Low Volume CNC Machining Services
Low volume CNC machining from 1 to 1,000 units, with no MOQ or tooling costs. Validate with 3-day prototypes, then run the batch under the same certified QMS.
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1–1,000
Units per Run
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3 Days
Prototype Time
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98.6%+
On-Time Delivery
What Low Volume CNC Machining Means at DEK
Low-volume CNC machining at DEK covers runs from a single prototype unit up to roughly 1,000 pieces, machined without hard tooling or a minimum order quantity.
It fits validation builds, pilot runs and short production bridges before a program scales into higher unit counts. Start with prototype CNC machining in about 3 days, then talk with our team about the full batch.
Small Batch CNC Machining at DEK
A 20-piece order gets the same rigor as a 20,000-piece one. Here is what OEMs, startups and procurement teams count on.
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No Minimum Order
Order exactly the quantity your program needs, from one part to a full batch, with no tooling costs or minimum-order penalties.
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3-Day Prototypes
Prototype lead time runs around 3 days, so you validate fit and function before committing to the rest of the run.
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Certified QMS
ISO 9001, AS9100D and ISO 13485 certified via TUV: the quality system scales down to small batches without cutting inspection steps.
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On-Time Delivery
98.6%+ on-time delivery across 2,300+ global OEM clients: the track record that matters when a small batch still has a hard deadline.
In-House CMM Inspection
Every order gets in-house CMM inspection with full traceability. IQC, IPQC, FAI, OQC, SPC and CAPA stages are documented on every order, not just high-volume contracts.
Low-Volume Capability & Tolerances
Tolerances, processes, materials and lead times for runs of 1 to 1,000 units, all machined without hard tooling.
Low Volume CNC Machining vs. Other Routes
Choose CNC for functional parts in real engineering materials without tooling lead time. Programs that outgrow 1,000 units move to high volume CNC machining.
| Criteria | This ProcessLow volume CNC machining | SLA 3D printing |
|---|---|---|
| Best volume | 1 to 1,000 units | 1 to 50 units |
| Tolerance | ±0.05mm general, ±0.01mm tight | Lower stability than CNC |
| Part function | Functional parts | Form-fit checks |
| Materials | Engineering metals, plastics | Print resins |
| Choose when | No tooling lead time wanted | Checking form before machining |
Industries Running Low-Volume Programs
Aerospace, medical devices, robotics and semiconductor equipment teams use DEK for validation builds, revisions and short runs.
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Aerospace
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Medical
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Automotive
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Robotics
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Semiconductor
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Electronic
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Telecom
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Drone & UAV
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Energy
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Oil & Gas
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Marine
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Industrial Equipment
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Construction
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Agriculture
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Consumer Products
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Military & Defense
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Mining
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AerospaceNon-flight-critical brackets, cabin hardware and fittings under AS9100D, in 7075 aluminum, Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718, with FAI.Learn More -
MedicalInstrument shafts, handles and cannulas in 316L stainless, titanium and PEEK under ISO 13485, with lot traceability as standard.Learn More -
AutomotivePrototype and low-to-mid-volume sensor housings, valve bodies and shafts in aluminum, 4140 and 4340 alloy steel, stainless and brass.Learn More -
RoboticsJoint housings, harmonic drive flanges and gripper fingers in aluminum and hardened steel, with 5-axis milling in one setup.Learn More -
SemiconductorChamber components, wafer handling fixtures and vacuum flanges in 6061 aluminum, 316L, PEEK and Kovar, with burr-free edges.Learn More -
ElectronicConnector bodies, heat sinks, RF shields and precision pins in aluminum, brass and copper, held to ±0.01 mm on contact features.Learn More -
TelecomWaveguide components, filter housings and RF enclosures in aluminum and copper alloys, with silver or nickel plating for conductivity.Learn More -
Drone & UAVMotor mounts, gimbal frames and landing gear fittings in 7075 aluminum, titanium and magnesium to cut weight without losing stiffness.Learn More -
EnergyBattery end plates, busbars, inverter housings and fuel-cell fittings in aluminum, copper and stainless, machined flat and burr-free.Learn More -
Oil & GasValve components, manifold blocks, downhole tool parts and flanges in 4140, 17-4 PH, duplex 2205 and Inconel, with hardness specs.Learn More -
MarinePropeller shafts, pump parts and deck hardware in 316 stainless, bronze and aluminum bronze, chosen first for corrosion resistance.Learn More -
Industrial EquipmentGripper plates, linear guide mounts, cam followers and machine frames in aluminum and steel, with fixtures kept on file for repeats.Learn More -
ConstructionStructural brackets, anchoring hardware and hydraulic fittings in mild steel, alloy steel and aluminum, zinc plated or powder coated.Learn More -
AgricultureGearbox housings, shafts, sprayer nozzle bodies and sensor mounts in cast iron, steel and stainless for abrasion and moisture.Learn More -
Consumer ProductsKnobs, handles, enclosure parts and audio hardware where the machined surface shows, anodized, bead blasted or polished to sample.Learn More -
Military & DefenseOptical mounts, enclosures and accessory rails in aluminum, steel and titanium, with material certification and FAI reports.Learn More -
MiningWear plates, bushings, crusher components and hydraulic fittings in hardened alloy steel, bronze and stainless for dust and vibration.Learn More
Part Sizes and Short-Run Challenges
A single low-volume order can mix micro components, larger structural pieces and features that need EDM.
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Micro Components
Parts under roughly 10mm hold ±0.005mm. See our micro machining capability for small parts.
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Large Structural Parts
Parts up to about 1000mm are in scope through large part CNC machining.
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Hardened & Cavity Features
EDM handles hardened material or complex cavities that cutting tools cannot reach in the batch.
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Turned & Swiss-Type Parts
Round and slender parts run on turning or Swiss-type work depending on the geometry.
Common Short-Run Challenges
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Setup Cost per Part
Setup and programming spread over a small run raise unit cost; engineers review files for machinability issues before quoting.
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Mixed-Size Orders
One order can combine a small bracket with a larger structural piece, up to about 1000mm, under one inspection plan.
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Iterative Revisions
No hard tooling means robotics and medical teams can revise hardware between small batches without a tooling write-off.
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Hard Deadlines
Small batches still have launch dates: 98.6%+ on-time delivery across 2,300+ OEM clients keeps pilot builds on schedule.
Certified Quality on Every Batch
Small batches run under the same ISO 9001, AS9100D and ISO 13485 quality system as large ones.
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AS9100DAerospace Quality Management System
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ISO 9001:2015Quality Management Standard
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ISO 13485Medical Devices Quality Management
50+ Metals and Engineering Plastics
Pick the material and finish for your pilot batch: these are the grades small-batch orders draw on most often.
Surface Finishes
Engineering Plastics
Not seeing your material or finish? Ask our engineers.
View AllOur Low-Volume Production Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost, minimum order and prototype timing for low-volume runs.
Request a Quote for Your Low-Volume Run
Upload your 2D/3D drawings and engineers review each one directly, typically responding within 24 hours with pricing and lead time.
- STEP, STP, IGES or PDF files accepted
- No MOQ: order from a single part
- No tooling investment to get started
- Prototypes in around 3 days
- DFM review before every quote
Ready to Scale Your Project?
Get started with a stable process and controlled quality. Let's discuss your project.
