cnc-machine
Machining process

CNC Milling: Machining by Material Removal

Milling is a machining process that removes material using a rotating cutting tool on a workpiece secured to a table. It allows the production of complex shapes, flat surfaces, slots, pockets, threads or drilled holes with good geometric accuracy. Suited to metals as well as engineering plastics, it produces parts ranging from single prototypes to small or medium production runs, for mechanical, structural or functional applications where dimensional repeatability is a decisive criterion.

270 workshops 40 cities covered 7 materials worked

Where to find a cnc milling workshop

Cities are ranked by number of listed workshops. Each page details the companies and their specialities.

Choosing the right supplier

When to choose milling over another process

Milling is the right choice when a part features three-dimensional shapes, sharp corners, pockets, shoulders or precisely positioned holes, which turning or cutting alone cannot achieve. It is suited both to prismatic parts and to parts requiring multi-face machining after a turning or casting operation. For simple parts of revolution with no further machining, turning often remains more economical. The choice also depends on volume: 3- or 5-axis milling covers both one-off parts and small runs, whereas larger volumes sometimes point toward other forming processes such as casting followed by finish machining.

What really sets two milling shops apart

Beyond the number of machine axes, the criteria that matter are travel range, spindle power, available spindle speed and the capability for simultaneous 5-axis machining on complex geometries. The tolerances actually held in production, often on the order of a hundredth of a millimeter on functional dimensions, depend as much on machine rigidity as on programming know-how and mastery of the machined materials, whether steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or engineering plastics. Available inspection resources, on-machine probing, coordinate measuring machine, surface roughness tester, determine the reliability of delivered parts. Finally, the ability to manage recurring production runs with dedicated tooling differs markedly from machining one-off parts or prototypes.

What to prepare to get a reliable quote

A dimensioned drawing with functional tolerances, the desired material with its grade or standard designation, the intended quantity and whether it is a one-off or recurring order allow the shop to accurately price machine time and programming. Specify any expected surface or heat treatments, anodizing, heat treatment, coating, as well as dimensional inspection or material certification requirements if applicable. Stating a desired lead time and the part's end use also helps the subcontractor propose a suitable technical solution rather than a rough estimate.

Materials most often worked with this process

Aluminium (263) Inox (260) Plastiques techniques (72) Laiton / cuivre (60) Titane (17) Superalliages (13) Carbure (2)

cnc milling workshops

A selection of listed workshops, all cities combined. The first 30 of 270 listed; the full list is on the city pages.

3

Montferrand Mécanique

Clermont-Ferrand (63)

Clermont-based facility active for over 35 years, specialised in CNC and conventional precision mechanics. Offers a wide range of processes including wire and sinker EDM…

6

Pasmeca

Cournon-d'Auvergne (63)

Multi-material precision machining: stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass, cast iron and plastics. Turning and milling for aerospace, electronics, rail, medical and …

8

KPM

Beaumont (63)

Precision machining on stainless steel, aluminium, plastic, copper, brass and cast iron. Turning, milling, threading and prototyping for aerospace, electronics, rail, me…

9

3D Usinage

Fontaine (90)

Small business founded in 2010 and based at the Aéroparc de Fontaine in the Territoire de Belfort, focused on industrial mechanics. Its location on an aeronautics park r…

16

AMB

Montbéliard (25)

Machining company on CNC machining centers located on Avenue Gambetta in Montbéliard. It specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of high-technicality parts.

17

AMD

Belfort (90)

Workshop in the Territoire de Belfort offering design and manufacture of press tooling and plastic injection molds. Masters 2D/3D milling, turning, grinding and EDM proc…

19

Amery

Besançon (25)

Company based in Besançon active for over 50 years in precision mechanics. Manufactures machined parts on a fleet of CNC machines for customers in the automotive and aer…

30

Ardex

Cluses (74)

Precision mechanics company in Cluses, specialised in CNC turning and milling for the production of small, complex parts. Works for customers in various industrial secto…

Frequently asked questions

What precision can be expected from CNC milling?

On well-tuned modern machines, tolerances on the order of 0.01 to 0.05 mm are commonly achievable on functional dimensions, depending on the material, part geometry and fixture rigidity. Tighter tolerances remain possible but should be discussed with the shop regarding feasibility and cost.

Is milling suitable for a one-off part or a prototype?

Yes, 3- or 5-axis milling is suited to both one-off parts and small runs, as it does not require dedicated tooling like some casting processes. Programming time is amortized differently depending on how often the request recurs.

What materials can be machined by milling?

Most metals, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, as well as many engineering plastics such as PA, POM or PEEK, are suitable for milling. Material choice affects machining speed, tool wear and therefore lead time and cost.

Should a 3D file or a 2D drawing be provided for a quote?

A 3D file in STEP or IGES format eases programming and reduces ambiguity, but a dimensioned 2D drawing with functional tolerances remains essential to confirm dimensional requirements, surface finishes and expected treatments.

Guides & tips

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