PARTS IN  1-3 DAYS

Quick-Turn Machined Prototypes

We don’t have minimums, we deliver the best parts for your money, and meet your deadlines!

Every job is unique, and many require special considerations for materials, finishing, custom work, or urgent delivery – your commercial quote will be turned around by seasoned estimators who confirm all aspects of your job.

Amazing companies choose PROTOTEK for high-quality parts done fast!

Licenses, certifications
and real machined prototyping service

Expertise and quality are paramount. With more than three decades of experience, creating commercially machined prototypes, we’ve achieved a rich set of certifications and provide high-touch attention and service to every quote – and every job.

We engage with our customers to help them design better and more cost-effective parts before we start manufacturing. We want to be your one-stop shop for parts. Most of our business is from returning customers, and to achieve that, we strive to hit our customer’s deadlines across all project types.

ITAR Badge Prototek

sam certified

Prototek FAB 40 2020 award

Better Business Bureau Prototek

CA - ISO

NH - ISO

WI - ISO

D&B Number Prototek

AS9100 D Certified

Machined Prototypes – Working with PROTOTEK

Deep capabilities in commercial sheet metal and machining – design, prototyping, manufacturing, finishing, and even complex assemblies.

What do we do?

  • Sheet Metal Parts & Assemblies in 1-3 Days
  • CNC Milled and Turned Parts in 1-3 Days
  • Additive Manufactured Parts in 1 – 3 Days
  • Expedited Jobs

About our fast, flexible, personalized service:

  • ISO-9001:2015 Certified, ITAR Registered
  • Quotes within 24 Hours
  • Contact us about our expedited services

Our machined prototype capabilities start below but they don’t stop there. Want to talk to someone about a job, upload a file for quote or call us now.

QUOTES WITHIN 24HRS

We accept these file types STP, PRT, IGS, DXF, STL, and more!

PARTS & ASSEMBLIES – ONE STOP SHOP

NO ORDER TOO SMALL

EXPEDITED PARTS IN 1-3 DAYS

Why Prototek?

PROTOTEK AS SEEN ON MANUFACTURING MARVELS®

Prototek's In-house Capabilities

Sheet Metal

  • Manufacturing Design Assistance
  • Laser Cutting - Punching
  • Material Graining
  • Drilling - Countersinking - Tapping
  • Forming - Bending
  • Hardware Insertion
  • Mechanical Assembly
  • TIG, MIG, Spot Welding & Weld Grinding
  • Welded Assemblies & Frames

Machining

  • Up to 5-Axis Milling
  • Horizontal & Vertical Milling
  • 9-Axis Mill-Turn
  • Turning
  • CNC Routing
  • Surface Grinding
  • Lapping & Polishing
  • Welding / Post-Weld Machining
  • Heli-Coils / Hardware Inserts

Cutting & Engraving

  • Wire & Sinker EDM Cutting
  • Waterjet Cutting
  • CO2 Laser
  • Fiberoptic

Quality Assurance

  • Quality Engineering Assistance
  • CMM Inspection Services
  • First Article and AQL Inspections
  • Compliance and Document Control

Plastic & Composite Fabrication

  • Plastic Thermoforming - Bending
  • Annealing
  • Cryogenic Deflashing & Deburring
  • Plastic Welding
  • Thermal, Adhesive, & Mechanical Bonding
  • Vapor Polishing
  • Radiological Film-Cutting Services

Assembly

  • Manufacturing Design Assistance
  • Tooling and Fixture Fabrication
  • Electro-Mechanical Services
  • Welded, Mechanical, & Small Parts Assembly
  • Wire Harnessing
  • Laser Cutting – Polymers & Metals
  • Insert Installation

Finishing

  • Powder Coating
  • Painting
  • Chemical Agent Resistant Coating
  • Silk Screening
  • Laser Engraving
  • Chem Film
  • Anodizing
  • Black Oxide
  • Bead Blasting
  • Tumbling

Additive Manufacturing

  • Laser Sintering
  • Multi Jet Fusion
  • Stereolithography
  • Digital Light Processing
  • Fused Filament Fabrication
  • Material Jetting
  • Cast Urethane

How Prototypes are Machined with CNC

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process whereby computer inputs control different machining tools like lathes and drills to create a part or component (aka a prototype) intended to act as a model for future production of a finalized piece. CNC is used across several industries for different types of prototypes and end-use parts.

The Process of Machined Prototyping

Machined prototyping begins with a digital 3D design created using CAD software, whereby a computer can easily translate many instructions to the machine’s cutting tools. These instructions are referred to as a G-code. After the G-code has been sent to the machine, the machine knows where and when to cut and execute the machining independently. As a result, minimal hands-on involvement is required to produce the prototype. In the end, this helps save time, energy and money.

Machining is a subtractive process, which means that the equipment removes part of the existing material rather than introducing an additional material. Unlike additive manufacturing, in which a 3D printer places the material in layers to create an object, CNC machining deals with removing and cutting sections away from a formless block (also known as a workpiece).

Steps Involved with CNC Machined Prototyping

Blank Step – This is the machining process of cutting the material (also known as billet) down to size based on the overall size of the required prototype.

Programming – This is the process in which a digital file of the selected part is created using suitable software: CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing). This file ascertains the dimensions and geometry of the part and ultimately controls the CNC machine.

Cutting – This is process where the prototype is produced. After the block of material has been placed on the machine and held in a fixed place using hydraulic clamping, the CNC machine starts the cutting process. The machine will cut the desired part from the material based on the file details. As mentioned above, this is primarily a machine-driven process and involves limited direct involvement from other personnel.

Inspection – This process allows for review of the prototype prior to official completion. Inspection is intended to ensure the final product meets the required design.

Packaging or Outside Processing – This process involves finishing the final inspected prototype. Such processing operations include polishing, painting, engraving and others. If no finishes or outside processes are required, then the prototype can be packaged for delivery.

Technology and Processes Used in Machining Prototypes

Milling: Milling is a machining process that involves removing metals from the workpiece with a rotating cutter called a milling cutter.

Turning: Turning is a material removal process where unwanted material is cut from a rotating part.

Routing: Routing is the process where the routing machine holds the material, spindle, controller and drive system. The spindle cuts while the drive system has the ability to move in three directions as directed by the controller in order to route the exact cuts.

Surface Grinding: Surface grinding is the finishing process that uses a rotating abrasive wheel to smoothen the flat surface of any metallic or non-metallic materials, to give them have a well-defined look, or to get the desired surface for a functional purpose.

Lapping & Polishing: Lapping and polishing is a machining process that involves rubbing two surfaces together to produce the shape, dimension or finishing of your choice.

Welding / Post-Weld Machining: Post-weld machining operations are carried out on the weldment assembly after preparations and weld beads have been applied to the weldment.

Heli-Coils / Hardware Inserts: Heli Coil threaded Wire Insert Systems are also referred to as coiled-wire threaded inserts. They are used in making internal screw threads for standard-sized fasteners.

Machined Prototypes Materials and Material Characteristics

Prototypes can be made using a variety of materials. The best option will depend on the requirements of your specific project. Materials include:

Machined Prototype Materials Grade / Alloy Heat Treatable Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI) Fatigue Strength (PSI) Hardness (Brinell) Prototype Machinability 
(AISI Rating)
Machined Prototype Materials Grade / Alloy Heat Treatable Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI) Fatigue Strength (PSI) Hardness (Brinell) Prototype Machinability 
(AISI Rating)
Aluminum 1100-0 No 13000 5000 23 360%
Aluminum 1100-H112 No 13000 4600 23 360%
Aluminum 1100-H14 No 18000 7200 32 360%
Aluminum 2011-T3 Yes 52000 1800 95 360%
Aluminum 2011-T451 Yes 45000 11000 95 360%
Aluminum 2024-0 Yes 27000 13000 47 360%
Aluminum 2024-T3 Yes 63800 20000 120 360%
Aluminum 2024-T351 Yes 57300 20000 120 360%
Aluminum 2024-T3511 Yes 67000 18000 120 360%
Aluminum 2024-T4 Yes 45000 20000 120 360%
Aluminum 2024-T851 Yes 75000 20000 140 360%
Aluminum 3003-H14 No 23000 8700 42 360%
Aluminum 3003-H22 No 20000 10000 37 360%
Aluminum 5052-0 No 28000 16000 47 360%
Aluminum 5052-H112 No 29000 11000 55 360%
Aluminum 5052-H32 No 34000 17000 60 360%
Aluminum 5052-H34 No 37000 18000 68 360%
Aluminum 5083-H112 No 44000 16000 75 360%
Aluminum 5083-H116 No 47000 23000 83 360%
Aluminum 5086-H111 No 40000 15000 65 360%
Aluminum 5086-H112 No 39000 14000 69 360%
Aluminum 5086-H116 No 44000 22000 81 360%
Aluminum 6020-T8 Yes 43900 N/A 100 360%
Aluminum 6061-T6 Yes 45000 14000 93 360%
Aluminum 6061-T651 Yes 46000 14000 93 360%
Aluminum 6061-T6511 Yes 42000 15000 95 360%
Aluminum 6063-T52 Yes 25000 9700 60 360%
Aluminum 6262-T9 Yes 57000 13000 120 360%
Aluminum 7050-T7451 Yes 76000 30000 140 360%
Aluminum 7050-T7651 Yes 80000 31000 147 360%
Aluminum 7075-T6 Yes 83000 23000 150 360%
Aluminum 7075-T651 Yes 80000 23000 150 360%
Aluminum 7075-T73 Yes 72000 23000 140 360%
Aluminum 7075-T7351 Yes 73000 24000 140 360%
Aluminum 7475-T7351 Yes 72000 28000 135 360%
Aluminum K100-S No 41000 N/A 70 450%
Aluminum M-1 No 42900 N/A 85 450%
Aluminum MIC-6 No 23900 N/A 65 450%
Bearing Bronze C93200 No 34800 16000 65 70%
Brass C26000 No 46000-99000 14000 210 30%
Brass C36000 No 4800-77000 16000 78 100%
Brass C46400 No 55000 - 88000 14500 82 30%
Bronze C31400 Yes 40000-60000 N/A 56-59 80%
Carbon Steel A36 Yes 80000 N/A 119-159 72%
Copper C11000 No 25000-29000 11000-17000 82-92 60%
Copper C14500 No 47900 13000 60-130 85%
Phosphor Bronze C54400 No 47000-100000 N/A N/A 80%
Silicon Aluminum Bronze C64200 No 75000-102000 50000 N/A 60%
Stainless Steel 15-5PH Yes 115000-190000 95000-160000 255-388 45%
Stainless Steel 17-4PH Yes 115000-190000 75000-90000 255-388 45%
Stainless Steel 17-7PH Yes 170000 42000 180 75%
Stainless Steel 303 Yes 87000-100000 33000-52000 170-210 75%
Stainless Steel 304 Yes 84000-170000 30000-63000 170-360 40%
Stainless Steel 304L Yes 78000-170000 25000-62000 160-350 40%
Stainless Steel 316 Yes 76000-170000 30000-63000 160-360 36%
Stainless Steel 316L Yes 77000-170000 25000-65000 170-350 36%
Stainless Steel 321 Yes 85000-10000 32000-40000 170-210 36%
Stainless Steel 347 Yes 89000-100000 32000-40000 160-201 36%
Stainless Steel 410 Yes 76000-110000 28000-50000 190-240 54%
Stainless Steel 416 Yes 75000-120000 33000-50000 230-320 50%
Stainless Steel 420 Yes 100000-250000 33000-97000 190 50%
Stainless Steel 420F Yes 110000 39000 230 68%
Stainless Steel 430 Yes 75000 45000 160 66%
Stainless Steel 430F Yes 79800 30000 170 75%
Stainless Steel 440C Yes 100000-290000 38000-120000 222 40%
Steel 1018 Yes 63000-70000 26000-38000 130-140 78%
Steel 1045 Yes 90000-98000 33000-53000 180-190 57%
Steel 1215 Yes 78300 N/A 167 136%
Steel 4140 Yes 100000-160000 N/A 200-310 66%
Steel 11L17 Yes 86300 N/A 179 9%
Steel 12L14 Yes 78300 28000-41000 163 198%
Titanium 6AL-4V Yes 131000 74000 334 22%
Titanium 6AL-4V ELI Yes 125000 20300 326 22%
Titanium 3Al 2.5 No 89900 24700 256 N/A

Common Finishes Used on Machined Prototypes

Powder Coating: Powder coating is a finishing process that involves the use of dry, free-flowing, thermoplastic, or thermoset powder material on a surface. They are melted and hardened into an even coating.

Painting: Painting is the type of finishing that involves the application of paint, color pigment or another medium to any surface.

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC): This is a type of paint is used on metal surfaces to make them highly resistant to corrosion and penetration of any such from chemical agents.

Silk Screening: Silk screening is the process of printing a design on a finished piece.

Laser Engraving: Laser engraving is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a laser beam to transform an object’s surface. It is mostly used to place designs or images on the material that can be seen at eye level. It is also known as laser etching.

Chem Film: Chem film is the process of adding a coating specifically to passivate aluminum. It is also often referred to as Alodine, chromate conversion or Iridite.

Anodizing: Anodizing is a finishing method that is used to change the surface chemistry of metals or other substrates. It helps in protecting metal or other substrates against corrosion. It improves aesthetic qualities and it also resists scratching.

Black Oxide: Black oxide or blackening is the finishing process that involves converting the top layer of a material with a chemical treatment to darken its appearance.

Bead Blasting: Bead blasting is a metal finishing process that adds a clean, bright, uniform matte texture to materials. Glass beads are usually blasted at a material surface using low air pressure.

Tumbling: Tumbling (sometimes referred to as rumbling or barreling) is a process used to clean, deburr, burnish, polish or generally finish an end prototype. This process involves putting parts / prototypes into a barrel that turns and finishes the end piece using various finishing solutions and media.

Prototek's Locations

Prototek
215 Devcon Dr.
San Jose, CA 95112
Directions

Sac EDM a Prototek Company
11341 Sunrise Park Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Directions

Midwest Prototyping a Prototek Company
1100 W 120th Ave #100
Westminster, CO 80234
Directions

Prototek
900 Cheyenne Ave.
Grafton, WI 53024
Directions

Midwest Prototyping a Prototek Company
10949 Blackhawk Dr
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
Directions

Prototype Solutions Group a Prototek Company
1621 Indianhead Drive
Menomonie, WI 54751
Directions

Prototek
205 Pine St.
Contoocook, NH 03229
Directions

Prototek
244 Burnham Intervale Rd.
Contoocook, NH 03229
Directions

ProtoCAM A Prototek Company
6620 Grant Way
Allentown, PA 18106
Directions

Prototek Trending Topics

Sheet Metal

CNC Machining

Additive Manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a broker or a manufacturer?

We are a full service sheet metal and machining manufacturer with four U.S. production facilities across the nation allowing us to deliver your high-quality parts FAST.

Does PROTOTEK manufacture in higher-volume quantities?

We focus on prototypes to low-volume production and can do larger runs. All our parts, from one – to 100 – to 1,000+ are always delivered with production-quality finish.

What are your payment terms?

PROTOTEK offers Net 30 payment terms for established customers with good credit.

What file formats are required or suggested for requesting a quote?

We accept .STP, .DWG, .IGS, .PDF, Parasolid files, and more.

What if I need help with my part design?

Our estimators are on hand to discuss your specific job needs. Our expert team can help you move your project smoothly through the design process and on to delivery.

If I do not have a CAD model, can you quote/fabricate my parts?

Yes, we can work directly from your drawings. Additional engineering charge (NRC) may apply depending on complexity.

How do I submit my NDA and other document requests?

Submit your NDA, Approved Vendor and other document requests to your sales rep or estimator.

How long is a quote valid?

Our quotes stand firm for 7 days from the date of issue.

How fast can I get my order?

Lead time for standard orders is 10 business days. Expediting options are available, including emergency service – down to as fast as 1-2 business days, depending on complexity of work and materials.