Manufacturing FAQs

What ls CNC Machining?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a precise and efficient manufacturing process that uses automated cutting tools to shape metal or plastic parts. Depending on the part’s complexity, we employ 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis milling machines, lathes, and routers.

Once we receive your 3D CAD model, our skilled machinists program optimized tool paths to minimize costs while maintaining tight tolerances. You can also learn more about the CNC machining process.

What Are The Advantages of CNC Machining?

CNC machining offers key advantages over 3D printing, injection molding, and laser cutting:

It is fast and cost-effective for simple parts, such as base plates with holes or grooves. CNC machines can achieve tight tolerances of ±0.01 mm and deliver smooth surface finishes down to Ra 0.8, making them ideal for painting or anodizing. They also accommodate a wide range of part sizes—from large components up to 600 mm × 3,000 mm to tiny features cut with 0.05 mm tools on precision 5-axis mills.

What Are The challenges of CNC Machining?

CNC machining is generally more cost-effective for simple parts. While complex geometries can be produced, they often require multi-axis setups, which increase both time and cost. Tool access can limit design flexibility, as the size and angle of cutting tools affect reach. High setup costs can raise per-part prices for small batches. Additionally, as a subtractive process, CNC machining generates material waste. However, raw material blanks are typically less expensive than the powders used in additive manufacturing, which helps offset waste-related costs.

How Much Does CNC Machining Cost?

Prices start at around $50 but vary depending on part complexity, quantity, and lead time. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to submit a 3D CAD model and receive an interactive quote along with design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback.

Thanks to our proprietary software and automated fixturing processes, there are no upfront non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs. This makes production of quantities as low as 1 to 200 parts cost-effective.

Compared to 3D printing, prices are similar to slightly higher, but CNC machining provides superior material properties and surface finishes.

Can You offer CNC Machining DFM?

As soon as we receive your RFQ, our engineers will review your CAD files and provide design feedback and optimization suggestions for CNC machining if needed. This helps ensure better part quality and identifies opportunities to reduce CNC machining costs, which can lower the unit price.

What is Horizon’s CNC Machining capacity?

Horizon operates two CNC machining facilities equipped with over 60 CNC milling and turning machines. With more than 40 experienced technical experts, we are capable of producing up to 5,000 different types of CNC machined parts in-house. In addition, through our verified manufacturing partners within our network, we can handle extra CNC machining orders without capacity limits.

What Are Your CNC Machining Tolerances?

Horizon is recognized as one of the best CNC machining companies in China, known for its quality, speed, and customer support. With our high-precision CNC equipment, we can typically achieve tolerances of ±0.02 mm and, in some cases, as tight as ±0.01 mm. Please note that tighter tolerances may increase production costs.

What Are Your Advantages compared to online CNC Quotation Platform?

Our production engineers personally review every RFQ we receive to ensure that the material selection and machining costs are accurately evaluated. In contrast, most online CNC quotation systems are still not accurate enough to reflect real manufacturing conditions. (Read more in our case studies.)

How Can I Reduce the Cost of My CNC Machined Parts?

First of all, make sure your parts are designed to be CNC machining–friendly. For example, avoid features such as sharp corners, deep pockets, and thin walls.
Secondly, choose the right CNC machining company for your project. For simple and small parts, you can easily find small CNC machine shops that offer competitive pricing. However, if you need high-precision parts with complex geometries, a company like Horizon — equipped with advanced multi-axis CNC mills, lathes, and full inspection facilities — would be a better fit.

What’s Your Standard Lead Time For CNC Machined Parts?

Based on our past CNC machining orders, over 90% are completed within about 7 days. Simple parts can be finished in as little as 2 days, while complex or large parts may take 15 days or more. Quantity also affects the lead time. Through our global CNC machining network, we can produce your parts from partner shops in the US and Europe to help shorten shipping time.

What Is Injection Molding?

Injection molding is a manufacturing process where molten material is injected under high pressure into a mold cavity to form custom parts. It is widely used for producing plastic, silicone, and metal components with high precision and repeatability.

What Materials Can Be Used For Injection Molding?

Common materials include ABS, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), and various engineering plastics. Material choice depends on part requirements, durability, appearance, and functionality.

How Long Does It Take To Make A Mold?

Mold fabrication typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on complexity, material, and tolerances. Simple molds are faster, while complex molds for precision parts may take longer.

What Is The Typical Lead Time For Injection Molded Parts?

After mold approval, production lead time usually ranges from 1–4 weeks, depending on quantity, material, and required finishing processes.

Can I Produce Small or Prototype Runs?

Yes, injection molding can accommodate low-volume production or prototypes. Our team provides rapid tooling and production options to meet small batch requirements.

How Is Quality Ensured In Injection Molding?

Quality is maintained through mold design optimization, precise material control, in-process inspections, and final quality checks to ensure dimensions, appearance, and functionality meet specifications.

Can I Get Custom Colors And Surface Finishes?

Yes, pigments can be added to achieve desired colors, and various surface finishes, including matte, glossy, or textured, can be applied to meet functional and aesthetic requirements.

What Are Common Design Considerations For Injection Molding?

Key considerations include wall thickness, draft angles, ribbing, material shrinkage, and undercuts. Our engineers review designs for manufacturability (DFM) and provide optimization suggestions.

What Is The Cost Of Injection Molding?

Costs depend on mold complexity, material selection, part size, quantity, and finishing requirements. We provide detailed quotes after reviewing your design and specifications.

Do You Offer Assembly Or Secondary Operations?

Yes, post-molding services such as trimming, drilling, insert molding, assembly, and surface finishing are available to deliver ready-to-use parts.

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital model. It allows complex geometries to be produced quickly and cost-effectively, making it ideal for prototyping, product development, and small-scale production.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

3D printing works by building objects layer by layer from a digital 3D model—this process is known as additive manufacturing. Instead of removing material like traditional methods, it only adds material (such as plastic, resin, or metal) where needed, creating complex shapes with high precision.

What Type Of File Format Is Required For 3D Printing?

For production, an STL (.stl) file is required. We recommend uploading files in STEP (.stp/.step), SOLIDWORKS (.sldprt), or IGES (.igs/.iges) formats.

How Much Does 3D Printing Service Cost?

3D printing costs can range from just a few dollars to several thousand, depending on factors like technology, material, part size, complexity, and post-processing. Our team of experts carefully reviews your design and recommends the most cost-effective solution, ensuring high-quality results tailored perfectly to your needs.

What Are The Advantages Of 3D Printing?

Rapid Prototyping, turn ideas into reality fast — from prototypes to small-batch production, saving valuable time.

Design Without Limits, bring complex structures and unique geometries to life, beyond the reach of traditional methods.

Material Efficiency, use only what’s needed. Minimize waste, maximize cost savings.

Personalized Production, on-demand, fully customized manufacturing — even for a single piece.

Versatile Materials & Finishes, from resins and metal powders to thermoplastics, combined with premium finishing options like polishing and anodizing.

Cost Flexibility, more economical for intricate parts or low-volume runs, without the expense of mold development.

What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of transforming flat metal sheets into customized parts and structures through techniques such as cutting, bending, welding, and assembly.
This process typically involves the use of precision machinery such as laser cutters, press brakes, and stamping equipment to create enclosures, brackets, cabinets, and other metal components.
To enhance durability and appearance, surface finishing treatments—such as powder coating, electroplating, or anodizing—are often applied to the final products.

Do You Have A Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) For Sheet Metal Fabrication Services?

At Horizon, we accommodate projects of all sizes—from single prototypes to full-scale production runs. Whether you need small-batch customization or mass manufacturing, our production process is designed to be flexible and responsive.

We do not impose a strict minimum order quantity, allowing both startups and established companies to take advantage of our sheet metal fabrication services based on their specific needs, budget, and project scale.

What Are The Common Processes Used In Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication involves a series of processes that transform flat metal sheets into finished components. The main processes include:

• Laser Cutting – Provides high precision and smooth edges for complex shapes.
• Stamping & Punching – Ideal for producing holes, slots, and repetitive features efficiently.
• Bending & Forming – Uses CNC press brakes to shape metal sheets into desired angles or profiles.
• Welding & Assembly – Includes TIG, MIG, and spot welding for joining and assembling metal parts.
• Riveting & Fastener Insertion – Ensures strong structural connections and reliable assembly.
• Surface Finishing – Options such as powder coating, electroplating, anodizing, polishing, and brushing enhance appearance and corrosion resistance.

By combining these processes, we can deliver precision, strength, and aesthetic quality for a wide range of sheet metal products.

How Much Does Sheet Metal Fabrication Cost?

The cost of sheet metal fabrication varies depending on several factors, including part complexity, material type, quantity, and the specific fabrication processes required. For simple, straightforward parts, costs can be very competitive, especially when utilizing efficient production techniques and advanced machinery.

For larger or more complex orders, costs may increase due to additional processing and labor requirements. Our goal is always to provide the best value, balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality results.

What Is The Typical Lead Time For Sheet Metal Fabrication?

The lead time for sheet metal parts depends on several factors, including part complexity, order quantity, and the specific fabrication processes required.

For simple parts, delivery can typically be completed within 5 days after order confirmation and final design approval, making it ideal for prototypes or quick-turn projects.
For complex components or large-volume orders, lead times may be longer. When providing a quotation, we also include an estimated lead time, taking into account production capacity and the specific requirements of your project.

We always strive to minimize delivery times while maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring that you receive your parts quickly without compromising on precision or craftsmanship.