Fathom offers quick-turn CNC machining services that produce plastic or metal prototype parts rapidly for show models, design validation or functional testing. With quotes in as little as 24 hours and finished parts in as fast as 10 days, you get the speed needed to advance your project.
Because many domestic CNC plastic machining shops are overloaded with long queues, lead times can stretch for months. Fathom eliminates these delays, helping you accelerate development and get products to market faster.
CNC machining is commonly used for rapid prototyping, design validation, and bridge production before transitioning to injection molding or other high-volume manufacturing processes. It allows teams to test form, fit and function using production-grade materials without committing to tooling. CNC machining can also be combined with injection molding processes, such as post-machining critical features, to achieve tighter tolerances or enhanced part performance.
CNC machining streamlines production by transforming digital designs into highly accurate parts with exceptional speed and consistency. Automated toolpaths eliminate manual variability, ensuring every component meets tight tolerances and high-quality standards.
With rapid turnaround times and scalable capacity, CNC machining helps manufacturers reduce lead times and keep projects moving efficiently. This makes CNC machining an ideal solution for fast iteration, low-volume production, and time-sensitive programs.
Partner with Experts Who Get It Right the First Time
Every project is reviewed by a seasoned manufacturing engineer to optimize part design, material selection, and tooling strategy — ensuring smarter decisions before steel is cut and production begins.
Partner with Experts Who Get It Right the First Time
Every project is reviewed by a seasoned manufacturing engineer to optimize part design, material selection, and tooling strategy — ensuring smarter decisions before steel is cut and production begins.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a manufacturing process where pre-programmed computer software directs the movement of tools and machinery to create precise parts from metal, plastic, and other materials.
Common CNC materials include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, titanium, ABS, nylon, PEEK, acetal, acrylic, and many engineering plastics.
Standard CNC tolerances are typically ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm), but precision machining can achieve ±0.0005 in (±0.013 mm) or better depending on geometry, material, and equipment.
CNC machining offers high accuracy, repeatability, tight tolerances, excellent surface finishes, fast turnaround, and the ability to machine both prototypes and production parts.
Yes. Because CNC requires no tooling and has fast setup times, it is ideal for prototypes, custom components, and low- to mid-volume production runs. CNC machining is often used early in development or for low-volume production, while injection molding becomes more economical as part volumes increase.
3-axis machines move in X, Y, and Z only, suitable for simpler geometries. 5-axis machines add rotation and tilt, enabling the creation of complex parts in fewer setups with tighter tolerances. Using 5-axis machining often reduces setup time, improves accuracy, and enables complex geometries to be produced more efficiently.
Lead time varies by complexity, material, and quantity. Simple parts may be completed in hours; more complex or high-volume orders may take several days to weeks. While CNC machining can support low- to mid-volume production, cycle time and per-part cost typically increase compared to molded parts at higher volumes.
Options include as-machined, bead blasting, anodizing, powder coating, plating, brushing, polishing, and conversion coatings such as alodine.
Partner with Experts Who Get It Right the First Time
Every project is reviewed by a seasoned manufacturing engineer to optimize part design, material selection, and tooling strategy — ensuring smarter decisions before steel is cut and production begins.
