Fathom is hiring! For all open positions, visit our Career Center.
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. Companies trust Fathom with CNC machining projects that are time-sensitive, short production run related, involve high-complexity and high-precision.
Fathom offers CNC machining services for the manufacture of precision plastic or metal parts. Our high-speed CNC machines are equipped with the latest software programming and are operated by highly skilled CNC technicians. Fathom can produce complex pieces directly from 3D Computer-Aided Design (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.
CNC Parts in As Soon As Next-Day / / Get A Quote
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 are ready to tackle your project. Our SmartQuote online platform will allow your team to quickly upload a CAD file to our system, track progress and consult with Fathom experts. Start a conversation today!
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 or 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.
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 Parts in As Soon As Next-Day / / Get A Quote
CNC machining can be simplified into a 3-step process / /
There are many ways your project can benefit from CNC machining. These include / /
There are several key considerations to keep in mind when designing your product for CNC machining.
There are several different types of CNC machinery. Here is a summary / /
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 / /
Fathom provide leading CNC machining services with a national footprint offering both metal CNC machining and plastic CNC machining.
| METALS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
|
|
| Low Carbon Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
| |
| Aluminum | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
| |
| Brass | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
|
| PLASTICS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
|
|
| PC | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
| |
| ABS | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
| |
| Acrylic | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
| |
| Nylon 6/6 | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
| |
| Acetal (Delrin®) | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
| |
| ULTEM® | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
|
CNC Parts in As Soon As Next-Day / / Get A Quote
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 craftmanship.
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, additional finishing 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.
CNC Parts In As Soon As Next Day / / Get A Quote
Fathom’s metal part finishing options include the standard machined finish, tumbled finish, bead-blasted matte finish or polished finish.
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.
