CNC machined parts in three days. How do we do that?

CNC machined metal and plastic parts are often key components in prototypes. Furthermore, CNC machining is a versatile and cost-effective way to manufacture end-use parts. With our customers under ever-increasing time pressure, we identified a need for a faster turnaround for CNC machined parts. Consequently, we invested in people and processes so we could offer an Express CNC machining service, with parts shipped in three working days. But how do we achieve this?

Up-front investment

Our machine shop has seven CNC Mills and three Lathes. When we started developing our Express CNC machining service, we knew we had sufficient machining capacity but required more CNC machine operators/setters. We, therefore, recruited the right people and now we operate a split shift system to minimise lead times. We have also invested in our internal systems so as to slash the time required to turn a request for quotation (RFQ) into a finished part.

What follows is a step-by-step look at the overall process, explaining how we fulfil our promise to ship CNC machined parts within three working days of receiving an order.

Enquiry and quotation

If you wanted to, you could telephone, email, video call or even visit us in Royston, but most customers use our online enquiry form.

This intuitive system simply requires you to enter your contact details, identify the part, select the material and say whether or not it contains threaded holes. Then you can upload the part file (and other documentation if necessary) via the online form.

When parts have specific tolerances, threaded holes or other special requirements, these have to be shown on 2D drawings, which must be uploaded.

Online enquiries are received by our sales team, who check the details. If there are any queries, they are clarified with the designer.

After that, the team prepares a quotation and emails it to the customer.

Order acceptance and scheduling

If the customer accepts the quotation and places an order, one of our programmers checks the data file (STEP is preferred but we can also accept IGES and X_T files). This provides a second opportunity to clarify details or agree any concessions with the designer.

Once everything is approved, the programmer imports the file into our programming software, MasterCam, to generate the toolpaths and work instructions for the CNC machinist.

Next, the material is reserved from our in-house stocks and the job is scheduled. Note that the Express service requires materials to be available from our in-house stocks, so we restrict the choice and sizes of materials. In essence, we offer aluminium alloy, stainless steel, white acetal and clear acrylic, but see our CNC Express Criteria for full details.

Machining, inspection and finishing

Each CNC machine tool is equipped with a screen for paperless setups. The machine operator/setter downloads the toolpath program, reviews any 2D drawings, and checks the automatic tool changer is populated with the correct cutting tools. Once the material is clamped in the vice (or chuck for turned parts), the usual ‘pre-flight’ machine tool checks are performed before the cutting program is run.

After the program has finished, the part is removed, deburred, cleaned and degreased. Parts supplied using our Express CNC service are visually inspected and key dimensions are checked using handheld callipers or micrometers. Note that far more extensive inspections are available if customers opt for our Standard or Economy Service, which we dispatch within seven or twelve working days, respectively.

Packing and dispatch

A single Express CNC order can cover a maximum of five different parts. When all parts from an order have been completed, they are packaged ready for dispatch.

We deliver for free within a 15-mile radius of Royston using our own vans. Orders from further afield are dispatched using Royal Mail or DPD Local. Alternatively, customers can collect their parts in person or send a courier.

CNC machined parts in three days

Our CNC Express Service has proved very popular since we launched it. We have supplied parts for prototypes, jigs and fixtures, and end-use applications. These have been for customers operating in a wide variety of industries, including medical and drug delivery devices, consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive and special-purpose machinery.

As you will have seen from the above, there are numerous steps between the initial RFQ and finished parts being dispatched, involving several teams at Prototype Projects. Thanks to these people – who are all highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced – we have created a streamlined process that is almost completely paperless. To ensure parts are right first time, the workflow incorporates multiple checks.

We never cut corners or compromise on quality to achieve a fast turnaround. However, parts need to meet our Express CNC machining criteria. These cover points such as the maximum size, depth of cut, choice of material, surface finish, threaded holes, internal radii, tolerances, set-ups and text. Finally, we need to receive the RFQ and final data by 1:00pm, and the purchase order by 5:00pm.

For those parts that do not meet our Express criteria, talk to us about your requirements and we will always do whatever we can to help.

Talk to us

If you want CNC machined parts and you need them quickly, contact us on 01763 249760.