Prototype CNC Machining

CNC Machined Precision Aluminum Hard Anodized Plate Part
3D contour CNC part made from aluminum
  1. Economy Prototype Program: commonly used for the first phase of a client’s prototyping process, we forego process planning and combine resources to provide quick, cost-effective parts. In this case, we limit first article verifications to only Critical-To-Quality or CTQ dimensions and the same CNC machining expert performs all of the programing, machining and inspection right there at the machining center. This minimizes labor costs for your project since tasks like machining the first operation of your part can be done while the same machine operator is programming the second operation of your part.

  2. Premium Prototype Program: commonly used by our clients looking to go from prototyping right into production, we provide in-depth process development, inspection and traceability by processing your job through our ISO 13485:2016 quality management system. This ensures superior quality, risk mitigation and 100% traceability so your prototype is thoroughly validated as you move to full production.

Are you looking for a precision machine shop that can machine prototype part quantities of one or more? At Summit CNC, we are prepared to tackle even your most challenging prototype machining needs. Our ultimate goal is to provide a solution not only for your machined parts during the prototyping process, but to transition your prototype designs into our CNC production machining services, right here on the same machine shop floor.

There are specific advantages of working with the same precision machine shop for both your prototype and production machining needs. Through collaboration with you and your team, we develop a deep understanding of how to machine your part to specification during the prototype machining phase. Next, we can seamlessly transition a CNC prototype part to production machining and you can expect the same quality and attention to detail each step of the way.

Depending on your priorities, we can quote and process your prototype job through either of our Summit CNC Prototype Programs:


Prototype Machining Capabilities

Our CNC prototype machining services consist of the following. We work closely with our customers to provide them with effective Design for Manufacturing (DfM) guidance.

  • High-Speed CNC Milling

    • Capacity: 41.3" (X) x 22.4” (Y) x 20.0” (Z)

  • CNC Turning with Live Tooling

    • Max Turn Diameter: 11.8”

  • Precision Tolerances (down to +/- 0.0002 in (+/- 0.005 mm)

  • Hardware Integration (dowel pins, helical inserts, etc.)

  • CMM Inspection

  • Finishing Services (anodization, passivation, plating, powder coating, etc.)

  • Assembly

Glidcop prototype CNC part
Ultem CNC part
Machined PEEK Component

From Prototype to Production

Summit CNC provides a one machine shop solution, with full capabilities and expertise to take your team from prototype to production. Below, are key factors that make us the best precision machine shop to partner with for both your prototyping and production CNC machining services:

  • Responsiveness - We quickly respond to customer inquiries. In most cases, we will respond to you and your team within 3 business hours.

  • Collaboration - We can help you optimize your part designs (design for manufacturability or DfM) for CNC machinability, helping you reduce costs and lead times. We invite clients to schedule a tour of our machine shop and meet with us in person. Please contact us to schedule a tour. We also appreciate the opportunity to visit customers’ locations and meet your teams directly.

  • Part Quantity - Whether you are in need of part quantities of 1, 100, or 1000, Summit CNC has the equipment and capabilities to machine your parts.

  • Quality - As an ISO 13485:2016 and AS9100D compliant precision machine shop, we have the processes and capabilities necessary to machine your parts to specific quality specifications.

  • Finishing Processes - We partner with trusted finishing shops that deliver high quality services for anodization, passivation, plating, powder coating, and many more.

  • Speed - Lead times can vary depending on project complexity, line item and part quantities, and inspection requirements, but overall, our lead times are faster than most other machine shops. We prioritize speed, but not at the expense of quality.


Prototype Machining Materials

From plastics to hard and soft metals, Summit CNC has the experience and expertise to machine the material(s) you need for your prototype CNC parts. Below are some of the materials we machine. This is not a comprehensive list, so if you do not see the material you need, please contact us directly.

  • Aluminum (2024, 6061, 6063, 7050, 7075, MIC-6)

  • Alloy Steel (4130, 4140)

  • Brass

  • Carbon Steel (1018, 1045, A1008, A36, C1026)

Hard Metals / Soft Metals

  • Copper

  • Glidcop

  • Inconel

  • Monel

  • Nickel

  • Nitronic (50, 60)

  • Stainless Steel (300 series, 400 series, 15-5, 17-4)

  • Titanium

  • Polycarbonate

  • Polycarbonate (Glass Filled)

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

  • Semitron® ESD 410C PEI

  • Acrylic

  • Delrin

  • HDPE

  • PEEK

Plastics

  • TECAFORM

  • Ultem

What Customers are Saying About Us

“Great company! I needed a specific part for a project I was working on. It was machined quickly and arrived in great condition. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. Couldn't recommend this company more.”

  • Matthew Kinsky, Engineer

“On behalf of a business, I needed a special tool modified. The job was small but needed to be accurate and after calling over 8 other machine shops, Summit CNC were the only ones willing to do the job. 10/10 will use for future CNC machining work.”

  • Marco Zelaya

Summit CNC

ISO 13485:2016 Certified, ITAR Registered

3211 West Hampden Ave, Englewood, CO 80110

(303) 285-2211

service@summitcnc.com