Fabrication Services
Process Selection Guide
Compare manufacturing processes to find the right fit for your project. Not sure? We help determine the best pathway during engineering review.
Process Comparison
| Process | Lead Time | Cost | Tolerances | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | 3–15 days | $$–$$$ | ±0.005" | Precision metal/plastic parts, tight tolerances |
| 3D Printing (FDM) | 1–7 days | $ | ±0.010" | Rapid iteration, fixtures, functional prototypes |
| 3D Printing (SLA) | 2–10 days | $$ | ±0.005" | Fine detail, cosmetic models, patterns |
| Sand Casting | 2–4 weeks | $$ | ±0.030" | Larger parts, structural brackets, cost-sensitive |
| Ceramic Mold Casting | 3–8 weeks | $$$–$$$$ | ±0.015" | Complex internals, thin sections, advanced alloys |
| Waterjet Cutting | 2–10 days | $–$$ | ±0.005" | Flat profiles, brackets, gaskets, no HAZ |
| Fabrication & Welding | 1–4 weeks | $$ | ±0.030" | Frames, structures, weldments, assemblies |
| Custom Laser Cut Gaskets | 1–5 days | $ | ±0.010" | Sealing, engine gaskets, flange seals, enclosures |
Cost tiers are relative estimates. Actual pricing depends on geometry, quantity, and material.
Detailed Breakdown
Aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium, plastics
Best for:
Precision metal/plastic parts, tight tolerances
Not ideal for:
Complex internal features, very large parts
PLA, PETG, ABS, specialty filaments
Best for:
Rapid iteration, fixtures, functional prototypes
Not ideal for:
High-temp applications, precision fits
Standard and engineering resins
Best for:
Fine detail, cosmetic models, patterns
Not ideal for:
Large parts, outdoor use
Aluminum, ferrous alloys
Best for:
Larger parts, structural brackets, cost-sensitive
Not ideal for:
Fine detail, thin walls, tight tolerances
Titanium, nickel superalloys, maraging steel
Best for:
Complex internals, thin sections, advanced alloys
Not ideal for:
Simple geometries (overkill), cost-sensitive
Any material up to 4" thick
Best for:
Flat profiles, brackets, gaskets, no HAZ
Not ideal for:
3D features, thick sections over 4"
Steel, stainless, aluminum
Best for:
Frames, structures, weldments, assemblies
Not ideal for:
Precision machined surfaces
Paper, cork, rubber, felt, PTFE, fiber composites
Best for:
Sealing, engine gaskets, flange seals, enclosures
Not ideal for:
3D seals, o-rings, dynamic sealing
Quick Decision Guide
Do you need metal parts with tight tolerances?
Yes → CNC Machining
No → Consider 3D printing for plastics or casting for complex shapes
Is this for rapid iteration or fit checks?
Yes → 3D Printing (FDM for durability, SLA for detail)
No → Machining or casting for production-intent parts
Do you need complex internal passages?
Yes → Ceramic Mold Casting with direct-print molds
No → CNC or sand casting may be more economical
Working with titanium or superalloys?
Yes → Ceramic Mold Casting + VIM
No → Standard machining or casting processes
Need a complete cast-to-machine pathway?
Yes → Integrated Casting Workflow
No → Individual services as needed
Common Comparisons
Sand Casting vs. Ceramic Mold Casting
Sand: Lower cost, faster turnaround, larger tolerances. Good for structural parts and cost-sensitive prototypes.
Ceramic: Tighter tolerances, complex internals, advanced alloys. Required for turbine-like geometries and reactive metals.
FDM vs. SLA 3D Printing
FDM: Stronger parts, faster prints, lower cost. Best for fixtures, enclosures, and functional prototypes.
SLA: Higher detail, smoother finish, more brittle. Best for cosmetic models, patterns, and small features.
CNC vs. Casting
CNC: Faster for simple shapes, tighter tolerances, no tooling. Best for 1–50 parts with accessible geometry.
Casting: Complex internal features, larger parts, special alloys. Better for geometries that would require extensive machining.
Waterjet vs. CNC
Waterjet: 2D profiles only, any material, no heat affected zone. Fast and economical for flat parts.
CNC: 3D features, machined surfaces, threaded holes. Required for parts with depth or precision features.
Complete Pathway
Integrated Casting Workflow
Need casting with final machining? Our integrated workflow handles Cast → Heat Treat → Machine → Inspect as a single managed process. Reduces vendor coordination and maintains traceability.
Learn MoreStill Not Sure?
Submit your project details and we'll recommend the best process during engineering review.