Fathom’s CNC machining experts deliver high-quality parts by way of modern machining methods while incorporating additive technologies to drive more outstanding results. Highly skilled machinists support this hybrid approach and a diverse setup of industry-leading equipment to accommodate many types of applications at any given time. Companies trust Fathom with CNC machining projects that are time-sensitive, short production run related, involve high-complexity and/or require high-precision.
Fathom offers CNC Machining services for the manufacture of precision plastic or metal parts. Utilizing high-speed CNC machines and the latest software programming, Fathom can produce complex pieces directly from 3D CAD data with detail-oriented precision using 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machines, including vertical milling machines, horizontal milling machines and lathes.
Fathom employs CNC machinery that performs complex operations such as turning, milling, drilling, tapping and deep-hole boring. Fathom supports all processes in precision machining with an effective quality control program. We use our engineering expertise, experience, state-of-the-art equipment and in-depth knowledge to serve a variety of different industries, including medical, aerospace, defense, automotive and consumer goods.
From rapid prototypes—both cosmetic and functional—to low-volume production parts, Fathom’s CNC machining team is part of its secure facility and follows processes to protect a company’s IP (e.g., NIST 800-53 Compliant). Customers can choose from a wide variety of metal and plastic material options or can make special material requests. The team offers a tolerance accuracy range from +/-0.001″ to 0.005″ and can support even faster lead-times for on-demand reorders.
Fathom is ready to help you produce a high-quality product that meets your project’s exact specifications and deadlines. Over many years and thousands of projects, Fathom has worked with numerous satisfied clients from multiple industries and now we are ready to tackle your project. Our SmartQuote online platform will allow your team to quickly upload a design to our system, keep track of the progress being made and stay in touch with Fathom experts.
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process during which a pre-programmed computer software directs the movement of factory machinery and tools. CNC machining can control a variety of complex machinery, from mills and routers to grinders and lathes. Using CNC machining allows three-dimensional cutting tasks to be accomplished with a single set of prompts. This process has become popular because there is no need for a live operator to push levers, buttons and wheels. Once a CNC machine has been activated, the cuts are programmed into the software and then communicated to the tools and machinery which perform the task, similar to a robot.
CNC machining is ideal for projects requiring production-grade materials and rapid prototyping of tight tolerance plastic and metal parts with excellent surface finishes. The repeatability of the process also opens up the possibility of producing high volume manufacturing of parts using CNC machining.
CNC machining can be simplified into a 3-step process.:
There are many ways your project can benefit from CNC machining. These include:
Lower costs and greater efficiencies
There are several key considerations to keep in mind when designing your product for CNC machining.
Tool access: If the cutting tool is unable to reach a surface, it cannot be CNC machined. This places a limitation on parts that require hidden internal geometries and sets a limit on the maximum depth of an undercut.
Your project may likely be described as:
A CNC machine follows a coded program to modify a piece of material to meet specifications. The code is written by a person or translated from CAD or CAM software. They often use G-code or M-code. Some of the most frequently used CNC machines include:
From Fathom to ICOMold, the Fathom brands provide leading CNC machining services across geographies offering both metal CNC machining and plastic CNC machining.
| METALS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Low Carbon Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Aluminum | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Brass | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| PLASTICS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| PC | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| ABS | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Acrylic | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Nylon 6/6 | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Acetal (Delrin®) | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| ULTEM® | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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Modern-day CNC machines are robotic or automated systems with multi-axis and tooling capabilities. During the late 40s, the original numerically controlled machine was made by John T. Parsons while working with MIT and the defense industry. Technology had been progressing up to this point throughout history from the 18th century steam-powered machine automation and as far back as 700 B.C. Italian craftmans.
A: CNC machines are primarily programmed using G-code though M-code is also acceptable.
A: No. A computer controls CNC machines. A VMC is a kind of CNC machine used to cut metal.
A: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is sequential, while CNC is conditional.
A: John T. Parsons
A: As the process is automated, it increases efficiency, lowers costs and increases accuracy.
A: Depending on the application, common materials include stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, foam, polypropylene, ABS, POM, PC, Nylon and more.
A: CNC lathe machine, router machine, milling machine, laser cutting machine and plasma cutting machine.
A: A direct numerical control (DNC) system uses a mainframe computer to operate multiple machines. DNC refers to the networking of more than one CNC machine.
A: Numerical Control (NC) machines receive instructions from a punch card, whereas a CNC machine receives instructions from a computer.
A: Aerospace, medical device, photonics, defense, electronics, transportation and more.
A: Some CNC machines, such as the CNC mill, may leave visible tool marks. Because of this, an additional step may be required to finish the part.
A: Bead blast, anodized, chem film, passivation, powder coat, electropolishing, electroless nickel plating, silver plating and gold plating.
Quickly get a quote in as soon as one hour on any CNC project today with our SmartQuote platform.
Fathom’s metal part finishing options include the standard machined finish, a tumbled finish, a bead-blasted matte finish that appears matte-like or a finely polished finish leaving your part with a smooth gleam.
Plastic finishes include the standard machined finish, tumbled finishing and flame or vapor polishing for acrylic only. If you aren’t sure what finish is best for your metal or plastic parts, talk with a Fathom expert directly.
At Fathom we offer a unique advantage of speed and agility-our experts help companies go from concept to prototype to manufacturing in ways not previously possible.
| 90+ Machines | |
| SLS / / Two-day | SLA / / Next-day |
| FDM / / Next-day | DMLS / / Three-day |
| PolyJet / / Same-day | MJF / / Two-day |
30 Second Quotes
Prototype Tool / / As soon as 10 days
10K Parts / / 10 days
Production Tool / / As soon as 3 weeks
3 & 5 Axis Milling & Turning
(Plastics, Composites and Metals)
Tolerance Accuracy Range
from +/-0.001″ to 0.005″
Injection Molding Adjacent
without High Costs of Metal Tools
Most Commonly Used for High-Volume
Prototyping & Bridge to Production
Let’s get started.
Fathom is driven by advanced technologies and methods that enhance and accelerate today’s product development and production processes.
