materials are heated, melted, and then poured into molds where they solidify into the required industrial parts.

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[Urethane Casting

Polyurethane is heated, poured into 3D printed molds, and left to solidify into the desired structures. Urethane casting is relied on to manufacture large volumes of plastic parts quickly and easily.

Learn More](/content/business/urethane-casting/index.html)