How Much to Get a Metal Part Made: CNC Machining Price Factors Explained

Key Points of This Article:

1. Factors That Determine the Cost of Making a Metal Part

Users mainly want to understand why metal part prices vary significantly. Manufacturing companies usually explain cost factors such as material, machining time, complexity, tolerance, tooling, and labor.

2. Material Selection and Its Impact on Metal Part Manufacturing Cost

Metal type is one of the largest cost drivers. Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, and specialty alloys have different raw material prices and machining difficulties.

3. Manufacturing Process Options and Their Price Differences

The manufacturing method directly affects cost. CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, casting, forging, and metal 3D printing all have different cost structures.

4. Quantity, Tolerance and Part Complexity Affecting Manufacturing Cost

Production volume, precision requirements, and geometric complexity strongly influence unit price. A prototype part and a 10,000-piece production order can have completely different pricing.

5. Additional Finishing and Post-Processing Costs

Surface treatments such as anodizing, plating, polishing, heat treatment, and coating can add significant value and cost to a finished metal component.

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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Metal Part Made?

When companies need a custom metal component, one of the first questions they ask is: “How much does it cost to get a metal part made?”

The answer is not a fixed number because metal part manufacturing costs depend on multiple engineering and production factors. A simple aluminum bracket may cost only a few dollars, while a complex aerospace titanium component can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

For most custom metal parts, the typical price range is:

Part Type	Typical Cost Range
Simple machined metal prototype	$50 – $300
Small CNC metal component	$30 – $500 per piece
Precision industrial part	$200 – $2,000 per piece
Complex aerospace or medical component	$1,000 – $10,000+ per piece
High-volume production parts	$1 – $100+ per piece depending on quantity

The actual manufacturing cost depends on the design requirements, selected material, production process, order quantity, and finishing requirements.

Understanding these cost factors helps engineers make better decisions before requesting a manufacturing quote.

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Factors That Determine the Cost of Making a Metal Part

The cost of manufacturing a metal part is calculated based on several direct and indirect production expenses. Professional manufacturers normally evaluate the entire manufacturing process instead of only calculating raw material costs.

A common misunderstanding is that the price of a metal component equals the weight of the material used. In reality, machining time, programming, tooling, inspection, and finishing often represent a much larger portion of the final price.

The basic cost structure can be divided as follows:

Cost Factor	Approximate Influence on Total Cost
Material cost	10%-30%
CNC machining time	30%-60%
Programming and setup	10%-25%
Tooling and fixtures	5%-20%
Surface finishing	5%-30%
Inspection and quality control	5%-15%

These percentages vary depending on part complexity and production volume.

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Material Cost Is the Starting Point of Metal Part Pricing

The first factor manufacturers evaluate is the raw material required to produce the component.

Different metals have different market prices, machining characteristics, and waste rates.

For example:

Material	Typical Characteristics	Relative Cost
Aluminum 6061	Lightweight, easy machining	Low
Mild Steel	Strong and economical	Low
Stainless Steel 304	Corrosion resistant	Medium
Brass	Excellent machinability	Medium
Titanium	Lightweight and high strength	High
Inconel	Extreme temperature resistance	Very High

A small aluminum CNC component may use only $5-$10 worth of raw material, but the same design produced from titanium may require $50-$100 or more in material.

However, material cost is not only determined by purchase price. Manufacturers must also consider:

• Material availability
• Minimum order quantity
• Material waste
• Machining difficulty
• Tool wear
• Scrap rate

For example, titanium is expensive not only because the raw material costs more, but also because it requires slower cutting speeds and specialized tooling.

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Machining Time Has the Biggest Impact on CNC Metal Part Cost

For CNC machined metal parts, machining time is usually the largest contributor to manufacturing cost.

A CNC machine charges based on the time required to complete operations such as:

• Milling
• Turning
• Drilling
• Threading
• Boring
• Surface finishing

A simple cylindrical aluminum spacer may require only 10 minutes of machining.

However, a complex five-axis aerospace component with deep pockets, thin walls, and tight tolerances may require several hours of machining.

Example:

Part Example	Machining Time	Estimated CNC Cost
Aluminum spacer	10 minutes	$20-$50
Stainless steel bracket	1 hour	$80-$200
Precision gearbox housing	5-8 hours	$500-$1,500
Titanium aerospace structure	15+ hours	$2,000+

The longer the machine runs, the higher the cost becomes.

Manufacturers also consider machine type:

Machine Type	Typical Application	Cost Level
3-axis CNC milling	Simple parts	Lower
CNC turning	Round components	Medium
4-axis machining	More complex geometry	Higher
5-axis machining	Aerospace precision parts	Highest

A major reason why design optimization matters is that reducing machining time directly reduces manufacturing costs.

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Part Design Complexity Directly Influences Manufacturing Price

A metal part with a simple shape is significantly cheaper to manufacture than a complex precision component.

Manufacturers evaluate:

• Number of setups
• Number of machining operations
• Internal cavities
• Thin walls
• Deep pockets
• Complex curves
• Difficult-to-access areas

For example:

A rectangular aluminum plate with four holes can usually be completed in one setup.

A turbine impeller requires:

• Multi-axis machining
• Complex tool paths
• Advanced programming
• Multiple inspections

The manufacturing cost can increase by 10 times or more.

The following comparison shows how design complexity changes pricing:

Design Feature	Cost Impact
Simple holes	Low
Multiple pockets	Medium
Tight internal channels	High
Curved freeform surfaces	High
Micron-level tolerance	Very High

Engineers can reduce costs by designing parts according to manufacturing principles, such as:

• Avoiding unnecessary tight tolerances
• Reducing deep cavities
• Using standard tool sizes
• Simplifying part geometry

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Tolerance Requirements Increase Manufacturing Costs

Tolerance refers to the allowable variation in a part’s dimensions.

For example:

A general machining tolerance may be:

±0.005 inch (±0.127 mm)

A precision component may require:

±0.0005 inch (±0.0127 mm)

Achieving tighter tolerances requires:

• More accurate machines
• Additional machining operations
• Better inspection equipment
• Controlled temperature environments
• More experienced operators

Example:

Tolerance Requirement	Typical Cost Effect
Standard tolerance	Base price
±0.002 inch	+10%-20%
±0.001 inch	+20%-50%
Below ±0.0005 inch	+50%-200%

For industries such as aerospace, medical devices, and semiconductor equipment, precision requirements are often necessary. However, unnecessary ultra-tight tolerances can increase costs without improving product performance.

Material Selection and Its Impact on Metal Part Manufacturing Cost

The material chosen for a metal part has a direct influence on the final manufacturing price. Many engineers focus only on the initial material purchase price, but professional manufacturers evaluate the complete cost impact, including machining difficulty, tool consumption, production speed, heat treatment requirements, and finishing compatibility.

Two metal parts with identical dimensions can have completely different manufacturing costs because the materials behave differently during machining.

For example, producing a small mechanical bracket from aluminum 6061 may cost $80, while producing the same bracket from titanium may cost several hundred dollars due to slower cutting speeds, expensive tooling, and longer machining cycles.

A professional manufacturer normally considers the following material-related factors:

Material Cost Factor	Effect on Manufacturing Cost
Raw material price	Direct increase or decrease
Material hardness	Affects machining speed
Cutting tool wear	Increases production expenses
Heat resistance	Influences machining difficulty
Material availability	Impacts purchasing cost
Scrap value	Affects overall waste cost

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Aluminum Parts Usually Have Lower Manufacturing Costs

Aluminum is one of the most popular materials for custom metal parts because it provides a good balance between strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and machinability.

Common aluminum grades used in CNC machining include:

• Aluminum 6061
• Aluminum 7075
• Aluminum 5052
• Aluminum 2024

Among these, aluminum 6061 is widely used because it is easy to machine and suitable for many industrial applications.

Typical aluminum applications include:

• Automotive components
• Electronic housings
• Robotics parts
• Heat sinks
• Aerospace brackets
• Consumer products

Example cost comparison:

Aluminum Part Type	Estimated Manufacturing Cost
Simple mounting plate	$50-$150
CNC enclosure	$200-$600
Complex aluminum aerospace bracket	$500-$2,000

Although aluminum material itself is relatively affordable, complex designs can still become expensive because machining time remains the dominant cost factor.

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Stainless Steel Manufacturing Costs More Due to Machining Difficulty

Stainless steel is widely used when corrosion resistance, durability, and strength are required.

Common grades include:

• Stainless steel 304
• Stainless steel 316
• Stainless steel 17-4 PH

Compared with aluminum, stainless steel is harder and requires slower machining speeds.

The higher cost comes from:

• Longer cutting time
• Increased tool wear
• More expensive cutting tools
• Additional finishing requirements

For example:

A stainless steel component that takes 30 minutes to machine from aluminum may require 60-90 minutes when produced from stainless steel.

Cost comparison:

Material	Machining Difficulty	Relative Manufacturing Cost
Aluminum 6061	Easy	$
Mild Steel	Medium	$$
Stainless Steel 304	Medium-Hard	$$$
Titanium	Difficult
Inconel	Extremely Difficult	$

Stainless steel is commonly selected for:

• Medical equipment
• Food processing machinery
• Marine components
• Industrial valves
• Chemical equipment

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Titanium and Specialty Alloys Create High-Cost Metal Parts

Titanium and nickel-based alloys are among the most expensive materials used in precision manufacturing.

Titanium is valued because it offers:

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• High temperature performance

However, titanium machining is challenging because:

• It generates significant heat during cutting
• It reacts with cutting tools
• It requires slower feed rates
• It increases tool replacement frequency

A titanium component may cost 3-10 times more than an aluminum equivalent.

Example:

Component	Aluminum Version	Titanium Version
Aerospace bracket	$300	$1,200-$2,500
Lightweight structural part	$500	$2,000+
Medical implant component	Not common	$1,000-$5,000

Nickel alloys such as Inconel are even more expensive because they are designed for extreme environments.

Applications include:

• Aircraft engines
• Gas turbines
• Chemical processing equipment
• High-temperature systems

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Manufacturing Process Options and Their Price Differences

The manufacturing method selected for a metal part has a major influence on cost.

A common mistake is assuming CNC machining is always the cheapest solution. In reality, the best manufacturing process depends on:

• Required quantity
• Part complexity
• Material
• Accuracy requirements
• Production timeline

Different manufacturing methods have different cost structures.

Manufacturing Process	Best For	Typical Cost Range
CNC machining	Precision custom parts	$50-$10,000+
Sheet metal fabrication	Thin metal structures	$20-$2,000
Metal casting	Large volume parts	$5-$500/unit
Forging	High-strength components	$50-$5,000
Metal 3D printing	Complex prototypes	$100-$5,000

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CNC Machining Cost Structure for Custom Metal Parts

CNC machining is one of the most common methods for producing custom metal components.

The process uses computer-controlled machines to remove material from a metal block or bar stock.

The total CNC machining cost usually includes:

CNC Cost Element	Description
CAD programming	Creating machining instructions
Machine setup	Installing tools and fixtures
Cutting time	Actual production time
Tool consumption	Cutting inserts and drills
Inspection	Measuring final dimensions

For low-volume production, CNC machining is often the most economical choice because there is little upfront tooling investment.

Example:

A company needs 10 custom aluminum housings.

CNC machining:

• Programming: $100
• Setup: $150
• Machining: $80 each
• Finishing: $20 each

Total:

$100 + $150 + ($80 × 10) + ($20 × 10)

= $1,350 total

Unit price:

$135 per part

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CNC Machining vs Casting: Which One Costs Less?

Casting becomes more economical when production quantities increase.

For example:

A company needs 10,000 identical aluminum housings.

CNC machining:

• High machining time
• Large material waste
• Higher labor cost

Casting:

• Mold cost required initially
• Lower unit cost afterward

Comparison:

Quantity	CNC Machining	Casting
1-50 pcs	Better choice	Expensive
100-1,000 pcs	Depends on design	Competitive
10,000+ pcs	Expensive	Usually cheaper

A casting mold may cost several thousand dollars, but the unit price can drop significantly during mass production.

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Sheet Metal Fabrication Can Reduce Costs for Certain Designs

Sheet metal manufacturing is suitable for parts made from thin metal sheets.

Typical processes include:

• Laser cutting
• Bending
• Welding
• Punching
• Riveting

Common applications:

• Electrical cabinets
• Machine covers
• Metal brackets
• Chassis panels

A sheet metal enclosure may cost only $50-$200 because the manufacturing process requires less material removal compared with CNC machining.

However, sheet metal is not suitable for parts requiring:

• Complex 3D shapes
• Tight machining tolerances
• Internal cavities
• Precision mechanical interfaces

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Metal 3D Printing Is Valuable for Complex Low-Volume Parts

Metal additive manufacturing has become an alternative option for certain specialized applications.

Technologies include:

• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
• Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

Advantages:

• Produces complex geometries
• Reduces material waste
• Eliminates traditional tooling

However, the cost remains high because:

• Equipment investment is expensive
• Powder materials are costly
• Post-processing is required

Metal 3D printing is mainly used for:

• Aerospace lightweight structures
• Medical implants
• Research prototypes
• Complex internal channels

For a one-off complex titanium part, additive manufacturing may actually be cheaper than creating expensive machining fixtures.

Quantity, Tolerance and Part Complexity Affecting Manufacturing Cost

The quantity of metal parts required has one of the biggest impacts on the final unit price. A single prototype part and a production order of thousands of pieces may use the same material and design, but their manufacturing costs can be completely different.

Manufacturers calculate pricing based on both fixed costs and variable costs.

Fixed costs include:

• CAD programming
• Machine setup
• Tool preparation
• Fixture design
• Engineering review
• Inspection planning

Variable costs include:

• Raw material consumption
• Machine running time
• Cutting tools
• Labor
• Finishing processes

When production quantity increases, fixed costs are distributed across more parts, reducing the average cost per piece.

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Prototype Metal Parts Usually Have the Highest Unit Cost

Prototype manufacturing involves producing a small number of parts, sometimes only one piece.

Although the material quantity is small, the preparation cost remains almost the same as a larger production order.

For example:

A CNC manufacturer receives an order for one custom aluminum component.

Cost calculation:

Cost Item	Amount
CAD programming	$120
Machine setup	$150
Material	$30
Machining	$180
Inspection	$50
Total	$530

The first prototype costs $530.

However, if the customer orders 100 identical parts:

Cost Item	Total Cost
Programming	$120
Setup	$150
Material	$3,000
Machining	$18,000
Inspection	$500
Total	$21,770

Unit price:

$21,770 ÷ 100 = $217.70 per piece

The production quantity reduces the unit cost by more than 50%.

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Small Batch Production Provides a Balance Between Cost and Flexibility

Small batch manufacturing usually refers to quantities between:

• 10 pieces
• 100 pieces
• 1,000 pieces

This production method is popular among:

• Product developers
• Engineering companies
• Industrial equipment manufacturers
• Robotics companies
• Startups

Advantages include:

• Lower inventory risk
• Faster product improvements
• No expensive molds required
• Suitable for customized designs

Example:

A robotics company needs 50 precision aluminum joints.

CNC machining may be the ideal choice because:

• No injection mold is required
• Design changes are easy
• Each component can be inspected individually

Estimated pricing:

Quantity	Aluminum CNC Part Cost
1 piece	$300
10 pieces	$150 each
50 pieces	$90 each
500 pieces	$45 each

The larger the order quantity, the lower the average production cost becomes.

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Mass Production Can Reduce Metal Part Costs Significantly

For high-volume production, manufacturers often optimize every step of the process.

Cost reduction methods include:

• Automated loading systems
• Dedicated fixtures
• Multi-spindle machines
• Faster tooling strategies
• Batch processing

For example, an automotive manufacturer may produce 100,000 metal components annually.

The manufacturing cost may decrease from:

$20 per part → $3 per part

because:

• Setup costs are spread over more units
• Machines run continuously
• Operators handle multiple parts simultaneously

However, mass production usually requires:

• Higher upfront investment
• Strict quality control systems
• Production planning

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How Part Complexity Changes Metal Manufacturing Cost

Part complexity is one of the most underestimated cost factors.

Two components with identical dimensions can have completely different prices because their shapes require different manufacturing strategies.

Manufacturers analyze:

• Number of machining operations
• Tool accessibility
• Required machine axes
• Internal features
• Surface requirements
• Inspection difficulty

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Simple Metal Parts Are Usually Less Expensive

Simple parts normally include:

• Flat plates
• Shafts
• Spacers
• Brackets
• Simple housings

Example:

A CNC aluminum mounting plate:

Features:

• 100 mm × 80 mm size
• Four drilled holes
• Basic tolerance
• No special finishing

Manufacturing process:

1. Cut raw material
2. Mill outer dimensions
3. Drill holes
4. Deburr edges

Estimated cost:

$50-$150 per piece.

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Complex Precision Parts Require More Manufacturing Operations

Complex components may require:

• Multiple setups
• 5-axis machining
• Custom tooling
• Advanced programming
• Detailed inspection

Examples:

• Turbine blades
• Medical implants
• Robot joints
• Aerospace structural components
• Hydraulic valve bodies

A complex part may require:

Manufacturing Stage	Time
Engineering review	2 hours
CAM programming	5 hours
Machine setup	1 hour
CNC machining	12 hours
Inspection	3 hours

Total production preparation can exceed 20 hours.

This explains why a small precision metal component can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars despite using only a small amount of material.

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Tight Tolerances Increase Inspection and Manufacturing Expenses

Precision requirements directly affect cost.

Manufacturers use advanced inspection equipment such as:

• Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
• Optical measurement systems
• Surface roughness testers
• Digital microscopes

A normal industrial part may only require basic measurement.

A medical or aerospace component may require:

• Full dimensional inspection reports
• Material certification
• Process documentation
• Traceability records

Example:

Requirement	Cost Impact
Standard tolerance	Base cost
Precision machining	+20%-50%
Aerospace tolerance	+50%-150%
Medical-grade inspection	+30%-100%

Therefore, specifying only necessary tolerances is one of the best ways to control manufacturing costs.

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Additional Finishing and Post-Processing Costs

Many metal parts require additional surface treatments after machining.

These processes improve:

• Corrosion resistance
• Appearance
• Wear resistance
• Electrical properties
• Surface hardness

However, finishing processes add extra manufacturing costs.

Common finishing options include:

Surface Finish	Purpose	Typical Cost Increase
Anodizing	Aluminum protection	$20-$100
Powder coating	Decorative protection	$30-$150
Electroless nickel plating	Wear resistance	$50-$300
Zinc plating	Corrosion protection	$20-$100
Passivation	Stainless steel protection	$30-$150
Polishing	Smooth appearance	$50-$500

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Anodizing Costs for Aluminum Parts

Anodizing is one of the most common finishes for aluminum CNC components.

Benefits:

• Improved corrosion resistance
• Better surface hardness
• Decorative colors
• Longer service life

Typical applications:

• Consumer electronics
• Aerospace brackets
• Camera components
• Machine parts

Example:

A CNC aluminum enclosure:

Machining cost:

$150

Anodizing cost:

+$40

Final cost:

$190

The finishing process adds value but does not usually dominate the total cost.

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Plating Costs Depend on Surface Requirements

Metal plating is commonly used when parts require:

• Electrical conductivity
• Improved wear resistance
• Corrosion protection

Examples:

Electroless Nickel Plating

Used for:

• Precision mechanical components
• Hydraulic parts
• Industrial equipment

Advantages:

• Uniform coating thickness
• Excellent hardness
• Good corrosion resistance

Zinc Plating

Used for:

• Steel fasteners
• Automotive components
• General industrial parts

Advantages:

• Affordable corrosion protection
• Suitable for high-volume production

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Heat Treatment Can Increase Metal Part Performance and Cost

Some applications require stronger mechanical properties.

Heat treatment processes include:

• Hardening
• Tempering
• Annealing
• Aging

Common materials requiring heat treatment:

• Tool steel
• Stainless steel
• Aluminum alloys
• Titanium alloys

Heat treatment adds cost because it requires:

• Additional processing time
• Specialized equipment
• Quality testing

For example:

A hardened steel gear may cost 30%-50% more than a standard machined steel gear.

However, the improved strength and durability may significantly extend product life.

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How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Custom Metal Part?

A realistic price estimate depends on the combination of all factors discussed above.

Typical examples:

Application	Material	Quantity	Estimated Cost
Aluminum prototype bracket	Aluminum 6061	1-5 pcs	$100-$500
Stainless steel machine component	SS304	10-100 pcs	$200-$1,000
Precision robot part	Aluminum/Steel	50-500 pcs	$50-$300 each
Aerospace titanium component	Titanium	1-20 pcs	$1,000-$10,000+

To receive an accurate quotation, manufacturers usually need:

• 3D CAD file
• 2D drawing
• Material specification
• Quantity requirement
• Surface finish requirement
• Tolerance information

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Choosing the Right Manufacturer for Custom Metal Parts

Selecting a manufacturer is not only about finding the lowest price.

A reliable supplier should provide:

• Engineering support
• Material options
• Quality inspection
• Stable production capability
• Clear communication
• Experience with complex components

A low quotation may sometimes indicate:

• Limited inspection capability
• Lower-grade materials
• Poor process control
• Lack of manufacturing experience

For critical applications, manufacturing quality is often more important than the initial price.

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Custom Metal Part Manufacturing With Xavier

When companies need reliable custom metal parts, Xavier provides professional CNC machining and metal manufacturing solutions for prototypes, small batches, and production components.

With experience in precision CNC machining, Xavier supports a wide range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, and engineering plastics. The company focuses on producing accurate and durable components for industries such as automation, robotics, aerospace, medical equipment, and industrial machinery.

From simple brackets to complex precision-machined parts, Xavier helps customers optimize designs, select suitable materials, control manufacturing costs, and achieve consistent quality.

By combining advanced CNC equipment, experienced engineers, and strict quality control processes, Xavier delivers cost-effective custom metal part manufacturing solutions based on each customer’s specific requirements.

We are an integrated CNC machining manufacturer specializing in custom CNC machining services and precision metal parts manufacturing. With extensive experience in CNC machining various metal components, we provide reliable production solutions and support advanced finishing processes, including CNC anodizing surface finishing, CNC electrogalvanizing surface treatment, and CNC electropolishing surface finishing.

As a professional CNC anodizing surface finishing manufacturer, we provide high-quality CNC electrogalvanizing surface treatment services and offer competitive CNC electropolishing surface finishing prices for customers worldwide. Contact us today for customized CNC machining and surface finishing solutions.

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