Real CNC Machined Parts in as Fast as 1 Day! Real CNC Machined Parts
In as Fast as 1 Day!


Prices from $95. Best for 1-10 parts.
Made from real materials in 1-3 days.


Choose from over 30 different materials including ABS, Nylon, PC,
Delrin, PEEK, ULTEM, and aluminum.


First Cut provides real CNC machined parts — FAST. Our subtractive rapid prototyping process combines traditional rapid prototyping with CNC machining to deliver the following advantages:

  • Speed — Get CNC machined parts at least as fast as you can get additive rapid prototypes.
  • Convenience — First Cut brings the online quoting and ordering you expect from rapid prototyping to the CNC machining world.
  • Real material properties — Your parts are machined from real blocks of plastic and aluminum — not the "material like" materials used in additive rapid prototyping processes.
  • Improved surface finishes — CNC machining eliminates the stair stepping inherent in the additive processes.

Click here to see how CNC machined parts compare to FDM parts.


Typical Applications

  • Functional prototyping before committing to injection molding tooling or high volume machining.
  • Custom "one off" projects like jigs and fixtures where only one or maybe a few parts are required.


Stay Current
Prototyping Processes white paper - Choose the best machining process for your project. Our Prototyping Processes white paper will help you choose the best process for your project.

Register to download your copy today!


Get a running start on the fastest prototype machined parts around by submitting your 3D CAD model to our FirstQuote automated quoting system. You'll get pricing, options, and, if appropriate, suggested changes for improved machinability.

Demo FirstQuote®

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Introducing 3D FirstQuote - CNC Machining Quotes Faster

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Rapid Injection Molding

Need more than 10 parts? Protomold ships injection molded plastic parts in as little as one business day after receipt of your 3D CAD model.

Visit Protomold
Learn more about Proto Labs
Customer Portal
Manage your quotes and order history using the new Customer Portal.
Customer Testimonials
July 27, 2010
"We are very pleased with the parts, price, and the fast turn that your First Cut service provided. Very good job, I look forward to working with you again in the future. You will be my first choice for any prototype work."
— Barry Triplett, BAE Systems

Press Releases
Proto Labs Receives The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, 2010.
April 23, 2010
Read
Case Studies
Game Designer Hits the Jackpot with First Cut®
September 4, 2009
Read
Machining Tips e-Newsletter
Threaded Holes in Machined Prototype Parts
May 1, 2010
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Journal Magazine
2010 Issue 1 – The Road Ahead
May 18, 2010
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In the News
Beyond Prototyping
June 25, 2010
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Upcoming Tradeshows
 



Design Guidelines
Designing for the
First Cut machining
process.

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