Spex Precision offers vertical and horizontal CNC milling from our Rochester, NY facility, with multi-axis capabilities for complex parts and precision components. Our machining centers maintain tolerances of ±0.005" across prototype and high-volume production runs, with surface finishes from 16 to 125 Ra. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified machine shop with over 75 years in business, we deliver quick-turn parts and ongoing production runs with consistent, documented quality.
Our milling department operates multiple vertical and horizontal machining centers sized for different part requirements. From high-speed drilling and tapping on small components to heavy material removal on larger housings, our equipment lineup covers the full range of milled part production
Vertical and horizontal machining configurations support optimal part production based on geometry and specifications. Multi-axis simultaneous machining enables complex features and surface profiles while reducing setups and lead time. The combination of precision equipment and experienced machinists ensures repeatable quality for both prototype and production quantities.
We mill a range of metals and alloys based on customer specifications. Material certifications and mill test reports provide traceability and conformance documentation for every job.
Aluminum is our most commonly milled material, offering excellent machinability, light weight, and corrosion resistance. We work with 6061-T6 for general-purpose structural components, 7075-T6 for higher-strength applications, and 2024 for aerospace-grade requirements. Aluminum mills cleanly at high speeds, making it well suited for both prototype and production quantities.
We machine 1018 and 1045 carbon steels for general structural and mechanical components, as well as 4140 and 4340 alloy steels for applications that require higher strength and hardness. Heat-treated steel milling is available through coordination with our secondary process partners.
Our CNC milling capabilities cover 303, 304, and 316 stainless steel grades for corrosion-resistant components used in chemical processing, fluid handling, and food-grade applications. Stainless steel requires rigid setups and appropriate feeds and speeds to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements.
We also mill brass, copper, bronze, and tool steels based on customer specifications. For specialty alloy requirements, contact our team to discuss your specific material and machining needs.
CNC milling excels at parts with multiple flat surfaces, precision holes, and complex pockets or cavities. The process handles both large housings requiring extensive material removal and small components with intricate features. Multi-axis capabilities enable angled surfaces, curved profiles, and features on multiple sides of a part in a single setup. Parts that combine both straight and curved geometries, require tight positional tolerances, or need precise surface finishes are ideal candidates for CNC milling.
Fluid & Gas Systems
Manufacturers rely on precision-milled components for fluid control and gas delivery systems. Port locations, surface finishes, and flow path geometries maintain system pressure and flow requirements.
Power & Electrical
Applications include housings and components for power generation and distribution systems. Precision-milled surfaces ensure proper sealing and assembly in electrical enclosures and power transmission components.
Measurement & Instrumentation
These devices require tight-tolerance sensor housings and precision measurement components. Critical features maintain calibration and measurement accuracy in sensing and control applications.
Our quality control team inspects parts throughout the production process to ensure they meet customer specifications. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system maintains consistent standards from first article to production runs. Documentation includes material traceability, inspection reports, and First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) based on customer requirements.
If you have a question about our CNC milling services, or want to request a quote, reach out to our team by filling out the form or email sales@spex1.com.
CNC milling is the right process for parts with flat surfaces, precision hole patterns, complex pockets, and features on multiple faces. Parts that combine straight and curved geometries, require tight positional tolerances, or need specific surface finishes are ideal candidates. Common CNC milled parts we produce include:
• Housings and enclosures for fluid control, power systems, and instrumentation
• Manifold blocks with intersecting ports and precision sealing surfaces
• Mounting brackets, adapter plates, and structural components
• Sensor housings and instrument bodies with tight bore tolerances
• Fixture plates and tooling components for manufacturing operations
• Cover plates, flanges, and interface components
• Prototype parts for design validation and functional testing
We'd love to hear from you!
Scalable production
Short lead times
Fair prices
ISO-9001 certified
Secondary processes
Range of materials
On-time delivery
75+ years in business
Advanced CNC machining
Rapid prototyping
CNC Milling is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled rotating cutting tools to remove material from a stationary workpiece, shaping it into the desired form. Unlike CNC Turning, where the workpiece rotates against a stationary tool (ideal for cylindrical shapes), milling moves the cutting tool across the workpiece surface, making it highly versatile for creating complex geometries, flat surfaces, slots, pockets, and contours on prismatic or block-like parts. Read more about CNC milling vs turning.
CNC Milling is extremely versatile and used across many industries. It's ideal for producing parts with complex shapes, multiple flat faces, pockets, holes, and contours. Common examples include machine components, housings, brackets, jigs, fixtures, molds, tooling, engine parts, and intricate prototypes that aren't easily produced by turning.
These terms refer to the number of directions (axes) the cutting tool or workpiece can move during machining, enabling different levels of complexity. 3-axis milling involves movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, suitable for many parts. 4-axis adds rotation around one axis (often the X-axis), allowing machining on multiple sides of a part in one setup. 5-axis milling involves movement along X, Y, Z, plus rotation around two axes, enabling the machining of highly complex contours and geometries with fewer setups, often improving accuracy and efficiency.
Lead times for CNC Milled parts are influenced by several factors. Part complexity significantly impacts programming and machining time, while the availability of the specified raw material is also crucial. The order quantity, specific tooling requirements, the need for any secondary operations (like anodizing or engraving), and the machine shop's current scheduling capacity all play a role in the final delivery timeline.
To provide an accurate quote for CNC Milling services, suppliers typically require detailed information. This includes a technical drawing or 3D CAD model specifying all dimensions, tolerances, and features. You'll also need to provide the material specification, required quantity, your desired delivery date, and details on any necessary surface finishes, heat treatments, or other post-machining processes and quality documentation.
When selecting a CNC Milling supplier, consider their technical capabilities, including the types and axes of machines they operate (3, 4, or 5-axis) and their experience with your required materials and tolerances. Evaluate their quality management systems (look for ISO 9001 certification), inspection capabilities, and overall track record for producing high-quality parts reliably and on time. Responsiveness, communication, and the ability to handle your required production volumes are also key factors in finding a dependable partner.
