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CNC Machining service with Unofactory Make
Unofactory Make is an On-Demand Manufacturing platform, which connects designers or engineers with industrial CNC Machining service providers. Our service providers are mostly based in North America (the United States and Canada) and Europe (United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Germany, etc...). CNC Machining service is today mainly used for small run or even large runs, but some of our partners can help you with Mockup or Prototyping (technical or presentation).
Thanks to our powerful algorithm, you can get quotes in seconds for your CNC Machining project from our network of CNC Machining service providers.
Our CNC Machining service handles projects in various industries such as Aerospace & Defense, Business Services, Construction, Consumer goods & retail, Energy & Materials, High-Tech, Home & Lifestyle, Industrial Equipment, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Marine & offshore, or Transportation & Mobility.
Our network of CNC Machining service providers offers hundreds of materials for your project, Plastic (PA12, ABS, PLA, PET, etc...), Metal (Stainless steel, 316, Aluminium, Titane, etc...) or Composite (PA Glass, PA aluminum, ABS-Carbon fiber, etc...), and processes Turning, Milling and Spark Machining.
Which CNC Machining subprocesses, Unofactory Make offers?
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Turning | MillingGet timely quotation | Spark machiningGet timely quotation |
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Online CNC Machining service: how does it work?
What is CNC Machining?
Subtractive manufacturing (CNC machining) is a machining process in which machines carve a solid piece of raw material into a desired 3D geometrical shape and size using a controlled material removal process. This process relies heavily upon the use of machine tools and power and hand tools.
The application of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) matches the need of the modern industry. CNC uses computers to control the movement and operation of mills, lathes, and other cutting machines. However, subtractive manufacturing is broadly adapted to manufacture metal products, wood, plastic, ceramic, and composites materials.
Historically, the subtractive machining process was manual. Processes such as woodcarving, forging, and filling of metals, once done by hand, have undergone rapid advancements over the past century and now broadly incorporate technology that makes them more efficient and precise.
What is the CNC Machining service by Unofactory Make?
The Unofactory Make platform is an online on-demand manufacturing platform. It allows you to connect to our entire network of CNC machining service throughout Europe and the United States in just a few clicks. Our CNC machining services are all professionals in the field of industrial manufacturing. For online CNC machining services, our manufacturing partners can handle mock-up projects, functional or aesthetic prototypes or small series. For large series, please contact us directly through the contact button.
In practice, all you have to do is log in to Unofactory Make and create an account. Then you can upload your part with your CAD file. Then you can select the desired features for your project, the type of process (milling, turning, EDM), the material, the tolerance and the finish.
At this point, some of our partners will offer you instant pricing. You can also choose to request quotes from several of them.
You will be able to collaborate with the partners on the platform through a chat, video call and 3D annotation system.
Once you agree, you pay online by credit card or if you represent a company by Purchase Order (PO).
Once you have received the part and it suits you, you return to the platform to validate it and we pay the supplier at that time.
How much does your CNC machining service cost?
The Unofactory Make on-demand manufacturing platform can be visited freely online on our website (https://www.unofactory.com) or via your software (SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, Draftsight or eDrawing). You do not need to be a Dassault Systèmes or Unofactory Platform customer, just create a free account.
When you receive quotes in CNC machining, and the price is acceptable to you. You will have to validate and pay online. There is no commission or hidden fees, the price displayed will be the final price (excluding any customs fees or VAT if your order is from a foreign supplier).
How can I reduce the cost of my machined parts?
Reducing the cost of CNC machined parts will involve several techniques, whether it is at the time of conceptualization, choice of characteristics (tolerance, materials...), post-production, or shipping.
If you want to read the full article, go here
1. During the design phase, don't hesitate to regularly look at the price of your CNC machined part with instant quoting systems like Unofactory Make.
- Remove only what is necessary. Instead of starting from scratch, start with the shape of the blank.
- Freeform vs. regular form. Conceptualize the most regular shape possible, as CNC machines make them more easily.
- Avoid odd features such as small and very deep holes, custom threads, inaccessible areas, too precise tolerances, odd finishes
- Choose as many standard parts as possible in your assembly rather than re-customizing. Custom will always cost more to produce than standard. You can use the Unofactory PartSupply similarity tool to see if a standard part is close to your design.
- The simpler the geometry of your part, the less expensive it will be to manufacture, unlike 3D printing where complexity has a much smaller impact on cost.
2. Choosing the right material
- Material selection: use the most flexible and common materials as much as possible.
- Blank size: Try to keep the blanks standard and requiring as little material shrinkage as possible. Also, consider cutting your part to fit into the blank rather than going through a top blank.
3. Choose the right machine
- Start-up cost. This cost is fixed, so the more you order, the lower it will be per part.
- Number of axes required. The fewer axes you use, the less it costs. Design simple parts, even if it means dividing a complicated part into several simple parts for assembly.
- Number of operations required. Design parts that can be machined in one operation. Otherwise, divide your part into several parts that can be designed in one operation and then assemble them.
- Choose the right tools to use.
In the case of an online CNC machining service, your supplier will choose the machine for you. Nevertheless, as you have understood, the design has a strong impact on the time
How do you guarantee the quality of my parts?
Unofactory Make is a marketplace, it allows you to get in touch with on-demand manufacturing service providers. The site acts as an intermediary. We have selected our suppliers to display only professionals in the on-demand manufacturing industry with industrial machines. We also verify all the information provided by these companies.
When you pay online, we put your money in an escrow account. This means that until the supplier delivers the part, it is impossible for them to access the money. This money will only be released once you have approved the order by changing the status to DELIVERED, or two weeks after the supplier has sent the part (SHIPPED status).
This gives you plenty of time to check that the part is in line with your request. If there is a dispute, contact us as soon as possible so that we can get in touch with you and the supplier in question.
How do you select your CNC Machining service providers?
Unofactory Make is part of the Dassault Systèmes group, which develops brands such as SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, DELMIA, etc. Our company has therefore been working for years with major players in the manufacturing industry. We have chosen our online CNC machining services mainly from among our long-standing customers.
With each new arrival, a dedicated team verifies the quality of the manufacturing company on demand.
Once approved by the teams, they can join our network of online CNC machining services.
Why would I choose CNC Machining?
CNC machining remains a process whose characteristics are perfect for the manufacture of series, small series, or metal parts.
It can also in some specific cases, appear more interesting than 3D printing for the realization of functional or aesthetic prototypes, or mockups. In particular, if the part is relatively large and it is not possible to do this in a 3D printer.
CNC machining is much more developed than 3D printing and therefore it is easier to find manufacturers around the world.
What are your tolerances for machined parts?
The Unofactory Make platform is a marketplace. As an intermediary, we will help you get in touch with online CNC machining services. Each of them has their own machines, their own skills and therefore their own tolerances.
When you make a request, you will be asked what tolerances you want for your project. This way, you will only see suppliers who can offer this type of tolerance.
Then, I advise you to indicate directly to the selected suppliers the tolerance you want.