GCH Process offers a comprehensive custom CNC machining service tailored to engineers, product developers, designers, and more. Leveraging our extensive network of highly qualified machine shops, we ensure that any custom design—whether simple or complex—meets your exact specifications. We provide rapid machining, small-batch production, and high-volume manufacturing, all managed by GCH Process from start to finish. By simply uploading a CAD file to our instant quoting system, you can quickly receive pricing, lead times, and design feedback to optimize your custom CNC parts. Our capabilities cover both metals and plastics, offering flexible production and shipping options to meet your project needs at any stage of development.
At GCH Process, we guarantee the quality of your machined parts with our certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485, among others. We also offer options for additional inspections, traceability, material certifications, and certificates of conformance to ensure you receive top-quality CNC machined parts on time.
What is CNC Machining?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a highly efficient manufacturing process that uses automated cutting tools to shape metal or plastic materials into precise parts. Standard CNC machines include 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling machines, lathes, and routers. These machines can operate in various configurations: the workpiece may remain stationary while the tool moves, the tool may remain stationary while the workpiece rotates, or both may move together to achieve the desired cut.
Skilled machinists program these machines using tool paths derived from CAD models of the parts. CNC machining is capable of cutting nearly any metal alloy and rigid plastic with high precision and repeatability, making it ideal for a wide range of industries including aerospace, medical, robotics, electronics, and industrial applications. GCH Process provides custom CNC services and offers quotes for over 40 different materials, from aluminum and acetal to titanium and engineered plastics like PEEK and Teflon.
Custom CNC Machining Services: Milling, Turning, and Routing
GCH Process offers a variety of CNC machining services, including milling, turning, and routing, to meet your specific needs. Our custom CNC milling services allow for the production of prototypes and parts in a matter of days. For turning, we produce both prototypes and production parts with rapid turnaround times. Our CNC routing services offer quick quotes and fast production for custom parts, with the quality assurance that comes from our various certifications.
CNC Machining Tolerances and Capabilities
At GCH Process, we understand the importance of precision. Our CNC machining services offer tight tolerances, ranging from +/- 0.001″ to +/- 0.005″ depending on your specifications. We can handle parts up to 80” x 48” x 24” for milling and up to 62” in length and 32” in diameter for lathe work. We also accommodate custom threads and various surface finishes to meet your exact requirements.
Here’s a detailed overview of the CNC machining tolerances we offer:
| Feature | Description |
| Maximum Part Size | Milled parts up to 80” x 48” x 24” (2032 x 1219 x 610 mm). Lathe parts up to 62” (1575 mm) length and 32” (813 mm) diameter. |
| Standard Lead Time | 3 business days |
| General Tolerances | Tolerances on metals will be held to +/- 0.005″ (+/- 0.127 mm) in accordance with ISO 2768 unless otherwise specified. Plastics: +/- 0.010”. |
| Precision Tolerances | GCH Process can manufacture and inspect to tight tolerances including sub +/- 0.001″ tolerances per your drawing specifications and GD&T callouts. |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.020” (0.50 mm). This may vary depending on part geometry and chosen material. |
| Threads and Tapped Holes | GCH Process can accommodate any standard thread size. Custom threads are also available with manual quote review. |
| Edge Condition | Sharp edges are broken and deburred by default |
| Surface Finish | Standard finish: as-machined 125 Ra or better. Additional finishes available upon request. |
Advantages and Challenges of CNC Machining
One of the key advantages of CNC machining at GCH Process is its accuracy and repeatability. With the ability to maintain tight tolerances and produce parts on demand, CNC machining is perfect for both one-off custom parts and large production runs. Our services retain the mechanical properties of your chosen materials, offering high performance for end-use applications. CNC machining is also versatile, with the ability to work with over 50 industrial-grade metals, alloys, and plastics.
However, it’s important to consider the challenges associated with CNC machining. Geometric complexity can increase costs, and setup for CNC processes can be expensive, particularly for small batches. Nonetheless, at GCH Process, we work to minimize these challenges by optimizing setup and reducing the need for part repositioning, making CNC machining a cost-effective solution for complex geometries and multi-faceted designs.
CNC Machining Applications
GCH Process’s CNC machining services are ideal for rapid tooling, prototyping, and end-use production. Whether you need durable fixtures, molds, or precision-engineered prototypes, we can deliver high-quality parts quickly. With performance-enhancing finishes and precision tolerances as low as +/- 0.001″, our CNC machining is also well-suited for producing final-use parts that meet stringent industry standards.
