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Top 5 axis precision machining services

CNC Machining Services,
Parts To Spec To Tolerance

Leverage 25+ years of vast CNC machining
expertise, parts as fast as 4 days.

Lead times from 4 days
3, 4 and 5 axis machines available
100+ machines available
Many metal and plastic materials available
ISO and IATF certified
Professional 3, 4 and 5 axis machining services

CNC Milling

We have 3, 4 and 5-axis machining capabilities
for simple and complex geometries, holding dimensions to tolerances as tight as 0.002”.
High precision, high speed CNC turning services

CNC Turning

We have CNC turning capabilities for custom precision threads, deep holes, and all types of intricate cylinder and round shapes.
Custom CNC machining services with the use of EDM

EDM

We have electrical discharge machining (EDM) capabilities suitable for producing deep pockets, creating complex features, and cutting the hardest metals with great precision.

Our Custom CNC Machining Services

Our Custom CNC Machining Services is ideal for engineers and industrial designers seeking high-speed, high-precision parts. At HLH Rapid, we offer CNC services suitable for rapid prototyping and low-volume production of end-use components. With a dedicated facility housing over 150 high-tech CNC mills, lathes, wire EDMs, countersinks, and surface grinding machines, along with quality assurance at every stage, we ensure the finest quality components tailored to your exact specifications.

Our CapabilitiesDescription
Machine size3000 x 1200 x 850 mm
On-site machines100+
Materials200+ metals, plastics, carbon fibre
Standard tolerance±0.05mm (metals), ±0.2mm (plastics)
Lead timeFrom 4 days

CNC machining and rapid prototyping services

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Home Office: 116 Cardigan Road, Office M2.
Headingley, Leeds UK, LS6 3BJ
Company Number: 12704810
VAT Number: GB393458263

Factory: Building A, Hongfa Industrial District
Houda Road, Daling Shan, Dongguan,
Guangdong, China

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CNC Machining Materials">

CNC Machining Materials

PMMA

PMMA is known as a 50% lighter, clearer, more affordable, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. CNC machined PMMA or acrylic is commonly used for automotive lights and windows to smartphones screens.
Material Reference
Translucent, High Transparency, UV Transparent
Appearance
Black, Brown, White, Milky White Translucent
cnc machined acrylic and metal parts

HDPE

HDPE is an engineering plastic that offers excellent machinability. It has a high strength-to-density ratio and high durability. It's known as one of the most versatile plastic materials and is used for a wide range of applications.
Appearance
Many Colors
CNC machined HDPE part with a deburr finish

Bakelite

Bakelite is a castable, fire-resistant plastic. It is lightweight, durable, and can be molded into nearly infinite shapes. Bakelite is popularly used for industrial purposes and making jewellery.
Appearance
Many Colors
CNC machined bakelite part

PET

PTE is a clear, strong and lightweight material that is very well suited for applications where complex parts and high dimensional accuracy and surface quality are needed.
Appearance
Colorless
CNC machined small PET material part

PC

Polycarbonate (PC) material has high impact resistance, wear resitance and can withstand functional testing. CNC machined transparent and opaque PC parts are commonly used in the medical, automotive, telecommunications industries.
Material Reference
Translucent PC, Black PC, Fireproof Black PC V0, PC+ABS
Appearance
Black, Translucent (or polished transparent)
PC Material CNC Part

PE

PE is a strong durable, light-weight and flexible material. It is known as a 'safe' choice and can be machined for a wide variety of applications.
Material Reference
PE, HDPE, LDPE, White PE+15%GF
Appearance
Translucent
PE MATERIAL

PVC

PVC is a durable material that can be easily machined, is resistant to weathering and chemicals and doesn't conduct electricity. This makes it widely used in applications, such as pipes, medical devices and electronics.
Appearance
Lacquered appearance, comes in many colors
CNC machined pvc material part with a smooth surface finish

PEEK

PEEK is a tough, rigid, high performance engineering plastic with outstanding resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. CNC machined PEEK is excellent for high precision aerospace and automotive parts.
Material Reference
PEEK
Appearance
Colourless, Light brown
PEEK Material CNC Part With Smooth Finish

PP

Polypropylene (PP) is a cost-effective CNC machining plastic that is durable, robust and resistant to many external factors. It is the second most extensively used plastic and is often known to be one of the safer choice.
Material Reference
Glass Filled
Appearance
White, Black, Many Colours
CNC machined PP material part with smooth finish

PBT

PBT, or polybutylene terephthalate, is a high strength and high rigidity plastic with stable electrical properties. CNC machined PBT parts are commonly used in the automotive and electronics industries.
Appearance
White to Bright Colors
PBT Material CNC Machined Part

PTFE

PTFE is a soft, low friction material with excellent chemical and weathering resistance. It is commonly used to make non-stick coating in kitchen cookwares, bearings, slide plates and many other components.
Appearance
Black, Grey
CNC machined PTFE material poles with smooth finish

ABS

ABS is an extremely rigid, versatile thermoplastic with fantastic chemical and weather resistance, making it great for outdoor applications like automotive acessories and aircraft panels.
Material Reference
White ABS, Black ABS, Cream ABS, Fireproof ABS
Appearance
White, Black, Cream, Milky
ABS material CNC machined parts with smooth finish

PEI

PEI is an amorphous thermoplastic with high mechanical strength and exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. PEI is often CNC machined to make make reusable medical devices such as stopcocks, instrument trays, and pipettes.
Appearance
Translucent and Amber
CNC machined PEI material for the medical industry

POM

POM is a high crystaline, high-performance plastic with high rigidity, high mechanical strength and excellent wear resitance. It is commonly used in automotive parts, consumer goods and electronics.
Material Reference
Anti-static POM, Food Grade POM, 25% Glass Filled
Appearance
White, Black, Red, Blue
CNC machined POM material parts

Aluminium

We have 15+ years of experience in machining strong, light and cost-efficient Aluminium components for the aerospace and aviation, automotive, consumer electronics and many more industries.
Material Reference
AL7075, AL7075 T6/T7351, AL2024 T3/T4/T351, AL2024 T351/T6, AL6061, AL6061 T6/T651, AL5052 H32, AL5082, AL5083, AL2017,AL2017 T351/T4, ADC12, A380, LM24
Appearance
Silvery White
CNC machined aluminium parts with bead blasted finish

Copper

Copper is a soft metal that can be easily shaped through CNC machining, and it has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
Material Reference
Pure Copper, Brass, Beryllium Copper, Bronze, Beryllium Bronze, Phosphor Bronze 510
Appearance
Pinkish Orage, Reddish Brown, Reddish-Gold, Yellow
CNC machined red copper part

Steel

While steel is not corrosion resistant and it be tricky to machine, it is stronger and cheaper than stainless steel, making it ideal for toxic, long-lasting, durable cookware and many other applications.
Material Reference
Steel 45#, Alloy Steel, Spring Steel, Bearing Steel, Mild Steel, Cold Roll Steel, Tool Steel, 41CrALMo7, Magnetic Steel, Steel8620, Steel4130, Steel9310, Steel1018, Steel1010
Appearance
Silver
CNC machined steel part with painted finish

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an incredibly versatile metal and is often used for CNC machining in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries. It is strong and highly resistant to corrosion and rust.
Material Reference
174PH, SS201, SS202, SS301, SS303, SS304, SS304L, SS316, SS321, SS310S, SS401, SS409, SS410, SS416, SS4140, SS4340, SS455, SS630, SS316L
Appearance
Silver
CNC machined stainless steel part with a deburr finish
PMMA HDPE Bakelite PET PC PE PVC PEEK PP PBT PTFE ABS PEI POM Aluminium Copper Steel Stainless Steel

CNC Surface Finishing Options

We have 15+ high quality chemical and mechanical finishing options available for CNC metals and plastics.

cnc prototyping services with surface finishing options

CNC Machining Case Study

ClientSmartflyer, Switzerland
IndustryElectric aviation
Services usedCNC milling & turning
MaterialsAl7075, SS304
Parts madeActuator, bearings, push rods, bellcranks, fuselage mount, rudder mount, etc.

Precision CNC machined parts and prototypes for an electric aviation aircraft

Precision Machining Tolerance

At HLH, tolerances are controlled to ISO-2678 Fine (F) for metals and Medium (M) for plastics as standard. Tighter tolerances available on request.

 

Metals With DrawingMetals No DrawingPlastics With DrawingPlastics No Drawing
Linear Dimension±0.01mmISO 2768 Fine±0.05mmISO 2768 Medium
Hole Diameters±0.008mmISO 2768 Fine±0.05mmISO 2768 Medium
Shaft Diameters±0.004mmISO 2768 Fine±0.05mmISO 2768 Medium

Design For CNC Machining

To achieve better part quality and dimensional accuracy, it is important that your CNC model closely follows a set of geometric recommendations. Learn how to design threads, cavities, internal edges and more.

CNC designs

Prototype and Production Parts in Days

We understand the needs of engineers and industrial designers. At the core of our mission is a commitment to deliver excellence. HLH Rapid’s full in-house capacity ensures that each CNC project receives prompt attention, whether it’s a bespoke prototype or a low volume production. Trust us to bring your designs to life with thorough attention to detail and dedication to meeting deadlines.

One of our areas of expertise is CNC Rapid Prototyping & CNC Machining Services. We understand the urgency and importance of prototyping in product development. When you upload your file, our team will get back with a quote within one business day. Our rapid prototyping services guarantee swift turnaround times without compromising on quality, with lead times as fast as 4 days, and parts delivered via express shipping to your door.

HLH Changes The Prototyping Scene For Joost Engines 2

Why CNC Machining

CNC vs 3D Printing
Compared with parts manufacturing through additive methods, CNC machined parts are functionally stronger and typically have superior production quality and finish. Thus, CNC machining is typically used in the mid to late stages of product development when parts are ready to be tested for functional accuracy.

Custom CNC Machining is Used For
High precision parts and rapid prototyping metal parts, performance plastics, and rapid low-mid volume production runs. When it comes to CNC machining, we provide highly flexible rapid low volume manufacturing solutions that deliver superior parts, fast.

Advantages of CNC Machining

  • Fast and repeatable
  • Delivers on precise and high tolerance specifications
  • Wide range of metal and plastic materials
  • Little room for human error

CNC Machining FAQs">

CNC Machining FAQs

CNC (or computer numerical control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which pre-programmed software and code dictates the movements of factory tools and machinery. It delivers high speed, high precision, and robust manufacturing solutions. You take a block or billet of material and cut away at it with a series of tools and drill bits, removing material to make CNC machined parts.

CNC prototyping uses computer-controlled machines to make precise prototypes from digital designs. These machines carve out shapes from materials like plastic, metal, or wood based on the design. Starting with a digital model, the CNC machine follows exact instructions to create the prototype, ensuring high accuracy and intricate details.

Unlike traditional prototyping methods, CNC rapid prototyping allows for iterations within days. This process speeds up product development by allowing quick testing and adjustments before making the final product. Industries like automotive, aerospace, medical and electronics use CNC prototyping to test concepts, refine designs, and ensure quality before mass production. It’s a vital step that brings ideas to life, improving products and meeting high standards.

CNC parts could cost from as low as a few dollars, or as high as $1000 or more. The price depends on the material, tolerance, machining hours, geometrical complexity, part size or quantity. Learn how suppliers calculate the cost of your CNC part.

The two primary CNC machining processes are CNC turning and CNC milling.

  • CNC milling shapes out of a metal or plastic material blank that is usually flat, holding dimensions to tolerances as tight as 0.002”.
  • CNC turning rotates the part when machining the desired shape, which results in cylindrical parts.

 

At HLH, we use a third CNC machining process known as EDM or electrical discharge machining.

  • EDM also known as spark machining, uses thermal energy instead of mechanical force to remove material from a workpiece. It is often used to produce sharp internal corners or particularly deep cavity.

Many industries rely on CNC machining for high-precision parts and prototypes, including:

  • aerospace & defense
  • automotive
  • electronics
  • robotics
  • medical
  • oil & gas

For features left unspecified, standard tolerances are used. The standard machining tolerance is ISO 2768 Fine (F) for metals and Medium (M) for plastics. Tighter tolerances are available on request.

Generally, we would recommend CNC machining parts over 3D printing, as CNC machined parts are functionally stronger than those 3D printed and typically have superior production quality. This is why CNC machining is typically used in the mid to late stages of development, when parts are ready to be tested for functional accuracy.

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