Let Istar help you get started on your project with our experience and know-how!
Upload your design files and production requirements and we will get back to you within 30 minutes!
Precision CNC Cutting Services
Are you looking for a way to cut materials with perfect precision? At Istar Machining, we use computer-controlled machines to cut materials exactly how you want them. Our CNC cutting service uses computers to guide cutting tools that make perfect shapes every time.
Get a New Quote
Supports uploading of the following file formats: .STEP .STP .SLDPRT .STL .IPT .3MF .3DXML .PRT .SAT .DXF .X_T .X_B .JT .CATPART
- All uploads are secure and confidential.
20+ Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
856 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
2000+ skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
Our Cutting Technologies
We use different cutting tools based on what works best for your project:
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting uses a powerful light beam to cut through materials. It's super precise and leaves a clean edge. It works great for thin metals and plastics.
Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water with tiny bits of sand to cut through materials. It can cut almost anything!
Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting uses a hot electrical arc to melt through metal. It's fast and good for thicker metals.
Materials We Can Cut For You
At Istar Machining, we can cut almost any material you need. Here are the main types:
Metals
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Carbon & Alloy Steel
Tool Steel
Titanium Alloys
Copper, Brass, Bronze
Aluminum
Aluminum alloys are a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, prized for being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to machine. They offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and won’t rust, making them incredibly versatile.
We commonly work with grades like:
- 6061-T6 (The versatile workhorse)
- 7075-T6 (For high-strength needs)
- 5052-H32 (Great for forming and marine use)
- 2024-T3 (Aerospace grade strength)
- MIC-6 / ATP-5 (Precision tooling plate)
This makes aluminum ideal for parts such as:
- Electronics cases & enclosures
- Aerospace components & structures
- Automotive trim & brackets
- Signs, jigs & fixtures
- Precision base plates & robot parts
Stainless Steel
Known for its superior corrosion resistance and durability, stainless steel offers a combination of strength, aesthetic appeal, and hygiene. It’s a go-to material for tough environments or applications demanding cleanliness.
Popular grades we handle include:
- 304/304L (The most common, excellent general resistance)
- 316/316L (Enhanced resistance, especially to chlorides/salt)
- 410 / 420 (Hardenable for wear resistance)
- 17-4 PH (High strength, hardenable)
Typical applications benefit from these properties:
- Medical instruments & implants
- Food processing equipment & kitchenware
- Marine hardware & chemical processing parts
- Architectural features & high-strength fasteners
Carbon & Alloy Steel
Carbon and alloy steels are strong, durable, and cost-effective, valued for their machinability and robustness. While base carbon steels require finishing to prevent rust, various grades offer tailored properties like hardenability or added strength through alloying elements.
We frequently machine types including:
- Low Carbon (e.g., A36, 1018 – Easy to weld, general use)
- Medium Carbon (e.g., 1045 – Stronger, can be hardened)
- Alloy Steel (e.g., 4140, 4340 – Enhanced strength/toughness)
Their strength lends itself well to:
- Structural frames & machine bases
- Brackets, fixtures & weldments
- Shafts, axles & gears
- High-stress mechanical components (Alloy Steel)
Tool Steel
Specifically engineered for high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, tool steels are essential for creating durable tooling and components that withstand demanding operations. Machining often requires specialized techniques.
Key grades we process:
- O1, A2 (Cold work – good balance of wear and toughness)
- D2 (High wear resistance cold work)
- H13 (Hot work – retains strength at high temps)
- S7 (Shock resistant)
Used primarily for manufacturing:
- Cutting tools & punches
- Stamping dies & molds (injection, extrusion)
- Wear-resistant plates & inserts
Titanium Alloys
For applications demanding the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional corrosion resistance, titanium is often the answer. It performs well at high temperatures and is biocompatible.
Key grades we process:
- Grade 2 (Commercially Pure – Excellent corrosion resistance)
- Grade 5 / Ti-6Al-4V (The most common alloy, very high strength)
Its unique properties are critical for:
- Aerospace structures & engine components
- Medical implants (orthopedic, dental)
- High-performance automotive & racing parts
- Marine components exposed to saltwater
- Chemical processing equipment
Copper, Brass, Bronze
Copper boasts excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Brass (Copper-Zinc) offers good machinability, corrosion resistance, and a decorative look. Bronze (Copper-Tin, Aluminum, etc.) provides good wear resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance.
Common Grades We Cut:
- Copper: C101 (OFHC), C110 (ETP), C145 (Tellurium – improved machinability)
- Brass: C360 (Free-Machining Brass), C260 (Cartridge Brass), C464 (Naval Brass)
- Bronze: C932 (SAE 660 Bearing Bronze), C954 (Aluminum Bronze), C510 (Phosphor Bronze)
Ideal For Parts Such As:
- Electrical contacts, busbars, terminals & connectors
- Heat sinks & thermal management components
- Plumbing fittings, valves & decorative hardware
- Bushings, bearings, wear plates & gear components
- Musical instruments & artistic elements
Plastics
Acetal (POM / Delrin® / Celcon®)
Nylon (PA)
Acrylic (PMMA / Plexiglas® / Lucite®)
Polycarbonate (PC / Lexan® / Makrolon®)
Polyethylene (PE - HDPE, UHMW, LDPE)
Other Engineering Plastics
Acetal (POM / Delrin® / Celcon®)
A strong, stiff engineering plastic with low friction, excellent wear resistance, dimensional stability, and good machinability. Resistant to many solvents and moisture.
Common Types We Cut:
- Homopolymer (Delrin®) – Slightly higher mechanicals
- Copolymer (Celcon®) – Better chemical resistance, less centerline porosity
- Various colors (Natural/White, Black commonly), Glass-filled variants
Ideal For Parts Such As:
- Gears, bearings, bushings & rollers
- Wear strips & slide pads
- Jigs, fixtures & nozzles
- Electrical insulators & fuel system components
- Precision mechanical parts requiring stability
Nylon (PA)
Known for its toughness, wear resistance, impact strength, and good chemical resistance. Can absorb moisture, which affects dimensional stability and properties; consider variants or design accordingly.
Common Types We Cut:
- Nylon 6/6 (Most common, balanced properties)
- Nylon 6 (Slightly tougher, better impact resistance)
- MDS Filled Nylon (Molybdenum Disulfide – self-lubricating)
- Glass-Filled Nylon (Increased strength, stiffness, temperature resistance)
- Cast Nylon (Larger stock shapes, lower stress)
Ideal For Parts Such As:
- Wear pads, guides & rollers
- Gears, sprockets & wheels
- Structural components (especially glass-filled)
- Impact parts & tough housings
- Bushings & bearings requiring toughness
Acrylic (PMMA / Plexiglas® / Lucite®)
Offers excellent optical clarity, UV stability, weather resistance, and a wide range of colors. Relatively rigid but brittle compared to PC or PETG. Machines well for smooth, polished finishes (cast preferred). Laser cutting is also highly effective.
Common Types We Cut:
- Cast Acrylic (Better optical quality, machines cleaner)
- Extruded Acrylic (Tighter thickness tolerance, lower cost)
Ideal For Parts Such As:
- Displays, signage & light panels
- Light guides, lenses & sight glasses
- Transparent enclosures, windows & guards (low impact)
- Prototypes, models & artistic pieces
- Furniture elements
Polycarbonate (PC / Lexan® / Makrolon®)
Extremely high impact resistance (virtually unbreakable), good temperature resistance, and good optical clarity (though less than acrylic). More durable and flexible than acrylic. Can be prone to stress cracking with certain chemicals.
Common Types We Cut:
- Machine Grade Polycarbonate (Stress-relieved)
- General Purpose Polycarbonate
- Glass-Filled variants (increased stiffness & strength)
- Abrasion-Resistant Coated PC
Ideal For Parts Such As:
- Safety guards, machine covers & shields
- Face shields & protective eyewear components
- Durable housings, enclosures & instrument panels
- Automotive components (requires coating for UV/scratch)
- Functional prototypes requiring extreme toughness
Polyethylene (PE - HDPE, UHMW, LDPE)
HDPE (High-Density) is cost-effective, chemical resistant, impact resistant, and FDA compliant grades available. UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight) offers extremely high abrasion resistance, impact strength, and low friction. LDPE (Low-Density) is softer and more flexible.
Common Types We Cut:
- HDPE (Natural, Black, Colors)
- UHMW-PE (Natural, Black, Colors, Reprocessed)
- LDPE (Less common for machining, more for die cutting/thermoforming)
Ideal For Parts Such As:
- (HDPE) Cutting boards, tanks, pipe flanges, playground equipment
- (UHMW) Wear strips, chain guides, chute liners, star wheels, dock fenders, low-friction bearings
- (LDPE) Softer seals, plugs (less common via CNC cutting)
Other Engineering Plastics
We also work with a variety of other performance plastics tailored to specific needs like chemical resistance, temperature performance, or electrical insulation.
Examples We Can Cut:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Excellent chemical resistance, electrical insulation, rigidity, low cost. (Use: tanks, fittings, chemical ducting, electrical boxes)
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Good toughness, impact resistance, rigidity, easy to machine & finish, common for prototyping/3D printing. (Use: enclosures, prototypes, automotive trim, lego bricks)
- PET / PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate / Glycol-Modified): Good clarity, chemical resistance, impact strength (better than Acrylic, less than PC), formable. (Use: machine guards, displays, food/medical containers, signage)
- PP (Polypropylene): Excellent chemical resistance, low density, good fatigue resistance (living hinges), weldable. (Use: tanks, chemical containers, labware, automotive parts, living hinge prototypes)
- PS (Polystyrene) / HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene): Low cost, easy to process, rigid (PS) or tougher (HIPS). (Use: packaging trays, disposable items, model making, low-cost enclosures)
- PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone): High-performance thermoplastic: excellent mechanical strength, high temperature, chemical, and wear resistance, biocompatible grades. (Use: aerospace parts, medical implants, semiconductor parts, bearings in harsh environments)
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene / Teflon®): Extremely low friction, excellent chemical inertness, wide temperature range, non-stick. (Use: seals, gaskets, valve seats, low-friction bearings, insulators)
- PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride / Kynar®): Excellent chemical resistance, high strength, UV resistance, abrasion resistance. (Use: chemical processing parts, high purity applications, seals, liners)
CNC Cutting Products Produced by Istar Machining
How Thick Can We Cut?
Our machines can handle different thicknesses based on the material:
Metal Thickness Range:
- Aluminum: 0.5mm – 150mm (up to 6 inches)
- Steel: 0.5mm – 200mm (up to 8 inches)
- Stainless Steel: 0.5mm – 100mm (up to 4 inches)
- Titanium: 0.5mm – 75mm (up to 3 inches)
Plastic Thickness Range:
- Acrylic: 1mm – 50mm (up to 2 inches)
- PVC: 1mm – 40mm
- Polycarbonate: 1mm – 30mm
- Delrin: 1mm – 50mm
Industries We Serve
Why Choose Istar Machining?
Speed
We can make prototype parts in 3-5 days. Larger orders take about 2 weeks, which is much faster than many other shops. eiusmod
Precision
Our machines cut with amazing accuracy: For metals: within ±0.005" (about the width of a human hair) For plastics: within ±0.010"
Experience
We have over 23 years of experience cutting parts for all kinds of industries. Our team knows exactly how to make your parts right.
Certifications
We're proud to hold ISO 9001 and AS9100 (aerospace) certifications, which means we follow strict quality rules.
How Does Our Process Work?
Getting parts made at Istar Machining is simple:
Send us your design
Upload your CAD file (DXF, STEP, or SolidWorks)
Get a price quote
We'll tell you how much it costs right away
Approve and we start cutting
Production begins within 24 hours
We check quality and ship
Every part is inspected before sending
Get Started With Your Project Today
Ready to get your parts made? Here’s how to begin:
- Contact us with your idea or send your design files
- Our team will review your project and provide a quote
- Once approved, we’ll start cutting your parts
- We’ll perform quality checks and ship your finished parts
You can upload your designs right now or call us to discuss your project. Istar Machining is ready to help make your ideas real with our precision CNC cutting services.
Frequently Asked Question
Think of CNC cutting like using scissors, but with super-human accuracy that never makes a mistake! Our machines follow a computer program to cut materials into the exact shapes you need. This is much better than cutting by hand because it’s faster, more exact, and can make the same part over and over without mistakes.
Aluminum and stainless steel are great for outdoor use because they don’t rust. For plastics, UV-resistant acrylic or polycarbonate works well.
Yes! We make anywhere from 1 to 10,000+ pieces. We’re happy to make just a few parts for a prototype or thousands for production.
We work with DXF, STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, and PDF files. DXF is best for 2D cutting projects.
Rush orders can be ready in as little as 24-48 hours for simple parts. Standard orders typically take 3-5 days for prototypes and 2 weeks for larger orders.
Yes! Our laser cutting is perfect for intricate details down to 0.5mm in size. Waterjet cutting can also make detailed cuts in thicker materials.
New Articles
When and Why You Must Use Fillets for Better Parts
Cheney
2025年7月18日
Small details can make a huge difference. One of the most important small details is the fillet. A fillet is a rounded inner
Corrosion vs. Oxidation vs. Rust: What’s the Real Difference?
Cheney
2025年7月17日
Understanding the difference between corrosion, oxidation, and rust is more than just being a science whiz. It’s about knowing how
The Best CAD and CAM Software for CNC Machining
Cheney
2025年7月15日
In this guide, we will look at the best CAD and CAM software. You will learn what you need. You
Our Client's Feedback
I’ve been using Gcal for the past few years. Since then, generating the listings for my weekly newsletter has been a snap! Now, I can’t imagine doing without it.
Its very important to find other peoples rating of a company BEFORE you spend your hard-earned money. You can save a huge amount with Trustpilot reviews.
I’ve been using Gcal for the past few years. Since then, generating the listings for my weekly newsletter has been a snap! Now, I can’t imagine doing without it.
Quite often, the threat of a negative Trustpilot review will accomplish what would otherwise require legal action.
A positive force in all industries.
