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Prototype CNC Machining Services

Prototype CNC machining in metal and plastic with no MOQ: simple parts ship in 3 days, finished or 5-axis parts in 5–7 days. An engineer reviews every file before cutting.

  • CNC machine tool holders with metallic finish in workshop
  • 5-axis CNC machining of an aluminum impeller
Complex aluminum part machined on a 5-axis fixture

CNC Prototype Machining for Metal and Plastic

Send a CAD file and get a functional metal or plastic prototype cut on a 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis CNC machine. Most orders run 1-50 pieces, cut in the same alloy or resin the eventual production part will use.

This page covers machined validation parts. For a wider view of routes to a working part, see our rapid prototyping options; once the design is proven, Low Volume CNC Machining picks up short-run production. Our CNC machining guide explains the process.

Why Engineers Choose DEK

DEK cuts prototypes on the same floor, under the same quality system, that later runs production. You validate the design once, with one engineering team, and scale without switching vendors.

  • 01

    20+ Years in Machining

    Over 20 years in precision machining, with 1.2M+ parts machined annually for 2300+ global OEM clients across regulated and general industries.

  • 02

    98.6%+ On-Time Delivery

    A 98.6%+ on-time delivery rate means the lead time stated in your quote does not slip once your files are in review and on the schedule.

  • 03

    Certified via TUV

    ISO 9001, ISO 13485:2016 and AS9100D, issued via TUV, cover general precision work as well as regulated medical and aerospace programs.

  • 04

    No MOQ, Any Quantity

    Order a single validation part, a short pilot batch, or both, without a minimum order penalty: a single part is quoted on its own setup and machine time.

  • 05

    Engineer-Reviewed Files

    Rapid CNC machining runs through an engineering review before it hits the floor, so tolerance-critical prototypes are checked for machinability first.

  • 06

    Production-Grade Materials

    With 50+ metals and engineering plastics, the prototype is cut in the production alloy or resin, since mechanical and thermal behavior rarely transfers.

Prototype CNC Machining Capabilities

Every core process is available at prototype quantities, not reserved for production runs, from micro components to parts around 1000mm.

  • CNC Prototype Machining Tolerances

    A prototype only proves what it is built to prove. Matching the tolerance band to what the part needs to prove keeps both cost and lead time down.

    • Parts from a few millimeters across up to structural parts around 1000mm
    • Same shop, inspection process and quote turnaround at both ends of the range
    • Learn how tight bands are held on our precision machining page
    Get a Quote
    Feature Tolerance
    General features (metal) ±0.005mm
    5-axis complex profiles ±0.01mm
    Micro components under 10mm ±0.003mm
    Fit-critical features ±0.005mm
    Plastics (standard) ±0.01mm
  • Rapid CNC Machining Lead Times

    Simple parts machined and shipped as-cut, with no anodizing or plating, leave the shop in as fast as 3 days. Finishing, hard metals or complex 5-axis geometry add time.

    • Simple metal or plastic parts: 3–5 days typical
    • Anodizing, plating, titanium or 5-axis parts: 5–7 days
    • Express shipping by DHL, FedEx or UPS to North America or Europe
    Get a Quote
    Order type Lead time
    Simple parts, as-cut From 3 days
    Typical simple parts 3–5 days
    Finished, hard metal or 5-axis 5–7 days
    Express shipping (NA, Europe) 3–7 days
  • What Drives Prototype Cost

    Per-part pricing typically starts around $40-$60 for simple aluminum brackets and climbs into the hundreds for tight-tolerance titanium or Inconel parts.

    • Material moves the price most: titanium and PEEK cost more than aluminum or ABS
    • Deep pockets, thin walls and fit-critical features add machine time
    • Finish adds a processing step and a few extra days
    • A five-piece pilot batch spreads programming time across more parts
    Read the Cost Guide
  • From Prototype to Production

    Prototype and production share one quality system (IQC, IPQC, FAI, OQC, SPC, CAPA), so a validated design is not requalified with a new supplier. For plastic parts beyond a few dozen units, a tooled process can be the cheaper route.

    Plan a Short Run

Core Processes at Prototype Quantity

Every process below runs at prototype quantities, so a single part gets the same equipment and inspection as a production run.

Quality Built Into Every Prototype

The certifications and inspection that cover production apply to the same floor that machines your prototype, not a separate line held back for production work.

  • Engineering Review & DFM

    Our team checks manufacturability on every drawing and returns DFM feedback along with your quote, before any part hits the floor.

  • CMM Inspection & FAI

    In-house CMM inspection and full dimensional traceability on every prototype order, with an FAI report available on request.

  • One Quality System

    IQC, IPQC, FAI, OQC, SPC and CAPA run on prototypes exactly as on production, so validated parts need no requalification.

  • No MOQ, Repeatable

    Order one part or a pilot batch; programming, fixturing and inspection data carry forward into the next run of the same drawing.

5-axis CNC machining of an aluminum prototype housing in progress
  • 20+

    Years in Precision Machining

  • 1.2M+

    Parts Machined Annually

  • 98.6%

    On-Time Delivery Rate

Certified Prototype Quality

ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and AS9100D, issued via TUV, cover the floor that cuts your prototype.

  • AS9100D and ISO 9001 certification logo
    AS9100D

    Aerospace Quality Management System

  • ISO 9001 certification logo
    ISO 9001:2015

    Quality Management Standard

  • ISO 13485 certification logo
    ISO 13485

    Medical Devices Quality Management

Prototype Parts by Industry

Robotics, aerospace and medical teams run prototype-stage files through the same process, inspection and quality system.

How to Get a Prototype Quote

  • 1

    Upload Your File

    Send 2D/3D drawings (STEP, IGES or similar) with material and tolerance callouts.

  • 2

    Engineering Review

    Our team checks manufacturability and returns DFM feedback along with your quote.

  • 3

    Quote and Path

    Pricing within 6 hours for most parts, plus a route into low- or high-volume production.

  • 4

    Machining & CMM

    Parts are cut, then checked by in-house CMM inspection, with FAI reporting on request.

  • 5

    Express Shipping

    DHL, FedEx or UPS express takes 3–7 days to North America or Europe.

Prototype CNC Machining FAQ

Can't find your answer? Our engineers review your drawing and requirements directly.

How much does prototype CNC machining cost?
Per-part pricing typically starts around $40–$60 for simple aluminum brackets and rises into the hundreds for tight-tolerance titanium or Inconel parts. Material moves the price most, then geometry, tolerance and finishing. With no MOQ, a single part is quoted on its own setup; an engineer returns a quote within 6 hours for most parts.
How fast is rapid CNC machining for a prototype?
Simple metal or plastic parts shipped as-cut leave the shop in as fast as 3 days, with 3–5 days typical. Parts needing anodizing or plating, hard metals like titanium, or complex 5-axis geometry usually run 5–7 days. Express shipping by DHL, FedEx or UPS then takes 3–7 days to North America or Europe.
What tolerances can a CNC machined prototype hold?
General features hold ±0.005 mm on metal, 5-axis complex profiles ±0.01 mm, micro components under 10 mm ±0.003 mm, and fit-critical shaft-bore pairs and sealing faces ±0.005 mm. Plastics hold ±0.01 mm as standard. In-house CMM inspection and an FAI report are available under ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and AS9100D.
Can I order one prototype and then move to production without re-quoting the design?
Yes. There is no minimum order quantity, and the prototype runs through the same IQC, IPQC, FAI, OQC, SPC and CAPA system as production, so programming, fixturing and inspection data carry into a low- or high-volume run. Send the same drawing with the new quantity and the engineer updates pricing.