A new part from your CAD model
Send the model, drawing and the quantity you need. Point out the features that make the part work, and flag anything still open to discussion before the design is released.
Prepare your files
Made to your drawing
Metal & plastic parts
Samples & repeat orders
Factories & partner options
Custom parts for new designs and repeat orders
An existing part, a new supplier
Share the current drawing revision, material specification and inspection requirements. Describe any recurring problem you want to address, rather than asking a new supplier to guess from the previous part.
Compare order requirementsSeveral parts in one project
Provide a part list with a revision and quantity for every item. Show which components mate, which can be quoted separately and whether you need a coordinated delivery.
Plan your orderExamples of custom CNC machined parts
Custom housings
Define the internal space, mounting faces and openings around the components that go inside. Include an assembly view when the housing needs to fit another part.
Mounting brackets
Specify hole positions, attachment faces and the space around the assembly. Show which dimensions may change and which interfaces are fixed.
Shafts & stepped pins
List the bearing seats, shoulders, grooves and threads on the drawing. Include the mating component or fit requirement where the assembly depends on it.
Bushings & sleeves
Define the inside and outside diameters, overall length and fit. Tell us how the sleeve will be installed and whether the final part will be coated.
Fixture plates & blocks
Show the locating faces, hole pattern and threads. Include the relevant fixture or assembly drawing so the working relationships are visible.
Flanges & custom hubs
Provide the bore, bolt pattern and mating-face requirements. Note any additional holes, flats or features that need a second machining operation.
What can be customized on a CNC part?
| What to define | Your specification | What we need to review |
|---|---|---|
| Part geometry | Overall shape, size, holes, threads and mating features. | Provide the CAD model and identify any dimensions that may be changed after review. |
| Material & condition | Grade, temper or hardness, and any approved alternatives. | Name the required specification. Material substitutions need your approval. |
| Tolerances & fits | Functional dimensions, datums and surface requirements. | Mark the critical features instead of assigning the tightest tolerance to the entire part. |
| Surface finish | Surface texture, coating, color and masked areas. | Define whether dimensional acceptance applies before or after the finishing operation. |
| Marking & identification | Part number, revision, logo or batch identification. | Supply the artwork, position, depth or process requirement where relevant. |
| Order & packaging | Quantity by part, sample scope and handling requirements. | Separate the initial requirement from forecasts and indicate which surfaces need protection. |
Part size, material, tolerances, finishing and order quantity are confirmed after reviewing your files. The project brief records your request; it does not calculate a price or confirm manufacturability.
Metal and plastic options for custom CNC parts
Aluminum Alloys
Specify the alloy, temper and finish. Tell us which areas are cosmetic and which are fitted to another component.
Stainless Steel
Provide the grade, surface requirement and any passivation or material-record requirements for the finished part.
Steel
Name the grade and supply condition. Include any required heat treatment, hardness range or final coating.
Titanium Alloys
Specify the grade and drawing requirements. Confirm the material documentation and surface condition needed for acceptance.
Brass
Identify the alloy and application. Include the thread details, plating request and any material restrictions in your specification.
Copper
Define the grade, contact surfaces and coating request. Supply the relevant performance requirements rather than relying on color alone.
Inconel Alloys
Name the exact alloy and condition. Send the full drawing package for a review of the manufacturing route and required records.
PEEK
Specify the grade, filler content and any approved material source. Include the operating conditions that drive your material choice.
POM / Acetal
State the required grade and color. Provide the dimensions and fit requirements for the finished component.
Nylon
Identify the nylon grade and conditioning requirements. State the environment and the condition in which the part will be measured.
Acrylic / PMMA
Specify the grade, color and required appearance. Mark surfaces requiring optical or cosmetic review separately from hidden features.
The families above are starting points for a material discussion, not a live stock list. Exact grades, sourcing and suitability for your application need confirmation.
Choose milling, turning or a combined process
Custom CNC milling
Milling uses rotating cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece. It is a route to consider for pockets, mounting faces and hole patterns.[1] Share the complete model so access and workholding can be reviewed.
Review CNC millingCustom CNC turning
Turning rotates the workpiece against a cutting tool to form features such as diameters, shoulders and bores.[2] Include any cross-holes or flats that may require an additional operation.
Review CNC turningMulti-face & combined machining
A part may need more than one setup or machining process. Multi-axis access can be considered for angled or contoured features.[1] The proposal should explain the route required by your geometry.
Review 5-axis machiningSend a drawing package we can quote
3D model
STEP / STP, IGES / IGS or an available native model. Keep the geometry and units consistent with the drawing.
2D drawing
Include dimensions, threads, tolerances, material, finish and revision. Important requirements are not always visible in a solid model.
Part list & supporting files
For several items, add one row per part with its number, revision and quantity. Include an assembly view or approved specification where useful.
A matching drawing package
STEP
VC-101_rev-C.stepPDF
VC-101_rev-C.pdfLIST
part-list_rev-C- Part number
- VC-101
- Drawing revision
- C
- Quantity
- Sample + order quantity
- Open questions
- Identify before release
Only have a sample, sketch or photograph? Use it to explain the request. First discuss whether drawing preparation or measurement support is available. A photograph alone does not establish the material, hidden geometry or required tolerances.
Approve the sample before repeating the order
Confirm the design and the inspection scope
Decide what the first sample needs to demonstrate: fit, function, appearance or a defined set of dimensions. Record the quantity, material, finish and report requirements in the sample order.
- Identify who approves the sample.
- Agree whether batch production waits for written approval.
- List any features that still need a design decision.
Check the production version of the part
A pilot order can be used to review the agreed production material, finish, packaging and inspection records together. Define the evaluation scope before placing the order, rather than treating a sample photograph as complete acceptance.
- Use the released drawing and matching model.
- Record any approved deviations separately.
- Confirm what must change before the next batch.
Reorder against the approved revision
Reference the part number, revision and previous order. State whether material, finish, packaging or inspection requirements have changed. A quantity forecast is useful for planning, but should stay separate from a released order.
- Confirm the revision on every purchase order.
- Identify revised parts before repeating a batch.
- Agree the delivery quantity and requested schedule.
Surface finishes for custom CNC parts
Requested finish: Not specified
Finishing is a separate specification, not a single interchangeable treatment. Agree the material compatibility, masked areas and acceptance condition for the chosen process.[3]
Agree how your custom parts will be inspected
Check the features that matter
Identify the dimensions, fits, threads and surfaces that determine whether the part can be accepted. Agree the measurement method and the extent of the inspection before ordering.
Specify the records you need
Request the agreed drawing revision, part identification and results for the selected features. Define any material documents, inspection report format or sample records as order requirements.
Agree how to handle a nonconforming part
Set out how a deviation will be reported and who may approve it. Discuss the investigation, replacement or other resolution with the responsible supplier instead of leaving the next step unclear.
What goes into a custom CNC machining quote?
| Cost item | What to clarify in the quote | A useful question |
|---|---|---|
| Material & stock | The specified grade, condition, blank size and required material records. | Ask whether you permit alternative grades or stock forms; do not assume they are equivalent. |
| Geometry & setups | Cutting access, workholding, number of operations and any special tooling. | Mark features that can be simplified without changing the function. |
| Tolerances & inspection | Critical features, surface requirements and the requested verification scope. | Separate functional tolerances from non-critical dimensions. |
| Finishing & other operations | Coating, heat treatment, marking and any agreed external processing. | Check that all quotes include the same final-part condition. |
| Quantity & delivery | Sample quantities, batch size, requested schedule and packaging. | Compare the same quantities and distinguish recurring part cost from one-time charges. |
Compare the same specification
Use the same drawing revision, material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements for each quote. A lower price may represent a different scope, not the same part.
Separate setup and repeat costs
Ask how programming, tooling, samples, reports and delivery are quoted. Confirm what can be reused on a repeat order and what must be reviewed again.
Material, complexity, quantity and requested timing are common machining cost factors.[1] Your actual price requires a review of the complete request.
Work with our factories or a suitable partner
“I have spent ten years in CNC, following my father into the industry. I want you to know who will make your parts and what we can realistically do. When another company is a better fit, I can help coordinate the work or introduce you directly.”
Kevin10 years in the CNC industry · vetcnc
Meet vetcncOur factories in China
We first review whether our own factories match the drawing, material and order requirements. Discuss the production location and responsible contact before proceeding.
A partner coordinated by vetcnc
When a different capability is needed, we can discuss a partner arrangement. Agree who handles production, inspection, communication and any issue with the order.
An introduction without an extra layer
You can also work with a suitable partner directly. We can make the introduction, and you can agree the commercial and technical arrangements with that company.
From the first drawing to your next order
Share your project
Send the matching model and drawing, material, quantity and requested schedule. Identify information that is still provisional.
Review the open questions
Discuss manufacturability, missing specifications and the production arrangement. Resolve differences before treating the quote as final.
Confirm the order scope
Agree the released revision, price, sample plan, finish, inspection records and responsibilities in writing.
Approve samples when required
Review the agreed sample evidence and fit or function checks. Record your approval and any changes before the next stage.
Check and prepare the shipment
Follow the agreed inspection scope. Confirm labels, protective packaging, documents and shipment arrangements.
Keep the next order consistent
Reference the approved files and disclose changes. Reconfirm quantity, price, timing and any revised requirements.
Questions about ordering custom CNC parts
What does custom CNC machining include?
It means quoting and making a part to your requirements rather than supplying a standard catalog item. The agreed order defines the geometry, material, quantity, finish and inspection scope. Design changes or additional operations should be discussed explicitly.
Can I request a quote with a 3D model only?
A model is a useful starting point. Add a matching drawing when the request includes tolerances, threads, finishes or other requirements that the geometry does not fully explain. Missing requirements need to be resolved before the order is released.
Can you work from an existing sample or a sketch?
Start by explaining the part and the information you have. We need to discuss whether measurement or drawing preparation is available and what must be approved before manufacture. A sample can show the current shape, but it does not by itself establish the intended specification.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Share the quantity you need for each part and indicate whether it is a sample, batch or repeat order. Order feasibility and any minimum quantity depend on the material, process and sourcing arrangement; there is no blanket minimum published on this page.
Can you quote several different parts together?
Yes, you can send a combined inquiry with a part list. Identify the model, drawing revision and quantity for each item, and explain which parts need to be delivered together. Each item still needs its own confirmed specification and scope.
What tolerances can you hold on a custom part?
Send the actual drawing, critical features, material and final condition. Achievable tolerances and the inspection method must be confirmed for that part. A machine specification or a general statement of precision is not a substitute for agreed acceptance criteria.
Can I approve a sample before ordering a batch?
Include sample approval in the request so its quantity, finish, inspection records and approval process can be quoted. Agree whether batch production must wait for written approval and who is authorized to release it.
What happens if I change the drawing after a quote?
Send a new revision and identify the changed features. Confirm whether price, material, tooling, inspection or schedule needs to change, and agree which version replaces the earlier release before work proceeds.
Will vetcnc make every part in its own factories?
We start with our factories in China. When another capability is a better fit, we can discuss a coordinated partner solution or a direct introduction. The production arrangement and responsibilities should be clear before you place the order.
How do you handle confidential drawings?
Discuss confidentiality, recipients and the file-transfer method before sharing sensitive information. Any confidentiality agreement and restrictions on sharing with partners need to be agreed in advance. Do not upload restricted files to an unapproved channel.
How much does a custom CNC part cost?
There is no reliable single price without the part specification. Send the geometry, material, finish, inspection scope and quantities. Ask for one-time charges and recurring part costs to be distinguished so that the quote is useful for both the first order and repeats.
Can we discuss a project without visiting China?
Yes. The aim is to make the first technical and commercial discussions possible online. Ask for the production information and project evidence you need, and agree the communication method and review stages. Any visit or remote factory review can then be discussed separately.
Request a quote for your custom CNC parts
- Current drawing and matching CAD model
- Part numbers, revisions and quantities
- Material grades and required finishes
- Sample approval and inspection requirements
- Requested delivery and packaging requirements
Agree confidentiality and the transfer method before sharing sensitive or restricted files.
Technical references & scope
- Protolabs — CNC machining overview
- Xometry — CNC machining processes
- Protolabs — Surface finishes for CNC machining
References explain general manufacturing concepts only. Supplier examples and capabilities are not vetcnc specifications. Material availability, manufacturing feasibility, inspection and commercial terms must be confirmed for the actual project.