CNC Milling Services

What is CNC Milling? / /

CNC milling produces parts without cylindrical features. During the milling process, the workpiece is stationary while a cutter rotates around it, subtracting material to create the desired shape. CNC milling is used to create finished products and can be used as a secondary step when more definition is desired. Materials used for CNC milling include metal, glass, plastics, elastomers and composites. The benefits of CNC milling include high accuracy, production rates and precision.

CNC Milling Services Offered by Fathom / /

Work with Fathom on your next CNC milling job. Fathom offers CNC (3 & 5 axis), CNC lathe, precision grinding, wire EDM, sinker EDM and more. Finishing and post-processing services are also available including welding, deburring, bead blasting, and more. CNC milling is just one of 28 manufacturing services offered by Fathom.

Additive Manufacturing

• FDM
• SLS
• SLA
• Polyjet
• MJF
• DMLS
• DLS
• STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

• CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
• CNC Lathe
• Precision Grinding
• Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

• Injection Molding
• Tooling
• Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

• Thermoforming
• Sheet Metal Punching
• Sheet Metal Cutting
• Metal Forming
• Laser Cutting
• Water Jet Cutting
• Chemical Etching
• Welding
• Micro Cutting

Standalone

• Die Casting
• Urethane Casting
• Composite Layups
• Extrusion
• Post Processing & Finishing
  • Pad Printing
  • Powder Coating
  • Bead Blasting
  • Surface Grinding
  • Polishing
  • Anodize
  • Powder Coat Passivate
  • Chemfilm
  • Vacuum Metallization
  • Silkscreen
  • Plating
  • Tumbled

CNC Milling Quote Times / /

Use Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform and receive a CNC milling quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Do you need a CNC milling quote? Want to learn about another manufacturing service? Fathom’s CNC milling lead times are as follows:

• Parts as fast as 5 days

Differences Between CNC Milling and Turning / /

There are distinct differences between CNC turning and CNC milling. CNC milling uses a moving tool along a stationary workpiece to remove raw material. During CNC turning, the workpiece rotates while a cutting tool moves along the material to create a shape. CNC turning is good for projects that require cylindrical parts. CNC milling should be used for parts that do not require a cylindrical shape and may be used as a secondary finish to add definition. Complex parts that require prismatic and cylindrical features may use a combination of milling and turning.

CNC Milling Machines Used by Fathom / /

Fathom’s manufacturing network includes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom has machines dedicated to metal prototype fabrication, including lasers, waterjet machines, finishing tools, autodeburring, 4 slide machines, multi-slide machines, press brakes, 300-ton presses, 22-ton presses, wire EDM machines, seely slide forming tools and 35-ton blanking presses.

Fathom’s services are not limited to CNC milling and include hybridized manufacturing that leverages CNC milling, prototype fabrication, additive manufacturing and more. Do you need CNC milling as part of a complex project? Fathom can help. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including metal prototype fabrication services:

Case Study //

Real Customers. Real Results.

A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.

20,000 Parts // Within 27 Days

15,000

55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts

First Article in 2 Weeks

3,000

3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts

2,000

2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts

Hybridized Services Used //

3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.

DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.

CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.

Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.

24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.

Injection + Compression Molding.

Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.

Advanced Project Management.

Fathom’s Locations for CNC Services / /

CNC Milling Locations Nationwide

Fathom’s manufacturing network has nine locations across the United States with CNC capabilities. Our CNC locations are:

HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

CALIFORNIA
620 3rd Street
Oakland, CA 94607
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified

MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304

TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016

CNC Milling Materials Available / /

As one of the leading manufacturers with nationwide coverage, Fathom offers both metal CNC machining and plastic CNC machining. Materials available for CNC milling include:

CNC Milling Specifications and Tolerances / /

Below are the specs and standard tolerances specific to CNC milling and turning:

• Metal materials +/- 0.005
• Plastic materials +/- 0.008
• Pre-merger CNC machinery chart:

During the design phase of a CNC milling project, there are several critical factors to consider. The desired geometry of a part affects both how it will be positioned in the CNC machine and the time required for set up. If a part must be manually repositioned in the CNC machine, the cost will increase, and accuracy may be affected. During operation, the part may vibrate and result in loose tolerances. Deformation may occur because of the workpiece vibrating during machining. The geometry of the tools used can also influence how a part is shaped. Lastly, if the cutting tool is unable to reach the surface of the raw material, it cannot be machined, limiting the ability of creating hidden internal geometries.

CNC Milling Finishes Available / /

• Bead Blasting: Bead blasting adds a satin or matte finish to a CNC part. The matte finish is accomplished by using a pressurized air gun to shoot glass beads at a part.
• Powder Coating: Following powder coating, the part has a thin protective layer that adds strength and wear-resistance. During the powder coating process, the part is first primed using a chromating or phosphating coat. Next, the part receives a dry powder coating from an electrostatic spray gun. Lastly, the part is cured in an oven.
• Anodizing: Once a CNC part has been anodized, it has an oxide layer that increases its density, thickness, and durability. Anodization also makes a part electrically non-conductive. During the anodizing process, the part is placed into an acid electrolyte bath which serves as an anode. A cathode is added to the part, and an electrical current is passed through the acid. Oxygen ions from the electrolyte and atoms from the alloy are combined along the surface of the part.
• As-Milled: As-milled or as-machined products do not require a secondary process. They will still have visible blemishes and may have a rough surface.
• Surface Grinding: Surface grinding produces a smooth finish. Surface grinding removes material by using a high-speed abrasive wheel as a cutting tool. The surface grinding process is used when a specific size or precision finish is required.
• Polishing: Polishing improves the dimensions and accuracy of a part while producing a mirror gloss finish. Polishing tools and abrasive materials are used to achieve a smooth surface.
• Passivate: After a CNC machined part has completed the passivation process, its corrosion resistance is improved. Passivation may include spray application, circulation in a chemical solution, gel application, or tank immersion.
• Chemfilm: Chemfilm finishing is a chemical conversion coat that adds corrosion resistance to aluminum substrates, acting as a base for organic coatings. The part is dipped, brushed, or sprayed with the chemfilm layer.
• Vacuum Metallization: The vacuum metallization process adds a mirror-like or decorative uniform finish while also improving thermal, air, light, or water barrier properties. In the vacuum metallization process, the part is placed inside a closed chamber where a metal vapor adheres and coats the part.
• Silkscreen: Screen printing is used to transfer a design or logo to a part. When a part is silk-screened, a mesh is used to apply ink onto the surface, but only to permeable areas that are not covered by a blocking stencil.
• Plating: Plating results in corrosion and abrasion resistance, conductivity, and reflectivity to parts. While electroplating, the part is submerged into an electrolyte bath with the material that will be used for the metal coating. An electrical charge causes the material to transfer to the part, resulting in a uniform metal coating.
• Tumbled: Tumbling or ultrasonic polishing removes any sharp points or edges from a machined part. During the tumbling process, the part is placed inside a barrel along with media, water, and detergent. The barrel tumbles at different speeds depending on the desired finish.
• Painting: Painting a part adds color, varnish, or ink. The painting process may include powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating. Powder coating uses an electrostatically charged powder which produces a scratch-resistant and uniform coat on the metal part. When a part is liquid coated, wet paint is applied. The e-coating process involves dipping the part into a bath of paint where both the part and paint are electrified, causing the paint to adhere to the part.

CNC Milling Services FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer CNC milling?

A: Yes. Fathom offers CNC milling.

Q: What is a CNC milling machine?

A: A CNC milling machine uses a rotating milling cutter to subtract material from a workpiece.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: How much does custom CNC milling cost?

A: The cost of a custom CNC milling project depends on the complexity of the design, materials chosen, quantity ordered, turnaround time, and other factors. For a fast quote, submit your details through Fathom’s SmartQuote platform.

Q: What is CNC milling?

A: CNC milling is a manufacturing technology used to produce parts without cylindrical features. The workpiece is held stationary while a cutter rotates around it to create the desired shape.

Related Topics / /

• CNC Machining Services
• High-Speed Precision Machining
• Machine Shop Services
• CNC Turning Services
• CNC Quotes
• CNC Machining Cost

CNC Milling Quotes / /

Do you need a CNC milling quote for an upcoming project? Need to calculate CNC turning costs? Get a fast quote on any CNC file.