PROTOTYPING & MANUFACTURING

Flexible Custom CNC Machining Services

Rapid production of metal or plastic prototypes & parts,Get instant quotes today and order your custom CNC machined parts at a better price.

On-demand customization — from single units to high-volume batches

  • Precision tolerances up to ±0.01 mm

  • Lead time as fast as 1 day

  • Rich selection of surface finishing options

Start A New Quote

Thumbnail of a CNC machined part based on technical drawing

STEP  STP  SLDPRT  IPT  PRT  SAT  IGES  IGS  CATPART  X_T  OBJ  STL

All uploads are secure and confidential.

Polaris logo representing a client for whom HorizonRP provided precision manufacturing and custom engineering solutions.
Medtronic logo representing a client for whom HorizonRP provided precision manufacturing and custom engineering solutions.
John Deere logo representing a client for whom HorizonRP provided precision manufacturing and custom engineering solutions.
Blue Origin logo representing a client for whom HorizonRP provided precision manufacturing and custom engineering solutions.
Sonos company logo representing HorizonRP’s partnership in providing precision manufacturing and custom component solutions.

What are Horizon’s custom CNC Machining Services?

Horizon is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer offering high-precision, high-quality CNC machining services for both metal and plastic parts.
Our capabilities include milling and turning services:

Milling equipment: 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis precision CNC machining

Turning equipment: automated lathes and turn-mill centers

Auxiliary processes: EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)

All processes can achieve strict tolerances of ±0.01 mm. In addition, we specialize in custom CNC machining, from rapid prototyping and small-batch trial production to full-scale mass production. We also offer a wide range of surface finishing options — including plating, anodizing, and passivation — with neutral salt spray resistance of over 720 hours, ensuring your parts are not only dimensionally precise but also visually flawless. Whether you are an individual, a startup, or a global enterprise, Horizon is your trusted partner for on-demand custom CNC machining. Get your instant quote today!

5-Axis Machined Aluminum Prototype parts

Our CNC Machining Capabilities

CNC milling machining process on metal part, showcasing precision cutting, high-accuracy tooling, and advanced manufacturing technology.

CNC Milling Service

CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling processes to cut solid plastic and metal blocks into final parts.

CNC milling machining process on metal part, showcasing precision cutting, high-accuracy tooling, and advanced manufacturing technology.

CNC Turning Service

CNC turning with live tooling combines both lathe and mill capabilities to machine parts with cylindrical features from metal rod stock.

CNC 5-axis machined metal part in process, showing multi-axis precision cutting, complex geometry, and advanced manufacturing technology.

Your Reliable Manufacturing Network

With a network of over 50 trusted partners, we can seamlessly support everything from rapid prototyping and small-batch trials to full-scale mass production.

Why Choose Horizon?

Compared with other CNC machining companies, here are four key reasons why you should choose our custom CNC machining services.

I

Instant Quotation and DFM Professional Support

Upon receiving 2D or 3D drawings, we will issue a quotation within 24 hours. Our senior engineers will conduct in-depth analysis of the geometric features of the parts. For typical machining challenges such as high thin-walled structures and easy-to-deform characteristics, they will provide practical DFM (Design for Manufacturability) recommendations based on rich practical experience.

II

Prototype to Mass Production, Seamlessly

With extensive industry experience, we not only accelerate prototype development but also ensure a smooth transition from prototype to mass production through mature standardized processes, achieving high quality and consistency..

III

Fast Delivery

With our trusted manufacturing capabilities, we provide fast-turnaround CNC machining services. Supported by a global shipping network, we ensure your parts are delivered quickly and reliably, no matter where you are.

IV

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

With over 50 trusted partners, we cater to both prototypes and mass production, offering cost-effective pricing while ensuring tighter tolerance control. We also provide smoother surface finishes, with additional options such as shot peening and anodizing, and fully support custom requirements.

We offer comprehensive custom machining services, ranging from prototypes delivered in as fast as one day to high-volume production of complex parts, all executed efficiently. With our strong machining capabilities and extensive manufacturing network, we can accommodate larger sizes, higher complexity, and stricter tolerances, providing reliable solutions for our clients.

CNC Milling

CNC-turning

5-axis-machining

precision-machining

3D-printing

rapid-prototyping

low-volume

surface-finishing

How to Work With Us

Our ordering process

Which Is Best for Your Project-CNC Milling,CNC Turning,or 5-Axis Machining?

Choosing the right machining method is key to achieving efficient and precise production. CNC milling, CNC turning, and 5-axis machining each have their advantages, handling everything from complex surfaces to rotationally symmetric parts. Understanding their characteristics helps you make the best choice for every project.

CNC milling machining process on metal part, showcasing precision cutting, high-accuracy tooling, and advanced manufacturing technology.
CNC milling machining process on metal part, showcasing precision cutting, high-accuracy tooling, and advanced manufacturing technology.
3–4 axis CNC machining icon representing precision milling, multi-axis cutting, and efficient manufacturing processes.

Feature

CNC milling

CNC Turning

5 Axis Machining

Movement

3-axis machining is a precise and versatile method for producing flat surfaces, slots, holes, and simple 3D parts. It offers high accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency, making it ideal for small-batch or straightforward part production. Advanced tooling ensures excellent surface finish and dimensional precision.

CNC turning is designed for rotationally symmetric parts, such as shafts, sleeves, and screws. It delivers high speed, precision, and repeatability, while reducing material waste and production costs. Automated systems and advanced tooling make CNC turning ideal for both precision and high-volume manufacturing.

Simultaneous, or continuous, 5-axis machining allows all five axes to move at the same time, enabling the machine to adjust its position continuously without stopping. This approach can significantly increase machining speed and efficiency, as there are no interruptions between cutting passes, while also improving surface finish on complex parts.

Complexity

Suitable for flat surfaces, slots, and simple 3D parts; simple in structure.

Suitable for rotationally symmetric parts.

Capable of machining highly complex geometries and tight-tolerance parts in a single setup.

Surface Quality

Provides smoother surfaces with fewer tool marks, though the surface quality on complex curves is still inferior to 5-axis machining.

For rotational parts, the surface is smooth with minimal tool marks.

When machining complex surfaces or intricate structures, it achieves smoother finishes with fewer tool marks.

Efficiency

High production efficiency, but complex parts require multiple setups.

Fast processing speed with high repeatability

Faster production with fewer setups

Best For

Flat surfaces, slots, and simple 3D parts.

Suitable for rotationally symmetric parts.

Components with complex structures and high precision requirements

Cost & Investment

Both part and equipment costs are lower than those of 5-axis machining.

Standard rotational parts are low in cost, whereas turn-mill machining involves higher expenses.

Higher machine and programming costs

CNC Machining Materials

Metal

  • Inconel

    Inconel Superalloy Materials

    Inconel Superalloy Materials
  • Magnesium

    Magnesium & Magnesium Alloy Materials

    Magnesium & Magnesium Alloy Materials
  • Titanium

    Titanium

    Titanium aerospace structural part CNC machined for aircraft and space applications
  • Low-Carbon Steel

    Low-Carbon (Mild) Steel Material

    Low-carbon (mild) steel sheet showcasing precision machining and metal fabrication capabilities
  • Stainless Steel

    Stainless Steel Material & Alloys

    stainless steel material
  • Copper

    Copper Material & Copper Alloys

    Copper wire demonstrating high electrical conductivity
  • Brass

    Brass Material & Brass Alloys

    Brass rod and sheet samples
  • Aluminum

    Aluminum Material & Aluminum Alloys

    Aluminum alloy sheet and rods samples

Plastic

  • PC+ABS

    PC/ABS (Polycarbonate‑ABS Blend) Plastic Material

    PC+ABS is a blend-modified material that combines the advantages of both materials. It not only inherits the high impact resistance of PC but also the material strength of ABS, while improving its heat resistance. It is often used in electronic product casings, automotive interiors, consumer products, and more.

    PC/ABS plastic pellets for prototyping and molding
  • CPVC

    CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Plastic Material

    CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a modified form of PVC, with enhanced thermal stability, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance. These upgraded characteristics make CPVC an excellent choice for applications in high-temperature and corrosive environments where ordinary PVC would fail.

    CPVC plastic material offering excellent heat and corrosion resistance for industrial and plumbing applications
  • PC+GF

    PC+GF(Glass‑Fiber Reinforced Polycarbonate) Material

    PC+GF (polycarbonate + glass fiber reinforced composite material) is a reinforced engineering plastic made by adding glass fiber (abbreviated as GF) to a polycarbonate (PC) matrix. The addition of glass fiber can significantly improve the mechanical properties and stability of pure PC while retaining some of PC’s excellent inherent properties, making it suitable for scenarios with high requirements for strength, rigidity, and dimensional accuracy. It features high strength, high rigidity, and heat resistance, and is ideal for automotive parts, electrical enclosures, and structural components.

    PC GF glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate pellets
  • PEI

    PEI (Polyetherimide) Engineering Material

    PEI (polyetherimide) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for excellent heat resistance, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. It is widely used in demanding applications across aerospace, electronics, medical, and industrial fields.

    PEI polyetherimide engineering plastic pellets
  • PTFE

    PTFE

    Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is a high-performance fluoropolymer. It is frequently used in mechanical components requiring reduced friction and wear—such as bearings, gears, and piston rings—due to its non-stick properties, low friction characteristics, and self-lubricating capabilities. PTFE also exhibits excellent electrical insulation properties, making it highly suitable for applications like high-frequency cables, high-voltage insulators, and electronic components.

    Additionally, PTFE maintains stable performance during long-term use across an extreme temperature range from -200°C (ultra-low temperature) to 260°C (high temperature), enabling its use in harsh environments such as aerospace systems, deep-sea equipment, and high-temperature industrial apparatus.

    PTFE(Polytetrafluoroethylene) plastic material with excellent chemical resistance and low friction for precision machined components
  • LDPE

    LDPE

    Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is lighter than water, soft and tough, with excellent acid and alkali resistance as well as electrical insulation properties. It is widely used in fields such as packaging, agriculture, electronics, and daily necessities.

    LDPE plastic material with excellent flexibility and chemical resistance for injection molding and packaging applications.
  • PP

    PP (Polypropylene) Engineering Material

    Polypropylene (PP) is a well-balanced thermoplastic characterized by lightweight material, excellent chemical resistance, and good flexibility. Owing to these properties, it finds wide application in fields such as packaging, household appliances, automotive, daily necessities, and medical devices.

    PP injection molding plastic material — durable, chemical-resistant polypropylene for precision-molded components.
  • PET

    PET

    PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a common thermoplastic polyester with excellent mechanical properties and strong chemical resistance. It also offers glass-like transparency and luster, with a high light transmittance of about 88–92%, and is widely used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and engineering plastics.

    Transparent PET plastic material sheet used for durable and lightweight molded parts.
  • PVC

    PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Plastic Material

    Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer material characterized by excellent mechanical properties, outstanding corrosion resistance, and superior electrical insulation performance. By incorporating various additives, it can be tailored to meet customized requirements. Owing to its unique combination of properties, PVC finds extensive applications in fields such as construction, industry, packaging, and healthcare.

    PVC resin pellets for industrial applications
  • PC

    PC (Polycarbonate) Engineering Material

    PC (polycarbonate) is a versatile engineering plastic known for its high impact resistance, optical transparency, and good thermal stability. It combines toughness, heat resistance, and aesthetic clarity, making it suitable for a wide array of applications.

    PC polycarbonate resin pellets
  • PMMA (Acrylic)

    PMMA (Acrylic) Engineering Material

    Acrylic (also known as polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) boasts not only excellent optical performance but also outstanding UV resistance. With a light transmittance of up to 92%—comparable to glass—it has become a popular material in scenarios ranging from neon signs in shopping malls and display case panels in museums to precision optical lenses and stage light covers.

    Clear PMMA acrylic sheet for optical applications
  • PEEK

    PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) Engineering Material

    PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a premium thermoplastic widely recognized for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and in many cases biocompatibility and electrical insulation. It is used in extreme environments like aerospace, medical implants, electronics, and semiconductor industries.

    PEEK polyetheretherketone resin pellets
  • Nylon

    Nylon (Polyamide) Engineering Material

    Nylon (polyamide) is a versatile engineering thermoplastic known for its high strength, excellent wear resistance, good chemical stability, and toughness. It is widely used across industries for gears, bearings, bushings, automotive components, industrial parts, and more.

    Its ease of machining, coupled with its chemical resistance, also makes it suitable for applications in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. With its remarkable combination of properties, nylon stands out as a versatile and reliable material for a diverse range of CNC machining applications.

    Nylon polyamide resin pellets
  • POM

    POM (Polyoxymethylene / Acetal) Engineering Material

    POM (polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal, is a high‑performance engineering thermoplastic valued for its rigidity, low friction, excellent wear resistance, and good dimensional stability. It is often used in precision mechanical parts that require durable, low‑maintenance performance.

    POM acetal resin pellets
  • HIPS

    HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) Material

    HIPS, or High Impact Polystyrene, is a modified polystyrene polymer enhanced with rubber modifiers (usually polybutadiene) to improve toughness and durability. The result is a rigid yet impact-resistant thermoplastic that retains good processability, making it popular in prototyping, manufacturing, and consumer products.

    HIPS combines the stiffness of polystyrene with improved impact performance, offering a cost-effective balance of mechanical and processing properties.

    High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) plastic material used for durable and cost-effective injection molded parts
  • HDPE

    HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Material

    High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer with high strength-to-density ratio, known for durability, chemical resistance, and ease of processing. As a semi-crystalline plastic, it offers excellent impact performance, low moisture uptake, and good machinability — making it a popular choice in industrial, chemical, packaging, and structural applications. It is great for applications such as orthotic and prosthetic devices, water storage, and tanks.

    Machining HDPE component with CNC
  • ABS

    ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Material

    ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a widely used engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent balance of strength, toughness, and processability. Because it combines rigidity from acrylonitrile and styrene with impact resistance from butadiene, ABS is commonly used in consumer products, enclosures, housings, and structural components.

    Machined ABS part on CNC

Surface Finish and Post-Processing Options

Custom CNC machined aluminum container showing surface finish details

As machined

The machined or deburring finish is the standard finish where unwanted attach chips are removed with deburring tools, and sharp edges are chamfered to smooth the surface (3.2 μm).

Sandblasted surface finish on metal part showing uniform matte texture and improved surface adhesion.

Bead Blasted

Bead blasting produces a matte texture, removing all the marks of machining tools. It applies to ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, and Steel parts.

Anodized surface finish on aluminum part showing durable oxide layer, enhanced corrosion resistance, and decorative appearance.

Anodizing

Anodizing involves adding an aluminum oxide coating to aluminum and its alloys. The layers, which come in various colors, increase strength and shield the surface from corrosion.

Alodine surface finish on aluminum part showing chromate conversion coating for corrosion resistance and enhanced paint adhesion.

Alodine

Provides excellent corrosion resistance property to the aluminum parts with greenish-gold color. It is the low-cost and quick surface finishing approach.

Metal part with polished surface finish, showing smooth, reflective texture, precision manufacturing, and high-quality finish.

Polishing

Physical rubbing of a metal surface to create a shiny surface is called a polishing surface finish. It increases the reflectivity and does not affect the dimensional stability of parts.

Metal part with brushed surface finish, showing uniform texture, enhanced aesthetics, and precision finishing.

Brushing

Brushing is achieved by applying an abrasive brush to the metal surface, which produces a unidirectional satin finish. And it is not recommended for highly corrosive materials.

Aluminum alloy sheet and rods samples

Sanding

Provides a random, non-linear texture with a shiny, high gloss finish. However, it might be unable to create sharp corners and pockets

Metal parts with black-oxide surface finish, showing corrosion resistance, matte appearance, and precision manufacturing.

Black-Oxide

Black oxide finish reduces surface reflectivity and offers mild corrosion protection. It involves adding a thin layer of magnetite to the surface.

Sheet metal fabricated part with surface finish, showing precision manufacturing, custom metal forming, and advanced surface treatment.

Electroplating

Electroplating increases the hardness of the steel &aluminum parts. It offers excellent corrosion, wears, and abrasion resistance.

CNC machined metal part with chrome plating finish for high hardness, corrosion protection, and mirror-like surface appearance.

Electroless Nickel Plating

A thin layer of Nickel is created on the surface from a nickel-containing solution without electrolysis. Electro-less nickel plating provides a shiny appearance, excellent hardness, abrasive, wear, and corrosion-resistance to the substrate material.

CNC machined metal part with chrome plating finish for high hardness, corrosion protection, and mirror-like surface appearance.

Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is widely used in various industries, which not only enhances the beautiful appearance of the product, but also improves the performance of the product, such as corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, abrasion resistance, hardness, etc.

CNC machined metal part with passivation finish for corrosion resistance and improved stainless steel protection.

Passivation

Enhance the appearance and functionality of the parts. After Passivation, parts of Steel and its alloys become super resistive from corrosion.

CNC Machining for Various Industrial Applications

Banner image showcases the aerospace industry and highlights advanced manufacturing technologies for precision-engineered components.

Aerospace

From prototyping to high quality parts

Automotive industry representation showing precision-engineered components, advanced manufacturing technology, and custom high-performance parts.

Automotive

Rapid prototyping and mass production for the automotive industry

Plastic injection molded parts for consumer electronics applications, showing precision molding, custom design, and high-quality surface finish.

Consumer Electronics

Prototyping and on-demand production of consumer electronics products

Medical industry representation showing precision-engineered components, advanced manufacturing technology, and custom healthcare solutions.

Medical

Accelerate your development of medical devices

Customer Success Stories

CNC machined brass part with electroplated surface finish for enhanced appearance and corrosion resistance

Brass Double Plating- The Perfect Solution for Blind Hole Challenges.

Industrial

Precision CNC machining of smart lock panel housing

Crafted with precision and intelligence for beautiful, durable products.

Smart Home Industry

Injection molding of plastic decorative light housing with smooth finish and high dimensional precision.

A Bespoke Pendant Light: Crafting Perfection Through Innovation and Dedication.

Home Décor Industry

CNC Machine FAQS

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 part complexity, we use 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis milling machines, lathes, or routers.

Once we receive your 3D CAD model, our skilled machinists program optimized tool paths to reduce costs and ensure tight tolerances. Learn more about the CNC machining process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Horizon is recognized as one of the leading 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.

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 study.)

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.

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.

Put your parts into production today

All information and uploads are secure and confidential.