Rapid Prototypes in Brass, Steel and Engineering Plastics
This is a rapid prototyping service that CNC machines test parts from brass, carbon steel, stainless steel and engineering plastics including POM, PEEK, nylon and PTFE. Turning, milling, drilling and wire EDM are available in one shop, so complex prototypes are completed without outsourcing. It suits R&D engineers who need representative parts for testing before production tooling is ordered.
- Material
- Brass
- Tolerance
- to ±0.005 mm
- MOQ
- 1 piece
- Prototype lead time
- 3–7 days
- Brass, steel, stainless, POM, PEEK, nylon, PTFE
- Turning, milling and wire EDM under one roof
- Typical prototype delivery of 3–7 working days
- Measurement report available with each prototype
Item ref. 1601737727207 ·
| Process | CNC milling, CNC turning, 4/5-axis machining, wire EDM |
|---|---|
| Materials | Brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, POM, PEEK, nylon, PTFE, ABS |
| Surface Finish | Anodizing, plating, black oxide, painting, as machined |
| Tolerance | ±0.05 mm standard; down to ±0.005 mm on critical features |
| MOQ | 1 piece; prototypes through mid-volume runs |
| Drawing Formats | STEP, IGES, X_T, STL, DWG, DXF, PDF |
| Lead Time | Prototypes typically 3–7 working days; production usually 10–20 |
| Inspection | FAI, in-process checks, 100% critical dimensions; CMM |
Manufacturing
How we make this part
Process, material options and inspection for rapid prototypes in brass, steel and engineering plastics.
Prototypes are programmed from STEP or X_T models and scheduled ahead of production work. Simple parts go to 3-axis mills or CNC lathes; multi-face parts are cut on 4- and 5-axis machines; hardened inserts or sharp slots use wire EDM. Plastic parts are machined with dedicated sharp tools and lower clamping force to prevent distortion.
POM is stable, low friction and easy to machine; PEEK handles continuous temperatures around 250 °C and many chemicals but is costly; nylon absorbs moisture and can change size; PTFE is very slippery but soft and hard to hold to tight tolerances. Brass and steel prototypes show real strength and wear. Finishes include anodizing, plating, black oxide and painting.
Prototype parts are checked on the dimensions marked critical and can ship with a measurement report. Typical delivery is about 3–7 working days. They are used for bench tests, fit checks, regulatory samples, pilot assemblies and comparing materials side by side. Once the design is approved, the same program supports low-volume production with consistent quality and documented inspection.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which engineering plastic should I use for a machined prototype?
Use POM for gears, bushings and precise mechanical parts; PEEK for high temperatures or chemical exposure; nylon for tough, impact-loaded parts if moisture is controlled; and PTFE for very low friction seals. ABS or PC suit housings that will later be injection molded. We can advise based on load and environment.
Can you hold tight tolerances on PEEK and POM prototypes?
POM and PEEK hold tolerance better than most plastics, and ±0.02–0.05 mm is realistic on small features with careful machining. Plastics expand with temperature, so measure at room temperature. Softer plastics like PTFE and nylon need looser tolerances, around ±0.1 mm, to be practical.
How do I get a quote for rapid prototypes in brass, steel and engineering plastics?
Send a 3D model (STEP or IGES) and a 2D drawing with tolerances, material, finish and quantity through the quote form or by email. An engineer replies within 24 hours on business days with price, lead time and any DFM suggestions.
Request a quote
Quote this part
Attach drawings or send several parts at once from the full quote form.
- Email[email protected]
- WhatsApp+86 176 2154 1688
- Phone+86 176 2154 1688
- HoursMon–Sat, 08:30–18:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8)