Custom Manufacturing Blog & Engineering Guides

large cnc machining of a aluminum workpiece

Large CNC Machining: Capabilities, Tolerances and Sourcing

14/08/2026

Large CNC machining follows different rules than the 3-axis work most engineers start with. Past about...

Semiconductor Machining: Materials, Processes, and Manufacturing Challenges

07/08/2026

Semiconductor machining produces custom mechanical parts used around semiconductor manufacturing and...

metal 3d printing part for racing project

Metal 3D Printing Materials: 5 Steps to Choose the Right One

06/08/2026

Picking a metal for CNC machining is straightforward: choose the alloy, machine to print, done. With...

Delrin vs Nylon: 5 Differences That Change How Your CNC Part Performs

30/07/2026

Delrin vs nylon? The question comes up for gears, bushings, structural brackets, wear pads, and any part...

Anodized aluminum samples showing blue, green, purple, gold, orange, red, clear, and black finishes

Aluminum Surface Finish: How to Choose the Right Type for CNC Parts

25/07/2026

Choosing an aluminum surface finish involves trade-offs across appearance, function, and tolerance. A...

FastPreci-manufactured collection of racing components combining CNC machining, turning, 5-axis milling, and 3D printing

Sourcing China CNC Machining Parts in 2026: Quality, Lead Time and Landed Cost Guide

23/07/2026

China CNC machining suppliers offer pricing that is significantly more competitive than North American...

Sheet metal prototyping of 316 stainless steel parts

Sheet Metal Prototyping: Design, Fabrication & Cost Guide

17/07/2026

A sheet metal prototype is usually a small batch: a few to a few dozen laser-cut and bent parts. This...

CNC machined 1018 steel cast latch protectors with Electroplating Finishes

Electroplating Finishes for Custom Parts: Selection, Thickness, and Design Guide

09/07/2026

Choosing an electroplated finish is often a tradeoff between function, appearance, and manufacturability....

machining polycarbonate Multi-Track V2 Radome-

Machining Polycarbonate: How to Prevent Thin-Wall Deflection and Cracking

02/07/2026

In my 18 years running CNC machine shops, I have often seen design engineers treat polycarbonate (PC)...

Vacuum Casting ABS-like Automotive Relay Covers with painted black glossy finish

Low-Volume Vacuum Casting: 100 Automotive Relay Covers Case Study

26/06/2026

In my experience managing bridge production on the shop floor, finding the right process—where 3D printing...

Inconel Machining: A Buyer's Guide to Reducing Manufacturing Risk

11/06/2026

Inconel is often chosen for parts that must withstand heat, stress, oxidation, and corrosion in aerospace,...

CNC machined aluminum enclosure with pocket features

Pocket Milling Design Guidelines: Avoid Rework and Reduce CNC Costs

30/05/2026

Pocket milling is often treated as a straightforward CNC operation in CAD, but in real production, it...

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Pocket Milling Design Guidelines: Avoid Rework and Reduce CNC Costs

30/05/2026

Pocket milling is often treated as a straightforward CNC operation in CAD, but in real production, it...

End Milling: Tool Selection, Speeds, Feeds, and Best Practices

21/03/2026

End milling is a CNC machining process. It is deployed to remove material with a rotating cutting tool....

Custom Machined Parts: Precision CNC Manufacturing for Metal, Plastic, Ceramic, and Composite Components

28/02/2026

Custom machined parts are typically ordered when engineers require specific tolerances, materials, and...

A face milling cutter cutting through a metal workpiece

Face Milling in CNC Machining: Tools, Speeds, Feeds, and Best Practices

11/02/2026

Face milling is often considered a routine operation in CNC machining. You square up the stock, clean...

Thread Milling vs Tapping: Which is Best for CNC Parts?

09/02/2026

Thread milling is typically preferred for hard materials, blind holes, and custom thread sizes, while...

Titanium CNC machined base plate made from Ti Grade 1 with Ra 3.2 surface finish

Titanium CNC Machining Explained: Why It’s Difficult and How to Machine It Right

21/01/2026

Titanium is amongst the most reliable metals for demanding applications due to its high strength, low...

Comprehensive Guide to Face Milling: Techniques, Tolerances, and CNC Applications

30/12/2025

Face milling is a popular machining operation in contemporary factories (especially in CNC machines),...

5 Axis CNC Machining: ±0.005mm Precision & Material Compatibility

22/12/2025

Precision manufacturing industries often demand consistent parts with strict tolerance specifications....

Custom Carbon Fiber Parts: How They're Made, and Choosing the Right Manufacturer?

03/11/2025

Modern engineering projects demand materials that comprise both lightweight and strength characteristics....

CNC Polycarbonate: Process, Benefits & Applications

22/10/2025

CNC polycarbonate into precise components for engineering applications. You’ll find that this engineered...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

CNC Machining Cost: How to Save Up to 30% on Your Next Project

23/06/2025

CNC machining technology is key for making parts. It’s used everywhere. Think aerospace to medical...

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CNC Turned Aluminum Parts: What Engineers Should Check Before Production

28/04/2026

CNC turned aluminum parts are used in precision shafts, spacers, bushings, housings, and threaded fittings...

Custom Machined Parts: Precision CNC Manufacturing for Metal, Plastic, Ceramic, and Composite Components

28/02/2026

Custom machined parts are typically ordered when engineers require specific tolerances, materials, and...

precison CNC turning service by FastPreci

Precision CNC Turning: Process, Applications, and Supplier Selection Guide

02/02/2026

There are different CNC machining processes today, each with its specific advantages and use cases. For...

Titanium CNC Machining Explained: Why It’s Difficult and How to Machine It Right

21/01/2026

Titanium is amongst the most reliable metals for demanding applications due to its high strength, low...

Swiss Machining vs. Conventional Machining: When to Use Each?

13/01/2026

Creating small, high-precision parts is often more challenging than it seems. Slender and long components...

Custom Carbon Fiber Parts: How They're Made, and Choosing the Right Manufacturer?

03/11/2025

Modern engineering projects demand materials that comprise both lightweight and strength characteristics....

CNC Polycarbonate: Process, Benefits & Applications

22/10/2025

CNC polycarbonate into precise components for engineering applications. You’ll find that this engineered...

CNC Metal Lathe: Achieve ±0.003 MM Precision on Custom Parts

17/09/2025

Introduction Engineers often face one recurring issue: matching the CAD model exactly to the intended...

Brass CNC Turned Parts: C360 vs C464 vs C260 Machining Data & Engineering Guide

11/09/2025

Brass CNC turned parts are made from brass using computer-controlled machining. Generally, this process...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

CNC Machining Cost: How to Save Up to 30% on Your Next Project

23/06/2025

CNC machining technology is key for making parts. It’s used everywhere. Think aerospace to medical...

Finding a CNC Machine Shop Near Me: Importance of Global Suppliers

20/06/2025

When you need machined parts, your first thought might be “I need a CNC machine shop near me.”...

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CNC Metal Lathe: Achieve ±0.003 MM Precision on Custom Parts

17/09/2025

Introduction Engineers often face one recurring issue: matching the CAD model exactly to the intended...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

How 2D & 3D Drawings Affect CNC Machining Cost and Lead Time

18/06/2025

2D and 3D Drawings（CAD files） for CNC Machining shows what your part looks like. Similarly, a 2D CNC...

What is CNC Grinding? 5 Key Benefits for ±1μm Accuracy

31/03/2025

In modern manufacturing, precision and surface finish often determine the performance and longevity of...

Wire EDM Machining: Tolerances Down to ±0.005 mm

04/03/2026

Wire EDM machining is widely used in toolmaking, aerospace, and medical precision components where ±0.005...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

CNC Machining Cost: How to Save Up to 30% on Your Next Project

23/06/2025

CNC machining technology is key for making parts. It’s used everywhere. Think aerospace to medical...

How 2D & 3D Drawings Affect CNC Machining Cost and Lead Time

18/06/2025

2D and 3D Drawings（CAD files） for CNC Machining shows what your part looks like. Similarly, a 2D CNC...

Precision custom part made using wire cut EDM

What is Wire EDM? 7 Key Points to Know About This Process

09/04/2025

Introduction to Wire EDM in CNC Machining Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM), or wire-cut EDM,...

FastPeci Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM Machining: Achieve ±0.001 mm Tolerances on Hard Materials

28/03/2025

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a critical technology in precision manufacturing, enabling the...

How CNC Machining Works: From CAD/CAM to G-Code Explained

11/03/2025

Whether for prototyping or volume production, CNC machining has always played a crucial role in...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

CNC Machining Cost: How to Save Up to 30% on Your Next Project

23/06/2025

CNC machining technology is key for making parts. It’s used everywhere. Think aerospace to medical...

CNC Machining performing precision milling on an aluminum extruded part

How to Combine CNC Machining and Aluminum Extrusion for Better Parts

14/04/2025

Industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics commonly use aluminium. People value it for being...

High Pressure Aluminum Extruder at FastPreci

What is Aluminum Extrusion? A Magical Manufacturing Process

07/04/2025

Aluminum extrusion is becoming an increasingly vital metal forming process in modern industrial manufacturing. From...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

CNC Machining Cost: How to Save Up to 30% on Your Next Project

23/06/2025

CNC machining technology is key for making parts. It’s used everywhere. Think aerospace to medical...

Close-up of a precision-machined metal component on a lathe with overlay text “What is Precision Casting?”

What Is Precision Casting? Process, Benefits and Applications

21/05/2025

In simple words, precision casting, investment casting or lost wax casting creates metal parts with exceptional...

How CNC Machining Works: From CAD/CAM to G-Code Explained

11/03/2025

Whether for prototyping or volume production, CNC machining has always played a crucial role in...

FastPreci vs Xometry: Who Provides Best Manufacturing Solution?

03/07/2025

There are constant challenges in manufacturing projects. For example, Cost pressures accelerate while...

CNC Machining Cost: How to Save Up to 30% on Your Next Project

23/06/2025

CNC machining technology is key for making parts. It’s used everywhere. Think aerospace to medical...

Heat Treatment: Annealing vs. Normalizing vs. Hardening Explained

04/06/2025

Heat treatment process starts from heating metals. The purpose of this process is to change metals internal...

Aluminum Surface Finish: How to Choose the Right Type for CNC Parts

25/07/2026

Choosing an aluminum surface finish involves trade-offs across appearance, function, and tolerance. A...

Electroplating Finishes for Custom Parts: Selection, Thickness, and Design Guide

09/07/2026

Choosing an electroplated finish is often a tradeoff between function, appearance, and manufacturability....

Powder Coating vs Painting: Durability, Cost, and How to Choose

22/03/2026

Powder coating and painting are two prevalent surface finishing techniques. These are usually applied...

Bead Blasted Bronze for CNC Parts: What You Need to Know

06/03/2026

Bead blasted bronze is one of the most common surface finishes for custom CNC parts today, prized for...

Custom Machined Parts: Precision CNC Manufacturing for Metal, Plastic, Ceramic, and Composite Components

28/02/2026

Custom machined parts are typically ordered when engineers require specific tolerances, materials, and...

CNC Machined Cylinder with Nikasil Plating

Nikasil Plating for CNC Machined Parts: Process, Thickness, and Manufacturing Applications

20/02/2026

Nikasil plating is a hard, wear-resistant coating. It is used mainly on aluminium parts to improve surface...

Anodized Aluminum Custom CNC Parts for Robotics

Anodized Aluminum: Type II vs Type III – How to Choose

04/02/2026

Anodized aluminum is an aluminum that has gone through a controlled electrochemical process. Anodizing...

Precision CNC Turning: Process, Applications, and Supplier Selection Guide

02/02/2026

There are different CNC machining processes today, each with its specific advantages and use cases. For...

CNC plastic machining of black PA6 nylon medical device components in batch production

CNC Plastic Machining: 8 Materials Compared – PEEK, Nylon, Acrylic & More

23/01/2026

CNC plastic machining is a high-precision manufacturing process used to create complex parts from various...

Titanium CNC Machining Explained: Why It’s Difficult and How to Machine It Right

21/01/2026

Titanium is amongst the most reliable metals for demanding applications due to its high strength, low...

Low volume CNC machining of precision stainless steel valve components

Low Volume CNC Machining Services | Small Batch Production Guide

15/01/2026

Low volume CNC machining fills the gap between initial prototyping and full-scale mass production. You...

CNC aluminum part with black oxide coating

Black Oxide Coating Guide: Thickness, Tolerances & Fits

04/01/2026

Black oxide coating is a controlled chemical conversion process. It deposits a uniform magnetite layer...

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Machining Polycarbonate: How to Prevent Thin-Wall Deflection and Cracking

02/07/2026

In my 18 years running CNC machine shops, I have often seen design engineers treat polycarbonate (PC)...

PEEK Machined Parts for Medical & Precision CNC Applications

20/04/2026

PEEK machined parts are widely used in industries where performance, durability, and precision are crucial....

How to Cut Stainless Steel: Avoid Thermal Distortion and Choose the Right Method

07/04/2026

How to cut stainless steel depends on balancing precision, thickness, heat sensitivity, and cost. The...

304 vs 316 stainless steel in custom machining

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: Which Grade Fits Your Parts Best?

25/03/2026

Many find it difficult to make the right choice of stainless steel grade. Both grades seem similar and...

Carbon fiber prototyping of steering wheel part for racing game application

Carbon Fiber Prototyping: What You Need to Know Before Machining

15/03/2026

Carbon fiber composites are extensively used in engineering applications because of their high stiffness...

what is the strongest metal in the world

Strongest Metal in the World: Tungsten vs Titanium vs Steel

12/03/2026

When it comes to metal machining, choosing the right grade determines the success; either it can make...

Custom Metal Parts Manufacturing: Precision CNC & Hybrid Processes

06/03/2026

Custom metal parts manufacturing integrates precision CNC machining with hybrid techniques. This combination...

Brass vs Copper for CNC machining project

Brass vs Copper: Which Should You Choose for Your CNC Machining Project?

26/02/2026

One of the longest-standing material choice debates in CNC machining is the brass vs copper discussion,...

CNC Acrylic Service: Process, Techniques, Applications & Practical Tips

07/02/2026

In plastic CNC machining, acrylic is a widely used engineered-grade thermoplastic. It produces strong,...

Ceramic CNC machinin of Ceramic Machined Parts

Ceramic CNC Machining: Materials, Methods, Challenges, and Practical Insights

26/01/2026

Ceramic CNC machining is used when parts must handle high loads and extreme temperatures. Ceramics feature...

CNC Plastic Machining: 8 Materials Compared – PEEK, Nylon, Acrylic & More

23/01/2026

CNC plastic machining is a high-precision manufacturing process used to create complex parts from various...

Titanium CNC Machining Explained: Why It’s Difficult and How to Machine It Right

21/01/2026

Titanium is amongst the most reliable metals for demanding applications due to its high strength, low...

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