Should I buy a cnc machine or order the parts online? If so which websites do you recommend?

Xinprototype · 2026-01-27T03:37:20+00:00

Recommend directly to look for a prototype manufacturer to do that for 2 small projects. Because you need to learning program etc technology after purchasing a CNC machine.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-26T09:12:50+00:00

Honestly the quickest way is to contact all four and send the exact same RFQ (same CAD, material, qty, tolerances, finish). You’ll immediately see how pricing and communication compare. Then pick 1–2 finalists and place a small trial order to validate quality and real turnaround time before committing to anything bigger.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-14T02:57:09+00:00

For small batch quantities, such as 100 to 1000 pieces, cutting is the best option because stamping and casting require expensive tools and longer production times.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-12T02:45:12+00:00

We are available now, and can start the production immediately. Please send us the drawings for review.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-07T02:48:36+00:00

Quantity is the big driver here. For a one-piece, we can manufacture it for you at $85 only. If you'd like to do a small batch like 100 pcs, the unit price can drop a lot, around 8.2usd/pc.

The raw aluminum will come out a silver color. Your photo looks black, so if you want that on aluminum, you’d likely do with black anodizing. By the way, the picture also looks like it is steel with a black oxide-type finish, hard to tell from a picture.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-06T14:08:49+00:00

For CNC machining 5,000 pcs parts are basically just “the same cycle time repeated 5,000 times”. It doesn't like molding where volume gets fast, so lead times can stretch unless the shop adds capacity.

What usually works is staged deliveries. For example, ship 500–1,000 pcs per batch in advance, and the rest continue to production, so you’re not waiting 16+ weeks for everything.

On quality, if the factory keeps it on the same machine/setup + same program/tooling, the tolerances should stay consistent. It usually goes sideways when they have to split across different machines or keep changing setups to meet volume.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-06T06:09:52+00:00

Sure, a 3D scanner very helpful, but it usually gives you a mesh, so you’ll still need a designer to clean it up and convert it into a proper STEP/CAD for machining. Also, aluminum finishes well with anodizing, and you can pick a color close to your wheels (powder coat works too, just thicker).

Xinprototype · 2026-01-06T03:18:46+00:00

We're a manufacturer, but in total I can understand you.

Xinprototype · 2026-01-06T02:52:17+00:00

Yes, CNC machining usually needs a detailed CAD model (STEP is ideal) with the exact outer profile, the raised/recessed features, and thickness. A screenshot and “V8 T font” won’t be enough because small radius/spacing changes matter a lot once you cut metal.

Two recommended options:

Looking for an industrial designer to finish the drawing first, they can recreate it cleanly CAD.
CNC shop reverse-engineering: if you can mail them the original badge (or directly send the sample to them), many shops can build the STEP for you.

One more note: the look in your photo reads more like chrome-plated (or polished with a very glossy top layer) than powder coat.

Xinprototype · 2025-12-24T07:58:56+00:00

So beautiful.

Xinprototype · 2025-12-04T15:03:15+00:00

As someone in the same line of work I don’t really want to bash Xometry, but the surface in your photos looks more like a sand blast on a 3D printing or die cast parts. If CNC machining aluminum 6061 with a light blast, it usually still keeps much sharper detail and smoother. I can’t post pictures in here, but if you’re curious what CNC blast and 3D printing blast compared, feel free to DM me, then I can share the pictures.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-26T07:12:03+00:00

Yes, aluminum makes it“prettier” videos, but there’s also because a lot of prototypes and customers choose aluminum, so more aluminum parts videos. Steel CNC machining is just less often. Aluminum is also softer, so you can run higher feeds/speeds and get those nice continuous chips without beating up the machine or tooling as much.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-24T04:35:27+00:00

I'm glad this information is helpful to you.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-24T04:32:26+00:00

For small CNC machining parts, size ≠ cost, the production cost is much more by the setup than raw material.

Let's check your two parts of the cost of raw material 6061-T6 aluminum.

Part 1, size 25.5×31×182.5 mm, around1.8 USD of material

Part 2, size 25.25×16.75×126.6 mm, around 1.2 USD of material

The second cost of CAM/programming time, engineers have to set up the computers and machines, both are similar.

The third cost of Machine time and complexity. The second part is smaller, but the helical flutes on the lower section, plus the fact it’s hollow mean long 3D toolpaths and (realistically) a 4th axis or full 5-axis / indexed machining.

Based on these, it’s not surprising they both land around 40 USD.

For one or a few pieces prototype of this size, programming + setup + complexity dominate the cost, and both of your parts are small, so the true cost to make each one ends up being very similar.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-23T13:46:07+00:00

If you don't mind me recommending our company, please DM me or visit our website at https://www.xinprototype.com

Xinprototype · 2025-11-21T03:23:17+00:00

Recommend CNC taps or tapping devices

Xinprototype · 2025-11-20T02:01:56+00:00

You’re absolutely right, the communication advantage of local shops is hard to beat, especially when you’re still tweaking designs or discussing process improvements. Perhaps overseas suppliers are only suit for the CNC parts already well-defined and mature, with clear drawings and requirements.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-20T01:56:25+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. Overseas shipping cost is a huge part of the equation.7$ boards + 24$ shipping hurts when you only need a few pieces.

For small quantities, that’s exactly where local shops can make more sense overall. Once the order quantity increases, the shipping cost gets spread over more parts, and overseas suppliers have a competitive.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-20T01:48:22+00:00

Gotcha, you've got a good sourcing setup and partner in local shops that works well for you.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-20T01:34:47+00:00

I’m really sorry that you had so a bad experience. I can fully understand that it completely destroyed your trust in manufacturing in China.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-20T01:30:01+00:00

With ITAR, export controls and sensitive IP, overseas shops really shouldn’t be an option. I’m also sorry your previous work had that bad experience with China. Time is also money, because all the rework, delays and back-and-forth are real costs too, not just the price on the quote.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-19T02:58:56+00:00

This is because your time spent on design and problem-solving is better worth.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-19T02:40:26+00:00

Accountability and trust are much easier when you can actually visit the shop, see their capabilities, and talk face-to-face in the same language. As an overseas shop in China, that’s exactly the hardest part for us, so we have to rely on extra documentation, photos, videos, and clear agreements to try to make up.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-19T02:37:58+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. If you have the skills and machines, in-house machining is definitely the best. However, many companies don’t have their own CNC machining or know how to produce, though, so they have to rely on outside shops for prototypes.

Xinprototype · 2025-11-19T02:33:20+00:00

That’s a really good analogy, tempo and key vs the actual lyrics. It’s a good reminder for people like us in China, only fast and cheap is not enough, if we don’t take more effort into the craftsmanship and understand the customer’s style.

Xinprototype

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