PRECISION CNC MACHINING
From concept to production, through one digital manufacturing partner.
The easiest way to source precision-machined parts.
Tight tolerances, better surface finishes, and deep metal expertise, combined with additive manufacturing when your project needs it.
The Shapeways Path
Additive
Iterate fast, validate form and fit early.
Test
Confirm function before you commit to tooling.
Machine
Move to CNC for tolerance, finish, and material.
Production
Scale with the partner who already knows your part.
THE REFRAME
CNC isn't another service. It's how parts get finished.
Buyers don’t shop for machine specs, they shop for a finished part that shows up on time, in the right material, to the right tolerance.
The Common Mistake
Selling the machine, not the outcome
Talking about CNC as a capability, machines, tolerances, materials as if listing specs were the pitch. Customers don't buy CNC.
The Reframe
Selling the finished part
They buy an end-product faster, with the right tolerances, materials, certifications, quality, and price. Every asset should reinforce: design once, manufacture with the right process.
WHAT YOU GET
Precision machining, positioned as the outcome
it delivers.
Six capabilities that matter to engineers, procurement, and program managers alike.
Production-ready Parts
Not a one-off prototype shop, built for repeatable runs at production quality.
Tight Tolerances
Held consistently, with inspection and documentation to prove it.
Precision Machining
Multi-axis CNC milling and turning for parts that need to fit right the first time.
Better Surface Finish
From bead blast to anodized and beyond, finish specified to your application.
Metal Expertise
Aluminum, stainless steel, and more. Machined by people who know metal.
THE GUIDE
The Shapeways Guide to CNC Machining.
Learn how to design CNC parts that are faster and cheaper to make. Small choices, like a sharp internal corner or an overly tight tolerance, can quietly drive up your cost. Get the design rules, material tips and tolerance advice that help you get your part right the first time.
THE USP
One part. Three manufacturing methods. One partner.
Shapeways’ real advantage isn’t out-marketing traditional machine shops, it’s helping you choose the
right process, or combine them, without switching vendors.
| What you need | 3D Printing | CNC Machining | Injection Molding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic, low-weight & complex parts | Best fit | ||
| Tight tolerances & metal parts | Best fit | ||
| High-volume production | Best fit at scale | ||
| Single-partner handoff | Available across all three, only at Shapeways | ||
Already printing with us? Go hybrid.
You already trust Shapeways for additive manufacturing. Converting even a modest share of that work to CNC production is far more cost-effective than starting over with a new vendor.
BUILT FOR PROCUREMENT, TOO
Production parts, without the procurements challenges.
Fewer vendors to manage. Consistent quality. No surprises on lead time.
Supplier consolidation
One partner for additive, CNC, and injection molding.
Predictable lead time
Clear timelines from quote to delivery, every order.
Consistent quality
Documented inspection on every production run.
Repeatability
Reorder with confidence the same part, run after run.
HIGH-PRECISION METAL PARTS
Built for the industries that can't compromise on tolerance.
Robotics, medical, defense, and industrial equipment teams choose Shapeways for metal expertise and quality they can document.
CAPABILITY BROCHURE
Let the part choose the process.
Learn when to choose 3D printing, when to choose CNC machining, and when to combine both in one part. The right process depends on what makes your part hard: complex geometry, tight tolerances, or both.
BUILT FOR PROCUREMENT, TOO
Shorten the path from interest to quote.
Everything you need to spec a part yourself, no back-and-forth required to get started.
Upload your file for an instant CNC quote, ot talk to out team about combining
additive and CNC on your next program.
Ready to build your next part with
the right process?
