CNC MACHINING

Precision Fabrication for Prototypes + Production

Material Library

Max Thickness: 1" (25 mm)
Finish Quality: Layered edge, clean with sharp tooling
Common Uses: Furniture parts, architectural models, signage
Price Range: $50–$120 per 5x5 or 4x8 sheet
Technical Notes: Watch for glue pockets that dull tools. Minor tear-out on cross-grain. Good dimensional stability. Best results with downcut or compression bits.

Walnut, Oak, Maple, Cherry, ETC
Max Thickness: 2" (50 mm)
Finish Quality: High-quality, smooth finish
Common Uses: Luxury signage, furniture, inlays
Price Range: $8–$14 per board foot (~$80–$160 per 4/4 slab)
Technical Notes: Each species cuts differently (oak = tear-out prone, walnut = smooth, maple = dense/hard). Sharp tools and climb-cutting reduce burning. Requires slower feeds.

Max Thickness: Up to 1.5" (38 mm) depending on type
Finish Quality: From glossy flame-polished (acrylic) to matte machine finish (HDPE, polycarbonate)
Common Uses: Signage, prototypes, fixtures, enclosures, light diffusers, cutting boards, guards Price Range: $90–$300 per 4x8 sheet (material dependent)
Technical Notes:
- Acrylic: Machines cleanly, can flame polish, but prone to cracking if stressed. Needs high RPM O-flute cutters.
- HDPE: Very tough, easy to cut, excellent for outdoor use. Cannot be glued, requires fasteners.
- Polycarbonate: Extremely strong, impact resistant, harder on tooling. Generates stringy chips, benefits from slower feeds and good chip evacuation. General Considerations: Plastics are sensitive to heat → use sharp tooling, proper chip removal, and lighter passes to prevent melting.

Aluminum (6061, 5052 plate)
Max Thickness: 0.25" (6 mm)
Finish Quality: Machined edge, visible toolpaths
Common Uses: Brackets, plates, mechanical prototypes
Price Range: $120–$250 per 2x4 sheet
Technical Notes: High spindle speeds + coolant ideal. Without coolant: use shallow passes and lubricant spray. Tool wear significant — aluminum-specific end mills recommended.