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CNC Prototype Machining
Welcome to Istar Machining’s world of CNC prototype machining! We help turn your ideas into real parts that you can touch, test, and use. Our machines can make parts from many materials with amazing accuracy. Let’s learn how we can help bring your designs to life!
- Accurate (within 0.001 inches)
- Strong enough to test
- Made from real materials (not just plastic)
- Ready in days (not weeks)
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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.
23 Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
300 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
1000 skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
Why Choose CNC for Your Prototypes?
There are many ways to make test parts. Here’s why CNC machining is often the best choice:
1. Speed When You Need It Most
When you need parts fast, we deliver! Our rapid CNC machining service can make your prototypes in just:
- 2-5 days for most parts
- 24-hour rush for urgent needs
This means you can test your ideas and make changes quickly. No more waiting weeks to see if your design works!
2. Real Materials for Real Testing
Your prototype should be made from the same stuff as your final product. We can machine:
- Metals: Aluminum, steel, titanium
- Plastics: ABS, PEEK, Delrin, Nylon
- Special materials: Medical-grade stainless steel, aerospace aluminum
This means you can test how your part will really work when it’s made for real use.
3. Super Accurate Parts
Our precision CNC machining can make parts with tight tolerances (±0.001″) that fit perfectly with other components. This level of accuracy means:
- Parts that snap together correctly
- Holes that line up perfectly
- Smooth surfaces that don’t need more work
4. Engineer Advice to Save Money
Every prototype at Istar Machining comes with free Design for Manufacturability feedback. Our engineers look at your design and tell you:
- How to make it easier to machine
- Where you might have problems
- How to save money on the final parts
This advice can save you from expensive mistakes before you make thousands of parts!
Industries We Help
At Istar Machining, we make prototypes for many different fields:
Medical Devices
We make surgical tool prototypes and medical device housings using FDA-compliant materials. Our quality control meets ISO 13485 standards for medical parts.
Aerospace Components
Our aerospace CNC machining service creates flight-critical parts from aluminum 7075 and titanium. We follow AS9100 standards for aerospace quality.
Automotive Parts
Car and truck parts need to be strong and precise. We make engine parts, sensor housings, and lightweight brackets for testing new vehicle designs.
Consumer Electronics
Electronics need cases and internal parts that fit perfectly. We make enclosures, heat sinks, and brackets with tight tolerances for perfect assembly.
Robotics & Automation
Robots need precise parts that move smoothly. We create robot arms, grippers, and sensor mounts from aluminum and engineering plastics.
Industrial Equipment
Heavy machinery parts need to be tough. Our steel CNC machining creates valve bodies, pump housings, and hydraulic components that can handle pressure and wear.
Materials We Use for CNC Prototypes
Below is a table showing the materials we can use and what they’re best for:
Material Type | Best For | Common Uses |
Aluminum 6061 | Lightweight parts | Electronics cases, brackets, aerospace parts |
Aluminum 7075 | Stronger aluminum | Aircraft parts, bike frames |
Stainless Steel 304/316 | Medical & food | Surgical tools, kitchen equipment |
Titanium | Strength & lightweight | Medical implants, aerospace |
Brass | Electrical conductivity | Connectors, decorative parts |
PEEK Plastic | High temperature | Medical devices, electrical insulators |
Delrin (POM) | Low friction | Gears, bearings, bushings |
ABS Plastic | Cost-effective | Consumer products, housings |
Nylon | Tough & flexible | Wear parts, snap fits |
Need something special? Our custom CNC machining service can work with many other materials too!
Comparing CNC Prototyping to Other Methods
Not sure if CNC is right for your prototype? Here’s how it compares:
Feature | CNC Machining | 3D Printing | Injection Molding |
Material Strength | Very High | Medium | High |
Surface Finish | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
Accuracy | ±0.001″ | ±0.005″ | ±0.002″ |
Material Options | Many metals & plastics | Limited plastics | Many plastics, some metals |
Speed for 1-10 Parts | 2-7 days | 1-3 days | 2-6 weeks |
Cost for 1-10 Parts | Medium | Low | Very High |
Scalable to Production | Yes (1-500 parts) | No | Yes (1000+ parts) |
As you can see, CNC machining gives you the best balance of strength, accuracy, and real materials for functional testing.
Why Choose Istar Machining for Your Prototypes?
When you need prototypes that work like real parts, Istar Machining delivers:
- Speed: 2-5 day turnaround for most parts
- Quality: ISO 9001 certified manufacturing
- Materials: Huge selection of metals and plastics
- Experience: 10,000+ prototypes delivered
- Service: Engineer support included with every order
- Value: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
How We Make Your Prototypes
When you send us your design, here’s what happens:
Upload Your CAD File
Send us your 3D model (STP, IGES, SolidWorks)
Quick Review
Our engineers check if we can make it (24 hours)
Cutting Your Part
Computer-controlled tools shape your part
Quality Check
Every part is measured to make sure it's perfect
Fast Shipping
We send your parts using tracked delivery
Frequently Asked Question
Most parts take 3-5 days. Simple parts in aluminum can be as fast as 2 days. Complex parts might take 7 days.
CNC machined parts are stronger, more accurate, and use the same materials as production parts. 3D printed parts are often cheaper but not as strong or precise.
Yes! We specialize in making 1-10 prototypes quickly. Unlike injection molding (which needs expensive tools), CNC machining is perfect for making just one part.
We can help you move to low-volume production of 10-500 parts. For larger volumes, we can help you transition to other methods like die casting.
Yes! Our engineers can review your design and suggest changes to make it more manufacturable. This service is included with every prototype order.
CNC prototype machining is a way to make test parts before you make lots of them. We use computer-controlled tools to cut and shape materials into the exact parts you need. These parts work just like the final ones you’ll make later.
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