CNC Prototyping Services
CNC Prototyping
First articles in as little as 1–3 days. AS9100 and ITAR-registered — every prototype built to production-grade limits inside our certified quality system.
Overview
What Is CNC Prototyping?
CNC Prototyping is the process of machining a working first-article part from customer CAD files with computer-controlled mills or lathes. First, EGM Manufacturing reviews your drawing. Then, we cut the part from aerospace-grade aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or plastic. Finally, we ship inspected prototypes in as little as one to three days.
For over fifty years of combined machining experience, EGM Manufacturing has earned a strong name in CNC Prototyping. Moreover, we move projects from idea to finished part without delay. From our AS9100 and ITAR-registered shop in Sunrise, Florida, we serve aerospace, defense, and space buyers. Additionally, our JCP certification proves we handle controlled data safely. Because our quality system backs every job, each prototype meets tight limits. Whether you need one proof-of-concept or several hundred units, EGM scales cleanly from prototype to short run production.
First-Article Excellence
From CAD File to Finished Part in Days
Our team machines prototypes from aerospace-grade stock and inspects every dimension before shipping — so your first article is a production-quality part, not just a rough sample.
Why Choose EGM
Why Choose EGM for CNC Prototyping
- AS9100 and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system for full aerospace compliance and paper trail on every job
- ITAR registered and JCP (DD2345) certified for safe handling of controlled drawings and defense data
- One- to three-day turnaround on ready prototype CAD files, including first-article inspection before we ship
- Aerospace-grade stock on hand — 6061, 7075, 17-4, 316, titanium, PEEK, Delrin, and specialty alloys ready to run
- 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining under one roof for tough contours, undercuts, and tight-tolerance shapes
Aerospace & Defense
Why CNC Prototyping Matters for Aerospace and Defense
When a flight-critical part reaches qualification testing, there is no room for dimensional drift, material swaps, or surface flaws. Therefore, aerospace and defense buyers demand CNC Prototyping inside a certified quality system. Moreover, a prototype that matches final-production limits, material certs, and finish specs removes surprises during design review and speeds up first article approval. In fact, EGM builds every prototype inside the same system we use for production. As a result, the part you test is the part you'll get at volume.
CNC vs. 3D Printing
Is CNC Prototyping Faster Than 3D Printing for Aerospace Parts?
For functional aerospace parts needing certified materials, tight limits, and true mechanical strength, CNC machining often beats 3D printing on total timeline. Additionally, subtractive machining skips post-print steps, material re-certs, and size variation. As a result, you get a first article that acts like production hardware and passes testing on the first try.
Our Process
How Our CNC Prototyping Process Works
Every CNC Prototyping job at EGM follows a clear workflow. First, your team sends CAD files, 2D drawings, and material specs. Next, our process engineers review the package, confirm the part can be made, and plan tooling. Then, the job goes to the right platform — 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis CNC milling, or multi-axis lathe — based on shape and finish needs. After that, our CMM checks the finished part against the print. Finally, we ship with full paperwork.
Materials
What Materials Can EGM Machine for Aerospace Prototypes?
EGM routinely machines aerospace-grade aluminum alloys like 6061, 6061-T6, 6082, and 7075. Additionally, we run stainless steels such as 303, 304, 316, 17-4, 420, and 2205 duplex. Moreover, we cut titanium, brass, copper, alloy and tool steels, plus plastics like PEEK, PTFE, Delrin, UHMW, and G-10. Custom material requests are reviewed case by case.
- 6061
- 6061-T6
- 6082
- 7075
- 303
- 304
- 316
- 17-4
- 420
- 2205 Duplex
- Titanium
- Brass
- Copper
- Alloy steel
- Tool steel
- PEEK
- PTFE (Teflon)
- Acetal (Delrin)
- UHMW
- G-10
- Reviewed case by case
Tolerances
What Tolerances Can EGM Hold on Prototype Parts?
| Type | Metals | Plastics |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tolerance | ±0.005″ | ±0.010″ |
| Fine Tolerance | ±0.002″ | ±0.005″ |
| Custom Tolerance | Requires 2D drawing — reviewed case by case | |
| Typical Lead Time | 1–3 business days (stock materials, clean CAD) | |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About CNC Prototyping
Straightforward prototypes with clean CAD files and stock materials typically ship within one to three business days. However, complex multi-axis parts, exotic alloys, or special finishes extend the timeline. Therefore, our team gives an exact delivery date at quote — not after the job starts — so program schedules stay on track.
Yes. EGM Manufacturing is ITAR registered and holds a JCP Certification (DD2345). As a result, we can receive and handle controlled unclassified information and defense-related data. Additionally, all ITAR drawings run through secure systems with access limited to cleared staff. Please contact our team before sending any controlled package.
No. EGM accepts single-piece prototype orders. Moreover, we scale cleanly to runs above 1,000 units. Our pricing stays fair across all volume tiers because the same staff, tooling, and quality system support both prototype and production work. Therefore, buyers gain one approved supplier across the full program rather than sourcing multiple vendors.
Our quoting team accepts STEP, IGES, Parasolid, SolidWorks, and Pro/E native files. Additionally, we accept 2D PDF drawings with dimensions, tolerances, material callouts, and finish specs. For best results, please send both a 3D model and a fully dimensioned 2D drawing. Then, our engineers can lock down manufacturability and finish needs upfront.
Absolutely. Our process engineers review every prototype package for manufacturability before machining starts. When a feature is hard, costly, or risky to hold, we flag it with a proposed change that keeps design intent while improving yield and cost. As a result, most customers accept our DFM advice and cut prototype cycles greatly.
Launch Your Program
Launch Your Aerospace Program With EGM's CNC Prototyping Team
AS9100, ITAR, and JCP credentials plus fifty-plus years of combined machining know-how. Scale from a single prototype to full production without switching suppliers.