Discover how professional CNC machining services ensure high precision, consistency, and efficiency in metal parts manufacturing - from prototype validation to full-scale production.
1. Design & Engineering Phase (Source & Foundation)
This is the starting point for all considerations; the design determines production feasibility and cost.
a. DFM - Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Core Concept: Whether the designer has considered manufacturing processes and capabilities.
Key Points: Includes avoiding overly complex internal structures, deep holes, sharp internal corners, and unnecessarily tight tolerances.
b. Quality of Drawings & CAD Models
Completeness: 3D models and 2D drawings must be complete, clear, and unambiguous.
Tolerance Specification: Tolerances are cost amplifiers. Whether geometric tolerances and dimensional tolerances are reasonably specified.
c. Material Selection
Performance Matching: Whether the material's mechanical, physical, and chemical properties meet the end-use requirements.
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CNC machining has become one of the most reliable and efficient methods for producing precision metal components.
Through advanced computer control and multi-axis systems, machining can achieve micron-level tolerances, ensuring that each part meets exact design requirements.
Whether for aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or industrial equipment, CNC machining delivers unmatched accuracy and surface quality.
2. Process Planning & Programming
Machining Process Route Planning
Rational operation sequencing is the cornerstone of ensuring precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We follow systematic principles to define the optimal machining path for every part.
Fixture Design & Selection
Choose the optimal solution based on your project phase and volume requirements.
Core Principles
Datum First: Machine and establish precise datums first to provide a unified reference for all subsequent operations.
Rough Before Finish: Divide the process into roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing stages to progressively remove material and release stress, ensuring final accuracy.
Face Before Hole: Machine flat surfaces first, then drill holes on the finished surface, providing a stable and perpendicular datum.
Minimize Setups: Reduce the number of setups through process consolidation or using multi-axis machines to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Fixture Design & Selection
Prototype / Low Volume - Cost-Effective
Utilizes universal vises, modular fixtures, or 3D-printed soft jaws for rapid response and low-cost iteration.
Employs modular fixture systems (e.g., zero-point clamping) for quick changeover, balancing efficiency and flexibility.
Invests in dedicated hydraulic/pneumatic fixtures for second-level clamping and unmanned operation, achieving the lowest per-part cost.
Designs multi-operation integrated fixtures for complex parts (e.g., impellers, housings) to complete multi-face machining in a single setup.
Our Fixture Design Standards:
High Rigidity: Ensures no vibration or deformation under cutting forces, guaranteeing surface finish and tool life.
High Precision: The fixture's own positioning accuracy is the foundation of part accuracy, typically 1/3 to 1/5 of the part tolerance.
Quick Clamping: Optimized positioning and clamping mechanisms significantly reduce non-cutting time and improve efficiency.
Efficient Chip Evacuation: Design considers chip flow to prevent accumulation from affecting positioning and machining.
Prototype Stage: May use universal vises or modular fixtures.
Production Stage: Requires dedicated precision fixtures, directly impacting machining stability and consistency.
3. Production & Manufacturing Phase (Execution & Realization)
This is the core stage where the blueprint becomes a physical object.
Machine Tool Accuracy & Condition
Static Accuracy: The machine tool's inherent positioning accuracy and repeatability.
Dynamic Accuracy & Rigidity: Ability to maintain accuracy under cutting forces.
3-Axis vs 4-Axis vs 5-Axis CNC Machining service Comparison
| Machine Type |
Axis Movement
|
Typical Use Case
|
Part Complexity
|
Accuracy Level
|
|
|
| 3-Axis CNC | X, Y, Z | Flat or simple parts | Low–Medium | ±0.01mm | Brackets, covers, housings | |
| 4-Axis CNC
|
X, Y, Z + rotation (A-axis) | Parts needing side machining | Medium–High | ±0.008mm | Shafts, impellers, molds | |
| 5-Axis CNC | X, Y, Z + rotation + tilt | Multi-surface, high-precision parts | Very High | ±0.005mm | Aerospace, medical, robotics |
Tool Management & Selection
In-Process Measurement & Control
4. Quality Assurance & Post-Processing (Verification & Completion)
This is the "gatekeeper" ensuring the part meets final requirements.
Precision Measurement Capability
Our three-tier inspection system ensures full-process control from first article to mass production:
First Article Inspection: CMM-based comprehensive dimensional verification for critical parts
In-Process Control: Real-time SPC monitoring with digital gauges on production lines
Final Verification: Specialized inspection with optical comparators/surface testers
Heat Treatment & Surface Treatment
Our certified supplier process standards ensure:
Heat Treatment Verification: Hardness testing + metallographic analysis
Surface Treatment Control: Coating thickness + salt spray test + adhesion test
starway quality control System
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QC 1
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Precision Inspection
Compliant with the ISO 10360 international standard, ensuring global consistency and traceability of measurement results.
• German ZEISS CONTURA 7100 CMM
• Measurement Accuracy: 0.9 μm + L/350
• Lab Environment: Temperature controlled at 20 ± 0.5°C
![[cnc milling]](/uploads/29238/info/2025102716162088b52.jpg?size=800x0 "[cnc milling]")
QC 2
Surface Integrity Verification
• Equipment: Taylor Hobson Surface Profilometer
• Parameters: Ra, Rz, Rmax
• Measurement Range: 0.01 - 100 μm
• Coating Thickness: Precisely measured using an electrolytic thickness gauge.
• Adhesion Test: Standard cross-cut test method to evaluate coating bonding strength.
• Corrosion Resistance: 48-hour neutral salt spray test to verify protective performance.
Conclusion
Technical Feasibility: / Determined by Design (DFM) and Process Planning.
Physical Realizability: / Determined by the accuracy and capability of Machine Tools / Cutting Tools / Fixtures.
Process Controllability: / Ensured by Measurement / Inspection and a Strict Quality Management System.
Starway Machining Service
Precision Machining and Prototype Consistency in Metal Parts
01
Precision tolerance control up to ±0.005mm
Flexible production from prototype to low-volume manufacturing
02
Support for over 30 metal and plastic materials
ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system
03
Engineering feedback for design optimization
shanghai starway manufacture：
Machining service is more than just cutting metal - it's about precision, repeatability, and reliability at every step.
Machining services are more than just cutting metal - it's about precision, repeatability, and reliability at every step.
By integrating advanced CNC technology with rigorous quality control, manufacturers like Starway enable customers to achieve faster development, improved product performance, and consistent results from prototype to production.
Contact our team today to discuss your custom CNC machining project.
Our address
Shanghai Starway Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
8615251708787
Billy.feng@starwaymfg.com
