CNC Machining
Dedicated large-format CNC for parts typically over 1 m and 1 ton — aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, and heavy equipment.
Large Part CNC Machining is a professional manufacturing service that uses large-scale, dedicated CNC machine tools to cut workpieces that exceed the size or weight capacity of conventional equipment. Typical parts are longer than 1 meter and heavier than 1 ton, and are widely used in aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, and mining machinery.
Large-part CNC is for work that does not fit a standard vise: frames, spars, hubs, and plates that are often longer than a meter and heavier than a ton. Gantry mills, large HMCs, and big lathes establish datums on the floor, not on a benchtop.
AIHFABS quotes this route when logistics, stress relief, and span accuracy matter as much as the toolpath. If the part is small and tight, use milling, turning, or precision machining instead.
Size, weight, and crane access are reviewed before a rate is promised.
| Typical size | Typical tolerance | Machine examples | Handling | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Often > 1 m length and > 1 ton weight | Around ±0.025 mm on critical features; large spans project-dependent | Gantry mills, large HMC/VMC, large lathes, universal turn-mill | Gantry crane / modular transport as required | Quoted per project (fixturing and logistics driven) |
Aluminum plate, carbon and alloy steel, stainless, titanium, cast iron, and selected plastics.
Most faces stay as-machined. Paint, blast, or local polish is applied where the drawing asks.
Gantry or HMC texture on structural faces. Cosmetic plates can get a finer pass.
Bead or grit blast plus primer or paint on frames that leave the shop as assemblies.
Pads, bores, and datums finished tighter than the rest of the span.
Use this page for envelope and mass. Use precision machining for small, documented fits.
| Process | Lead time | Tolerance | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining ServicesMetals & plastics | From 1–5 business days depending on complexity and finish | ±0.05 mm standard; tighter on request with drawing callouts | Instant quote · typical prototype from $45 |
| CNC Milling ServicesMetals & plastics | Simple 1–3 days; complex 3–7 days; batch 5–15 days | ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.005 mm high precision | Instant quote · typical prototype from $40 |
| CNC Turning ServicesMetals & plastics | Simple 1–3 days; complex 7–10 days | ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.001–0.002 mm high precision | Instant quote · typical prototype from $35 |
| CNC Routing ServicesPlastics & composites | From 2–4 business days | Medium precision (~±0.025 mm class) | Instant quote · typical panel job from $30 |
| 5-Axis CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | From 3–7 business days depending on complexity | ±0.02–0.05 mm on critical features when specified | Instant quote · typical prototype from $80 |
| Precision Machining ServicesMetals & plastics | From 3–8 business days (complexity dependent) | ±0.005–0.01 mm; Ra 0.4–1.6 μm; CPK ≥ 1.33 | Instant quote · quoted to drawing / inspection grade |
| Large Part CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | Quoted per project (fixturing and logistics driven) | Around ±0.025 mm on critical features; large spans project-dependent | Project quote · fixturing and logistics driven |
| Swiss CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | From 3–7 business days; faster on repeat batches | ±0.005 mm standard; down to ±0.0025 mm when specified | Instant quote · most economical in batch runs |
Envelope, weight, and lift points are confirmed before fixturing. Stress relief is scheduled when the stock or the weldment needs it.
Floor CMM, laser tracker, or large-area scan verifies hole patterns and long datums. Tight numbers should sit on local pads, not on a full 2 m face.
Design for a crane and a long table, not for a 3-axis vise.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Cavities | Reduce deep pockets and undercuts that force long tools on a gantry. |
| Span tolerance | About ±0.1 mm/m is more honest on large travels than a blanket ±0.02 mm. |
| Local pads | Put tight holes and faces on machined pads, not on as-welded skin. |
| Lift & ship | Show lift points and packing limits early; they change the quote. |
CNC machining removes material from solid stock with computer-controlled mills, lathes, and multi-axis centers.
Full process details
CNC Milling Services use computer numerical control (CNC) mills to cut workpieces with rotating tools according to programmed toolpaths.
Full process details
CNC Turning Services use computer numerical control lathes to remove material while the workpiece rotates at high speed and the cutting tool feeds along a set path.
Full process detailsTypical jobs are over 1 m in a major length and can exceed 1 ton. Smaller tight parts should use standard or precision milling.
Around ±0.025 mm on local critical features. Long spans are quoted to the drawing and the machine travel.
Yes — gantry crane, modular packing, and freight are part of the project quote.
Yes, after stress relief and a datum strategy. Send the weldment model plus the finish-machine drawing.
Upload still starts the file. Oversized work is often confirmed manually because fixtures and logistics move the number.
AIHFABS quotes custom 3D printing and CNC machining from a CAD upload. Compare SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, milling, and turning, then add finishing such as vapor smoothing, dyeing, anodizing, polishing, or powder coating in the same order.
Instant quoting is built for prototypes, jigs, housings, and small-batch production. You see material, process, quantity, and lead time together, which keeps engineering changes from turning into a new round of supplier emails.
If this page describes a process, industry, or sample part you want to reproduce, start from the upload flow and match technology plus finishing to your drawing.
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