CNC Machining with a 10 Piece MOQ
Low-volume and bridge production CNC machining from just 10 pieces, with prototypes from 1 piece. Aluminum, steel, stainless, brass, titanium and engineering plastics machined to ±0.05mm with no tooling cost and a 3-5 day turnaround from our CNC cell in China.
Free Consultation10 pcs
Minimum Order
24h
Rapid Quote
±0.05mm
Tolerance
3-5 days
Turnaround
Materials
| Grade | Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | Tensile strength 310 MPa, density 2.70 g/cm³, excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, weldable, easy to anodize | Brackets, housings, fixtures, robotics parts, optical mounts |
| Aluminum 7075-T6 | Tensile strength 572 MPa, density 2.81 g/cm³, high strength-to-weight ratio, good fatigue resistance | Aerospace brackets, drone frames, high-load structural parts |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Tensile strength 515 MPa, density 7.93 g/cm³, general corrosion resistance, food and medical grade | Fittings, enclosures, instrument parts, marine hardware |
| Stainless Steel 316L | Tensile strength 515 MPa, density 7.99 g/cm³, superior chloride corrosion resistance, marine and medical grade | Marine parts, medical devices, chemical fittings |
| Brass C360 | Tensile strength 338 MPa, density 8.47 g/cm³, free machining for fast cycles and fine threads | Connectors, valves, gears, decorative fittings |
| Mild Steel 1018 | Tensile strength 440 MPa, density 7.87 g/cm³, cost-effective, easy to weld and plate | Plates, jigs, machine parts, replacement components |
| Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Tensile strength 950 MPa, density 4.43 g/cm³, biocompatible, high strength-to-weight, corrosion resistant | Medical prototypes, aerospace fittings, racing parts |
| Engineering Plastics (PEEK, POM, PC) | Lightweight, chemical resistant, electrically insulating, machinable to tight tolerances | Insulators, semiconductor fixtures, test sockets, medical housings |
Process Parameters
| Parameter | Standard Range |
|---|---|
| Dimensional Tolerance (Standard) | ±0.05 mm (ISO 2768-f) |
| Dimensional Tolerance (Critical) | ±0.01 mm on key features |
| Surface Roughness (As-machined) | Ra 1.6 μm |
| Order Quantity | 10 - 1,000 pcs (prototypes from 1 pc) |
| Lead Time (10 pcs) | 3 - 5 working days |
| Max Part Size (3-Axis) | 1200 x 600 x 500 mm |
| Max Part Weight | 200 kg |
| Min Feature Size | 0.3 mm holes, 0.5 mm ribs |
| Angular Tolerance | ±0.05° with 4th axis |
| Setup Strategy | Single setup where geometry allows |
Surface Finishes
As-Machined (Standard)
Clean milled finish direct from the toolpath at Ra 1.6 μm. For low-volume orders this is usually enough for functional parts, and it avoids any extra finishing cost or lead time.
Anodizing (Type II / III)
Type II sulfuric anodize 5-25 μm in dyed or natural finish; Type III hard coat 25-100 μm for wear. Aluminum brackets and housings get corrosion resistance and color in one step.
Plating (Nickel / Chrome / Zinc)
Metallic coatings 5-25 μm for steel and brass parts, adding corrosion protection and appearance. Thickness is mapped across features to confirm uniform coverage.
Powder Coating
Durable thermoset film 40-80 μm with RAL and custom colors and salt spray resistance 500-1000 h. Suits low-volume housings and brackets that need a tough painted look.
Bead Blasting
Uniform matte texture that removes light tool marks and gives a consistent cosmetic finish at low cost, a common choice for prototype and small-batch parts.
Passivation
Chemical treatment for stainless steel removing free iron and boosting corrosion resistance with no dimensional change. Recommended for medical and marine parts.
Polishing (Satin / Mirror)
Mechanical polishing from satin to mirror (Ra ≤ 0.1 μm) for visible or sealing surfaces on medical, optical and premium consumer parts.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Use standard stock sizes so material waste stays low on a 10 piece order
- Relax non-critical tolerances to ISO 2768 medium class to keep cost down at low volume
- Combine multiple small parts in one setup or one sheet to share machine time
- Order a small buffer above 10 pieces if demand is uncertain, it is cheaper than a second rush order
- Specify tight tolerances only on functional features, not across the whole part
- Keep wall thickness above 0.5 mm on thin features to avoid chatter and scrap
- Provide clear datums so inspection is fast and repeatable at low volume
- Choose radii slightly larger than standard tool sizes for smoother finishes and faster cycles
- For plastic parts allow for thermal expansion in tolerances and holding
- Upload STEP/IGES and get a free DFM report within 24h covering setup, tolerances and cost
Tooling & Capacity
| Type | Lead Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining (No Tooling) | 3 - 5 days | 10 - 100 pcs, prototypes, bridge and replacement parts |
| Custom Fixtures and Workholding | 1 - 2 weeks | 100 - 10,000 pcs, repeat orders, thin-wall and tight-tolerance parts |
| Production Cell (Dedicated) | On volume | High-volume runs with optimized cycle time and process validation |
| CMM Verification | 0.001mm resolution | First article and critical-feature inspection on every order |
Quality Assurance
- Material certificates verified on incoming stock for every order
- CMM inspection of critical features against the 3D CAD model
- 100% visual and dimensional check at low volume, not just sampling
- Dimensional report shipped with every order
- Surface roughness measurement on request for functional surfaces
- First Article Inspection report before moving to repeat production
- Calibrated instruments: CMM, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges
- Quality records are documented and controlled at our plant; SGS, BV or TUV third-party inspection, CMM reports and EN 10204 3.1 material certificates can be requested with any small-batch order
Applications
- Startups and R&D: prototype parts, proof-of-concept builds, design iteration
- Spare and replacement components for legacy or low-demand equipment
- Low-volume automation parts and custom machine elements
- Custom fixtures, jigs and test rigs for assembly and inspection
- Pilot production runs before committing to high-volume tooling
- Robotics: joint brackets, end-effector bodies, sensor mounts
- Medical: instrument prototypes, housings, surgical accessories
- Consumer and electronics: enclosures, mounts, small mechanical parts
- Aerospace and drone: lightweight brackets and structural test parts
Why Choose FHY Precision
True 10 piece MOQ with no tooling penalty or hidden setup fee
Prototypes from 1 piece so design validation starts immediately
3-5 day turnaround from our CNC cell in China
Free DFM report within 24h covering setup, tolerances and cost saving
China factory-direct pricing with no middle layer on small batches
Integrated turning, finishing and inspection under one purchase order
Documented quality system with third-party inspection on request
Easy scale path from 10 pieces to 1,000 pieces and beyond
FAQ
1. What is your minimum order quantity for CNC machining?
Our CNC machining MOQ is 10 pieces, and we accept prototypes from 1 piece. There is no tooling cost because CNC is a direct machining process, so a 10 piece order is priced on material, machine time and inspection only. This makes low-volume and bridge production practical without the commitment of injection or die casting tooling.
2. Which materials can you machine for small batches?
Aluminum (6061-T6, 7075-T6), stainless steel (304, 316L), mild steel (1018), brass (C360), titanium (Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V), and engineering plastics (PEEK, POM, PC). Material certificates are verified on incoming stock, and for regulated applications we source certified material with full mill traceability.
3. Do you provide a free DFM analysis before we place an order?
Yes. Upload your STEP or IGES file and we return a free DFM report within 24 hours. For low-volume work the report focuses on setup strategy, which tolerances are worth holding tight, stock-size selection to reduce waste, and cost-saving changes that matter most at 10-100 pieces.
4. How fast can you deliver a 10 piece order?
A 10 piece order typically ships in 3-5 working days after drawing release, because there is no tooling to build. Custom fixtures for repeat or higher-volume work add 1-2 weeks upfront but lower per-part cost. Every quotation includes a confirmed delivery date.
5. What surface finishes are available for small batches?
As-machined at Ra 1.6 μm is standard and usually sufficient for functional parts. We also offer anodizing, plating, powder coating, bead blasting, passivation and polishing. For a 10 piece order we recommend the lightest finish that meets the function, since heavy finishing can cost more than the machining itself.
6. Can the 10 piece order itself serve as our approved sample batch?
Yes. Because there is no tooling, your 10 piece order is machined on the same process that repeat orders will use, so it is a true sample of production quality. Many customers approve the first 10 pieces, then reorder at 100 or 1,000 pieces with the same program and setup.
7. How do you handle quality verification and third-party inspection?
Our quality system is documented and controlled in house. On request we arrange independent third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas or TUV at any stage, plus CMM measurement reports and EN 10204 3.1 material certificates. You receive neutral verification of dimensions, material and appearance before shipment.
8. How do you ensure quality on a small order?
At low volume we do 100% visual and dimensional inspection rather than sampling, verify material certificates on incoming stock, and run CMM checks on critical features against your 3D model. A dimensional report ships with every order, and First Article Inspection is provided before repeat production.
9. What tolerance can you hold on a 10 piece order?
Standard tolerance is ±0.05 mm (ISO 2768-f), with ±0.01 mm achievable on critical features. Angular tolerance of ±0.05° is possible with a 4th axis. Tight tolerances are applied only to functional features to keep the 10 piece price reasonable.
10. Is CNC machining at 10 pieces more expensive per part?
Per part, a 10 piece order costs more than a 1,000 piece order because programming and setup are spread over fewer units. But there is no tooling cost, so total spend is far lower than a tooled process at low volume. Our DFM review points out where tolerances and stock choice can cut the 10 piece price.
11. Can you machine and finish the part in one order?
Yes. Machining, surface finishing, passivation, plating and inspection are managed under one purchase order with a single quality plan. This avoids split suppliers, keeps dimensions compatible across operations, and shortens lead time for low-volume parts that still need a finished look.
12. What CAD file formats do you accept?
We accept STEP (.stp/.step), IGES (.igs), Parasolid (.x_t), SolidWorks (.sldprt), STL, DXF, DWG and PDF drawings. STEP is preferred because the 3D model is the master definition for inspection. 2D drawings alone should state all critical dimensions clearly.
13. How can I lower the cost of a small CNC batch?
Use standard stock sizes, relax non-critical tolerances to medium class, combine several parts in one setup, and choose the lightest finish that meets function. A small buffer above 10 pieces is cheaper than a later rush reorder. Our free DFM report lists the specific savings for your drawing.
14. Can a 10 piece order scale up to volume production later?
Yes. The program and setup proven on your 10 piece order transfer directly to 100 or 1,000 piece runs, so there is no re-engineering risk when you scale. For higher volume we add custom fixtures and process validation, and the unit price drops as quantity rises.
15. Do you ship small CNC orders internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide by DHL, FedEx, UPS and sea freight. Small batches are packed with anti-rust protection and foam-lined boxes, and every shipment includes a packing list, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice and the dimensional report. Air express to the US and Europe typically takes 3-7 days.
16. Do you sign an NDA before reviewing design files?
Yes, we sign an NDA before quotation, not only before production. Small-batch and prototype parts are often pre-production IP, so your CAD files, specifications and business information are treated as confidential. NDA signing is our standard practice for new projects.